Smart Diapers Market Analysis

Global Smart Diaper Overview

Smart Diaper Market Size was valued at USD 31,168.95 million in 2023. The Global Smart Diaper industry is projected to grow from 2024 to USD 1,16,841.88 million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.82 % during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Smart Diaper Market Trends

The smart diaper market is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and a growing demand for innovative solutions in infant care. These high-tech diapers integrate sensors and connectivity features to monitor various parameters, offering parents real-time information on their baby’s needs. This trend is largely influenced by the increasing focus on health and wellness, as well as the need for enhanced convenience for caregivers. The smart diaper market is the rise in parental awareness regarding hygiene and health monitoring. Parents today are more informed and tech-savvy, seeking products that not only ensure comfort but also provide actionable insights into their child’s well-being. Smart diapers utilize moisture sensors to alert caregivers when a change is needed, thus reducing the risk of diaper rash and ensuring better skin health. This proactive approach aligns with the broader trend of preventive healthcare, making smart diapers an attractive option for modern parents.

Moreover, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology is reshaping the diaper landscape. Many smart diapers connect to mobile applications, enabling parents to track their baby's wetness levels, urinary patterns, and even nutritional intake. This data-driven approach offers a comprehensive understanding of a child's health, allowing for timely interventions and fostering peace of mind for parents. As IoT devices become more commonplace in households, the appeal of smart diapers continues to grow, encouraging manufacturers to innovate and enhance their offerings. Additionally, sustainability is becoming an essential consideration in the smart diaper market. With increasing concerns over environmental impact, brands are beginning to explore eco-friendly materials and practices. Some manufacturers are developing biodegradable smart diapers, which not only incorporate advanced technology but also aim to reduce waste in landfills. This dual focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with the values of environmentally conscious consumers, further driving market growth.

Global Smart Diaper Segment Insights:

Smart Diaper Market Service Insights

The universal care segment accounted for the largest market share of 43.47%, with a market value of USD 11,752.21 thousand in 2022; it is expected to register a CAGR of 15.64%. The clinical care segment was the second-largest market and valued at USD 8,606.59 thousand in 2022; it is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 15.91% during the forecast period.

Community Care involves the deployment of smart diapers in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. In community care settings, smart diapers can be particularly useful for home-based care of infants, elderly, or individuals with special needs. They can help caregivers monitor the health status of the individual and provide timely care, thus enhancing the quality of community care services.

The adoption of smart diapers in community care is on the rise, driven by their ability to facilitate early detection of diverse health issues. Smart diapers come equipped with sensors designed to monitor key health indicators such as body temperature, weight, and urine output of individuals. These sensors actively transmit real-time data to either a mobile application or a central hub, accessible to caretakers. This real-time monitoring enables caretakers to intervene promptly, potentially mitigating health issues and, in turn, minimizing the likelihood of hospitalization.

North America accounted for the largest market share of 58.36%, with a market value of USD 3,894.56 thousand in 2022; the market is expected to register a CAGR of 14.94%. Europe was the second-largest market and valued at USD 1,929.40 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 15.00% during the forecast period.

Universal Care refers to the use of smart diapers in households and everyday care. It aims to provide access to quality health services to all individuals. Smart diapers can play a crucial role in this context by providing affordable and accessible solutions for managing incontinence and infant care. They can help in early detection of potential health issues, thereby promoting preventive care and reducing healthcare costs.

North America accounted for the largest market share of 48.81% in 2022, with a market value of USD 5,736.64 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 16.01% during the forecast period. Europe was the second-largest market and valued at USD 3,471.41 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.71%.

In clinical settings, smart diapers can assist healthcare professionals in monitoring patients’ health and providing timely care. This is driven by hospitals, nursing homes, and specialized care facilities for patients with incontinence or specific health conditions. They can be particularly beneficial in neonatal units and for bedridden patients who are unable to take care of themselves. Moreover, the data collected from smart diapers can be used for clinical assessments and personalized care plans. Tracking vital signs like wetness, temperature, and stool output can be crucial for premature or at-risk babies. Smart diapers can help prevent infections, detect early signs of health complications, and improve overall patient comfort and care.

North America accounted for the largest market share of 58.54% in 2022, with a market value of USD 5,038.34 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 16.15% during the forecast period. Europe was the second-largest market and valued at USD 2,814.59 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.81%.

Figure 1: Global Smart Diaper, by Service, 2023 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Smart Diaper Market End User Insights

The adult segment accounted for a larger market share of 68.85% in 2022, with a market value of USD 18,612.65 thousand; it is expected to register a higher CAGR of 15.61% during the forecast period. The baby segment was valued at USD 8,419.49 thousand in 2022; it is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.35%.

In a significant demographic shift, it is projected that by the year 2030, the global population aged 60 and above will surpass the number of children aged 0-9. This demographic transition marks a historic milestone, reflecting the aging of societies worldwide. A notable consequence of this trend is the growing prevalence of health challenges related to incontinence, impacting the lives of over 150 million individuals aged 60 and above. This shift poses not only physical challenges but also emotional strains, affecting both those experiencing incontinence and the caregivers providing support. The increasing burden of managing incontinence issues in the elderly population underscores the importance of developing effective and compassionate healthcare solutions.

Smart diapers for the adult segment offer new functions over the traditional diapers. Adult smart diapers are mainly used in nursing homes, facilities that care for mentally challenged patients or physically handicapped, and hospitals. The technology is helpful not only for caretakers to offer effective incontinence management but also to improve the quality of life and skin health of patients that use it on a regular basis. For instance, nurses or caretakers can track important data such as time of the incident and the number of minutes that the product exceeded its desirable maximum wetness. Using this data, they can predict if the disposable underwear can hold well until the next visit, or if it needs to be changed.

Companies such as Henkel's innovative work in Smart Adult Care, specifically using smart diapers with sensors and connected devices to improve incontinence management. Companies like Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark have established themselves as market leaders in the adult smart diapers segment, with significant market share and substantial revenue from global sales. Simavita and Ontex are also experiencing growth in the market, focusing on innovative technology and product development. The adult smart diapers market is expected to continue growing, driven by an increase in the aging population and a rising demand for advanced hygiene solutions.

North America accounted for the largest market share of 55.63% in 2022, with a market value of USD 10,354.19 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.84% during the forecast period. Europe was the second-largest market and valued at USD 5,519.18 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.66%.

The users of smart diapers in the baby segment include infant daycare centers, hospitals, and home care. An infant is prone to diaper rash and friction, which is undesirable for their skin. Also, diaper rashes can be associated with the presence of feces. A sensor capable of detecting the presence of feces helps reduce this risk. Moreover, it is important to maintain the wetness and pH level of the baby’s skin. The smart diapers can help avoid exceeding a maximum level of accepted wetness or alkalinity, another cause of skin rash and discomfort. However, the adoption rate for smart diapers in the segment is comparatively low due to the high cost of the product. In 2019, Pampers has announced a new product called Lumi by Pampers, a “connected care system” to monitor baby. The package includes a special “smart” diaper, which tracks your baby’s pee and sleep patterns, a mobile app, and Logitech video monitor. The Pine Smart Diaper is a smart diaper developed by Istanbul University and Arkan Group to detect urinary tract infections (UTIs) in babies. The diaper turns pink five minutes after detecting an infection. According to the manufacturer, the diaper has a clinical success rate of over 95% for detecting UTIs.

North America accounted for the largest market share of 51.25% in 2022, with a market value of USD 4,315.35 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.63% during the forecast period. Europe was the second-largest market and valued at USD 2,696.21 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.41%.

Figure 2: Global Smart Diaper, by End User, 2023 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Smart Diaper Market Distribution Channel Insights

The global smart diapers market has been segmented, by distribution channel, into store-based and non-store-based. The store-based segment accounted for a larger market share of 55.18%, with a market value of USD 14,915.87 thousand in 2022; it is expected to register a CAGR of 15.43%. The non-store-based segment was valued at USD 12,116.27 thousand in 2022; it is projected to exhibit a higher CAGR of 15.66% during the forecast period. Store-based distribution channels include supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, and others. The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment account for the majority of personalized sales of consumer goods products, including smart diapers. Supermarkets/hypermarkets segment includes Walmart Inc., Costco, Asda Stores Limited, Tesco PLC, and others. Specialty stores include drug/medical stores, which contribute significantly to the distribution of smart diapers. The others segment includes convenience stores. Consumers prefer store-based channels as they provide a one-stop shopping experience.

North America accounted for the largest market share of 56.06% in 2022, with a market value of USD 8,361.47 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.62% during the forecast period. Europe was the second-largest market and valued at USD 4,680.26 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.50%.

Non-store-based distribution channels include e-commerce, wherein the manufacturers distribute smart diapers through either online shopping sites such as Amazon and Alibaba, or their own websites, where they are able to showcase a wide range of products. Companies are launching new products with better technology, which cannot always be made available to consumers in different regions. E-commerce channels help expedite this process so that manufacturers can reach a wide consumer base. Furthermore, this mode facilitates in increasing the brand awareness through social media. The rise of numerous start-ups specializing in incontinence solutions is expected to contribute to a notable expansion in the online market share. These innovative ventures bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the realm of incontinence care. Additionally, the online segment's growth can be attributed to various factors, including the availability of special discounts, the convenience of product comparison, efficient delivery services, and the diverse array of baby care products offered. These elements collectively enhance the appeal of online platforms, driving a substantial market share in the forecast period. The e-commerce channel has become a pivotal distribution avenue for baby diaper products, driven by the widespread use of smartphones and increased internet accessibility. The ease and straightforwardness of online shopping have resulted in a growing preference among consumers for purchasing baby diapers through e-commerce platforms.

North America accounted for the largest market share of 52.06% in 2022, with a market value of USD 6,308.07 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.99% during the forecast period. Europe was the second-largest market and valued at USD 3,535.14 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.69%.

Figure 3: Global Smart Diaper, by Distribution Channel 2023 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Smart Diaper Market Region Insights

The report on the Global Smart Diapers Market has been segmented on the basis of region as: North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and rest of the world. North America accounted for the largest market share of 54.27% in 2022, with a market value of USD 14,669.54 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.78% during the forecast period. Europe was the second-largest market and valued at USD 8,215.39 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.58%.

The US accounted for the largest market share of 96.08% in 2022, with a market value of USD 14,094.73 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.83% during the forecast period. Canada was the second-largest market and valued at USD 505.06 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 14.81%. In the United States, the demand for Smart Diapers is experiencing a surge propelled by several factors. Rising health awareness, a decrease in child mortality rates, and the increasing engagement of females in the workforce are notable contributors to this trend. The region's growing acceptance of innovative and connected care products is anticipated to further boost the demand for smart diapers in the United States. This reflects a broader societal shift towards incorporating advanced technologies in childcare solutions. Technological advancements and growing acceptance of the internet of things (IoT) are factors expected to drive the market during the forecast period. Moreover, the presence of major manufacturers such as Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Procter & Gamble Company, and growing adoption of smart diapers in the adult segment are also projected to propel the regional market growth during the foreseeable future. The manufacturers are highly investing in R&D for innovation in the existing products and developing value-added products.

Smart diapers market has attracted so much attention in recent years due to its increasing share in baby care products. The growing population of the infants and toddlers is also one of the major factors responsible for this growth. The increased demand for premium smart diapers across North America region can be attributed to rise in adoption rate of internet-based social media platforms among young parents who are more interested towards eco-friendly and smart lifestyle products for their kids. The US accounted for the largest market share of 96.08% in 2022, with a market value of USD 14,094.73 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.83% during the forecast period. Canada was the second-largest market and valued at USD 505.06 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 14.81%.

Europe has an aging population, with a growing number of people experiencing incontinence. Smart diapers can offer a more dignified and convenient solution for managing this condition. There is a growing emphasis on child health and well-being in Europe. Parents are increasingly interested in using technology to ensure their children's comfort and health, and smart diapers fit into this trend. In 2022, Ontex a Belgium-based international personal hygiene group has developed a smart continence management service to care homes and hospitals in Europe under the brand Orizon. Hospitals and elderly care facilities face tremendous time and budget pressure to take care of residents. Incontinence is one of the most prevalent conditions in age care facilities, and one of the most important components of the cost for caring in institutions. The solution contains printed sensors, transmitters clipped onto diapers, as well as a mobile and web application. This combination accurately determines the saturation level of a diaper and alerts caregivers to when it may be necessary to make a change. In 2019, Pampers announced that it would launch a smart diaper product in the UK in the fall. The diapers are disposable and can track a baby's urine. Germany accounted for the largest market share of 30.58% in 2022, with a market value of USD 2,512.44 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.78% during the forecast period. UK was the second-largest market and valued at USD 1,928.93 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.67%.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to undergo rapid growth during the forecasted period in the market for smart diapers. This growth is attributed to the emergence of numerous startups actively developing new sensor technologies. Key drivers for this market include the region's expanding population and the prevalence of nuclear families. Emerging markets for smart diapers in this region include Taiwan, Korea, and Australia. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing an increasing adoption of advanced care technologies for infants, adults, and the elderly, contributing to significant demand. High acceptance of smart diapers by the population and various initiatives undertaken by the key manufacturers are expected to fuel the product demand. For instance, in May 2019, Huggies launched “Monit x Huggies” in the South Korean market with the help of South Korean tech company Monit. Such initiatives of product launches coupled with the growing geriatric population are expected to drive the regional market growth. Shenda Chuangxin (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd has launched BabyN is a mother and baby health intelligent device, which can monitor the baby's urine and poop in real time, remind the mother to change the diaper in time, and avoid the baby's red butt. In April 2020, Wonderkin Co. launched Wondermom, a smart diaper for babies that has sensors to measure temperature, humidity, and wetness.

Prominent countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan, China, India, and South Korea, have effectively reduced infant mortality rates due to population growth and advancements in healthcare standards. The demographic shift from rural to urban areas has further fueled the demand for intelligent diapers in these countries. Notably, China's infant mortality rate has shown a decline from 5.4 per 1,000 in 2020 to 5 per 1,000 in 2021, as reported by the State Council Commission. This trend is expected to persist in the foreseeable future, reflecting a positive outlook for the smart diaper market in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan accounted for the largest market share of 43.09%, with a market value of USD 1,664.43 thousand in 2022; the market is expected to register a CAGR of 14.45%. Rest of Asia-Pacific was the second-largest market and valued at USD 778.92 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 14.63%. However, the market in India is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.52% during the forecast period.

The rest of the world market includes South America and the Middle East & African countries. The Middle East and South America has high birth rates, which would be a very lucrative opportunity for smart diapering. The increasing hygiene awareness is primarily driving the Middle East and South America diaper market. Entrepreneurs are using innovative technology to develop sensors which are driving the demand in the Middle East. However, the penetration and adoption of smart diapers in Africa are lower than that of developed countries due to inferior economic conditions and technology penetration. Despite these challenges, the smart diaper market in Africa shows promising growth potential South America accounted for the largest market share of 76.24% in 2022, with a market value of USD 217.25 thousand; the market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 10.77% during the forecast period. Middle East was the second-largest market and valued at USD 49.81 thousand in 2022; the market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 10.53%.

Figure 3: Global Smart Diaper, by region, 2023 & 2032 (USD Million)

Global Smart Diaper Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The competitive landscape is an analysis of the degree of competition among the industry players as well as industry growth and the market scenario. The key players operating in the global smart diapers market are Procter & Gamble Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Abena A/S, Ontex Group, Anavah Health, Sinopulsar Technology Inc, Smardii Inc, Opro9 and Monit corp. The smart diaper market is a niche emerging market with a high return investment.

The degree of competition among the key players is moderate to high and is expected to increase on account of technological advancements and increasing investments in the development of new and innovative products. Product development, enhancements, and commercialization, along with agreements, partnerships, and collaborations are some of the key strategies adopted by the market players to gain maximum share of the global smart diapers market. The market participants are investing in developing low-cost, high-tech products such as smart diapers with sensors.

Manufacturers in the hygiene and personal care industry are undergoing a shift in product development, particularly in the realm of absorbent products such as diapers. A notable trend is the development of fluff-less products designed to efficiently absorb excess liquids. This innovation is particularly anticipated to see increased demand, notably in both the child and adult segments throughout the forecast period. One significant advancement in diaper technology is the reduction of fluff pulp in the products. This shift is driven by the aim to create more efficient and streamlined diapers that maintain high absorbency while minimizing the use of traditional materials. The demand for diapers with less fluff pulp is expected to rise, reflecting a preference for products that offer enhanced performance and efficiency.

Another notable technological integration in this market is the incorporation of advanced moisture detection systems. These systems have the capability to sense humidity levels within the diaper and can notify parents or caregivers through smartphones. This real-time notification feature is expected to positively influence market growth during the forecast period, as it enhances convenience and monitoring capabilities for caregivers, especially in the child care segment. Furthermore, the market is experiencing a surge in demand for adult smart diapers equipped with technology that can detect incontinence episodes. This innovation is contributing to the growth of the market on a global scale. The ability of these smart diapers to detect and manage incontinence issues in adults is particularly relevant in countries with a significant population aged 60 years or above. As the global population ages, there is an increasing need for advanced solutions in adult care, and smart diapers with incontinence detection capabilities are well-positioned to meet this demand.

In 2019, The Pine Smart Diaper is a diaper developed by Turkish scientists that can detect urinary tract infections (UTIs). The diaper turns pink five minutes after detecting an infection. According to the manufacturers, the diaper has a success rate of over 95% in detecting UTIs. The diaper contains a strip that changes color if it detects an infection. The diaper is dermatologically and cytotoxically tested and patented. The Pine Smart Diaper is available in Turkey, Germany, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

In 2021, Developed by Smartz AG, Baar/Switzerland, and Henkel Qhesive Solutions, a brand by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Düsseldorf/Germany, Smart Adult Care is a complete turn-key solution that allows manufacturers of mass market hygiene products to adapt traditional product lines rapidly and cost-effectively into smart healthcare solutions – providing additional value to both wearers and caregivers.

In 2022, Henkel has completed a trial in residential care home with results offering a promising outlook for the roll out of the company's smart incontinence management solution. Smart Adult Care – part of Henkel Qhesive Solutions’ offering and developed in cooperation with Smartz AG – transforms conventional diapers into smart, connected medical devices by printing flexible sensors directly onto the back sheet of the incontinence product.

March 2023 - An innovative smart diaper has been created by an international team of scientists, with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Developed at Penn State, this diaper utilizes a basic pencil-on-paper design, incorporating an electrode sensor array treated with a sodium chloride solution. This array can detect dampness caused by urine. The simplicity and affordability of this sensor array could potentially pave the way for wearable, self-powered health monitors. These monitors could be used not only in smart diapers but also to predict serious health issues such as cardiac arrest and pneumonia.

January 2023 - Chillax introduced its latest solutions at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Giraffe AI is an advanced baby monitor that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to send notifications whenever a baby is in danger. A smart AI-powered baby monitor with multispectral imaging, Thermo AI detects a baby's face and sleep posture while detecting body core temperature. The system also delivers notifications when there is a substantial temperature change in the diaper area.

In February 2023, Researchers at Penn State University developed a technologically advanced diaper known as a smart diaper, which incorporates a sensor that sends an alert to a mobile device when it becomes wet. The diaper is constructed from pre-treated paper infused with sodium chloride and features a circuit board outline traced with graphite and a small lithium battery. Upon contact with liquid, the graphite reacts with the sodium chloride, causing electrons to flow and activating the sensor.

Key Companies in the Smart Diaper market include

• The Procter & Gamble Company


• Kimberly-Clark Corporation


• Ontex Group NV


• Anavah Health


• Smardii Inc.


• Abena A/S


• Sinopulsar Technology Inc.


• Wonderkin


• Opro9


• Mont Corp

Smart Diaper Market Segmentation:

• Community Care


• Universal Care


• Clinical Care

• Adult


• Baby

• Store Based


• Non-Store Based