Testing baby diapers could be a fascinating science fair project with various hypotheses to explore, such as which diaper performs best, the materials that contribute to its absorbency and retention, and which diaper offers the most cost-effectiveness.

To start, familiarize yourself with the product’s evolution by consulting the “History of the Diaper” link. A well-documented history can impress both teachers and fair attendees, demonstrating your thorough research skills. Involving your parents can also be beneficial, especially if they embrace the KISS principle (keep it simple and safe). Communicate with them that simplicity is key, a reminder most parents, including myself, often need. Above all, enjoy this project together!

For tips on testing diaper performance, refer to the FAQ section following this one. A small contribution from each team member should suffice for acquiring the necessary materials, provided you have access to some free diapers. If not, purchasing a few from a local store will do—opt for medium-sized diapers to ensure representativeness. While I offer valuable advice here, I recommend reaching out to brands like Pampers(*) or Huggies for sample requests.

(*) A P&G employee once mentioned at a trade show that they might provide samples for student projects, though this may no longer be the case.

If you’re curious about the components that allow a diaper to absorb and retain liquids, consider dissecting diapers to isolate materials like tissue, pulp, superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and film. You’ll likely need several diapers to gather enough of each component for analysis and to perform absorbency and retention tests on them individually. Demonstrating how SAP works—an experiment where a teaspoon of this powder solidifies a glass of water—can be particularly impressive, albeit more costly due to the need for multiple components from numerous diapers.

Should you not achieve an A+ or feel dissatisfied with your grade, I welcome your feedback to enhance this section, learning from your experience to aid future students. So far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: 25 A+’s, 6 A’s, and no grade below 95—an exceptional track record, wouldn’t you agree? For a document on measuring diaper performance more professionally, including a copyright protection statement, click here: Diaper Performance. Continue to the next answer for a version simplified for science fair enthusiasts.