Nappy

Nappy (also known as a diaper in North America) is a type of underwear that allows the wearer to defecate or urinate without the use of a toilet, by absorbing or containing waste products to prevent soiling of outer clothing or the external environment.

History

The concept of the diaper has been around for centuries, but the designs and materials have significantly evolved over the years. Early diapers were made from a variety of materials, including moss, linens, leaves, and animal skins. In the 20th century, cloth diapers became more common, and in the late 20th century, disposable diapers were introduced and quickly became popular.

Types of Nappies

There are several types of nappies, including:

• Cloth Nappies: These are made from materials such as cotton, terry, flannel, and hemp. They are reusable and can be washed and dried for repeated use.

• Disposable Nappies: These are made from synthetic disposable materials. They are designed to be thrown away after use.

• Biodegradable Nappies: These are a type of disposable nappy that is designed to decompose more quickly than traditional disposable nappies.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of nappies is significant. Disposable nappies can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill, and the production of disposable nappies uses large amounts of resources. Cloth nappies, while reusable, require water and energy to clean.

See Also

• Diaper Rash
• Diaper Pail
• Cloth Diaper
• Disposable Diaper

References

Nappy Resources
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