There was also the famous routine of diaper pins and rubber pants. Parents had to fold the diaper just right, pin it carefully without pricking the baby, then pull waterproof pants over it to help prevent leaks. Anyone who remembers cloth diapers probably also remembers the smell of clean cotton, the snap of the clothesline, and the constant work that came with keeping a baby dry.
Then came a major change. In the mid-20th century, inventors and companies began looking for easier diapering solutions. One important step was the waterproof diaper cover known as the “Boater,” created by Marion Donovan in the 1940s. Her idea helped move baby care away from leaky cloth and uncomfortable rubber pants.
The biggest shift came when Pampers disposable diapers reached stores in 1961. Created through Procter & Gamble’s work, Pampers promised something revolutionary for parents: fewer pins, less laundry, and more convenience. By the 1970s, disposable diapers were becoming increasingly common in American homes.
