Latin is the language in which the etymological origin of diaper is found. Thus, we can establish that it derives specifically from the word “pannus”, which is equivalent to “cloth”, “cloth” or “piece of cloth”.
The concept of diaper is used to refer to the garment that is put on babies and small children and used by adults who suffer from urinary incontinence or who cannot go to the bathroom. Diapers are made with absorbent materials so that organic waste does not contaminate the environment and the user remains as clean as possible.
The diaper, therefore, is a necessity item for those who cannot control their sphincters . It is also useful for people who, for some reason, do not have access to a bathroom for long periods of time.
The purpose of the diaper is to contain and absorb waste so that the individual is comfortable. Once the capacity of the diaper is full, it is necessary to change it for another one.
It is important to know that when we talk about baby diapers there are different types. So, for example, if we take into account the material with which they have been made, there are three different models:
-The disposable diaper is one that is made up of polyethylene and polypropylene, although it may have a layer with aloe vera and even some type of vitamin. As its name indicates, it is single-use, very absorbent and has adhesive strips on the sides to easily close and open the diaper.
-An ecological diaper, for its part, is one that is manufactured with an outer fabric called PUL and with an interior made of bamboo or microfiber. It is also disposable, although it pollutes less than the previous one, but it can be used several times after being washed following very specific instructions.
-Cloth diaper. This has regained its use in recent years since both its design and its ease of washing have been perfected. It is easily cleaned with soap and water, so it can be used for a long time, and its advantages are also considered to prevent chafing of the baby's skin.
If we take into account the age of the baby, its weight or the moment in which it is going to be used, the most common types of diapers are the diaper pants, the swim diaper or the night diaper.
The origin of diapers is remote. The Romans, Egyptians and Aztecs, for example, used certain skins and leaves to cover babies that served similar functions to today's diapers.
Cloth diapers were used for many years. Starting in the second half of the 20th century , disposable diapers became popular. Currently, however, there are those who opt for cloth diapers to minimize waste generation.
It is important to mention that animals can also wear diapers. When faced with certain illnesses or problems with moving a pet, its owner may resort to diapers to prevent the animal from soiling the home, or from soiling itself, with urine and fecal matter.