At the time, they consisted of a band of absorbent tissue that could be flushed down the toilet and reusable plastic panties. While this product was revolutionary, it was only used on special occasions like long outings or trips. Since then, their design and absorbent qualities have considerably improved, offering babies much more comfort, and making the job easier for parents. Tape closures were introduced, wood pulp was replaced by a more absorbent gelling material, and elastic leg guards were added to eliminate annoying leaks. Before the invention of disposable diapers, people used folded squares of absorbant cotton cloth.
Some people use cloth diapers today as an alternative to wasteful disposable diapers.
Infants in early American cultures were kept clean and dry with soft mosses collected in forests. The ancient Greeks seated their babies in ceramic potties. Mrs. Donovan, tired of washing, bleaching and air drying cloth diapers, cut up her shower curtain into plastic envelopes into which she slipped absorbent material.