Diapers ... You must admit that it is quite difficult for a modern person to imagine life without them. Therefore, we cannot even imagine how our mothers and grandmothers dealt with the mountain of soiled diapers. After all, Pampers (namely, this brand became the pioneer in this field) appeared a little less than 60 years ago.
We will talk more about the history of the invention of Pampers diapers and about the disadvantages and advantages of their use.
Disposable diapers. Disadvantages and advantages
Diapers, regardless of properties - reusable or disposable - from the point of view of medicine have no contraindications. Therefore, the burden of responsibility about what type of baby hygiene products to choose for your own baby falls solely on the shoulders of the parents, most often of the mother.
Therefore, it is important to know what advantages and disadvantages they have.
Among the many advantages of disposable diapers, it is worth highlighting:
- Dryness. Thanks to the absorbent layers, the baby's skin remains dry much longer than when using reusable diapers. That helps prevent the appearance of dermatitis, irritation and diaper rash.
- Calm In this regard, it concerns not only the child, but also the mother. The baby’s dreams become stronger, respectively, and the mother’s nights are calmer.
- Comfort. Thanks to the diaper, long walks are possible even in winter.
Among the few proven shortcomings is the cost - the purchase of Pampers leaves a big imprint on the family budget. As for the common myths about overheating of the skin and the effect of diapers on future potency, they are not scientifically confirmed and even more - they have many medical denials.
Reusable nappies. Negative and positive sides
As for reusable gauze diapers, they are more economical, while they have a more extensive list of negative points:
- The baby’s skin has close contact with a wet surface - this can cause irritation.
- They quickly get wet and leak, which guarantees Mommy frequent washing.
- The absence of an absorbent layer affects the baby’s sleep - the diaper gets wet, the baby becomes uncomfortable.
- The danger of getting wet makes mothers using such diapers constantly check their condition on the street, especially in the cold season.
Given all the advantages and disadvantages, pediatricians recommend combining the use of these diapers. For example, wear disposable diapers for sleeping, walking, and at home to do without diapers at all, or reusable.
Diapers. Who owns the authorship?
Interestingly, diapers (or diapers, as they are also called) are similar in design to an element from the uniform of astronauts. Didn’t it seem to you: an absorbent element, similar to the basis of diapers, was built into the costume of Yuri Gagarin himself.
This idea belongs to a woman: mother of many children, Marion Donovan. She created the first waterproof panties from oilcloths and bath curtains. At the Bouters, the woman did not stop, using absorbent paper as an absorbent layer. The invention from the deputy editor of Vogue magazine Marion Donovan was patented in 1951.
There is even a version proving that diapers appeared long before Donovan. So, there is evidence that the first disposable diapers with a cellulose absorbent liner appeared in the 1940s. The Swedish company Paulistroem is related to their creation.
But Victor Mills is considered to be the "father" of diapers-diapers.
Pampers and Victor Mills
The idea of creating a disposable baby hygiene product came up with Mills long before the mass production of diapers. The initial designs, consisting of a soft oilcloth base and an absorbent layer, did not have the expected interest in the parent environment.
But one day, fumbling with his little grandchildren, Victor Mills decided to use sawdust as an absorbent base (in other versions - blotting paper).
A team of Procter & Gamble employees, led by chemical engineer Victor Mills, began to develop and improve this idea under the close supervision of pediatricians. As a result, in 1961, mass production of an innovative invention called Pampers was launched.
Now the Pampers diapers from Procter & Gamble are constantly being improved, new models are being developed:
- 70s - the launch of disposable diapers with comfortable Velcro on the sides.
- 80s - launch of a line of thin diapers with a gel absorbing layer. The diapers were modified so that it was convenient for children to move around in them: a moisture indicator and elastic inserts around the legs, Velcro, helping to control the waist size of the product. The line of budget packs of diapers starts.
- 90s - development and launch of mass production of ultra-thin Ultra Dry Thins.
Now no parent can imagine how he would do without diapers.
What categories can be distinguished?
Fierce competition leads to a wide range of products. There are several categories into which diapers are divided depending on:
- The weight of the child. The line of personal hygiene products is intended for use from birth. At the same time, there is a separate line for premature babies - 1-2.5 kg.
- The gender of the child. Pampers diapers are produced both in a universal form and taking into account the anatomical features of boys and girls.
- Type of fastening. There are disposable velcro nappies and panties with elastic.
- Cost. Conventionally, three price categories can be distinguished: economical, publicly available and Pampers Premium Kea diapers.
Sizes of diapers "Pampers"
If the diaper starts to leak or, even worse, rub, this is a sign that the size is not right. A properly selected diaper is a guarantee of its comfortable and convenient operation by the child.
What to consider when choosing a diaper size? Regardless of the brand and series, first of all, it is necessary to focus on the weight and age of the child.
Pampers from P&G (size classification):
- The NewBaby series is presented in three sizes: 0, 1 and 2. Diapers are suitable for children up to 5-6 kilograms. According to average indicators, this size range is applicable for children from birth to 2 months.
- No. 3 - Pampers diapers are intended for children from 4 to 7 kg. Applicable for children under 7 months.
- No. 4 - from 9 to 14 kg. The most demanded and running series, however, for many parents, the "relationship" with diapers ends on it - the child begins to learn the basics of using the pot.
- No. 5 - from 11 to 25 kg.
- No. 6 - for children over 16 kg.
Nappies for boys and girls
Modern diapers differ not only in size ranges and types of attachment, but also in their orientation to the anatomical features of children, and more specifically to the floor.
In addition to a distinctive appearance (for girls - flowers, princesses; for boys - cars and airplanes), the diapers of this series differ from unisex by the location of the absorbent layer.
The absorbent layer in diapers for boys is mostly located in the inner layer. In this case, the main part is located in front of the diaper structure.
Most of the absorbent layer in the diapers for girls is in the middle.
Gender separation of diapers is a guarantee of rapid absorption of urine, because the design takes into account the location of the urinary organs of girls and boys. This speeds up the process of absorption of urine, respectively, reduces the risk of discomfort and irritation.
Panties. When it's time to train the potty
Panties are designed for active, moving children weighing more than 8 kilograms. Their main purpose is to prepare the child for independent trips to the pot.
Pampers diapers have two main series. Both series are not only created taking into account the anatomical features of children, but also take into account their gender preferences. The design also takes into account the preferences of boys and girls.
Pampers diapers of the premium group are equipped with a moisture indicator, and also, due to the anatomical structure of the structure, do not cause irritation and rubbing.
Classic Pampers panties, similar to the premium series, are made of breathable materials, equipped with special absorbent microbeads with special protection against leaks.
Diapers for parents with different incomes
Procter & Gamble, as a competent manufacturer, makes sure that Pampers are available to parents of different financial abilities. Therefore, there are both Pampers premium diapers and cost-effective series.
If you take as an indicator the cost of diapers, then you can divide diapers into three categories:
- Sleep and Play - diapers related to the cheapest Pampers series. Compared with the diapers "Pampers asset", and even more so "Premium", they are characterized by a lower degree of absorbency, comfort. But perfect for an active child.
- Active Baby - mid-range diapers. At the same time, there are both regular diapers with Velcro on the sides, as well as Pampers diapers-panties. Classic models are represented by a different dimensional grid, and panties - from the 3rd size, starting from 6 kilograms. The weight category for Pampers diapers is from 4 to 16+ kg.
- Premium Care - are a series of premium diapers. As well as the Active Baby series, both diapers and panties are included in the assortment.
The appearance of the packaging of diapers of an elite class and an economical series is also different. Sleep and Play comes in bright orange packaging. Active Baby - in a package of green, emerald color. Premium Care is most often in white and gold shades.
Let's take a closer look at each diaper line, namely the Pampers Sleep and Play, Active Baby Dry and Premium Care series.
Pampers new born
Both the external and internal design of diapers takes into account the physiological characteristics of children, which include the low weight of many newborns.
Pampers for newborns of the Pampers New Baby-Dry series, unlike Sleep & Play, have a notch for the umbilical wound. It allows you to accelerate the healing of the navel, providing "ventilation" of the wound.
According to reviews, diapers-diapers of the New Baby-Dry series are characterized by good absorbency, softness and a convenient design. Unfortunately, Sleep & Play have disadvantages in the form of a strong fragrance and frequent skin irritations that occur after use.
Sleep & play
As already mentioned, the Pampers Slip and Play series belongs to the company's budget line.
In addition to a pleasant price that is not affordable, diapers have other positive aspects:
- good absorbency;
- softness.
Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting:
- leakage - diapers often can not cope with loose stools;
- irritation - the diapers are saturated with a special lotion, which gives them a fairly strong fragrance, which, in turn, causes skin reactions;
- non-tearing Velcro for fixing.
- Diapers "Pampers No. 5" - the maximum available size for this series.
If you evaluate diapers by the criterion: price - quality, then "Pampers slip and play" stand the test, as they correspond to their price category.
Pampers Active Baby Dry
Pampers Active Baby diapers are a worthy series from P&G. Parents, in addition to a pleasant price, which is only slightly higher than for Sleep & Play diapers, have many other advantages:
- Double absorbent layer.
- Hypoallergenic impregnation with aloe, not having a strong fragrance.
- Anatomical construction.
- Stretching Velcro and back.
- Breathable layers - the upper one allows air to pass through, while the inner one retains moisture without causing irritation.
- Double cuffs for protection against leaks.
The line is presented in the form of classic diapers with Velcro and panties.
Pampers PremiumCare
The P&G Premium Series is characterized by high levels of softness, absorbency and dryness. The manufacturer boldly guarantees dry skin for 12 hours thanks to three absorbent layers. They are the thinnest diapers of the company with a perfect fit on the baby's body. In addition to the "breathing" layers and moisture indicator, they have reliable elastic fasteners.
Like the Active Baby series, they are shaped like panties.
Among the minuses include:
- High cost, which for many parents in terms of daily use may seem unbearable.
- Strong aromatic fragrance. Users note that Pampers 4 diapers are fundamentally different from their predecessors, having a strong, pounding nose.
After analyzing numerous reviews, it is worth noting that parents most often choose "Active Baby". And the point is not the price, but the fact that these diapers are less fragrant.