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You may be wondering, “When were disposable nappies invented?”. What was the moment in time where babies went from no nappies, to nappies.
The nappies have a long history. But thanks to them, the changing process is much more convenient now because parents no longer need to wash or dry the nappies, which took a lot of time in the past.
In this article, we’ll discuss when disposable nappies were invented and how they compare to cloth nappies.
When Were Disposable Nappies Invented?
Contents
In 1947, Valerie Gordon created disposable nappies in Camberley, England. She wanted something more simple than what cloth nappies demanded.
Gordon started out by making the nappies out of old nylon parachutes from the war.
The nappies’ design at the time required the parent to only throw the recyclable dirty pads.
Why Were Disposable Nappies Invented?
Parents needed a better solution that would make nappy changing easy. As a result, disposable nappies came into the market.
Their sole purpose was to end the inconvenience of cleaning cloth nappies. You can roll a disposable nappy and throw it away instead of cleaning and washing a cloth nappy.
Back then, no one thought much about the environment or the impact of trash on the planet. They were made for convenience only.
Plus, disposable nappies, unlike most cloth nappies, effectively remove moisture. This minimizes the risk of skin rashes and can wear them for longer.
Are Disposable Nappies Better Than Reusable Nappies?
A disposable nappy isn’t necessarily better than a reusable one. It depends on what you’re looking for.
You can use disposables if you want something quick and easy. If you want something to be of use to you in the long term, reusable nappies would be a good choice. Plus, cloth nappies are less hazardous to the environment because they’re made of cotton. Nowadays, nappy bins specifically to hold these are on the market. Have they made the world a better place?
However, there are some drawbacks to using reusable nappies. They don’t absorb fluids as effectively as disposables do. Therefore, children are more likely to develop diaper rash.
What Kinds of Disposable Nappies Are There?
There are several types of disposable nappies available, depending on your needs. The following are some of the most popular disposable nappy types:
- Standard nappies
- Biodegradable nappies
- Swim nappies
We’ll discuss the characteristics of each one of them in depth.
Standard Nappies
You can get standard nappies for daily use. They’re made of synthetic substances that absorb moisture and keep smells at bay.
Additionally, they’re pretty effective in stopping leakage, and they’re easy to use and fasten.
Biodegradable Nappies
Standard nappies take about 500 years to disintegrate in a landfill.
On the other hand, Biodegradable nappies are eco-friendly and degrade more quickly. They’re usually chemical-free, making them a healthy choice for your infant.
Swim Nappies
If your child loves swimming, you may need swim nappies because they endure water while holding solids.
Unfortunately, swim nappies aren’t particularly good at holding urine. Still, some people use a swim nappy on top of a standard nappy to solve that problem.
Who Makes Disposable Nappies in the UK?
If you’re searching for a good brand to buy nappies from in the UK, these are some of the most reputable options:
- Huggies
- Asda / Tesco / Sainbury’s own brand
- Boots
- Pampers Baby Dry
All of these brands are of great quality. Most people, however, choose to use Pampers. These nappies are soft, comfy, and long-lasting.
Conclusion
Many people have simply asked themselves at one point, “When were disposable nappies invented?”
In 1947, these nappies were introduced, and they definitely made life easier. They help prevent leaks and make changing the nappy less unpleasant.
Many brands, including Asda and Pampers, produce high-quality nappies. They’ll keep your baby happy and comfortable so won’t have to worry about any messes!
