Disposable Baby Diapers – How It All Began

Disposable baby diapers were invented by Marion Donovan in the first half of the 20th century. Her first invention had been a plastic cover for cloth diapers. She actually made the prototype diaper cover out of a shower curtain! Eventually she combined the diaper cover with some disposable materials she had around to make the first disposable diaper.

She couldn’t convince any established manufacturers to give her disposable baby diaper idea a chance. So she went into business for herself and after a few years sold her disposable diaper company for a million dollars, a tidy sum for the times.

In 1949 the first disposable pin-free diaper which was contoured for a better fit, was patented by Stanley Mason. Pampers were on the scene in 1961, with test marketing of disposable diapers beginning in Illinois. By 1969 Pampers diapers were available nationally. Huggies entered the diaper market in 1968 but it wasn’t until the late 70’s that the diapers were available across the country.

Luvs brand diapers, now the third most popular disposable diaper brand, were first introduced in 1976 and went national within a few years. Then in 1985 Huggies bumped Pampers to second place in the disposable diaper market.

The 1980’s saw a number of disposable diaper improvements. For instance, in 1984 Pampers came out with the first diaper to have tape that could be opened and then refastened. Luvs came out with elastic waistbands in 1985 and then in 1988 introduced gender specific diapers. Huggies followed suit the next year. Diaper improvements continued into the 90’s.

Huggies ultra trim fit diapers came in 1992. 1994 brought Pull-ups Goodnites for older bedwetters. Swim diapers which didn’t bog down in water were offered by Huggies in 1997. Improvements continue even in the 21st century.

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About The Author:

Stephen Byrne is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-babies.com. An online resource for buying great baby products.