Wetness indicator explained

A wetness indicator is a common feature in many disposable diapers and toilet training pants. It is a feature that reacts to exposure of liquid as a way to discourage the wearer to urinate in the training pants, or as an indicator to a caregiver that a diaper needs changing.^[1] ^[2]

Types

"Fade when wet" is a feature in most training pants that has small graphics which fade as a reaction to liquid, specifically urine.^[3]

"Feel wet" is a feature used in some training pants that lets the wearer know when they are wet by feeling. Nowadays few training pants use this feature.
"Color Change When Wet" is now the most common version of wetness indicator in baby diapers, consisting of a yellow stripe that goes from the front to the back of the diaper. The stripe turns blue after a minute or two as a reaction to urine. During the transition when the wetness indicator is reacting to the baby's urine; the stripe fades or turns an amber color for a few seconds before turning blue. Over time, the stripe becomes less yellow and more blue as the baby wets the diaper, letting the wearer or the caregiver know that the diaper needs to be changed.

History

In 1978, Kimberly-Clark introduced Kleenex Super Dry diapers with "wetness indicators" in the form of a design that fades and lightens as the inside of the diaper becomes wetter.^[4] ^[5] (The Kleenex Super Dry line was later superseded by Kimberley-Clark's higher-end "Huggies" line.^[6] ^[7])
In 2000, Huggies introduced and started integrating their new "Learning Designs" feature into all Huggies Pull-Ups training pants. These were small designs on the Pull-Up that use a special ink that fades when exposed to wetness, with an intent to let the wearer know when the wearer is wet or dry and as an incentive for urinating in the toilet instead of in the Pull-Up.^[8] But on March 2, 2005, the original Huggies Pull-Ups are now known as Learning Designs. Learning Designs Pull-Ups also have a small star picture on the inside that is digested on, that is also printed on certain ink that evaporates when exposed to feces.^[9]
In 2002, Pampers introduced Easy Ups trainers, which adopted the Learning Designs technique from Huggies Pull-Ups.
In 2004, Pampers introduced Feel 'N Learn trainers, which not only used the Learning Designs, but also added a wetness liner that lets the wearer know when they are wet by feeling.
In 2005, Huggies released Pull-Ups Training Pants with Wetness Liner, similar to Pampers Feel 'N Learn.

Notes and References

Book: The Choice Guide to Baby Product: The Buying Guide for Parents. 978-1459603424. Choice Books. 2012. 55. 2016-10-13. 2017-03-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20170314031930/https://books.google.com/books?id=PQvTfx5Lgo4C&pg=PA55. live.
Web site: What are the components used on a typical disposable diaper. Diaper Industry Source. https://web.archive.org/web/20110723094916/http://www.disposablediaper.net/faq.asp?1. 2011-07-23. 2009-02-14.
Book: The Intrepid Parent's Field Guide to the Baby Kingdom. 978-1440554483. Adams Media Corporation. 2012. 92. 23 December 2012. 14 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170314020036/https://books.google.com/books?id=jrAgW8B_FskC&pg=PA92. live.
Book: Schewe . Charles D. . Smith . Reuben M. . Marketing: concepts and applications . 23 December 2012 . 1980 . . New York . 9780070552722 . 10 . 14 March 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170314031912/https://books.google.com/books?id=SgIpAQAAMAAJ . live .
Incentive Marketing . 157 . 38 . Bill Publications . Incentive Marketing . 23 December 2012 . 1983 . 14 March 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170314031328/https://books.google.com/books?id=nTMcAQAAMAAJ . live .
Book: Spector . Robert . Wicks . William W. . Shared values: a history of Kimberly-Clark . 24 December 2012 . 1997 . Greenwich Publishing Group . Lyme, Connecticut . 9780944641170 . 112 . 29 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231229045337/https://books.google.com/books?id=tzoqo3Nfx9oC&q=%22kleenex+super+dry%22+huggies . live .
Paper Trade Journal . 162 . 29 . Vance Publication . Paper Trade Journal . 0031-1197 . 24 December 2012 . January 1978 . 14 March 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170314030934/https://books.google.com/books?id=40lQAAAAYAAJ&q=%22super+dry%22 . live .
Web site: Huggies Pull-Ups® KIWI . 2000-08-17 . 2016-04-11 . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20000817213238/http://www.pull-ups.com/kiwi/ . August 17, 2000 .
Web site: PULL-UPS® Training Pants presents the Way to Go!™ Potty Training Success Guide - No One Helps Make Potty Training Easier!. 2006-01-11 . 2016-06-20 . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20060111200716/http://www.pull-ups.com/na/products/trainingpants.asp?pg=learning . January 11, 2006 .