First of all, if you are reading this, you have my condolences, because ew.
But don’t feel bad – diaper-eating behavior isn’t all that uncommon among dogs, and it’s probably not any grosser than some of the other things some dogs eat, like tampons.
But unfortunately, diaper-eating isn’t just gross, it can also cause serious – potentially fatal – health problems for dogs. So, go wash off your pup’s face if need be (and your hands), and come back so we can explain what you’ll need to do.
Key Takeaways: My Dog Ate a Diaper! What Do I Do?
- Dogs who eat diapers can suffer from very serious health problems. If you discover that your dog has eaten a diaper, you’ll need to contact your vet immediately.
- Baby diapers aren’t the only types of diapers that can cause problems — any type of diaper can. This not only includes cloth and disposable varieties, but also adult diapers and doggie diapers too.
- Once you’ve addressed the problem and your dog is safe, you’ll want to take steps to prevent it from happening again. This includes doing things like storing unused diapers somewhere your pooch can’t reach, and disposing of used diapers in a locking trashcan.
When Your Dog Eats a Diaper: Take Immediate Action
If you notice or suspect that your dog has eaten a diaper (in whole or in part), you’ll want to call your vet immediately.
Diapers represent a number of potential dangers, and prompt veterinary attention is imperative for giving your dog the best chance at a full recovery.
Your vet may recommend that you encourage your dog to vomit by administering a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. However, vomiting can occasionally make things worse, so don’t force your dog to vomit until you speak with your vet first (this also goes for anytime your dog eats anything dangerous or toxic).
In some cases, your vet may recommend that you bring your dog in for immediate treatment. Your vet may want to make your dog throw up or perform a procedure called a gastric lavage to “wash out” your pet’s stomach.
But it is also possible that your vet will just encourage you to observe your dog and act accordingly.
If you cannot reach your vet for some reason, you can try calling the Pet Poison Helpline instead (fees will apply). Alternatively, you can try using JustAnswer’s Vet Services. This will give you the chance to chat with a staff veterinarian (and share photos or video), who can help you figure out your next steps.
Note that you should just load your dog in the car and drive directly to the closest vet or veterinary hospital if your dog looks like he is having trouble breathing, appears panicked, or loses consciousness.
Why Are Diapers Dangerous for Dogs?
Dogs who eat diapers can suffer from a few different health problems, but the most immediate and serious concern is that the diaper will cause your dog to choke or block his digestive tract.
Different diapers are made in different ways, but most are comprised of three basic layers:
- A thin, waterproof outer layer, designed to prevent leaks
- An absorbent middle layer, designed to collect and contain fluids
- A breathable and permeable inner layer, designed to keep the wearer’s skin dry
Both the outer and inner layer can cause issues (especially for small dogs), but it is the absorbent middle layer that causes the most serious problems.
This middle layer can be made from a variety of different materials, but paper products and superabsorbent polymers are the two most common options manufacturers use.
When your dog eats a diaper, this absorbent layer does exactly what it’s designed to do: It begins wicking moisture from its surroundings.
This means it’ll start absorbing water, stomach acid and any other fluids in the digestive tract. This alone can cause dehydration and intestinal problems, as fluids are necessary to keep the contents of the digestive system moving smoothly.
It can also dehydrate your dog pretty significantly.
But the real problem is that the absorbent material will start to swell – sometimes drastically so – as it absorbs fluid. This may cause it to completely block your dog’s digestive tract, which represents a medical emergency.
Even partial intestinal blockages can prove fatal, and complete blockages are obviously very dangerous.
Do Diapers Represent Any Other Dangers For Dogs?
The absorbent material contained inside diapers represents the most serious health threat to your dog, but there are a few other ways diapers can cause problems too.
For example, the adhesive closures attached to most diapers can also become stuck in your dog’s digestive tract. They could also become stuck to your dog’s fur, although this is usually not a terribly serious problem (a little soap and warm water should help you pull the closure free).
Another potential problem is the poop itself.
Human feces is full of bacteria (it ismore than half bacteria by weight, once you remove the water), and this includes some that may make your dog sick. Adult dogs have pretty robust immune systems, so this isn’t likely to make your dog seriously ill, but it may cause vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms.
However, some dogs may require antibiotics to help clear any bacterial infection they contract from the poop.
Cloth Diapers Are Also Dangerous For Dogs
We’ve primarily been talking about disposable diapers, but reusable diapers are also dangerous for dogs.
Dogs probably don’t eat cloth diapers as often as they do disposable diapers, but it does occasionally happen.
Reusable or cloth diapers may not be made with superabsorbent polymers, but they’re still made of absorbent fabrics.
This means they can absorb fluids from your dog’s digestive tract, swell, and cause obstructions. They may even cause abrasions to your dog’s throat or intestines (not to mention his butt when it’s on its way out).
Additionally, safety pins and other closures used with cloth diapers present an obvious danger to your pet. Hopefully, any safety pins or clips swallowed by your dog will remain closed and simply pass through his digestive tract, but if the safety pins open, they could easily cause serious injuries and complicate the removal or passage of the diaper.
Veterinary Care: What to Expect at the Vet When Your Dog Eats a Diaper
Most vets will probably recommend that you bring your dog in for an examination after eating a diaper.
Your vet will verify that your dog is in stable condition, and then start performing a physical examination, to look for things like signs of pain and abdominal swelling or tenderness. He or she may also begin administering IV fluids to prevent dehydration.
Your vet will also begin taking a history, by asking you questions about your dog’s general health and any symptoms he’s already begun exhibiting. Your vet will also likely inquire about the diaper, including its size and the number of diapers your dog ate.
If possible, bring an unused diaper with you, so your vet can determine what materials it is made of (it’s also a good idea to try to “recreate the scene of the crime” before you head to the vet, so you can determine how much of the diaper your dog consumed).
At this point, your vet will likely want to determine exactly where the diaper is in your dog’s digestive tract. He or she may do so in a number of ways:
- In some cases, the diaper may be stuck just inside your dog’s mouth or throat, so the vet will perform a visual inspection of the oral cavity.
- If the diaper has been in your dog’s digestive tract for some time, it may already be near your dog’s exit. Your vet may be able to verify this by performing a rectal examination.
- Your vet may be able to palpate your dog’s belly and feel portions of the diaper.
- An endoscope – a long, flexible camera – may be inserted into your dog’s mouth or rectum to allow the vet to see the diaper directly.
- Imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or X-rays, may be used to locate the diaper.
Once your vet has a better idea of where the diaper is, he or she can devise a treatment plan.
In some cases, your vet may try to get your dog to vomit the diaper up or prescribe a laxative or enema to help your dog expel the diaper via the other route. Your vet may even believe that the diaper will pass on its own, and simply recommend that you wait for your dog to poop it out.
If none of these options appear like viable strategies, your vet will likely need to remove the diaper manually. In a best-case scenario, this can be accomplished by inserting long, flexible tools into your dog’s mouth or rectum, which will allow your vet to remove the stuck diaper.
However, surgery may be required in some cases.
Why Do Dogs Eat Diapers?
Dogs are famous for eating pretty unappetizing things, including tampons, dead animals, and “treats” harvested from your cat’s litter box. But diapers are perhaps the most revolting items they occasionally consume.
The question is: What on earth makes them want to do so?
As with so many other aspects of dog behavior, no one knows for sure.
On the one hand, dogs are pretty intelligent creatures, who normally act in deliberate, sensible ways. If they have a problem, they’ll take steps to correct it – although the steps they take may seem strange to humans.
For example, if they’re hungry, they may go foraging in the trash can. If they’re thirsty, they may drink from the toilet.
But dogs also do plenty of things that are just bizarre. They roll around on animal carcasses, they chew on toilet paper, and they often take great offense to vacuum cleaners. Other dogs will try to eat just about everything they can get access to! Dogs surely have their reasons for doing these things, but the logic is typically lost on their humans.
Diaper-eating behavior largely falls into the latter category, but there are also some pretty logical reasons why they occasionally seem to find diapers irresistible.
For starters, as gross as it sounds, dogs do occasionally eat poop. This is likely an evolutionary holdover from the days when they (and their wolf ancestors) had to scavenge food from everywhere possible.
Poop usually contains some undigested material, meaning that it actually represents a source of calories (I’m gonna go barf now, feel free to do the same).
Additionally, dogs often like to chew on things with interesting textures – especially if they’re bored, frustrated or teething. They usually pick things like shoes, TV remotes, and couch cushions, put just about anything they can reach is fair game, including diapers.
It is also possible that diaper-eating can be triggered by feelings of jealousy or anxiety related to the arrival of a new baby.
Dogs sometimes chew on things that they associate with a source of anxiety or frustration, and it’s possible that your pup may find that chewing on your baby’s diapers helps soothe some of these feelings.
Baby Diapers Aren’t the Only Issue: All Diapers Can Cause Problems
We’ve primarily focused on dogs who eat baby diapers, but it is important to realize that any kind of diaper can endanger your pet. This not only includes adult (human) diapers and undergarments but dog diapers too.
In fact, dogs who don’t like wearing diapers may be at particular risk, as they may chew or gnaw on the diaper in an effort to remove it.
This can cause them to inadvertently ingest pieces of it, which can lead to problems.
What Can You Do to Avoid Future Diaper-Eating Incidents?
Given the danger diapers represent to dogs who eat them, you should do everything you can to keep them out of your dog’s reach. Just try to implement the tips and strategies listed below to help keep your pup safe.
- Use a locking or pet-proof trashcan for your child’s dirty diapers. Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the best pet-proof trashcans to see what options are available to you.
- Keep unused diapers out of your dog’s reach. Most of the time, you should be able to do so by simply storing them somewhere high above the ground, such as a table or shelf in your child’s room.
- Dispose of adult diapers or used doggie diapers in a safe manner. Don’t just throw them in the bathroom trash can – put them in a pet-proof receptacle, like those discussed in the link above.
- Bag used diapers individually before throwing them away. By sealing them in a plastic bag, you’ll help make the odorless detectable to your dog, which will probably reduce his interest level in them.
- Observe your dog carefully if you need to make him wear diapers. Be sure that he doesn’t try to chew on the diaper and that it fits snuggly – you don’t want him to wiggle free and then have the opportunity to eat it.
- Consider spraying used diapers (or the entire trashcan) with a dog-deterring spray, such as Grannick’s Bitter Apple. This should help discourage your dog from chewing on diapers and investigating the trashcan in general.
***
Dogs can certainly put themselves in grave danger by eating diapers, so be sure to implement the above tips to help keep your pupper safe.
If you ever find that your dog has eaten a diaper, contact your vet at once and be ready to act quickly to give your dog the best chance at a full recovery.
Has your dog ever helped himself to a diaper from the trashcan? Or perhaps he ate a portion of his own diaper?
We’d love to hear about your experiences. Let us know what happened and how your vet treated the situation in the comments below!
FAQs
Help - My Dog Ate a Diaper! What Shold I Do? ›
If you notice or suspect that your dog has eaten a diaper (in whole or in part), you'll want to call your vet immediately. Diapers represent a number of potential dangers, and prompt veterinary attention is imperative for giving your dog the best chance at a full recovery.
What if my dog ate some of a diaper? ›Diaper ingestion can lead to serious health issues for your four-legged family member, so it's best to take them to the vet immediately, even if they appear to be fine. Both disposable and cloth diapers can block your dog's digestive tract.
Is the gel in diapers toxic if eaten? ›In general, diapers are considered nontoxic when a child swallows a small amount of the gel-like beads inside. If you notice that your child has ingested parts of a disposable diaper, it is important not to panic. Take the product away from the child and wipe their mouth out with a soft wet cloth.
Will dog chew off diaper? ›Dogs aren't naturally comfortable wearing diapers, so they will often pull or scratch them off. However, there are many options available to help owners keep diapers on their dogs for more than a few minutes. A belly band is a creative solution that secures a diaper or pad against a dog's body.
Can dogs still poop with a dog diaper? ›Though most healthy dogs find it awkward to pass stools while wearing diapers, diapers are still able to contain poop if your dog does indeed poop. Dog diapers, like Pet Parents® Washable Dog Diapers, have sewn-in pads that can keep in both fecal and urinary diaper messes.
Is there anything toxic in diapers? ›Commonly, diapers may contain different pollutants including polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), organically active compounds of ethylene benzene, xylene and toluene, polyacrylates or phthalates. Some of them may be risky for children's health.
Can diapers cause dogs infections? ›Similar to human children, dogs can develop diaper rash if their fur and skin are exposed to urine for long periods. Leaving a diaper on too long may also lead to urinary tract infections. You can reduce your dog's chances of developing these issues by keeping your furry friend clean.
Are dirty diapers toxic? ›Salmonella, listeria, norovirus, and listeria – these are some of the germs found in dirty diapers that can cause illness, even when the child is healthy. Contaminated hands spread many germs that cause people to get sick through foodborne illness.
Are disposable diapers toxic? ›Many components used in the manufacturing of disposable diapers, including plastics and adhesives, can emit VOCs, posing a risk for inhalation and absorption through the skin. A study in the journal Reproductive Toxicology tested four different brands of diapers and detected the VOCs toluene and xylene in all of them.
Are Huggies diapers toxic? ›In Huggies® diapers, super-absorbent material is mixed with the diaper padding, turning liquid into a gel to help prevent leakage. You may occasionally see small beads of gel on the diaper or on your baby, but the gel is nontoxic and not harmful.
Why do dogs shred diapers? ›
“ It's not just the texture of the paper that taps into a dog's instincts. The very act of holding down a tissue box or toilet roll—and shredding it to mulch—echoes the behavior of a dog in the wild as it picks apart its meal.
Why do dogs love diapers? ›As disgusting as it may seem, dogs just love the smell and taste of human poo, just like they love cat poo and horse poo. It could be for the left over nutrients in the poo, the actual taste of the poo, who really knows. So poopy diapers are a tasty treat, nasty to us but tasty to them.
What is the inside of a diaper made of? ›First we googled what is inside disposable diapers. We found that there are two things inside the diapers – paper fluff, and an absorbing crystal substance called “sodium polyacrylate.” Sodium polyacrylate is a polymer. A polymer is a substance where small molecules join together to form long chains.
How long can a dog be in a dirty diaper? ›As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to change a dog's diaper every 2-4 hours to prevent discomfort, skin irritation, and the risk of infection. However, you should monitor your dog's diaper frequently and change it as soon as it becomes soiled or wet.
Why is my dog peeing in her diaper? ›Some common medical conditions that cause incontinence include hormonal imbalance, urinary tract infections (UTI), weak bladder sphincter tone, age-related senility, and spine-related injuries or degeneration. If your dog shows signs of incontinence, consult a veterinarian so your dog can get diagnosed and treated.
Do you need to wipe dog after pooping? ›Although your dog normally does not have to wipe, sometimes you may have to wipe for him. Fecal matter may get stuck to a dog's fur and can cause irritation and poor hygiene. There are several companies that sell dog wipes such as Tushee Wipes that can help remedy this.
Is diaper gel toxic to dogs? ›Many diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide, others contains vitamins. Typically the big concern with these creams is that can be very irritating to the GI tract. The creams can be aspirated (get in the lungs) if dogs vomit them up, leading to serious or even life-threatening aspiration pneumonia.
Is a diaper biohazard? ›Disposable diapers have the potential to be a public health hazard if not disposed of properly. Fecal matter should be dumped into the toilet before disposing of the diaper.
What makes a diaper non-toxic? ›To be extra safe, search for non-toxic, eco-friendly brands whose diapers are made with totally-chlorine free pulp (TCF) to ensure the diapers have no bleach treatment byproducts like dioxins.
Can diapers cause bacterial infections? ›Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders in infants. The most common cause is irritant contact dermatitis due to occlusive diapers and prolonged exposure to urine and feces. Candida infection is the second most common cause, but superimposed infection by bacterial microorganisms can also develop.
Is sodium polyacrylate toxic to dogs? ›
These polymers are generally considered “nontoxic” with acute oral median lethal doses (LD50) >5 g/kg. Despite this favorable toxicity profile, we identified a novel toxic syndrome in dogs and rats following the ingestion of a commercial dog pad composed primarily of a polyacrylic acid hydrogel.
Can you get a bacterial infection from dog poop? ›Poop from pets, like dogs and cats, can carry germs like bacteria and parasites that can make people sick. Poop from pets can also contaminate waterways and harm the environment. Practice responsible pet poop habits to keep yourself, your family, and the environment healthy.
What bacteria can you get from dirty diapers? ›Some of the germs that can cause illness – like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli and noroviruses – can be found in a dirty diaper even when the child is healthy. It's important to follow key safety steps during diaper-changing, particularly if you will be preparing food afterwards.
What is in a dirty diaper? ›Vodka, Amaretto, Southern Comfort, Midori Melon Liqueur, Chambord Raspberry Liqueur, Orange Juice.
What chemical is used in diapers? ›The sodium polyacrylate will change into a gel as it absorbs the water. The gel will slowly rise in the cup. That's what happened in the diaper to make all that gel! Sodium polyacrylate can absorb a huge amount of water compared to most other materials.
How long does it take for a disposable diaper to decompose? ›Ironically it can take up to 500 years for a “disposable” nappy to completely decompose during which time it can produce the greenhouse gas methane and the toxic liquid leachate that can pollute the soil and local water supplies.
Is polypropylene in diapers toxic? ›Most of the disposable diapers use polypropylene as an inner lining material. Polypropylene is a petroleum-based plastic and it is not biodegradable. However, compared to other types of plastics, it is a low toxin plastic.
How much plastic is in diapers? ›There are some 90,000 tons of polypropylene plastic made from petroleum, a non- renewable resource, in those diapers. Polypropylene will not biodegrade under landfill conditions.
What are the jelly like crystals in diapers? ›Those tiny crystals actually come from the lining of the diaper and are made out of a safe, nontoxic polymer that absorbs moisture away from the baby's skin. This amazing polymer changed the way parents care for their babies, and scientists continue to find new uses for these superabsorbent polymers.
What are Pampers diapers made of? ›Polypropylene is a durable, high performance fiber, used in virtually all disposable diapers as well as in many medical devices.
What are the crystals in Pampers diapers? ›
Disposable diapers can contain absorbent chemicals. The crystals are probably coming from the "super absorbent layer" found in most disposable diapers. This layer consists of paper fluff and a chemical absorbent called sodium polyacrylate.
How do I clean my dog's mouth after eating poop? ›You can first clean your dog's mouth and help eliminate bad breath by brushing his teeth with dog toothpaste or coconut oil. Never use human toothpaste on your pup, because it may be toxic to him. You can use a regular, curved dog toothbrush or a finger brush on your dog's teeth.
Why is my dog suddenly eating fabric? ›Pica is a condition that may lead your dog to eat non-food items, such as rocks or cloth. The condition can be caused by a medical issue, like not getting enough nutrients. Pica can also be caused by a behavioral issue, such as anxiety or boredom.
Why do dogs like to smell diapers? ›"Dogs sniff babies because they cast off a variety of smells that can attract dogs, from the scent of the baby itself to the scent of what's in the babies' diapers or even the scent of spit-up. Things that we normally find disgusting are very alluring to dogs," Basset says.
Can dog diapers hold pee? ›These washable dog diapers for incontinence are also capable of locking in both pee and poop messes for male and female dogs. Additionally, these are made to be leak-proof, water-proof so messes are sure to stay inside the diaper.
Are dog diapers for pee only? ›They are able to keep both pee and poop inside effectively and secure around the dog's waist. The main difference from human diapers is that there is a hole to accommodate your furbaby's tail. There are many reasons your dog might need a dog diaper.
Do female dogs need diapers? ›Dog diapers for females in heat. Female dogs in heat may leave stains around the house. Dog diapers can keep your house cleaner and also prevent the near constant licking that often occurs with a female dog in heat. House training. Accidents in the house are par for the course in house training.
What did they use before diapers? ›For much of history, infant sanitary needs were handled by putting absorbent material (moss, rags) into a sort of sling under the baby; the absorbent material was periodically replaced.
Is the inside of a diaper biodegradable? ›Most Diapers Are Not Biodegradable
And by using cloth diapers, these families also have a positive impact on the number of disposable diapers that are headed to the landfill.
While your laundry is drying, wipe as much of the diaper gel out of the washing machine as possible with a damp paper towel. Don't worry about getting everything. Add a half cup of laundry detergent and 1/4 cup of salt to the machine. Run an empty wash or cleaning cycle using as much water as possible.
What happens when you don t clean up dog poop in the house for weeks? ›
Pet waste can carry harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses. It can make people, especially children, very sick. It can also be dangerous to wildlife and other dogs. Rodents are very attracted to pet waste left in your yard.
How long does dog poop bacteria live? ›Given the right conditions, such as heat, microbes, moisture, and oxygen, dog poop will decompose within two months and a week. Bacteria and other microorganisms that will break down the dog poop in your yard will get to work within the first week.
How often should a dog diaper be changed? ›If you have a male dog who wears a doggie diaper or diaper wrap for protection, you likely will only need to change it a couple of times a day. Be sure to monitor him and be aware of any extra moisture in the diaper, and if it has become soiled, you should change it immediately.
Why did my dog pee on me? ›It's an instinctual, physical response called submissive urination, and it's normal in young dogs. Submissive urination typically happens whenever a dog feels excited, shy, anxious, or scared. It also happens when a dog wants to acknowledge another's dominance — like recognizing you as their owner.
Do dogs hate dog diapers? ›Dogs aren't naturally comfortable wearing diapers, so they will often pull or scratch them off.
Why is my dog peeing on my bed? ›Sometimes dogs use urine to mark objects, including your bed. Studies have shown dogs don't mark to claim territory, it's more like graffiti that says, “I was here.” So, they aren't telling you the bed belongs to them but are more likely adding their scent to a communal space.
Is it OK to flush dog poop down the toilet? ›The Environmental Protection Agency endorses flushing as a safe way to dispose of dog feces.
How often should you bathe your dog? ›Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.
Why is my dog so clingy? ›Dogs who have anxiety issues often develop clingy dog behaviors. Interestingly, dogs can also become clingy if they sense our stress or anxiety. Dogs can also become clingy if you change their daily routine or make changes in the home or household that cause them stress.
Is diaper rash poisonous to dogs? ›Diaper rash creams can also cause harm to our furry friends when ingested. Many of these products contain zinc oxide as an ingredient to soothe and dry the skin of babies, but if a pet were to ingest creams that contain this ingredient, it could cause illness.
What is inside Huggies diapers? ›
What materials are used to make Huggies® diapers? The inside absorbent padding on Huggies® diapers is made of a fluffy, paperlike material called wood cellulose fiber and a super-absorbent material called polyacrylate.
What is the powder inside diapers? ›Whether it is made for a baby or an astronaut, the major disposable diaper brands all contain a powdery chemical absorbent called sodium polyacrylate, which can absorb over 300 times its weight in water!
How toxic is Desitin to dogs? ›Desitin contains a high concentration of Zinc Oxide which is safe for use in humans but too high for use in dogs. High amounts of Zinc Oxide can lead to zinc toxicity in dogs. Other ingredients in Desitin include petroleum jelly and lanolin, which are common irritants in allergy prone pups such as Bulldogs.
What should I do if my dog ate diaper rash cream? ›If your dog ingests diaper rash ointment, you should contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline immediately, as the symptoms can progress to more serious health issues. Prevention is always the best course of action when keeping your dog safe from poisoning.
Is desitin harmful if ingested? ›Desitin is usually nontoxic. It contains zinc oxide and is used to treat diaper rash and other skin irritations. Eating a mouthful or less is expected to cause a mild laxative effect at worst. However, talcum powder can be fatal if inhaled or ingested.
Is sodium polyacrylate toxic if swallowed? ›Vernagel (sodium polyacrylate) is a powder commonly used in hospitals worldwide for the management and disposal of body fluids. It reacts with fluids to form a semisolid gel. Its main use is to reduce spillages. If ingested, this substance presents significant risk of asphyxiation.
How much sodium polyacrylate is in a diaper? ›The Pampers diaper is composed of an average of 3.97 g of sodium polyacrylate, linked on a thin thread, and an average of 0.71 g of cotton. Huggies has an average of 1.88 g of fine powdery sodium polyacrylate and an average of 6.97 g of cotton.
What can dissolve sodium polyacrylate? ›Sodium polyacrylate is soluble in water. Crosslinked sodium polyacrylate, such as found in diapers will swell in water. This is driven by the dissociation of the sodium carboxylate salt in the water and the hydrogen bonding interactions between the water and the polymer.