Pampers introduced the first commercially successful disposable diaper in 1961. The product was developed at Procter & Gamble by chemical engineer Victor Mills, who wanted to create a more convenient diaper for his infant grandson.
Early Pampers were tested in Peoria, Illinois, and later introduced more widely. They were different from modern disposable diapers: the first versions had no elastic gathers, resealable adhesive tabs, or absorbent gel core. Caregivers fastened them with pins, and the diapers were comparatively bulky.
The product initially faced resistance because disposable diapers cost more than washable cloth diapers. Over time, improvements in materials, manufacturing, fit, and distribution made disposables increasingly attractive to families. Pampers helped establish the category and remained one of its leading brands.
Pampers is a brand name, while Procter & Gamble is the company that developed and marketed it. Huggies, introduced later by Kimberly-Clark, became a major competitor rather than the originator of the commercial disposable-diaper market.