A diaper also called a nappy. It is a highly absorbent garment used by people who lack control over bladder or bowel movements. It is primarily used by infants and small children who are oblivious to the existence of toilets. Occasionally, they are used by adults who are incontinent (that is the involuntary excretion of urine or feces mainly due to medical conditions). Adult diapers are also used by physically and mentally challenged individuals.
Stress is one factor that leads to incontinence and the subsequent use of diapers. Stress activities that increase intra abdominal pressure on the bladder are sneezing, exercising as well as physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and prostatectomy. It may also occur due to damage to the bladder or nerves controlling the bladder leading to involuntary actions of the bladder muscles. Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and injury may lead to loss of nerve control. Adult diapers are also used by individuals who cannot get to the toilet like paralyses or bed ridden patients.
Diapers can be reusable or disposable. The reusable ones are made of many layers of cloth or toweling fabric. Cloth diapers are cheaper, washable and do not pollute the environment but are not convenient. Some of them are equipped with Velcro fittings. Disposable diapers have a super moisture absorbent inner layer with a water proof exterior. The absorbing material is mostly dried hydrogel or sodium polyacrylate. It absorbs 200 to 300 times its weight of water and traps it in a gooey gel. Disposable diapers lead to a lot of landfill problems. Adult diapers are craved for by individuals that have a diaper fetish or suffer from infantilism. | 
