The Diaper Study - Test Protocol

Brought to you by the MitMit household with two children in diapers and an author with underutilized engineering skills, we present the Diaper Study.

Introduction
This test protocol has been created based on concerns raised over pampers "dry max" diapers and diaper rash. The following details the comparative (attribute) analysis to be performed on three diaper types:
1. Pampers Swadlers Dry Max
2. Pampers Swadlers Sensitive
3. Huggies Little Snugglers
Author's disclaimer: this testing is not sponsored, affiliated, or authorized by any company (diaper manufacturer or other). Nor does the author assert that these results will conclusively prove or disprove the concerns raised over diaper rash. Realize that this is just an engineer keeping herself entertained...so enjoy this journey into geekdom.

Test Samples

• This study will use a single diaper user, Charlotte (age on 5/12/10 is 4 weeks, 1 day) currently weighing approximately 8.5 lb.
• In this study diapers from a minimum of 1 lot (each) of the 3 diaper types will be used.
• Study will use size 1 diapers only.
• Sample selection: Test samples will be randomly selected from within package and serialized for traceability. At time of protocol, lot numbers are TBD. Lot numbers will be recorded in the report.

Test Sample Preparation and Conditions

• When switching between diaper types, diaper user will use "new" type for 24 hours prior to starting the test sample diapers to minimize residual effects (if any) from previous diaper type.
• Test sample diapers will be changed every 2 hours, at a minimum, or when suspected to be dirty.
• Test sample diapers and analysis will only be performed during daytime hours (6am - 11pm), to minimize errors attributable to night time change snafus.
• Sensitive diaper wipes will be used with each diaper change (Brand = Kirkland Unscented Ultra Soft Cloth Baby Wipes.)
• Diaper cream (Brand = Desitin original) will be applied with each diaper change.

Sample Size
A sample size of 45 diapers from each type will be used in this attribute study. For individual diaper type analysis, this represents an an attribute sampling plan of n=45, a=0 intended to demonstrate with 90% confidence that the results are greater than 95% reliable.


Validation Tests
For this testing, the test sample diapers are to be subjected to standard use conditions as worn by the diaper user (i.e. Charlotte will the test sample diapers just like normal diapers.) During the removal of the soiled test sample diapers (i.e. diaper change) the test samples will be analyzed for the following two tests reflective of diaper performance during "use":

1. Leakage
This test for leakage is an attribute result to answer the question: did the diaper leak, yes or no? Analysis will be performed by individual removing soiled diaper by inspection on diaper user's attire for signs of pee or poop. (Pee and poop are scientific terms, right?)

2. Rash
This is an qualitative test for rash which will inspect the skin in the diaper area of the diaper user during removal of the soiled diaper. Rating for rash will be recorded based on observation of individual removing soiled diaper based on the following scale:
1 = no rash
2 = Minor localized rash
3 = Significant localized rash
4 = Significant wide spread rash
5 = Severe rash (red bumps against red background, broken skin, etc.)

Instructions for data recording
With each test sample diaper record the time installed, the time removed, the condition of diaper upon removal (W = pee, BM = poop, W + BM = pee & poop), leakage observation (Y/N), and rash rating (1 - 5).

Method for Data Analysis
Since I'm a little tired, I'm going to leave the analysis details somewhat unbound at this point (rather than limit my options based on what I can think of now). Intention is to compare attribute performance of each diaper type discretely. Intent to also compare results across the different diaper types to determine if there is a significant difference.

Report to follow...stay tuned as the MitMit household conducts this testing.

Toddler Lessons: in less than a minute

Here in another edition of "Toddler Lessons" we present evidence supporting why the acceptable amount of time toddlers can be left alone is ZERO seconds. Why zero, you ask? Because those little buggers are fast. Much faster and smarter than our adult brains are able to comprehend. Leave the toddler alone in the living room while you go to the bathroom? Sure - what could she even get into? Answer: A LOT. Here are some recent accomplishments of our toddler, all performed while left unattended for less than a minute:

1. Find a pen and apply to face as "make-up"

2. Take apart decorative dried flower arrangement and break apart into little twigs. (Okay, in fairness this wasn't unattended...it was actually right in front of three adults who were too distracted to notice.)

3. Find a pink highlighter and add artistic flourish to coffee table

4. Toss about room multiple baskets of clothes mom just finished folding

Hard to tell

Charlotte lost her cord this morning, which raises a puzzling question: Does she have an innie or an outie? Take a look below...hard to tell which one it is.

Front view of belly button w/ legs extended

Front view of belly button w/ legs pulled in

Side view of belly button

Cousins

They're cute now, but watch-out! These alpha-females are poised to take over the world. Right after naptime...


Nicole (3 mo), Addison (28 mo) , and Charlotte (2 wks)

Pretty Princess

Forenote: since I'm officially home on maternity leave (wohoo!), the blog needs a disclaimer regarding mistakes, typos, and the author's general inability to articulate coherent thoughts stemming from sleep deprivation. Let's face it, lack of sleep makes me less witty, prone to disastrous spelling and grammar mistakes, and in general a little stupid. So bear with me, as blog will improve over time (with more sleep). In interim, plan for more photos as these seem harder to hose-up.

First off, Addie would like to send out a big THANK YOU to grandma Janet for the fun princess crown making kit. Always regal and the model of proper behavior, here are some pictures of our pretty princess:

Trying on her crown in the bathroom

Yep, pretty much what it looks like.

And as a new featured section in our blog, we present "Toddler Lessons":

This week's lesson features the important reminder of 'watch where you sleep when toddler is at play', else you may find yourself the "victim" of toddler entertainment. See unfortunate pictures of grandpa below, who awoke to find himself bejeweled much like the princess crown.