The problem of clothing infants not yet potty trained is as old as human history. In some countries with warmer climates, babies were kept naked and mothers tried to anticipate their bowel movements so as to avoid mess near their living areas. This method is established as elimination communication and is still used today in some cultures.

In the 19th century, the new-fashioned diaper began to take Adult Diaper shape and children in Europe and North America were being diapered using cotton material, held in place with a lap belt pin. Cloth diapers were first mass produced in 1887 by Maria Allen in the United States.