Guide Note

A diaper, also known as a nappy, is a garment worn to catch urine and bowel movements when the person is unable to reach a toilet or are unable to control bladder and bowel movements. A diaper allows users to remain comfortable and clothes to remain clean after the user urinates or has a bowel movement. After a diaper becomes dirty, it must be changed in order to prevent diaper rash, which is caused by urine or feces sitting against the skin for long periods of time. Diapers are available in washable cloth or disposable.

Fast Facts

1. 1887 - Cloth diapers were first mass produced in the United States by Maria Allen.
2. 1942 - First Disposable Diaper was created by a Swedish paper company known as PauliStróm.
3. 1949 - Disposable Diapers first introduced to the United States.

While disposable diapers are the most commonly used, they pose a large controversy due to their effect on the environment. Supporters of disposable diapers argue that they are convenient while those opposed state disposable diapers are expensive, pose a health hazard and are not environmentally safe. Those against cloth diapers state that they are bad for the environment due to the water usage needed to properly clean them. Cloth diapers require a minimum of two washings before they are clean and ready for use. In the United States, approximately 27.4 billion disposable diapers are thrown into trash each year, which is equal to around 3.4 million tons of dirty diapers in landfills.