Patent Description:
Absorbent articles are used to contain bodily exudates (e.g., urine and BM) in infants, children, and adults. Absorbent articles may be used in hospitals for diapering infants, premature babies, and/or Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome ("NAS") babies. Premature babies, NAS babies, or other small infants may require special care by nurses and other hospital staff. These babies are oftentimes on ventilators, feeding tubes, or other life support or monitoring systems. In some instances, the babies may be positioned within incubators, also known as isolettes. The babies are typically kept in high humidity, sterile environments as they have very delicate skin that needs to be protected. It is important to the health of these premature babies that they not be handled too much and that they are maintained in a very sterile environment. Handling the babies too much may cause them stress. Current absorbent articles for premature or NAS babies are somewhat difficult to use and too large for very premature babies, especially in the crotch region. When the current absorbent articles are folded about their lateral axis, they typically take on a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, thereby providing a wide crotch region. Additionally, current absorbent articles for premature and NAS babies do not provide superior containment of bodily exudates and skin protection from the bodily exudates. Furthermore, current absorbent articles do not provide full flexibility with fastener systems. Premature or NAS babies may benefit from unconventional fastening system requirements. Further, the current absorbent articles do not provide all of the features that premature or NAS baby caregivers may view as beneficial. As such, absorbent articles for premature babies, NAS babies, other babies, and other wearers need to be improved. <CIT> discloses absorbent articles for premature and low-weight babies.

Th present invention relates to an absorbent article according to claim <NUM>.

Insofar as features are presented as being optional, this should be interpreted in such a way that the only protection sought is that of the invention claimed. Embodiment(s) disclosed throughout the description which are not under the scope of the appended claims merely represent possible exemplary executions and are not part of the present invention. Disclosed herein are configurable absorbent articles suitable for premature and NAS babies (and other small infants, other babies, or other wearers), while not being limited to any certain sizes or uses. As discussed above, one issue with current absorbent articles is that they are not configured for the specific needs of premature or NAS babies, in some instances, forcing nurses to handle these babies more than the nurses' desire. The configurable absorbent articles having removable fastening members of the present disclosure overcome the disadvantages of current premature and/or NAS baby absorbent articles by providing very narrow crotch regions, narrow chassis regions, small overall dimensions, soft skin-contacting surfaces, front and back umbilical cord notches (in some forms to create a reversible absorbent article), front and back reverse umbilical cord projections (in some forms to create a reversible absorbent article), discrete and removable fastening members (to allow nurses to configure the absorbent articles as needed and have fastening flexibility), one or more wetness guards, and/or low opacity outer cover nonwovens and/or backsheets, for example. The discrete and removable fastening members may have slots or apertures formed therein, so that tubes or hoses used to aid or monitor the health of the premature or NAS babies may be inserted therethrough without disturbing the baby or without the need for moving the baby. These slots or apertures may also help hold the tubes or hoses in place. Low opacity backsheets and/or outer cover nonwoven materials may be helpful in identifying when the absorbent article needs changed without the need for moving the babies. In some forms, the configurable absorbent articles of the present disclosure may allow for use without any fastening members, owing to the discrete and removable fastening members. This may be desired by nurses in some instances and may reduce the need to touch or move the baby. Furthermore, the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may also be reversible to allow the nurse to apply the absorbent article as he/she desires or as is needed. Absorbent materials in absorbent cores of the absorbent articles may be homogeneous to allow for reversible use. Further, the absorbent cores may have an extended hourglass shape to help narrow the crotch region and provide for more fit options and leg placements.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may comprise one or more wetness guards. The wetness guards may comprise one or more liquid impermeable materials, such as films or nonwoven materials, and one or more non-film materials, such as one or more nonwoven materials. The wetness guards may be positioned in areas of the absorbent articles that come into contact with a baby's lower back, waist, and/or legs, but not be positioned where a crotch area of the baby contacts the absorbent article. The non-film material may face toward the baby to provide comfort, while the liquid impermeable material may face away from the baby. The wetness guards may accomplish at least two functions. First, when a baby urinates, the urine is typically wicked away from the point of entry into the absorbent core throughout the absorbent core (both laterally and longitudinally). This may cause areas of the absorbent pad where the baby's lower back, waist, and/or legs are to be wet. The wetness guards provide a barrier between the wet areas and the baby's lower back, waist, and/or legs thereby leading to improved skin health for the baby. Second, the wetness guards may comprise soft non-film materials facing the baby's skin. As such, the baby's lower back, waist, and/or legs may rest on a soft, comfortable material again leading to improved skin health.

The fully removable fastening members may allow caregivers to attach and remove the fasteners as desired at any orientation and/or at any angle. For example, the fully removable fastening members may attach to themselves (or to each other-overlapping fasteners) or may be attached to any portion of a garment-facing surface of the configurable absorbent articles and to any other portion of the garment-facing surface of the configurable absorbent articles. This provides caregivers with great flexibility for various scenarios of how an absorbent article would be fastened on a premature or NAS infant, which may be quite different than conventional taped diapers. The fully removable fastening members may have certain stretch characteristics to allow for attachment without moving the infant. For example, if the fully removable fastening member is provided already having a first fastener removably attached to the back waist region of the absorbent article, a caregiver may need to stretch the removable fastening member so that the second fastener may be fastened. The removable fastener member should be stretchable enough so that upon application of a pulling force to the fastener, the infant does not move or slide. Stated another way, the removable fastening members should allow for a great deal of stretch at a low force so that the caregiver can easily pull on the removable fastening member and fasten the second fastener without disturbing or sliding the infant. In addition to stretch, the removable fastening members, in certain configurations, may have a length that prevents, or at least inhibits, fastener to skin engagement to protect the skin of the infant wearer.

Additionally, owing to the fact that the fastening members are removable and attachable as desired, a waist or hip circumference of variously sized infants may easily be fit properly with the same absorbent article. Stated another way, the absorbent articles of the present disclosure comprising one or two fully removable fastening members allow a waist opening of the absorbent articles to be significantly adjustable from a very small size to a larger size. This is important in the premature and NAS baby context in that these babies are in a variety of sizes of development and have various waist opening requirements for various conditions.

Absorbent articles for premature and NAS babies have certain requirements to provide adequate fit and comfort to the babies. There is more to making absorbent articles for premature and NAS babies than simply making conventional diapers smaller. In fact, the inventors have found that certain ratios of various product features, in combination with the removable fastening members of the present disclosure, provide a better fit, while still providing comfort to the babies.

These and other advantages of the configurable absorbent articles having removable fastening members of the present disclosure are set forth herein in greater detail.

The various absorbent articles may be placed in packages. The packages may be sold in arrays or on-line arrays.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which the designations are used to designate substantially identical elements and in which:.

Various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the configurable absorbent articles having removable fastening members disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting forms are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the configurable absorbent articles having removable fastening members specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example forms and that the scope of the various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting form may be combined with the features of other non-limiting forms. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "join" and "joined" encompass configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

As used herein, the term "array" means a display of packages comprising disposable absorbent articles of different sizes having like article constructions. Packages for the absorbent articles have the same brand and/or sub-brand, and the packages are oriented in proximity to each other in a given area of a retail store. An array is marketed as a line-up of products normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packaging material type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, etc.) that conveys to consumers that the different individual packages are part of a larger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, for example, "Pampers®. " In other instances, the arrays may have brands from the same manufacturer, such as "Pampers®" and "Luvs®", for example.

Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of the brand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across a line-up.

As used herein, the term "on-line array" means an "array" distributed by a common on-line source.

Configurable absorbent articles that provide improved fit, more flexible application options, narrow crotch regions, bodily exudate containment and improved skin health for premature, NAS, and other babies (or other wearers) are provided herein. <FIG> is a plan view of an absorbent article <NUM> folded about its lateral axis, garment-facing surface of a first waist region or a front waist region facing the viewer. <FIG> is a plan view of the absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG>, with the absorbent article <NUM> laid flat with the elastics extended, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer. <FIG> is a plan view of the absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG>, with the absorbent article <NUM> laid flat with the elastics extended, garment-facing surface facing the viewer. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG>, taken about line <NUM>---<NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a lateral axis <NUM>, a longitudinal axis <NUM>, a first waist region or a front waist region <NUM>, a second waist region or a back waist region <NUM>, and a crotch region <NUM>. In a reversible absorbent article, the "first" and "second" waist regions <NUM> and <NUM> may be referred to in the claims since the absorbent article can be applied in either direction. The absorbent article <NUM> may have a first wetness guard <NUM> and a second wetness guard <NUM>. In some instances, only one wetness guard may be provided on the absorbent articles of the present disclosure. The single wetness guard may be provided on either side of the lateral axis <NUM> of the absorbent articles <NUM>. The absorbent articles <NUM> may also comprise cuffs <NUM> or raised barriers for containing bodily exudates so that they may be absorbed by an absorbent core.

The absorbent articles <NUM> may comprise a first end edge <NUM> on a first side of the lateral axis <NUM> and a second end edge <NUM> on a second side of the lateral axis <NUM>. The absorbent articles <NUM> may comprise a first side edge <NUM> on a first side of the central longitudinal axis <NUM> and a second side edge <NUM> on a second side of the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The absorbent articles <NUM> may comprise a liquid permeable material or liquid permeable topsheet <NUM>, a liquid impermeable material or liquid impermeable backsheet <NUM>, and an absorbent core <NUM> positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>.

The topsheet <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, and the absorbent core <NUM> may be manufactured of any suitable materials. Suitable topsheet materials may comprise porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), non-apertured material, apertured materials, apertured nonwoven materials, apertured nonwoven materials that are produced using an overbonding and ring rolling process, or a material having a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Spunbond high loft materials may also be used, whether apertured or non-apertured. The topsheet <NUM> may have an embossed pattern, graphics, patterned, indicia, and/or three-dimensional features, either along with or instead of apertures. In some instances, the topsheet <NUM> may be a planar topsheet. In other instances, the topsheet may be a topsheet like that disclosed in <CIT> or in <CIT>. The topsheet may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. If the topsheet is apertured, it may be desirably to have the topsheet by hydrophobic.

Suitable backsheet materials may comprise breathable materials or highly breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article <NUM> while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, bodily exudates from passing through the backsheet <NUM> (i.e., liquid impermeable materials). Such materials may comprise nonwoven materials, woven materials, films, and/or laminates comprising a combination of one or more of these materials. Other backsheet materials may be non-breathable materials, such as films, for example.

One measure of the breathability of a backsheet or backsheet/outer cover nonwoven material laminate is the perviousness of the backsheet or the laminate to the passage of water vapor, reflected by the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of the backsheet or laminate. The MVTR of the laminate or backsheet may be in the range of about <NUM>/m<NUM>/<NUM> hr to about <NUM>/m<NUM>/<NUM> hr, about <NUM>/m<NUM>/<NUM> hr to about <NUM>/m<NUM>/<NUM> hr, or about <NUM>/m<NUM>/<NUM> hr to about <NUM>/m<NUM>/<NUM> hr, specifically reciting all <NUM>/m<NUM>/<NUM> hr increments within the above-referenced ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The MVTR can be determined by placing a quantity of a hydrophilic material, such as calcium chloride, into a non-porous, open-top vessel (not shown) having an outwardly-extending flange around the vessel opening. A portion of the material for which the MVTR is to be determined is placed in overlying relationship relative to the vessel opening and is in contact with the flange of the vessel to completely cover the open end of the vessel. An annular gasket and an annular retaining ring are then placed over the material to be tested and are securely clamped to the vessel flange by any convenient clamping arrangement, to tightly and completely seal the periphery of the vessel opening in order that transmission of air or moisture vapor can only occur through the material being tested. The resulting assembly is then weighed to determine the initial weight of the vessel and its contents.

After the initial weight has been determined, the assembly is placed in a chamber having a constant temperature (<NUM>) and a constant humidity (<NUM>% relative humidity). The vessel is maintained under those atmospheric conditions for a period of five (<NUM>) hours, after which it is removed from the chamber, wrapped tightly with an impervious film to prevent transfer of moisture into and out of the vessel, and is allowed to reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient atmosphere in which the weigh balance is located. Thermal equilibrium is achieved in about <NUM> minutes, after which the film overwrap is removed from the vessel, which is again weighed to determine the final weight of the vessel and its contents.

The MVTR is calculated by the following formula, which provides the MVTR in g/m<NUM>/<NUM> hr: <MAT>.

A suitable absorbent core <NUM> for use in the absorbent articles <NUM> of the present disclosure may comprise any absorbent material <NUM> which is generally compressible, conformable, nonirritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining bodily exudates. In addition, the configuration and construction of the absorbent core <NUM> may also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core(s) or other absorbent structure(s) may have varying caliper zones, hydrophilic gradient(s), a superabsorbent gradient(s), or lower average density and lower average basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). In other instances, the configuration and construction of the absorbent core <NUM> may be uniform and homogeneous, such that the absorbent article <NUM> can be reversible. In such an instance, the absorbent material <NUM> may be uniform and homogeneous (i.e., not profiled). In some forms, the absorbent core <NUM> may have an hourglass shape, an extended hourglass shape, or rectangular shape, for example. <FIG> is a plan view of an example absorbent core <NUM> having an extended (extended about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) hourglass shape. In an instance, the absorbent material <NUM> may have an hourglass shape and the absorbent core <NUM> may be rectangular (i.e., the core bag is rectangular and the absorbent material <NUM> has an hourglass shape). The absorbent material <NUM> and/or the absorbent core <NUM> as a whole (including the core bag) may have a first width, in a direction parallel to the lateral axis <NUM>, in the first waist region <NUM>, may have a second width, in the direction parallel to the lateral axis <NUM>, in the second waist region <NUM>, and may have a third width, in the direction parallel to the lateral axis <NUM>, in the crotch region <NUM>. The first and second widths may be greater than the third width. The first and second widths may be the same, substantially the same, or different. In some instances, the absorbent material <NUM> may have the shape illustrated in <FIG> that is then surrounded by a rectangular core bag.

The absorbent material <NUM> may comprise superabsorbent polymers, co-form, foams (including but not limited to High Internal Phase Emulsion foams), air-felt (cellulosic material), or mixtures thereof. In some forms the absorbent material <NUM> may comprise less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or <NUM>% superabsorbent polymers, by weight of the absorbent material. In other forms, the absorbent material <NUM> may only comprise air-felt and may be free of, or substantially free of (e.g., less than <NUM>% by weight of the absorbent material) any superabsorbent polymers. The absorbent material <NUM> may have air-felt and less than <NUM>% of superabsorbent polymers, less than <NUM>% of superabsorbent polymers, less than <NUM>% of superabsorbent polymers, less than <NUM>% of superabsorbent polymers, or less than <NUM>% of superabsorbent polymers. In other forms, the absorbent material <NUM> may comprise a mixture of air-felt and superabsorbent polymers (e.g., <NUM>% to <NUM>% air-felt and <NUM>% to <NUM>% superabsorbent polymers).

Referring to <FIG>, the absorbent material <NUM> may be enclosed in a core bag <NUM>. The core bag <NUM> may comprise a first substrate <NUM> at least partially on a first side of the absorbent material <NUM> and a second substrate <NUM> at least partially on a second side of the absorbent material <NUM>. The first substrate <NUM> may form a C-wrap around portions of the absorbent material <NUM> and the second material <NUM> to enclose the absorbent material <NUM>. In other instances, the core wrap may have any suitable configuration known to those of skill in the art. In some forms, the absorbent core <NUM> may comprise one or more absorbent material free areas or channels, or substantially absorbent material free areas (e.g., areas with substantially no superabsorbent polymers or air-felt). In this instance, the first substrate <NUM> may be joined, bonded, or glued to the second substrate <NUM> in these areas or channels. In other forms, channels may be embossed into the absorbent core <NUM>. Some example channel and absorbent core configurations are described in further detail in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbent articles <NUM> may comprise one or more acquisition materials <NUM>. The absorbent articles <NUM> may also comprise one or more optional distribution materials <NUM> (<FIG>) either between the topsheet <NUM> and the acquisition material <NUM> or between the acquisition material <NUM> and core bag <NUM>. In some instance, the acquisition material <NUM> and/or the distribution material <NUM> may extend the full width and/or length of the core bag <NUM>. In other instances, the acquisition material <NUM> and/or distribution material <NUM> may extend less than the full width and/or length of the core bag <NUM>. The acquisition material <NUM> or the distribution material <NUM> may have a rectangular shape, an hourglass shape, or an extended hourglass shape, for example. The acquisition material <NUM> may be used to aid the topsheet <NUM> in acquiring bodily exudates and moving the bodily exudates into the absorbent core <NUM>. The distribution material <NUM>, if provided, may help the absorbent articles <NUM> distribute bodily exudates above the absorbent core <NUM>. As an example, the acquisition material may be a nonwoven material and the distribution material may be cross-linked cellulosic fibers, tissue, or another nonwoven material, for example. In some instances, only an acquisition material may be provided, only a distribution may be provided, or neither may be provided depending on the desired properties of a particular absorbent article.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pair of cuffs <NUM> may extend at least partially between, or fully between, the first end edge <NUM> and the second end edge <NUM>. The cuffs <NUM> may or may not have one or more elastics <NUM>. In some instances, if the cuffs <NUM> do not have elastics <NUM> they may be pre-strained prior to being joined to the absorbent articles <NUM> so that they may still stand (i.e., extend upwardly) relative to the topsheet <NUM>. In other instances, the cuffs <NUM> that are free of elastics may not be pre-strained. In some instances, only a single pair of cuffs may be provided to aid in helping narrow the crotch region <NUM>. In some forms, referring to <FIG>, a second pair of cuffs <NUM> may be provided in addition to the first pair of cuffs <NUM>. In an instance, the second pair of cuffs <NUM> may be free of elastics and may or may not be pre-strained. In other instances, each of the cuffs <NUM> or <NUM> may have one or more elastics <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The elastics <NUM> and/or <NUM> may cause the cuffs to stand (i.e., extend upwardly) relative to the topsheet <NUM>. The elastics <NUM> and <NUM> may have any suitable length along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In a form, the cuffs <NUM> (or <NUM>) may each have three longitudinally extending folds (labeled F in <FIG>) to allow them to stand and extend a suitable distance from the topsheet <NUM>. Glue or bonding of the cuffs is indicated at <NUM> in <FIG>. In other forms, the cuffs <NUM> or <NUM> may have any suitable configuration. The cuffs generally aid bodily exudate containment to the area of the absorbent core <NUM> and reduce side edge leakage. Contracted and/or standing portions of the cuffs <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be more prominent on a first side of the lateral axis <NUM> or the second side of the lateral axis <NUM>. In other instances, the contracted and/or standing portions of the cuffs <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be the same on both sides of the central lateral axis <NUM>. In some instances, the cuffs <NUM> and/or <NUM> may extend the same distance on each side of the central lateral axis <NUM>. In some instances, the absorbent articles <NUM> may not comprise any cuffs.

In other instances, the absorbent articles <NUM> may not comprise any cuffs, but some form of raised barriers may be used in their place. A pair of raised barriers may be attached to the topsheet <NUM>, positioned under the topsheet <NUM>, or formed from a portion of the topsheet <NUM> and/or acquisition or distribution materials. The raised barriers may comprise flexible foams, liquid impermeable materials, nonwoven materials, films, and/or other suitable materials. The raised barriers may be "raised" relative to the topsheet <NUM> and may act in a similar fashion as the cuffs <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby causing bodily exudates to remain over the absorbent core <NUM> such that they can be absorbed by the absorbent core <NUM>. The raised barriers may have any suitable thickness measured in a direction parallel to the lateral axis <NUM>, such as <NUM> to <NUM>, for example. In some instances, one raised barrier may be provided and this single raised barrier may fully surround, or partially surround, the absorbent core <NUM> or portions thereof. The raised barriers may be raised a suitable amount from the topsheet <NUM> to contain the bodily exudates within the absorbent articles <NUM>, such as in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, for example. Further details regarding raised barriers, including example structures and shape can be found in <CIT> The raised barriers may be used with at least one pair of cuffs as well for better containment. The cuffs may be positioned laterally inboard or laterally outboard of the raised barriers. The raised barriers or the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM> may be referred to as "bodily exudate containment means".

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may be positioned on a non-absorbent core-facing side of the backsheet <NUM>. The outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may be joined to the backsheet <NUM> using an adhesive <NUM>, for example. The outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may be formed of one or more layers and typically may be a soft material. The outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may comprise a plurality of bonds, embossments, or three-dimensional features to provide a more consumer appealing appearance or for other reasons.

<FIG> is a side view of the absorbent article of <FIG> with a fastening member <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the absorbent article of <FIG> without the fastening member <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the absorbent article of <FIG>, garment-facing surface facing the viewer.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the absorbent articles <NUM> of the present disclosure may comprise a pair of crotch narrowing joints <NUM> in the crotch region <NUM>. In other forms, only one side of the crotch region <NUM> may comprise a crotch narrowing joint <NUM>. The crotch narrowing joints <NUM> may be created when a wearer-facing portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> or a wearer-facing portion of the cuffs <NUM> or <NUM> (if a second set of cuffs is provided) is joined to a standing portion or other portion of the cuffs <NUM> or <NUM> (if a second set of cuffs is provided) or to a portion of the topsheet <NUM>. The joint may be an adhesive bond, a mechanical bond, a thermal bond, and/or any other suitable type of bond, or joinder. In other instances, the crotch narrowing joints <NUM> may be formed by joining a wearer-facing portion of the backsheet <NUM> (or laminate comprising the backsheet <NUM> and outer cover nonwoven material <NUM>) to a portion of the cuffs <NUM> or <NUM> or to a portion of the topsheet <NUM>. In any event, portions of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> proximate to the first and second side edges <NUM> and <NUM> may be joined directly or indirectly to a portion of the cuffs <NUM> or <NUM> or a portion of the topsheet <NUM>. By providing these crotch narrowing joints <NUM>, the absorbent articles <NUM> are able to achieve a narrow folded crotch width, ("W" in <FIG>) at or proximate to the lateral axis <NUM>. This narrow folded crotch width may be especially important for premature babies for a number of reasons. First, smaller babies have less space in between their legs. Thus, the smaller the folded crotch width, the better the absorbent articles will fit them without applying any leg separating forces on their legs, thereby allowing the legs to rest in a comfortable position, such as near the body midline, for example. Second, in a typical diaper, the inner thigh areas of the legs of the baby may be in contact with portions of the cuffs and/or the backsheet. In the absorbent articles <NUM> of the present disclosure the baby's inner thigh areas may be in contact with portions of the cuffs <NUM> and/or <NUM> and portions of the soft outer cover nonwoven material <NUM>, thereby providing a more comfortable wearer experience and at times reducing inner thigh chafing.

Referring to <FIG>, the crotch narrowing joints <NUM> cause portions of the crotch region <NUM> to fold inwardly toward the longitudinal axis <NUM>, when the elastics of the cuffs are at least partially relaxed, thereby creating crotch folds <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, these crotch folds <NUM> provide for the narrow folded crotch width W. The crotch folds <NUM> also provide the absorbent article <NUM> with angled portions <NUM> in the crotch region <NUM>. The angled portions <NUM> may have an angle in the range of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, relative to the lateral axis <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> degree increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. All angles are measured according to the Folded Crotch Angle Test herein.

Referring to <FIG>, in addition to the crotch narrowing joints <NUM>, the absorbent core <NUM> may have an extended hourglass shape with leg notches <NUM> elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. This feature allows for the legs ("L") to be positioned at multiple locations within the leg notches <NUM> to fit different wearers and situations. The legs of a wearer, for example, may be positioned more proximate to a first end edge <NUM> or more proximate to a second end edge <NUM> of the absorbent core <NUM> to suit certain situations or positions of the baby. As referenced above, the acquisition materials <NUM> and/or distribution materials <NUM> may have a similar shape or a different shape. The absorbent core <NUM> may have a width measured along its lateral axis <NUM>' in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The absorbent core <NUM> may have a width measured along either the first end edge <NUM> or the second end edge <NUM> in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

In some forms, referring to <FIG>, instead of the crotch narrow joints being provided, crotch notches <NUM> may be cut out of the absorbent articles <NUM>, absorbent cores <NUM> thereof, and/or other components thereof (e.g., acquisition material <NUM>) in areas proximate to the lateral axis <NUM>. In other forms, the crotch notches <NUM> may instead be formed in components of the absorbent articles before or during manufacture. The crotch notches <NUM> may have any suitable size and shape to achieve a narrow folded crotch width. Some example shapes are illustrated in <FIG>. The crotch notches <NUM> may be formed in the topsheet, the backsheet, the acquisition material, the outer cover nonwoven material, and/or portions of the cuffs, for example. The crotch notches <NUM> may be used with the hourglass or extended hourglass shaped absorbent cores disclosed herein. The acquisition material <NUM> and/or distribution material may also be hourglass shaped, for example. The crotch notches <NUM> may be cut out so that a chassis of the absorbent article is hourglass shaped, or has an extended (along the longitudinal axis <NUM>) hourglass shape.

The crotch narrowing joints <NUM> may be an optional feature. It has been discovered that a narrow Folded Crotch Width, in some instances, may still be achieved even without the crotch narrowing joints <NUM>. This narrow Folded Crotch Width may be attributable to the elongated hourglass shapes of the absorbent core (see <FIG>) in combination with elastic contraction from at least one pair of leg cuffs <NUM>, and possibly from two pairs of leg cuffs <NUM> and <NUM>. In such an instance, the absorbent article, in a folded configuration, may take on the example shape of <FIG> illustrates the narrow Folded Crotch Width as "W".

The folded crotch width, (i.e., W in <FIG>) measured according to the Folded Crotch Width Test herein, may be less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>, depending on the size of the absorbent article <NUM>. The folded crotch width, measured according to the Folded Crotch Width Test herein, may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, for example, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the above-specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

As discussed above, referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, one or more wetness guards <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided on the absorbent article <NUM>. In general, the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> are provided to establish a barrier between the lower back, waist, and/or legs of the baby and portions of the topsheet <NUM> that are soiled with bodily exudates. A first wetness guard <NUM> may be positioned on the first side of the central lateral axis <NUM> and a second wetness guard <NUM> may be positioned on the second side of the central lateral axis <NUM>. As mentioned previously, only one wetness guard (either <NUM> or <NUM>) may be provided in certain absorbent articles <NUM>. In some forms, other wetness guards may also be provided either in addition to the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM>, or in lieu of them. As an example, some wetness guards may extend longitudinally at least partially between the first end edge <NUM> and the second end edge <NUM>. The wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may have any suitable width (measured in a direction parallel to the central lateral axis <NUM>) and the length (measured in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>). In some instances, the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may have a first width and the absorbent articles <NUM> may have a second width. The first width may be the same as or different than (larger or smaller) than the second width. For example, a wetness guard may only extend intermediate the cuffs <NUM> or the cuffs <NUM> and not extend all the way to the first and second side edges <NUM> and <NUM>. In some instances, one of the wetness guards <NUM> or <NUM> may have a first width and the other of the wetness guards <NUM> or <NUM> may have a second width. The first and second widths may be the same or different. In some instances, one of the wetness guards <NUM> or <NUM> may have a first length (measured in a parallel to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>) and the other of the wetness guards <NUM> or <NUM> may have a second length. The first and second lengths may be the same or different. The first wetness guard <NUM> may have a longer length than the second wetness guard <NUM>, or vice versa. In some instances, the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may have the same length such that the absorbent article <NUM> may be reversible. The first wetness guard <NUM> may overlap a first portion of the absorbent core and the second wetness guard <NUM> may overlap a second portion of the absorbent core.

Referring to <FIG>, the first wetness guard <NUM> may have a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the first end edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. The second end <NUM> may be positioned intermediate the first end edge <NUM> and the lateral axis <NUM>. Although the second end <NUM> of the first wetness guard <NUM> is illustrated as being straight, it may also be concave or convex relative to the lateral axis <NUM> or may have any other suitable shape. The first wetness guard <NUM> may be positioned over at least a portion of the topsheet <NUM> and may overlap or cross the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In other instances, the wetness guard <NUM> may be positioned over a portion of the topsheet <NUM> and portions of the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM> or the raised barriers.

Again referring to <FIG>, a first portion <NUM> of the first wetness guard <NUM> may be joined to the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, the raised barriers, the topsheet <NUM>, and/or the backsheet <NUM> proximate to the first end edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. A second portion <NUM> of the first wetness guard <NUM> may be joined to the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, the raised barriers, the topsheet <NUM>, and/or the backsheet <NUM> proximate to the first side edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. A third portion <NUM> of the first wetness guard <NUM> may be joined to the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, the raised barriers, the topsheet <NUM>, and/or the backsheet <NUM> proximate to the second side edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. The joining may comprise using mechanical joining or adhesive joining, for example. The joining may be intermittent or continuous. Through this joining, referring to <FIG>, the second end <NUM> may be free of attachment to the topsheet <NUM>, the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, and the raised barrier such that a pocket, <NUM>, is created at least between a non-wearer-facing surface of the first wetness guard <NUM> and the topsheet <NUM>. In other instances, the second end <NUM> may be joined to, or partially joined to, the topsheet <NUM>, the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the raised barriers, for example. A pocket may also be created by the second wetness guard <NUM> in a similar fashion as the pocket <NUM> of the wetness guard <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the second wetness guard <NUM> may have a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the second end edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. The second end <NUM> may be positioned intermediate the second end edge <NUM> and the lateral axis <NUM>. Although the second end <NUM> of the second wetness guard <NUM> is illustrated as being straight, it may also be concave or convex relative to the lateral axis <NUM> or may have any other suitable shape. The second wetness guard <NUM> may be positioned over at least a portion of the topsheet <NUM> and may overlap or cross the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In other instances, the wetness guard <NUM> may be positioned over the portion of the topsheet <NUM> and portions of the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM> or the raised barriers.

A first portion <NUM> of the second wetness guard <NUM> may be joined to the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, the raised barriers <NUM>, the topsheet <NUM>, and/or the backsheet <NUM> proximate to the second end edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. A second portion <NUM> of the second wetness guard <NUM> may be joined to the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, the raised barriers, the topsheet <NUM>, and/or the backsheet <NUM> proximate to the first side edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. A third portion <NUM> of the second wetness guard <NUM> may be joined to the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, the raised barriers, the topsheet <NUM>, and/or the backsheet <NUM> proximate to the second side edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. The joining may comprise using mechanical joining or adhesive joining, for example. The joining may be intermittent or continuous. Through this joining, the second end <NUM> may be free of attachment to the topsheet <NUM>, the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, and the raised barrier, such that a pocket (like pocket <NUM> of <FIG>) is created at least between a non-wearer-facing surface of the second wetness guard <NUM> and the topsheet <NUM>. In other instances, the second end <NUM> may be joined to, or partially joined to, the topsheet <NUM>, the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the raised barriers, for example.

In other instances, the first and/or the second wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may be joined to the topsheet <NUM>, the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, the raised barriers, and/or the backsheet <NUM> at any suitable locations on a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article <NUM>. In an instance, all, or some of the perimeters of the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may be joined to the wearer-facing surface. In other instances, all or some of non-perimeter areas may be joined to the wearer-facing surface. The two wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM>, if both are provided, may be joined to a portion of the wearer-facing surface in the same fashion or in different fashions. In an instance, one or both of the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may be discrete components that are not joined to the absorbent article <NUM> in a package, but instead are provided as a discrete component. Nurses or caregivers may then position the wetness guard or guards on portions of the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent articles <NUM> as appropriate. The wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may have a space between themselves and the first and second end edges <NUM> and <NUM>. Stated another way, the most longitudinally outward portions of each wetness guard does not have to be positioned on the first end edges <NUM> or the second end edge <NUM>, but instead a gap may exist, such as a <NUM> inch gap, for example.

The wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may have the same construction or a different construction. Referring to <FIG> and4, the wetness guard <NUM> and <NUM> may each comprise a laminate comprising a first liquid impermeable material (or substantially liquid impermeable material) <NUM> and a second liquid permeable material <NUM>. The wetness guards may also comprise other liquid permeable or impermeable layers. The layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be joined together in any suitable fashion, such as through the use of an adhesive <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> may be continuous or discontinuous and may be slot coated or spirally applied, for example. The first liquid impermeable material <NUM> may comprise one or more nonwoven materials or films or a nonwoven and a film as a laminate. The second liquid permeable material <NUM> may comprise one or more nonwoven materials or non-film materials. The first liquid impermeable material <NUM> may face a portion of the topsheet <NUM>, while the second liquid permeable material <NUM> may face the wearer or form a portion of a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article. As such, the first liquid impermeable material <NUM> may be used to create a barrier between the portion of the topsheet <NUM> under the wetness guards and the second liquid permeable material <NUM> to keep material <NUM> dry and sterile. The second liquid permeable material <NUM> may be used to provide a lower back, waist, and/or legs of a baby with a soft, dry, sterile, and comforting surface. In an instance, the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise only one or more hydrophobic nonwoven materials without a liquid impermeable film. The hydrophobic nonwoven material(s) may be untreated, such that it remains naturally hydrophobic. In other instances, the hydrophobic nonwoven material(s) may be treated to become more hydrophobic.

The first and second wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may form a crotch receiving area <NUM> in the absorbent article <NUM>. The crotch receiving area <NUM> is the area between the two wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> where a baby's crotch area is positioned when the absorbent article <NUM> is positioned on the baby. The crotch receiving area <NUM> between the first and second wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may be any suitable size (length or width) for a particular size baby. A ratio of the surface area of the crotch receiving area <NUM> to the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> (together or separate if only one is provided) may be about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, or about <NUM>:<NUM>, or may be in the range of about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments of the ratios specified above and all ratios formed within the specified range. The crotch receiving area <NUM> may have an area in the range of about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, or about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, for example, specifically reciting all <NUM><NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The absorbent article, when laid flat, elastic contraction pulled out, may have a length, in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis <NUM>, of less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, but at least <NUM>. The absorbent article, when laid flat, elastic contraction pulled out, may have a width, in a direction parallel to a central lateral axis <NUM> of less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, but at least <NUM>.

To create the first and/or second wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM> and the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may extend beyond the first and second end edges <NUM> and <NUM> and be folded over the wearer-facing side of the absorbent article <NUM>. The folded over portions of the backsheet <NUM> and the outer cover nonwoven <NUM> may be joined to the topsheet <NUM>, portions of the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, the raised barriers, and/or the backsheet <NUM>. As such, the folded over portion of the backsheet <NUM> may form the first liquid impermeable material <NUM> and the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may form the second liquid permeable material <NUM> of the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM>. In other instances, the backsheet <NUM> and the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may not be joined to a portion of the wearer-facing surface, but instead may merely be folded over the wearer-facing surface.

In another instance, the first and/or second wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed from discrete laminates each comprising the first liquid impermeable material <NUM> and the second liquid impermeable material <NUM>. These discrete laminates may be joined to the topsheet <NUM>, portions of the cuffs <NUM>, <NUM>, portions of the raised barriers, and/or to the backsheet <NUM>.

The absorbent article <NUM> may have a wearer-facing surface area (the entire wearer-facing surface including areas of the wetness guards) in the range of about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, or about <NUM><NUM>, for example, specifically reciting all <NUM><NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The wetness guards <NUM> or <NUM> may have an area in the range of about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, or about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, for example, specifically reciting all <NUM><NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. As mentioned above, the wetness guard <NUM> may have an area that is the same or different than the wetness guard <NUM>, if both are provided in an absorbent article.

In another instance, referring to <FIG>, at least one of or both of the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may only be attached to the first side edge <NUM>, the second side edge <NUM>, and/or a portion of the absorbent article <NUM> proximate to one of the side edges <NUM> and <NUM>, for example. In other instances, the wetness guards <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be attached to the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, the topsheet <NUM>, one of the raised barriers, and/or one of the cuffs (<NUM> or <NUM>), for example. In such an instance, the wetness guard <NUM> in <FIG> may be configured to be folded over into the position illustrated in, for example <FIG>. The wetness guard <NUM> may have a similar configuration as the illustrated wetness guard <NUM> or may be provided as described with reference to <FIG>. The wetness guard <NUM> (and/or the wetness guard <NUM> if provided in the same configuration) may comprise a fastener <NUM>, such as a plurality of hooks or an adhesive, for example, such that when the wetness guard <NUM> is folded over the absorbent article <NUM>, it can be joined by the fastener <NUM> to a portion of the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article <NUM>. The materials of the wetness guard <NUM> may be the same as or similar to that described above.

In still other instances, referring to <FIG>, one or both of the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may be a discrete component (<FIG>) from the absorbent article <NUM> (<FIG>) and may be configured to be placed on the absorbent article <NUM>, in for example, the positions illustrated in <FIG>, or in other positions as desired by the nurse or caregiver. In some instances, as illustrated in <FIG>, one wetness guard <NUM> may be a discrete component and the other wetness guard <NUM> may be joined to the cuffs <NUM> (or <NUM>), the raised barrier, the topsheet <NUM>, and/or the backsheet <NUM>. The discrete wetness guard or guards may be packaged with the absorbent articles <NUM> or may be packaged and/or sold separately. The discrete wetness guard <NUM> (and/or the wetness guard <NUM>, if discrete) may have a first fastener <NUM> and a second fastener <NUM>. The first and second fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> may be used to join the discrete wetness guard <NUM> to a portion of the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article <NUM> as desired and maintain the wetness guard <NUM> in position during use of the absorbent article <NUM>. The materials of the wetness guard may be the same as or similar to that described above.

In yet other instances, referring to <FIG>, at least one of, or both of, the wetness guards <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided in a sleeve form. The sleeve may be positioned on the absorbent article <NUM> in a package, positioned separately from the absorbent article <NUM> in the package, or may be sold in a separate package. Once positioned on the absorbent article, the sleeve may be moveable in the directions of arrows <NUM> and <NUM> to allow a nurse or caregiver to position the wetness guard <NUM> as desired. In some instances, as illustrated in <FIG>, one wetness guard <NUM> may be joined to the wearer-facing surface and another wetness guard <NUM> may take the form of a sleeve. In some forms, the materials of the wetness guard may be the same as or similar to that described above. In other forms, only portions of the wetness guard positioned over the wearer-facing surface may have the wetness guard constructions described herein, with other portions (i.e., portions wrapped around a non-wearer-facing surface <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>) being constructed of other materials, such as nonwoven materials without films, for example. <FIG> illustrates an example of how the wetness guard <NUM> in the form of a sleeve would surround the absorbent article <NUM>.

The absorbent articles <NUM> of the present disclosure may have one or more fastening members. The fastening members may be fully removable fastening members <NUM>. The fastening members may be stretch panels that may be discrete elements. Referring to <FIG>, the fastening members <NUM> may each comprise a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, a first end <NUM>, and a second end <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> may be opposite to the second surface <NUM> and the first end <NUM> may be opposite to the second end <NUM>. The fastening members <NUM> may comprise a first fastener <NUM> configured to engage a first portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> or a first portion of a landing zone and positioned on the first surface <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may be free of a landing zone. The fastening members <NUM> may comprise a second fastener <NUM> configured to engage a second, different portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> and positioned on the first surface <NUM>. In some instances, it may be desirable to provide the first fastening member <NUM> on the first surface <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> on the second surface <NUM>, so that the fastener can be folded into a loop to hold a tube, for example. The first portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may be in the front waist region <NUM>, the back waist region <NUM>, or the crotch region <NUM>. Likewise, the second portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may be in the front waist region <NUM>, the back waist region <NUM>, or the crotch region <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the first end <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the second end <NUM>. In some instances, only one fully removable fastening member <NUM> may be provided on an absorbent article <NUM> and the other fastening member may be permanently joined to the absorbent article on at least one of its ends.

Since the fastening members <NUM> are removable from the absorbent article <NUM>, they can be fastened as desired or as needed by a nurse or caregiver. In some instances, the nurse or caregiver may remove the fastening members <NUM> from the absorbent article <NUM> and not use them if the baby is in a certain position, for example. In other instances, the nurse or caregiver may only use one of the fastening members <NUM> if the baby is in another certain position, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> may not extend to the perimeter of the fastening members <NUM>. This may help prevent, or at least inhibit, rough fastener material (e.g., hooks) from contacting or irritating a wearer's skin. The fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated as rectangular but may be any other suitable shape, such as circular or ovate, triangular, heart-shaped, for example. In some instances, it may be desirable to have fasteners without corners to again prevent, or at least inhibit the fasteners from at irritating a wearer's skin. In a package, the first and second fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> may be joined to the first surface <NUM> so they are at least inhibited from unintentionally engaging other portions of the absorbent pads, other fastening members, and/or other items.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastening members <NUM> may comprise a first nonwoven or other substrate <NUM>, a second or other nonwoven substrate <NUM>, and an elastic material or film <NUM> positioned at least partially intermediate the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM>. The elastic material may comprise an elastic nonwoven material, an elastic film, or elastic strands, for example. The elastic material may be apertured or micro-apertured to promote breathability. In other instances, the fastening members may comprise one or more substrates and may not comprise an elastic material.

Referring to <FIG>, a middle portion <NUM> (e.g., between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>) of the fastening member <NUM> may define one or more slots <NUM> or apertures therein. The slots or apertures <NUM> may have any suitable size and/or shape. In certain instances, premature, NAS babies, and other babies are on feeding tubes, corded monitoring device (e.g., heart rate monitor), corded life support device, or the like. These tubes and cords may be positioned through the slots <NUM> or apertures to help hold the tubes and cords in place. In some instances, the middle portion <NUM>, or other portions, of the fastening member <NUM> may be formed of a highly breathable material, such as a highly breathable film, nonwoven, film/nonwoven laminate, or an apertured film or apertured nonwoven material, for example.

In some countries, it may be desirable to allow air to flow to the belly button area after birth when a portion of the umbilical cord on the baby is drying out and/or healing. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first umbilical cord notch <NUM> may be defined in the first end edge <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM> and a second umbilical cord notch <NUM> may be defined in the second end edge <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>. The first and second umbilical cord notches <NUM> and <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, and/or depth relative to the first and second end edges <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In some instances, only the first or the second umbilical cord notch may be provided. The benefit of having two umbilical cord notches is that the absorbent article <NUM> may be applied with the front waist region <NUM> on a front of a wearer or with the front waist region <NUM> on a back of the wearer. Stated another way, by providing the two umbilical cord notches, the absorbent article <NUM> may be reversible. The longitudinal axis <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>) may extend through the umbilical cord notches.

Referring to <FIG>, first sides of the fastening members <NUM> may be permanently fixed to a portion of the back waist region <NUM> and may not be releasably joined to the absorbent article <NUM>. The first side of the fastening members <NUM> may be permanently fixed to the portions of the back waist region <NUM> using one or more bonds <NUM>, lines of adhesives, or may be otherwise permanently fixed. Second sides of the fastening members <NUM> may comprise fasteners used to join the second sides of the fastening member <NUM> to portion of the front waist region <NUM>. Alternatively, the second sides of the fastening members <NUM> may be permanently fixed to the front waist region <NUM> and the first sides of the fastening members <NUM> may comprise fasteners used to join the first sides of the fastening members <NUM> to the back waist region <NUM>.

In some countries, it may be desirable to cover up the belly button of a baby after birth. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first umbilical cord projection <NUM> may extend from the first end edge <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM> and a second umbilical cord projection <NUM> may extend from the second end edge <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>. The first and second umbilical cord projections <NUM> and <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, and/or height relative to the first and second end edges <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In some instances, only the first or the second umbilical cord projection may be provided. The benefit of having two umbilical cord projections is that the absorbent article <NUM> may be applied with the front waist region <NUM> on a front of a wearer or with the front waist region <NUM> on a back of the wearer. Stated another way, by providing the two umbilical cord projections, the absorbent article <NUM> may be reversible. The longitudinal axis <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>) may extend through the umbilical cord projections.

The umbilical cord projections may have one or more slots <NUM> or apertures defined therein. The slots <NUM> or apertures may have any suitable size and/or shape. In certain instances, premature, NAS babies, and other babies may be on feeding tubes, corded monitoring device (e.g., heart rate monitor), or the like. These tubes and cords may be positioned through the slots <NUM> or apertures to help hold the tubes and cords in place.

In some instances, no umbilical cord notches or umbilical cord projections may be provided on an absorbent article (see e.g., <FIG> and2). In still other instances, an umbilical cord notch may be provided on a first side of the lateral axis <NUM> and an umbilical cord projection may be provided on a second side of the lateral axis <NUM>.

As mentioned above, it may be desirable to reduce contact with premature and NAS babies as much as feasible because of their delicate body and skin. On the other hand, it is also desirable to have the absorbent article on the baby to be as free of bodily exudates as possible to protect the baby's skin. In instances where the babies are positioned in incubators, conventional wetness indicators may not function adequately owing to the high humidity environment of the incubators. The present disclosure provides a way to solve these issues by providing the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> and/or the backsheet <NUM> with a low opacity. By providing the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> and/or the backsheet <NUM> with a low opacity, nurses are able to visually determine, without touching the baby, whether the absorbent articles need to be changed, thus not disturbing the baby if the absorbent article is not soiled or sufficiently soiled.

Either in addition to or in lieu of the low opacity outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> and/or the backsheet <NUM>, the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a wetness indicator <NUM>, which may be positioned on a wearer-facing side of the backsheet <NUM> or in other suitable locations. The wetness indicator may be visible from a wearer-facing surface or a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article <NUM>. Thus, as bodily exudates come into contact with the wetness indicator, the wetness indicator may change colors or appear or disappear to indicate to nurses or caregivers that the absorbent article is soiled and needs changed. In other instances, the wetness indicator may change colors, appear, or disappear based on temperature changes (caused by bodily exudates entering the absorbent article) within the absorbent article <NUM>. In other instances, the absorbent article <NUM> may be free of a wetness indicator.

The absorbent articles <NUM> may comprise lotions, ointments, skin protecting ointments, vitamins, anti-bacterial treatments, anti-microbial treatments, anti-fungal treatments, on the topsheet <NUM>, leg cuffs <NUM> and/or <NUM>, and/or other components to promote skin health for the baby.

<FIG> are schematic illustrations of absorbent articles <NUM> with graphics and/or indicia <NUM>, <NUM> (hereafter "graphics"), with their garment-facing surfaces facing the viewer. The graphics <NUM> may be on a first side of the central lateral axis <NUM> and viewable from the garment-facing surface and the graphics <NUM> may be on a second side of the central lateral axis <NUM> and viewable from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article <NUM>. The graphics <NUM> and/or <NUM> may or may not cross the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article <NUM>. The graphics <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be a single graphic or multiple graphics that form a single image, multiple images, single patterns, or multiple patterns. The graphics <NUM> may be a mirror image of the graphics <NUM> (or may be the same or substantially the same), relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>, to indicate reversibility of the absorbent article to a caregiver or wearer. In other instances, the graphics <NUM> may not be a mirror image of the graphics <NUM>, relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the graphics <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be at least partially comprised of brand names, characters, and/or logos. The graphics <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be printed on, positioned on, and/or applied to the backsheet <NUM> and/or the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM>, for example. If the graphics <NUM> and <NUM> are on the backsheet <NUM>, the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may have an opacity such that the graphics <NUM> and <NUM> are viewable therethrough. The graphics <NUM> and <NUM> may be on a garment-facing side of the backsheet <NUM> and/or the wearer-facing side of the backsheet <NUM>. The graphics <NUM> may also be printed on, or otherwise applied to, a landing zone in the front waist region <NUM>. Likewise, the graphics <NUM> may be printed on, or otherwise applied to, a landing zone in the back waist region <NUM>. By providing two landing zones, the caregiver is able to recognize that the absorbent article <NUM> is reversible. The landing zones may be a separate material joined to the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> or may be formed by portions of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM>.

By having graphics <NUM> and <NUM> that are mirror images of each other, relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>, the absorbent article <NUM> may be reversible. Stated another way, a baby's (or wearer's) back waist region may be positioned adjacent to graphics <NUM> or <NUM> depending on how the absorbent article <NUM> is donned on the baby. If the absorbent article <NUM> is meant to be reversible, the absorbent material <NUM> within the absorbent core <NUM>, in some instances, may be uniform and homogeneous. The absorbent core <NUM> may also be longitudinally centered in the absorbent article to aid in reversibility of the absorbent article. By providing graphics that mirror each other on opposite sides of the central lateral axis <NUM>, a caregiver will quickly recognize that the absorbent article is reversible. Further, the graphics may indicate where fasteners (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) may be attached (e.g., landing zone) on the garment-facing surface to provide a caregiver with a guide as to proper application of the fasteners and, thereby, a proper application of the absorbent article <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more inserts <NUM> may be provided for use with the absorbent article <NUM>. The one or more inserts <NUM> may be packaged together with the absorbent article <NUM> or packaged and sold separately. One or more inserts <NUM> and one or more absorbent articles <NUM> may be in a kit. The one or more inserts <NUM> may be positioned within the absorbent article <NUM> after the absorbent article <NUM> is donned on the wearer or before the absorbent article <NUM> is donned on the wearer. The inserts <NUM> essentially provide an additional absorbent containment element that may be used prior to soiling the absorbent article <NUM> or after soiling of the absorbent article <NUM>. The inserts <NUM> may be advantageous in that the baby or wearer may not need to be fully changed and, thereby, moved or handled less, compared to if only the absorbent article <NUM> was used. Multiple inserts may be used at one time, so that once soiled the most wearer-facing insert may be removed. In some instances, the inserts <NUM> may be fastening or joined to the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article <NUM> or to a wearer-facing surface of another insert using any suitable joining techniques. In other instances, the inserts <NUM> may merely be placed on the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article <NUM> or the wearer-facing surface without some separate attachment or joining mechanism. In these instances, the inserts <NUM> may remain in place by friction or merely by weight of the baby. In some instances, at least portion of the inserts may have low coefficients of friction to allow them to slide over a portion of a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article <NUM>, when being inserted into the absorbent article while it is on a wearer. The inserts are helpful as full absorbent article changes may be reduced, thereby leading to less stress on (i.e., less movement of) a baby or premature baby.

<FIG> is a plan view of the insert <NUM> positioned on a wearer-facing surface of an absorbent article <NUM> of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view of the insert. <FIG> is a cross-sectional illustration of the insert <NUM> of <FIG>, taken about line <NUM>---<NUM>. <FIG> is a plan view of another insert <NUM>'. <FIG> is a plan view of another insert <NUM>".

The inserts <NUM> may comprise a topsheet <NUM>, an optional acquisition material and/or distribution material <NUM>, an absorbent core <NUM>, a backsheet <NUM>, and optionally an outer cover nonwoven material <NUM>. The topsheet <NUM> may be formed of one or more nonwoven materials, one or more films, or a laminate formed of one or more nonwoven materials and one or more films. The topsheet <NUM> may comprise a liquid permeable material or apertures <NUM> defined in the topsheet <NUM> may make the topsheet <NUM> liquid permeable or more liquid permeable. The topsheet <NUM> may also comprise three-dimensional features, embossments, bond patterns, lotions, and/or surfactants, for example. The acquisition material and/or distribution material <NUM> may be formed of nonwoven materials, foams, or other suitable materials. The acquisition material and/or distribution material <NUM> is only illustrated in <FIG>, since it is an optional feature. Optionally, a layer of cross-linked cellulosic fibers may also be present intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the acquisition material and/or distribution material <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> may comprise an absorbent material. The absorbent material may comprise airfelt and superabsorbent polymers, mostly or only airfelt, or mostly or only superabsorbent polymers. The absorbent core <NUM> may have areas that are free of the absorbent material (e.g., channels that are free of the absorbent material) or may have areas where the absorbent material is densified (e.g., channels that are formed by densified areas in the absorbent material). The backsheet <NUM> may be liquid impermeable, and may or may not be air permeable (or "breathable"). In some instances, the backsheet <NUM> may not be provided and bodily exudates that are not absorbed by the absorbent core <NUM> may pass through the insert <NUM> and into the absorbent articles <NUM>. The outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may or may not be provided and may be formed of a nonwoven material, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, the insert <NUM> may have the cross section illustrated when taken about line 32A-32A of <FIG>. In such an instance, the topsheet <NUM> may form a C-wrap around end regions of the backsheet <NUM> and be joined to the backsheet <NUM> using adhesive bonds <NUM>, or other types of joining. In such an instance, a portion of the backsheet <NUM> may rest on the topsheet <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. Stated another way, a portion of the backsheet <NUM> may form a garment-facing surface of the insert. An optional acquisition material and/or distribution material <NUM> may be provided. The insert of <FIG> may, in some instances, have an outer cover nonwoven material as well.

Referring to <FIG>, an insert <NUM>' is illustrated. This example insert <NUM>' has a grasp tab <NUM> on one end and a cut out <NUM> on the other end. The grasp tab <NUM> may be used by a caregiver to easily grasp and remove the insert <NUM>'. The grasp tab <NUM>, in an example, may be formed only of a backsheet material, or other liquid impermeable material, so that bodily exudates cannot wick to the grasp tab <NUM>. In other instances, the grasp tab <NUM> may be formed of a portion of the topsheet <NUM>, a portion of the backsheet <NUM>, and/or a portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM>. By providing the grasp tab <NUM> on one end and the cut out <NUM> on the other end, a material savings may be achieved when the inserts are manufactured in strip of a plurality of the inserts <NUM>'. Any of the inserts described herein may be manufactured in a strip of a plurality of the inserts and may be packaged as a roll of inserts, for example. Lines of weakness <NUM> may be formed intermediate the various inserts. In such an instance, a roll of a plurality of inserts may be provided to a caregiver or nurse and the caregiver or nurse can then tear off any suitable number of inserts for use on a particular wearer. The inserts may also be packaged in stacks, for example, or in other forms.

Referring to <FIG>, the insert <NUM>'' is illustrated. The example insert <NUM>" may have a grasp tab <NUM> on both ends to allow for easier caregiver or nurse placement and removal of the inserts <NUM>".

In some instances, the various inserts may comprise stiffening members or stiffened portions (e.g., foams, densified regions) to aid in application of the inserts into a donned absorbent article <NUM>.

In some instances, it may be desirable for the absorbent articles to be free of fragrances, perfumes, and/or lotions. In other instances, one or more components of the absorbent articles, such as the topsheet, for example, may be free of fragrances, perfumes, and/or lotions.

Referring to <FIG>, the elastics <NUM> may extend the full longitudinal direction, substantially the full longitudinal direction, or only part of the full longitudinal direction of the absorbent article <NUM>. In certain instances though, the elastics <NUM> may only be joined to the cuffs <NUM> in a joined area <NUM>. The elastics <NUM> may not extend the full longitudinal direction of the absorbent article <NUM> after the absorbent article is separated from other absorbent articles at the first end edge <NUM> and at the second end edge <NUM>. In this instance, the elastics <NUM> may "snap back" toward the joined area <NUM>. Portions of the elastics <NUM> outside of the joined area <NUM> may be free of joinder to the cuffs <NUM>, thereby not applying elastic forces to areas of the cuffs <NUM> outside of the joined area <NUM>. The joined area <NUM> may be centrally located on the elastics <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (i.e., a direction about the longitudinal axis <NUM>). Stated another way, the joined area <NUM> may exhibit symmetry with respect to the lateral axis <NUM>. In other cases, the joined area <NUM> may not exhibit symmetry with respect to the lateral axis <NUM> or may not even cross the lateral axis <NUM>. In this instance, the joined area <NUM> may be fully positioned on a first side of the lateral axis <NUM> or may be fully positioned on a second side of the lateral axis <NUM>. More than one joined area <NUM> may exist for a single cuff <NUM>. In a single elastic <NUM>, one joined area may be on the first side of the lateral axis <NUM> and a second joined area may be on a second side of the lateral axis <NUM>. The joined areas <NUM> may have a length extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches, about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches, about <NUM> inch to about <NUM> inches, about <NUM> inch to about <NUM> inches, or about <NUM> inch to about <NUM> inches, specifically reciting all <NUM> inch increments with the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The certain longitudinal length of the joined areas <NUM> in a particular absorbent article <NUM> may depend on the size of the absorbent article <NUM> and/or the intended use of the absorbent article <NUM>. The joined area <NUM> may comprise one or more adhesives and/or one or more mechanical, ultrasonic, and/or thermal bonds, for example, to join the elastics <NUM> in the joined area <NUM> to the cuffs <NUM>. The joined areas <NUM> are illustrated as a rectangular block for illustration purposes only, and other suitable shapes are within the scope of the present disclosure. The elastics <NUM> may be under a pre-strain when joined to the cuffs <NUM> to activate the joined areas <NUM> when the pre-strain is released. In some instances, the elastics <NUM> may only extend longitudinally through the joined area <NUM> and may be pre-strained. The cuffs <NUM> may be formed of one or more materials or nonwoven materials. If only one material is used, that material may be folded over itself to enclose the elastics <NUM>. If two materials are used, the materials may sandwich the elastics therebetween. The joined area <NUM> may be two or more discrete bonds <NUM>' with pre-strained elastics 52P therebetween as illustrated in <FIG>. The elastics <NUM>, if provided, may have the same or different features as the elastics <NUM> described in this paragraph. In other instances, only the elastics <NUM> may have the features described in this paragraph with respect to the elastics <NUM>. By providing elastics <NUM> and/or <NUM> with one or more joined areas <NUM>, the absorbent pad may form a U-like shape by bringing the first end edge <NUM> towards the second end edge <NUM>. This may provide better bodily exudate containment. An example absorbent article having this U-like shape is illustrated in <FIG>.

In other instances, the joined areas <NUM> may not be provided and the cuffs may comprise a first nonwoven substrate or a first substrate and a second nonwoven substrate or a second substrate. The first and second nonwoven substrates may be joined to each other at different longitudinal pre-strain forces. As such, when these pre-strain forces are released, the cuff may contract and form a structure like the top absorbent article of <FIG>. One pre-strain force in one of the first and second substrates may be negligible or may be zero.

Referring to <FIG>, an absorbent core <NUM> of any of the absorbent articles <NUM> disclosed herein may have apertures <NUM> defined therein. Any suitable number of apertures may be provided and the apertures <NUM> may have any suitable shape, such as round or ovate, for example. The apertures <NUM> may also have any suitable size. The apertures <NUM> may all be the same in size and/or shape or may be different in size and/or shape. The apertures <NUM> may be dispersed uniformly or non-uniformly in the absorbent core <NUM>. The apertures <NUM> may make the absorbent core more flexible and allow the absorbent core to fold or flex easier. The absorbent core may be shaped as discussed herein.

Referring to <FIG>, an absorbent core <NUM> of any of the absorbent articles <NUM> disclosed herein may have slots <NUM> defined therein. Any suitable number of slots <NUM> may be provided and the slots <NUM>. The slots <NUM> may all be the same in size and/or shape or may be different in size and/or shape. The slots <NUM> may be linear or non-linear, continuous or discontinuous. The slots <NUM> may extend in any suitable direction. The slots <NUM> may have any suitable width. In some instances, the slots <NUM> may not have material removed in their creation, but may only be cut lines in the absorbent core <NUM>. The slots <NUM> may be distributed uniformly or non-uniformly in the absorbent core <NUM>. The slots <NUM> may make the absorbent core <NUM> more flexible and allow the absorbent core <NUM> to fold or flex easier. The absorbent core may be shaped as discussed herein.

As mentioned above, it may be desirable to provide an absorbent article with one or two removable fastening members (e.g., <NUM> herein), each having a first fastener (e.g., <NUM> herein) and a second fastener (e.g., <NUM> herein). The first and second fasteners may comprise hooks, loops, adhesives, cohesives, and/or other materials described herein. The first fastener of each of the removable fastening members may be attached in a second or back waist region of the absorbent article. The second fastener of each of the removable fastening members may be attached to themselves (for ease in processing) and may be free of attachment to a first or front waist region of the absorbent article. The second fastener may also be attached to another portion of the absorbent article. The first fasteners may be attached by a machine to the back waist region and the second fasteners may be attached by a caregiver to the front waist region during application. To attach the first fasteners to the front waist region it may be desirable to provide the fastening members with a high stretch at a low pulling force. First, this helps in not disturbing the attachment of the second fasteners to the back waist region (i.e., helps reduce "pop-off"). Second, this helps in not moving or sliding the infant through the pulling force.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have a significantly adjustable waist circumference owing to the provision of/use of at least one fully removable fastening member or two fully removable fastening members. Since the fasteners of the fully removable fastening members may be attached at any location, or at any location proximate to the waist circumference, such as around the hip circumference of a wearer, the waist circumference or the hip circumference may be significantly adjustable to fit a wide range of wearers having different waist or hip circumferences. To provide a small waist or hip opening circumference in the absorbent article, only one removable fastening member may be used. In other instances, two removable fastening members may be used and may or may not be partially overlapped with each other. Stated another way, if the fastening members form a ring proximate to a waist opening of the absorbent article, there may be areas of the ring where a first removable fastening member is overlapped with a second removable fastening member. In such an instance, fasteners of a first removable fastening member may be attached to garment-facing surfaces of the absorbent article and one fastener of a second fastening member may be attached to a garment-facing surface of the first fastening member with the other fastener attached to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. To provide a larger waist opening circumference in the absorbent articles, the removable fastening members would generally not overlap each other. In such an instance, the removable fastening members would attach in such a fashion as to make the waist opening circumference as large as possible and would themselves form part of the waist opening circumference.

Referring to <FIG>, example top views of waist opening configurations with removable fastening members attached in various configurations are illustrated. In all of <FIG>, the absorbent article has a first or front waist region <NUM>, a back or second waist region <NUM>, and one or more removable fastening members <NUM>, each having a first fastener <NUM> and a second fastener <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a single removable fastening member <NUM> may be used to join the front waist region <NUM> to the back waist region <NUM>. In this configuration, a small waist or hip opening circumference is achieved. The single removable fastening member <NUM> may be overlapped with itself to create an even smaller waist or hip opening circumference. Stated another way, the fastener <NUM> may engage a garment-facing surface of the single removable fastening member <NUM>, with the fastener <NUM> attached to a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. Referring to <FIG>, again a single removable fastening member <NUM> may be used to join the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>. In this configuration, a larger waist or hip opening circumference is achieved relative to <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, again a single removable fastening member <NUM> may be used to join the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>. In this configuration, a larger waist or hip opening circumference is achieved relative to the waist or hip opening circumference of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, two removable fastening members <NUM> may be used to join the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>. In this configuration, a fairly small waist or hip circumference is achieved. Referring to <FIG>, the two removable fastening members <NUM> may be overlapped with each other to achieve an even smaller waist or hip opening circumference. In such a context, one or both of the fasteners <NUM> and/or <NUM> of a first removable fastening member <NUM> may engage a garment-facing surface of the other removable fastening member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, two removable fastening members <NUM> may be used to join the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>. In this configuration, a relatively large waist or hip circumference is achieved compared to the waist or hip opening circumference of <FIG>. Those of skill in the art will recognize the fasteners <NUM> and/or <NUM> may also be attached at other locations to achieve other waist or hip opening circumferences. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that the stretch of the removable fastening members <NUM> may also dictate or play a role in where the fasteners <NUM> and/or <NUM> should be attached for a certain wearer. In some contexts, it may be desirable to use the removable fastening members in an unstretched or substantially unstretched state to reduce pressure on the wearer.

The adjustable waist or hip circumference may be configured to fit a range of, or may be adjustable to, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, in an unstretched state, for example, depending on whether one or two removable fastening members are used.

The adjustable waist or hip circumference may be configured to fit a range of, or may be adjustable to, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, in a stretched state, for example, depending on whether one or two removable fastening members are used.

The adjustable waist or hip circumference may be configured to fit a range of, or may be adjustable to, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, in a stretched state, for example, if a single removable fastening member is used.

Specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the ranges specified in the above-three paragraph and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The fasteners of the removable fastening members may, in some instances, be attached to one or more discrete landing zones on a garment-facing surface, or other surface, of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure. The one or more discrete landing zones may be positioned in the front or first waist region, the back or second waist region, or the crotch region of an absorbent article of the present disclosure. Any suitable number of discrete landing zones may be provided, such as one, two, three, four, five, six etc., for purposes of adjustability of fastening. A single discrete landing zone may be provided proximate to or overlapping a central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article, for example. Multiple discrete landing zones may be provided at various location such that the waist opening circumference or hip circumference may be adjusted. The multiple discrete landing zone may have different sizes and/or shapes and/or the same size and/or shapes.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a portion of a removable fastening member <NUM> comprising a fastener <NUM> (represents one or both of fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> herein) is illustrated. Referring to <FIG>, an example discrete landing zone <NUM> is illustrated. The discrete landing zone <NUM> may be positioned on a garment-facing surface of an absorbent article of the present disclosure. The shape of the fastener <NUM> and the shape of the discrete landing zone <NUM> may vary. For example, the fastener <NUM> and/or the discrete landing zone <NUM> may be oval, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, have arcuate portions, or may comprise other suitable shapes. The shapes may or may not match each other. For example, the fastener <NUM> may be circular and the discrete landing zone may be heart shaped. In some instances, a total area of the fastener <NUM> may be smaller than, <NUM>% smaller than, <NUM>% smaller than, or <NUM>% smaller than a total area of the discrete landing zone <NUM>. Additionally, or separately, a maximum dimension, D1, of the fastener <NUM>, may be smaller than a maximum dimension, D2, of the discrete landing zone <NUM>. These area and dimension concepts may apply regardless of the shapes of the fasteners <NUM> and the shapes of the discrete landing zones <NUM>. By having a fastener <NUM> with a maximum dimension, D1, smaller than a maximum dimension, D2, of the discrete landing zone <NUM>, the fastener <NUM> is able to engage the discrete landing zone <NUM> at any suitable angle and/or orientation. Likewise, by having a fastener <NUM> with a total area smaller than a total area of the discrete landing zone <NUM>, the fastener <NUM> is able to engage the discrete landing zone <NUM> at any suitable angle and/or orientation. The total area and maximum dimension concepts may be applied to a fastener and a discrete landing zone together or independently.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a portion of a removable fastening member <NUM>' comprising an alternative fastener <NUM>' (represents one or both of fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> herein) is illustrated. The total area of the fastener <NUM>' may be the total of the areas of the three rectangle (or other shapes). The maximum dimension of the fastener <NUM>' may be D3 or D4. <FIG> illustrates the discrete landing zone <NUM> for the fastener <NUM>'.

Referring to <FIG>, the portion of the removable fastening member <NUM> with the fastener <NUM> is illustrated, although the fastener <NUM> could also be used. Referring to <FIG>, a discrete landing zone <NUM>' configured to receive the fastener <NUM> (or <NUM>') is illustrated. The total area of the discrete landing zone <NUM>' may be the total of the areas of the three rectangle (or other shapes). The maximum dimension of the discrete landing zone <NUM>' may be D5 or D6.

Owing to the fact that the absorbent articles of the present disclosure are designed for premature and/or NAS babies, these absorbent articles have special requirements for various features to accommodate such small users and their specific needs. These special requirements are more than just making a smaller diaper to fit these wearers. Certain sizes, areas, and ratios of various product features and components, especially the removable fastening members, aid in proper fit, superior performance, and most importantly comfort for the small wearers.

In the below, "length" means a distance measured in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of an absorbent article of the present disclosure. "Width" means a distance that is measured in a direction that is perpendicular to a lateral axis of an absorbent article of the present disclosure. "Area" means normal calculations of area, such as length x width for a rectangle, for example.

The fasteners (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) (e.g., <NUM> area of hooks) may have an area in the range of about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, of about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, or of about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM><NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The ratio of a single removable fastening member length to a total absorbent article length may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The ratio of a single removable fastening member width to a total absorbent article length may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. This ratio enables maximum waist or hip opening circumference with the least amount of force applied to the wearer (e.g., no or limited stretch in the removable fastening members).

The ratio of a single removable fastening member width to a total absorbent article width is in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. This ratio delivers the maximum waist or hip opening circumference adjustability for variously sized wearers.

The ratio of a fastener (e.g., <NUM> area of hooks) length to a total absorbent article length may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. This ratio helps with maximum customization of fit around the legs and waist opening to accommodate special care needs and safely fasten the fastener to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article, or to a garment-facing surface of a removable fastening member, without undue concern that the fastener will contact the skin of the wearer.

The ratio of a fastener (e.g., <NUM> area of hooks) width to a total absorbent article width may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. This ratio aids in the ease of fastener engagement for a caregiver.

The ratio of a fastener (e.g., <NUM> area of hooks) area to an absorbent article area may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified range and all ranges formed therein. This ratio provide for gentle fastening while still ensuring adequate fastener performance.

The ratio of a total fastener (e.g., <NUM> hooks) area to a total absorbent article area may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified range and all ranges formed therein. The total fastener area is the sum of all of the fasteners areas on both of the removable fastening members, so four fasteners total.

The ratio of a single removable fastening member area to a total absorbent article area may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. This ratio provides maximum adjustability at the waist opening circumference.

For all test methods, condition the samples at <NUM> ± <NUM> and <NUM>% ± <NUM>% relative humidity for <NUM> hours prior to testing.

The Folded Crotch Width (W) (see <FIG>) is measured by folding an absorbent article sample so that the front and back waist edges are aligned, and so that corresponding lateral edges are aligned with each other. Using a calibrated ruler certified by NIST, measure and record the lateral width of the outer surface of the sample along the fold to the nearest <NUM>. Repeat this procedure for <NUM> substantially similar absorbent articles samples. Average together the <NUM> individual Folded Crotch Width (W) measurements and report the value nearest <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An absorbent article (<NUM>) comprising:
a central lateral axis (<NUM>);
a central longitudinal axis (<NUM>);
a liquid permeable topsheet (<NUM>);
a liquid impermeable backsheet (<NUM>);
an absorbent core (<NUM>) positioned at least partially intermediate the liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet;
a first waist region (<NUM>) on a first side of the central lateral axis;
a second waist region (<NUM>) on a second side of the central lateral axis;
a crotch region (<NUM>) extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region;
an outer cover material (<NUM>) joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article;
a pair of leg cuffs (<NUM>);
an adjustable waist circumference ;
a first fully removable fastening member (<NUM>) configured to join the first waist region to the second waist region on a first side of the central longitudinal axis, the first fully removable fastening member comprising:
a first surface (<NUM>);
a second surface (<NUM>) opposite to the first surface;
a first end (<NUM>);
a second end (<NUM>) opposite to the first end;
a first fastener (<NUM>) on the first surface and positioned proximate to the first end; and
a second fastener (<NUM>) on the first surface and positioned proximate to the second end; and
a second fully removable fastening member configured to join the first waist region to the second waist region on a second side of the central longitudinal axis, the second fully removable fastening member comprising:
a third surface;
a fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
a third end;
a fourth end opposite to the third end;
a third fastener on the third surface and positioned proximate to the third end; and
a fourth fastener on the third surface and positioned proximate to the fourth end;
wherein the adjustable waist circumference, using at least one of the first and second fully removable fastening members, is configured to fit a wearer waist or hip circumference in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and wherein a ratio of a width of the first fully removable fastening member to a total width of the absorbent article is in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.