Ancient history

What did they use for baby diapers in the 1700s?

Sheets and Swaddling Bands

In the 1700s, there was no such thing as disposable diapers. Most parents would simply use old sheets or rags as diapers, and then wash them and reuse them. Often there would be a layer of cloth or folded fabric diapers that would be placed between the baby and the outer diaper to absorb any "mess". The idea was to keep the outer layer clean and dry while the soiled inner layer could be removed and washed. Swaddling bands were wrapped tightly around the baby to help keep the diaper in place.