Marion Donovan invented the first disposable diaper in the 1950s. As a mother of two sons, she grew frustrated with cloth diapers which couldn't keep babies dry. She created a waterproof cover from the curtain of a plastic watering can and fitted it with absorbent material. Donovan patented her invention but struggled to find companies interested in manufacturing it. Eventually Procter & Gamble acquired Donovan's design and mass produced it as Pampers, creating the first commercially successful disposable diaper.