Have you ever thought about how to make fake snow with diapers? Sounds pretty unusual, right? I have to admit, I never would’ve guessed it was possible, but it turns out it works! It’s a little unexpected, but the science behind it is pretty cool.

If you are on the lookout for some unique weather experiments for kids, then you’ve come to the right place. This one right here is perfect for you. If you are intrigued by the idea, then keep reading to find out how!

When I first heard about this experiment, I thought it was completely impossible. But after trying it out myself, I was amazed – and you might be, too! This incredibly unique activity is perfect for curious kids eager to explore how things work.

But before we get started, let’s take a quick look at the science behind this experiment. The secret is in the superabsorbent polymer called sodium polyacrylate. These tiny crystals can soak up to 300 times their weight in water – pretty awesome, right?

When the crystals absorb liquids, they expand and turn into a light, fluffy substance, just like the real thing. And that’s exactly what we’ll be making today! Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s jump right in.

Table of Contents

Supplies Used To Make Fake Snow With Diapers

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Cut The Diapers

Get a bowl or a large baking sheet ready to catch the polymer. For bigger batches, a large baking sheet with high sides will help contain everything and make cleanup easier. Otherwise, a regular bowl will work just fine.

If you’re doing this with kids, it’s best to handle this step yourself since it can get messy fast. Keep the scissors out of reach of kids and do all the cutting, especially with younger children. Safety first!

Once you’re ready, cut along the bottom seam of a clean diaper. Don’t worry about ruining it – you won’t need it again. Just be careful not to let the insides spill.

Gather Polymer Beads From Diaper

Once you have cut it open, go ahead and remove the cotton padding. Try to avoid tearing it up, as any loose fibers could mix with your polymer. However, don’t stress if you accidentally drop some, as you can easily pick them out.

After you’ve done this, you should be able to see a bunch of tiny beads inside. These are the key ingredients for this experiment. Carefully shake them out onto your baking sheet or into a bowl.

shaking tiny beads from diaper onto baking sheet

Now, keep in mind that these will swell up when they come into contact with liquids. One diaper should have enough to fill up a small bowl. Repeat this step until you’re satisfied with the amount that you have.

Pour Cold Water Over Polymer Beads

Now comes the best part! Slowly pour cold water over the beads in a circular motion to get a nice, even coverage. Notice how they start to rise and turn fluffy. It’s like watching magic happen right before your eyes!

If you want to speed up the process, you can also stir the mixture using a fork. This helps spread the water around and allows for faster absorption. Continue adding until all the polymers have expanded. Now, your final product is complete! Go ahead and have some fun with it!

Drying Fake Snow for Future Use

If you’re done playing, don’t throw them out just yet! The fun doesn’t have to end because you can reuse it over and over again. Just spread it out in a thin layer and let it dry completely. Then, you can store it in a container so it’s ready for next time.

Whenever you want to use it again, just add water, and it will magically turn back to being fluffy and nice. It’s like having an endless winter at your fingertips! So cool and super convenient!

Now, you’ll always have a quick and easy activity to enjoy with your kids. And the best part? It only takes a few minutes to set up! For more activities with your kids, here’s how to make instant snow at home.

Dispose of Polymer Snow Properly

If you no longer want to keep it around, however, you have to make sure you throw it away properly. Do not, under any circumstances, dump it down your sink! The polymer beads can cause a major clog in your drain, and that’s just not worth the hassle.

Instead, what you can do is wrap it up and throw it in the trash. If you’re worried about the environmental impact, look for other ways to dispose of it responsibly. For example, you can check if your local recycling facility accepts this type of material.

And there you have it: how to make fake snow with diapers! Who would’ve thought? Give it a try and see for yourself just how easy and enjoyable this activity can be. Happy experimenting!

Check out our tutorial on how to make snow with conditioner and baking soda instead if you have these supplies ready!

How does snow form step by step?

When water from oceans and lakes evaporates, the water vapor rises into the atmosphere and cools. As the water vapor cools and condenses, it forms clouds in the sky. These clouds contain tiny little water droplets in them, and when the clouds have low enough temperatures, these little water droplets freeze directly onto dust particles in the air and stick together to become snowflakes.

When they’re heavy enough, they will fall to the ground. However, if the air below the cloud is too warm, the snow will melt and become rain instead. It’s incredible to gain knowledge on how things work – nature really is amazing! So the next time you see snow, remember this scientific fact. Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, too!