Introducing Bidet-per: A Self-Flushing Diaper (Prototype:)

I’ve always known diapers were a huge source of waste. According to the EPA, 4.1 million tons of disposable diapers ended up in U.S. landfills during 2018 alone. As new parents, my wife and I are living the reality of 8–12 diaper changes a day, each time working around a squirmy baby and multiple outfit layers. The time (and lost sleep) really adds up!

That’s why I’m experimenting with Bidet-per, a concept that aims to simplify diapering while reducing waste. Think of it as a diaper that makes cleaning easier, “bidet” meets “diaper.” Here’s the plan:

Phase 1: A washable diaper paired with a standalone appliance that rinses, sanitizes, and dries. Although not yet pictured, this design will include a quick-swap, wicking absorbent pad (since silicone alone can’t handle it all). You’ll be able to easily pour away the wastewater from the appliance or connect it to a drain for quick disposal.

Phase 2: An integrated irrigator and ventilation system. We’ll keep the absorbent layer for maximum dryness and health, preventing fungal or bacterial infections. But in phase 2, instead of removing baby’s clothes and diaper each time, you’d connect input and output hoses when swapping the absorbent layer, for a warm water rinse and quick dry. Again, any wastewater can be swiftly emptied into a drain or toilet without heavy lifting.

While this won’t entirely replace the need for manual cleaning, I hope it can reduce the number of diaper changes & wipes each day, and give parents back a few precious minutes while helping reduce environmental impact.

My first 3D-printed prototype took about 4 hours to design, 8 hours to print, and 15 hours for the silicone to cure. It’s still a work in progress, and who knows if it will be a viable product, but it’s a fun thought experiment and learning experience!

If you’d like to learn more or collaborate on this idea, let me know! I’d love to connect.

Special thanks to:

• My wife Linna for allowing me the time to tinker
• Aadil Diwan from OtoSet® by SafKan Health for the inspiration
• My brother Dylan for helping refine the concept
• My brother Ray for coining the perfect name, “Bidet-per”
• Washington State's Employment Security Department & Paid Family Medical Leave for helping parents take the time they need to care for their babies without sacrificing financial stability

To (hopefully) innovating to a greener, more hygienic future, one (self-flushing) diaper at a time!