At first glance, a disposable diaper may seem fairly simple in its construction, but creating a safe diaper for babies involves a diverse array of materials and compounds.
Disposable diapers were researched and introduced to the market following widespread popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, diapers have become familiar and are used for many infants right from birth in numerous locations worldwide.
Diapers – The Trusted Companion for Every Little One
Absolutely true. Many parents can’t imagine how their lives would be turned upside down without these diapers in their childcare routine. The presence of disposable diapers has helped parents save a lot of time and effort, eliminating the need for frequent laundry for the little ones’ clothes. Instead, just a few diaper changes in minutes suffice. Especially, the babies’ skin remains dry, fresh and clean.
Ms. Nguyen Minh Trang, from Cau Giay (Hanoi), shared that her 5-month-old baby has gone through nearly ten diapers a day, especially during the newborn phase, but she only needs to change and wash 1-2 pairs of pants. Trang confessed that without these diapers, her baby might require up to ten pairs of pants a day, not to mention the mess caused when the baby goes potty or pees, spreading onto the bedding. Thanks to these diapers, laundry for the baby’s clothes and diapers becomes lighter, granting her more time and energy to care for the baby, herself and their small home.
The function and role of diapers are evident, hence the prevalence of disposable diapers in households with babies. However, many parents wonder and want to understand the materials used in these diapers and whether they are safe for their babies?
This is a valid question, one of the common concerns for many parents regarding a product that directly contacts their baby’s most sensitive skin for hours. We will systematically address these queries so that parents can confidently use these products for their little ones.
The Materials Inside a Diaper?
At first glance, a disposable diaper may seem fairly simple in its construction, but creating a safe diaper for babies involves a diverse array of materials and compounds.
The outer layer:
The outermost layer of a disposable diaper is made from polyethylene, almost the same material as plastic wrap. The inner layer that touches the baby’s skin is made of polypropylene, a common material also found in thermal underwear. Both materials have been tested and proven to be completely safe for a baby’s delicate skin. In recent times, some diaper manufacturers have enhanced the inner layer by adding aloe vera, vitamin E and skin-friendly compounds. These added components are often found in diaper rash creams to boost the diaper’s anti-rash capabilities.
Absorbent core:
The absorbent core of a diaper contains cotton and superabsorbent beads, typically sodium polyacrylate. Sodium polyacrylate was introduced in the early 1980s and has since been used in diaper manufacturing technology to improve absorbency. This compound can absorb a significant amount of liquid, up to 30 times its weight, making diapers thinner while ensuring excellent absorption efficiency. Additionally, each diaper might contain fragrances placed between the absorbent core and the surface layer. Common fragrances include essential oils like orange, lemon, mint, green tea, aiming to impart scent or enhance the anti-rash properties.
Decorative layer:
Aesthetically, the outermost layer of each diaper is often adorned with cute, playful and attractive illustrations for babies. This outer layer uses colorants that have been tested and deemed safe for the skin and health of babies.
Other auxiliary components:
Furthermore, the individual components of a diaper are bonded together using various adhesives and elastic systems in specific locations. This ensures that the diaper remains secure, snug and leak-resistant even when the baby is active in various positions.
Today, each manufacturer in the global diaper market offers products with unique advantages, yet the fundamental materials in a diaper’s structure seem quite similar. Advanced science and technology allow companies to introduce numerous improvements in the materials and design of each diaper, making them increasingly superior, visually appealing and indispensable in modern life.
