Before 1800's
- Women used Milkweed leaf wraps (contains natural latex and good insulation), animal skins and natural resources.
- European mothers wrapped babies in swaddling bands (Strips of linen were wrapped snug and tightly around each limb and then crosswise around body) - kind of like our modern baby-wrap of today.
- Eskimo people placed moss under sealskin.
- Native American and Inca societies placed grass under a diaper cover made out of Rabbit skin.
- In warmer tropical areas babies were mostly naked and mothers tried to anticipate bowel movements. (Today we call this Elimination communication.)
Materials used: Milkweed leaves, rabbit skin, sealskin, swaddling bands or nothing!
Resources:
http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/tag/cloth-diaper-history/
http://www.slate.com/.../how_traditional_cultures_handled...
http://www.zephyrhillblog.com/.../how-grandma-did-diapers/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloth_diaper
https://allaboutclothdiapers.com/the-fascinating-history-of-cloth-to-disposable-diapers/
https://www.lilbabycakes.com/history-of-baby-diapers.html