Evaporation from reusable cloth diapers exposed to radiant heat

This study determined the rate of evaporation from four sets of diapers: disposable diapers with and without a heat shield, and cloth diapers with and without a heat shield. The evaporation was greatest from the cloth diaper without the heat shield (51% after 1 hour, 81% after 2 hours) and the least from the disposable diaper covered by a heat shield (15% after 1 hour, 30% after 2 hours). We recommend that if cloth diapers are used to monitor urine output from sick neonates that (1) the diaper should be weighed promptly after urination with accurate and precise scales, and (2) a heat shield should cover the diaper.