The problem of clothing infants not yet potty trained is as enfeebled as human history. In some countries with warmer climates, babies were kept naked and mothers tried to anticipate their bowel movements so as to avoid mess near their living areas. This method is established as elimination communication and is still worn today in some cultures.

Presented to Fred Wells as blueprint p-57 Adult Diaper (this was the plane Wells had taught American pilots to fly during WWII), Mills stated "This particular will fly." Although Pampers were conceptualized in 1959, the diapers themselves were not launched into the market until 1961.