Michigan engineer Eric Schuh decided that he had had enough of checking his daughter’s diaper to see if it was wet or soiled. In true engineer fashion, he decided to invent something that would make this task less frustrating. While this is not the first wet diaper detector, it is arguably the best construction so far. Last May, Huggies introduced the TweetPee, which attaches to a baby’s diaper and “tweets” when it detects moisture. This unfavorable construction can get annoying quickly if the situation is not right to change the diaper immediately, and it bears possibility of damage from having to be attached to the diaper at all times.
How the Device Works
Schuh’s device will attach to a keychain, and can simply be held next to the diaper to detect moisture. If moisture is detected, it will simply light up, no sounds necessary. The device will be relatively cost effective, at about $12 each. The device resembles a flash drive, and Schuh says that is because he used parts from a USB to keep costs low during construction. The business endeavor is fully funded, and Schuh’s product is expected to be available for shipping in the next month or so.
Schuh says that he was inspired to create the wet diaper detector by the aggravation that he experienced when unsure of whether his daughter’s diaper was wet while in a store, especially when his daughter was in full snow gear. This is a problem that every parent has more than likely faced at one time or another, as evidenced by the incredible support that the product is receiving. Certain drawbacks, such as the ability to detect wetness on different types of fabric, are expected to have progress by the time the product is available for purchase.