<P> Here is an extract from' The Modern Home Doctor' written by physicians in the UK in 1935 . </P> <P> Nice old, soft bits of good Turkish towelling, properly washed, will make the softest of diaper coverings, inside which specially absorbent napkins (diapers), see below at 1A, soft, light, and easily washed, are contained . These should rarely be soiled once regular habits have been inculcated, especially during the night period in which it is most important to prevent habit formation 1A - (squares of butter muslin or Harrington's packed rolls of "mutton cloth" in packets, sold for polishing motor - cars, would do equally well and are very cheap and soft) </P> <P> Wool pants, or, once available, rubber pants, were sometimes used over the cloth diaper to prevent leakage . Doctors believed that rubber pants were harmful because they thought the rubber acted as a poultice and damaged the skin of infants . The constant problem to be overcome was diaper rash, and the infection thereof . The concern was that lack of air circulation would worsen this condition . While lack of air circulation is a factor, it was later found that poor hygiene involving inefficiently washed diapers and infrequent changes of diapers, along with allowing the baby to lie for prolonged periods of time with fecal matter in contact with the skin, were the two main causes of these problems . </P> <P> In the 20th century, the disposable diaper was conceived . In the 1930s, Robinsons of Chesterfield had what were labeled "Destroyable Babies Napkins" listed in their catalogue for the wholesale market . In 1944, Hugo Drangel of the Swedish paper company Pauliström suggested a conceptual design which would entail the placing of sheets of paper tissue (cellulose wadding) inside the cloth diaper and rubber pants . However, cellulose wadding was rough against the skin and crumbled into balls when exposed to moisture . </P>

When did the first disposable diaper come out