When you see a product with the word “organic,” what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
By definition, organic is synonymous with natural and chemical-free. However, you probably can’t help but think of the notion that organic products are expensive.
The sad part is people will choose their synthetic counterparts simply because they are more economical and easier to find. But did you know that not all organic products are expensive and difficult to find? If we present you a wide array of examples, will you gladly switch and help the environment?
Your baby always uses diapers, so it is crucial that it is free from unnecessary chemical additives, but at the same time, it should also do its job effectively. And with the number of uses that are bound to happen, the last thing you want is to add a pile of potentially harmful diapers in a landfill.
For you, we have reviewed 10 best organic baby diapers. However, it is good to note that the term organic is vast. Some products might use all-natural ingredients, while some can still have small traces of synthetic ingredients. Nonetheless, everything on this list is earth and baby-friendly. You can also check out our buyer’s guide for more useful information.
Best Organic Diapers Comparison Table
Product | Available Sizes | For Babies Weighing | Pieces per Pack | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Naty by Nature BabyCare | Sizes 1 to 6 | 15-40 lbs (size 4) | 27/pack x 4 packs = 108 pieces | |
Little Toes | Newborn, small, medium, large | 8-17 lbs (small) | 216 pieces | |
Babyganics Ultra | Newborn, sizes 1 to 6 | N/A | 232 pieces | |
Seventh Generation | Newborn, sizes 1 to 6 | N/A | 135 pieces | |
Earth + Eden | Newborn, sizes 1 to 7 | 16-28 lbs (size 3) | 180 pieces | |
Pampers Pure | Newborn, sizes 1 to 6 | 8-14 lbs (size 1) | 108 pieces | |
Earth's Best | Newborn, sizes 1 to 6 | 8-14 lbs (size 1) | 144 pieces | |
Andy Pandy | Newborn, small, medium, large, x-large | N/A | 50 pieces | |
bumGenius | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Bambo Nature | Newborn, sizes 1 to 6 | 4-9 lbs (size 1) | 28 pieces |
Read Also: Best Diaper Pail
Best Organic Diapers Reviews
Naty by Nature BabyCare – Green and Breathable
Chemical-Free
One of the first things that you’ll probably check in an organic diaper is its materials. The great news is that Naty is free from chemicals such as chlorine, latex, dioxins, phthalates, dyes, and perfumes. We have discussed the effect of these unnecessary additives in our Buyer’s Guide if you want to know more about their impacts.
But to give you an idea, there are chemicals like TBT or tributyl-tin and volatile organic compounds that are sometimes common in synthetic disposable diapers. TBT is a toxic chemical and is in fact used to kill infectious organisms in biocides.
There is even a research by the American Institute of Biological Sciences about how TBT can trigger genes that can cause obesity in humans. And as for the environment, tributyl-tin is a persistent pollutant that is detrimental to aquatic life and remains in our food chain.
Another chemical in disposable diapers are volatile organic compounds. They can cause a variety of health issues ranging from irritations to damaged body systems. It is also possible that VOCs are carcinogenic to humans. But don’t worry, besides the chemicals that we have mentioned earlier, Naty is also free from TBT and VOCs.
Renewable and Biodegradable
What about its effect on the environment? Unlike, synthetic diapers that aren’t biodegradable, Naty is natural and renewable. This diaper uses compost-certified tissue, sugarcane, and even its film is made from corn that is not genetically-modified. If you need more convincing about this diaper being earth-friendly, Naty is OK biobased-certified by Vinçotte.
Besides being OK biobased-certified, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) also certifies Naty. FSC is an international, non-profit organization that promotes the responsible management of forests. Being certified by them means that the product came from well-managed forests.
Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association-Certified
Besides the materials, Naty is also designed by Nature Babycare for sensitive skin. With babies, using something potentially harsh is not worth the risk. According to the manufacturer, this diaper lowers the potential of getting diaper rashes or even allergies. It is also worth noting that the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association certifies Naty.
Although this diaper is not on the budget-friendly side, its various certifications prove its safety both to the environment and to your baby. But what about its functionality as a diaper?
Breathable without Leaks
As we have mentioned earlier, Naty uses GM-free corn to make the diaper’s film instead of plastic. This material works great for the environment but also works well for comfort and leak control. Naty feels soft and smooth to touch, but of course, not as soft as cloth diapers. The exterior of the diaper is also breathable; however, it is comparable to a tissue paper’s texture.
A comment we have is that because it is biodegradable, it isn’t going to be as durable compared to synthetic diapers. The absorbency is great, but we doubt that you can use it overnight without changing. But hey, even cloth diapers need changing too. Another potential drawback for some parents is that this product has no wetness indicator. But for us, this is not a big issue since the diaper noticeably looks puffy once it is full.
- Free from toxic chemicals
- Natural and organic cosmetic labeled by EcoCert
- Ok biobased-certified
- Renewable and biodegradable
- FSC-certified
- Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association-certified
- Works with sensitive skin
- Soft and breathable
- Good leak control
- Expensive
- No wetness indicator
- Tabs are not as sticky
Little Toes – Lasts Overnight, Won’t Last in Landfills
Our next product is similar to our previous one, which means you can throw it in the compost for disposal. Yes, Little Toes is also biodegradable, and according to the manufacturer, it only takes 180 days for it to decompose fully. That’s way better than 500 years, isn’t it?
Little Toes disposable diapers are not only biodegradable, but they are also hypoallergenic. You don’t have to worry about allergies or rashes to sensitive skin. Little Toes has no worrisome chemicals like chlorine, alcohol, latex, additives, phthalates, and perfumes.
Bamboo Fibers: An Eco-Friendly and Healthy Leakage Control
The secret is because Little Toes made these diapers from bamboo. Bamboo fibers are a great substitute for synthetic materials when it comes to absorption. That is why a lot of disposable bamboo diapers are paving its way in the market. And did you know that there is a study that found out bamboo fibers as having the strongest antibacterial activity compared to other adsorbents? That is an excellent bonus besides leakage control!
Overnight Leaks and Wetness Control
For improved absorbency, Little Toes also uses Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP.) But don’t worry, this added effectiveness does not mean that it makes this diaper less hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. We encourage you to visit our Buyer’s Guide to know more about SAP.
The combination of SAP and bamboo fibers means that this diaper can help control wetness and leaks overnight. But the bamboo fibers does not only help with moisture; they also help in the diaper’s overall comfort. Little Toes is useful to make your baby feel comfortable without the icky feeling.
The bamboo top sheet feels soft and silky, and the back sheet that is also made of bamboo is breathable. It also helps how stretchable the diaper’s waistband and side fastener are, although like the previous diaper, Naty, there are some drawbacks. Without a doubt, Little Toes have excellent absorbency. However, it rips easily. Perhaps, this is attributed to the fact that it decomposes quickly.
- Only takes 180 days to decompose
- Made with bamboo fibers
- SAP and bamboo combination is excellent for leaks
- Soft and silky
- Breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Free from chemicals
- Rips easily
- Expensive
Babyganics Ultra Absorbent Diapers – Plant-Based Nourishing Diaper for Baby Bums
Rashes are pretty common with diapers for the following reasons: a) dampness b) irritating materials in the diaper and c) rough liners. Babyganics Ultra Absorbent diapers solve these by providing leakage protection, using vegetable-based ingredients, and adding NeoNourish seed oil base.
Let us start first with the leakage protection. For us, Babyganics performs average in absorbency. And although it helps with liquids, poop leakage, or blowouts can happen. We recommend finding the perfect size so that poop won’t go up the back of your baby’s bum.
Fading Designs to Indicate Wetness
The diaper also has wetness indicators for the newborn size and from size 1 to 2. Wetness indicators are useful, especially with newborns. But if we could modify this feature, we’ll prefer for the print to change colors instead of fading since it can be difficult to distinguish it during the night.
Plant-Based and Chemical-Free
For some good news, this diaper uses plant-based ingredients, and because they don’t whiten their diapers with chlorine, there are no dioxins. It is also free from latex and petroleum-based fragrances and lotions that might trigger allergies and irritations. Babyganics also passed various tests from broad spectrum and toxicology to make sure that their diapers are safe for babies.
Nourishing and Non-Irritating
In exchange for the chemicals that we have mentioned, Babyganics uses their NeoNourish seed oil blend. This blend is composed of oils from tomato, sunflower, raspberry, and black cumin to hydrate and soothe your baby’s bum. This oil blend also makes this diaper good for sensitive skin. Combine it with its breathable sides and soft feel; your baby will feel comfortable and rash-free.
What makes this diaper organic? Compared to our previous products, Babyganics isn’t biodegradable. However, it is legitimately eco-friendly and in compliance with the FDA and OTC. As a parent, you have to be vigilant about a product’s honesty when they claim that they are organic or eco-friendly. For us, a good tip is to find the eco fine print.
- Plant-based and chemical free
- Wetness indicators
- Eco-friendly
- Nourishing seed oil blend
- FDA and OTC compliant
- Not as “ultra-absorbent”
- Not biodegradable
Seventh Generation – Hypoallergenic and Highly-Absorbent
You might have seen the eco-friendly and hypoallergenic baby laundry detergent from Seventh Generation before. But did you know that they also have baby diapers with the same qualities?
Immediately, what we love about this diaper is how transparent Seventh Generation is with the materials that they’ve used. Let us discuss first the materials they used for absorbency. The diaper uses wood fluff pulp and sodium polyacrylate. What makes Seventh Generation great for sensitive skin is the fact that they didn’t bleach the wood fluff with chlorine.
FSC-Certified and Chlorine-Free Wood Fluff
As we have mentioned earlier, chlorine leads to dioxins, which are absolute no-nos in baby products and even for the environment. It is also worth noting that the wood pulp in this diaper is FSC-certified (remember this organization in Naty by Nature Babycare?) which means it came from sustainable resources that benefit forests and animals. And although this diaper is not biodegradable, the company says that they are always working to improve their eco-friendliness.
Now, what is sodium polyacrylate? Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent polymer commonly used in a diaper. The reason is because of their capacity to absorb more than their own mass. If you have remembered our review for Little Toes, we have said that SAP are not dangerous to the health. And if you want to know more, please visit our Buyer’s Guide.
Seventh Generation diapers also use polypropylene, adhesives, polymer spandex, polyurethane, and pigments. You might be thinking, aren’t pigments a bad thing? Thankfully, Seventh Generation has an explanation for this.
According to them, they use a small amount of pigment combinations to give the diaper a tan color. The pigments have no toxicity issues, and they only use it to distinguish their diaper from the white, chlorine-bleached disposable diapers.
Hypoallergenic, Highly Absorbent
If you’re worried about irritations, rashes, or allergies, this diaper is hypoallergenic and has no potentially harmful fragrances. Now, for the performance, the wood pulp and SAP works great for absorption. Because it keeps little bums dry, there is also a lesser chance of developing rashes and other skin irritations.
- Absorbs well
- Chlorine-free
- FSC-certified wood pulp
- Hypoallergenic
- No artificial scents and petroleum-based products
- No wetness indicator
- Prone to occasional leaks
- Softness can improve
Earth + Eden – Editor’s Choice
Fit-Grip Technology
One of the common issues that organic diapers get is that they feel stiff. This characteristic is a disadvantage because inflexibility means that the baby’s movement is going to be limited. However, Earth + Eden is the opposite. This diaper uses a unique fit-grip technology where its waist is stretchable, combined with a durable flap, and sides that move as the baby moves.
We all know that a good fit results in fewer worries that each movement will result in leaks. A snug and secure fit is always appreciated after all. And speaking of good fit, as you can see in our comparison table, this diaper offers sizes from newborn to size 7. Size 7 is great for babies weighing 45 pounds and more.
Comfortable, Dry, and Sustainable
More than the fit-grip technology, another feature that helps in the overall comfort of the diaper is the fact that it is breathable, soft, and is not bulky. How does it get these characteristics? Earth + Eden uses cotton that helps with staying dry and comfortable. But besides cotton, we appreciate that the diaper uses a wood fluff pulp that is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Lastly, it is worth noting that Earth + Eden has a wetness indicator to know when it is time to change.
Your baby will also appreciate that similar to the previous product we reviewed from Seventh Generation; this pulp is also not chlorine-bleached. And if you want more information about its materials, Earth + Eden diapers is free from lotion and fragrances as well.
For the elasticity that we have mentioned earlier, the brand uses natural rubber instead of latex. The prints are also from non-toxic water-based ink to make everything safe and hypoallergenic for your baby. Earth + Eden used a third-party laboratory testing to make sure that it is indeed hypoallergenic. Wanna know another good fact? The brand does not test this product on animals!
- Fit-Grip technology
- Soft and breathable
- Durable flap
- Offers sizes from newborn to size 7
- SFI-certified
- Has wetness indicator
- Not tested on animals
- Chlorine, lotion, fragrance, and latex-free
- Blowouts are problematic
- Distinct smell
Pampers Pure – Something Familiar with Toned-Down Chemicals
One of the well-known brands of disposable baby diapers is Pampers. That is why it is bound to happen that they’ll come up with a “pure” disposable diaper. So what makes it pure? Like the previous products we reviewed, this diaper has no fragrance, lotion, latex, and parabens. Pampers did not bleach Pure with chlorine, and it also follows the hypoallergenic route of most organic diapers.
Softer, Milder
For absorbency, this diaper uses a combination of SAP and fluff pulp, which they derived from sustainable resources. The 12-hour leak protection they claim is not realistic, but the diaper works good enough that it doesn’t form clumps when wet. Do take note that, of course, blowouts are a different story.
So far, everything seems eco-friendly, and the lack of chemicals makes Pure the better choice in the disposable diapers by Pampers. And compared to those disposable diapers, Pure is noticeably softer because of the cotton, plant-based fibers. However, we have a few comments regarding this “organic” diaper.
As we have mentioned earlier, this diaper is hypoallergenic and has no chemicals. According to Pampers, Pure also has no EU 26 allergens. Admittedly, it sounds good on paper, but EU 26 allergens only correlate to fragrances.
But there are still some good points with Pampers Pure. First, that tabs feel tight and it has a wetness indicator strip that busy parents can always appreciate especially for newborns.
- Soft
- Hypoallergenic
- Not bleached with chlorine
- No fragrance, lotion, latex, and parabens
- Sustainable fluff pulp
- Wetness indicator strips
- Tight tabs
- Needs more transparency with going green
- Average absorbency
Earth’s Best TenderCare – Durable without Leaks
One of the issues that we’ve been encountering with other organic diapers is about their durability. That is why we are pleased that Earth’s Best TenderCare is a diaper that you have no risk of accidentally ripping apart.
Apart from being durable, TenderCare uses a moisture barrier cuff for effectively preventing any leaks. And for absorption, the diaper uses a combination of SAP and bio-based materials from corn and wheat. However, its effectiveness in absorbing liquid is not at par with the quality of its leak protection and durability.
Durable but…
We also think that TenderCare’s durability leads to a drawback in comfort. Unfortunately, compared to the previous product from Pampers, this diaper is not as soft and is even quite bulky. Mobility is not as good because the diaper feels stiff.
The liner and tabs are also quite rough, so we think that each motion is not going to be skin-friendly. This drawback in comfort is quite disappointing, considering that the diaper’s top and back sheets have vitamin E, which should help with the baby’s skin.
What about its environmental impact? The top and back sheets of the diaper are derived from corn (polylactic acid.) And although the diaper’s core is composed of biodegradable materials (corn and wheat-based), the diaper itself is not. The packaging, however, is recyclable.
Earth’s Best also helps the environment by not releasing dioxins since they didn’t bleach their diapers with chlorine. It is also free from potentially harmful and allergy-triggering chemicals from dyes, fragrances, and latex.
- Durable
- Great leak protection
- Plant-based materials
- Free from chlorine, dyes, fragrances, and latex
- Bulky and not as soft
- Absorption can do better
- Not skin-friendly for long periods
Andy Pandy – Comfortable, Biodegradable
Besides the diapers from Little Toes, we also have another biodegradable disposable diaper that is made of bamboo. From Hansen Kids, Andy Pandy is a comfortable and biodegradable bamboo-based diaper. And the good news is, purchasing this product also means that you’re helping the company contribute to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
When we have introduced you to bamboo earlier in our reviews of Little Toes, you have probably remembered that this plant has antibacterial properties. And besides being good for the environment and inhibiting bacterial growth, this diaper is also hypoallergenic.
It is free from phthalates, latex, PVC, TBT, alcohol, and preservatives. PVC is really dangerous for children as it releases a variety of toxic chemicals. Some of the diseases that are caused by these chemicals are asthma, obesity, reproductive disorders, developmental disorders, and even cancer.
Alcohol, on the one hand, can dry the skin and cause rashes. And to add in its safety credibility, Andy Pandy is tested and certified by Intertek for Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for children products.
Comfortable and Rash-Free
Andy Pandy is also among the softest and most comfortable diapers in this review. It feels silky smooth to touch inside out, and it helps that its back sheet is made of bamboo for breathability. In exchange of lotion, the diaper puts aloe in its liner to soothe the skin and prevent rashes, The tab and side panel are also adjustable and not abrasive to the skin.
For the absorption, Andy Pandy uses a combination of SAP and fluff pulp. It is great for controlling leaks, but the absorption itself is average. You should also expect that it does not contain blowouts well.
Color-Changing Wetness Indicator
However, because it has a wetness indicator, you will know when it is time to change. What we like about this wetness indicator is that the strip turns blue from yellow. Remember when we prefer an indicator that changes color than fading patterns back in Babyganics?
We also appreciate that this diaper is in fact, biodegradable. The bamboo that the manufacturer used is renewable and aren’t bleached, and instead, they treated it with biological enzymes. The thing is, most manufacturers choose to bleach bamboo because it is cheaper. However, it has more impact on the environment.
The company also boasts that even where they source their bamboo from is of good quality. This means the materials are both safe for your baby and the environment. In fact, their source has passed multiple third-party inspections and has certificates from the FDA, BRC, ISO, CE, and SGS.
Lastly, a drawback that we should mention about this diaper is its durability; a common problem with biodegradable products. But hey, this is the complete opposite of the previous diaper we reviewed from Earth’s Best! When choosing a diaper, your decision lies between which quality are you willing to compromise. Comfort over durability or vice versa?
- Biodegradable
- Supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Free from phthalates, latex, PVC, TBT, alcohol, and preservatives
- Soft and non-abrasive
- Aloe liner
- Color-changing wetness indicator
- Average absorption
- Durability is questionable
bumGenius All-in-One One-Size – Blowouts No More
Our best organic diaper review is not complete without a cloth diaper. If you want to save the earth, the best way is to reduce waste by using washable cloth diapers. Not only you are saving money, but you are also saving the environment! You can even use the cloth diaper for your other children in the future.
And when it comes to safety, cloth diapers like this product from bumGenius is free from BPA, phthalate, latex, and lead. But if we can change the materials used by bumGenius, we would prefer to switch to cotton or bamboo instead of polyester. Polyester stains easily, and it is apparent in this cloth diaper.
No Stuffings = Less Steps
Besides the advantages we’ve mentioned, using a cloth diaper is your best solution against the dreaded blowouts. bumGenius works by using an outer cover that is water resistant to prevent leaks. Now, what makes this cloth diaper different from other products is that its insert is semi-attached, or to be exact, overlapping another insert. We love this feature since you can modify their positioning. But for some parents, this can also be a disadvantage if you think it’s more convenient to use stuffings.
No Messy Blowouts and Rashes
And because there is no stuffing, this eliminates a step when changing and putting on diapers. This one-step process can be useful, especially for busy parents. No more wrapping and pinning! However, a good tip is to add an extra insert (the flaps has back pockets,) preferably something mild yet absorbent such as bamboo to keep your baby dry overnight.
Lastly, for the fit, this cloth diaper is a one-size-fits-all, which is great for babies weighing 8 to 35 pounds. This means that all you have to do is adjust the snaps as your baby grows. However, a drawback we found is the durability of these snapping buttons. We also think that the diaper size is not going to last long for fast-growing tall babies.
Other than those comments, switching from disposables to a cloth diaper is a cost-effective and baby-friendly way to eliminate wastes without adding wastes to the environment.
- Good value for price
- Economical
- Free from BPA, phthalate, latex, and lead.
- Can handle blowouts
- Absorbs moisture well
- Not irritating to the skin
- You can add inserts
- One-step diaper changing
- Mostly polyester, stains easily
- Buttons might not be as durable
- Some parents prefer using stuffings
- Taller babies can outgrow the size fast
Bambo Nature – Nordic Swan-Endorsed, Dermatologically-Tested
Right off the bat, you might be thinking, “what is the Nordic Swan Eco Label?” The most straightforward explanation is the Swan logo proves that this baby diaper is truly good for the environment. Bambo Nature has fulfilled their criteria under various methods ranging from control visits, independent laboratories, and certificates.
Nordic Swan Ecolabel and EU Ecolabel
This endorsement from Nordic Swan is not easy to earn, let alone, keep. A company that has a Nordic Swan Ecolabel has to renew it every 3 years, and each time they have to pass their revised criteria. Other than the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Bambo Nature also has the EU Flower/ EU Ecolabel. This ecolabel basically means that this diaper has a seal of approval that it has met the guidelines to prove that not only is it environmentally-friendly, but it is also of good quality.
Bambo Nature is also a member of the United Nations Global Compact. The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, and one of the things it does is encourage businesses worldwide to embody different principles. These principles include different areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. And similar to Naty by Nature Babycare, Bambo Nature is certified by FSC and EcoCert.
Transparency
Besides the ecolabels and pact, what we love the most about Bambo Nature is how transparent they are with the ingredients they use in their diaper. And since they market this diaper for sensitive skin, it is very crucial that we know what is in their diapers and what is not. You can basically go to their website if you want to know more.
To give you an idea, Bambo Nature diapers have no chlorine, latex, lotions, perfumes, dyes, deodorants, phthalates, organotins, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PVC. They do, however, use pigments for the waistband.
You may be familiar with some of these substances from the products earlier, but what are organotins and formaldehyde? Organotins are toxic substances that, unfortunately, are found in some disposable diapers. The effects that it can do to babies include neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, and even endocrine disruption. Formaldehyde, on the other hand, can heighten the risk of cancer with long-term exposures.
Dermatologist-Tested, Not Animal-Tested
For better ease of mind regarding possible effects on sensitive skin, you should also know that Bambo Nature’s products are dermatologist-tested. The Institute for Applied Dermatological Research (Instititure ProDERM) and Applied Tax Consult (ATC GmbH) tested this diaper and gave it a good rating.
This test is to make sure that the diaper is free from any chemicals or substances detrimental not just to the environment, but also to the health. It is also worth noting that the diaper further proves its safety for sensitive skin as certified by the Asthma and Allergy Association Denmark. And best of all, this diaper is not tested on animals!
Now that we have all the labels and tests out of the way, let’s discuss how effective this diaper as a diaper. First, we appreciate that they designed it high at the back to reduce leaking from blowouts. Second, since the back fabric and inner liner are made of bamboo, both feel plush and breathable. The inner liner almost feels fabric-like thanks to being non-woven. The leg ruffles are also not abrasive to the skin.
- Nordic Swan and EU Ecolabel
- Certified by FSC and EcoCert
- Dermatologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin as certified by Asthma and Allergy Association Denmark
- Highback design
- Breathable and plush
- Non-abrasive to skin
- Tabs not as durable
- Size 1 too wide
- Average absorption
Best Organic Diapers Buyer’s Guide
Types of Diapers
Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers have different styles, and some even puts on like regular underwear. These pull-up disposables make changing diapers quicker, not only by their design but also because you just throw them after each use.
However, this same practicality also causes environmental impacts. Disposable diapers can accumulate in landfills and take about 500 years to decompose. That is why the much better choice is organic disposable diapers because they decompose faster, and the possibility of them releasing toxic chemicals is eliminated.
Cloth Diapers
A polar opposite to disposables, cloth diapers are the embodiment of the term “wash and wear.” Sometimes, they come with accessories such as inserts for additional absorbency and waterproof liners to prevent messes. You can even get disposable covers so that cleaning the diaper takes less time.
Now, you might be thinking, aren’t disposable covers contradict the purpose of cloth diapers? In a way, yes, but the waste produced is lesser compared to disposable diapers where you will dispose of the whole product. And if you are too busy but still wants to switch to cloth diapers, you can get cleaning services who will take the dirty diapers and clean them for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Organic Diaper
What Materials You Don’t Want
Of course, the first thing that you’ll check is the materials used in the diaper. First, is the diaper free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, lead, phthalate, chlorine, latex, TBT, volatile organic compounds, and parabens?
Most of these chemicals are probably familiar to you, especially after looking at so many baby product reviews. They are known to cause various health concerns like disrupting endocrine functions and reproductive development. But besides causing problems to humans, these chemicals also affect the environment in a detrimental way. If the material is not good for the environment, then you can only assume that your baby is at a higher risk.
What about artificial fragrances and dyes? Unfortunately, fragrances only work as aesthetic, and they really don’t have any significance. In fact, similar to latex, they might trigger allergies in some cases. Fragrances and perfumes can also be related to phthalates. Phthalates can affect normal development and increase the risk of allergic diseases in children.
The same thing is applicable to colors. What do we mean by this? Sometimes, manufacturers use chlorine to bleach diapers for the purpose of giving them a white color. However, this process results in a byproduct called dioxins. According to the United States Environmental Protection Program (EPA), dioxins are highly carcinogenic. Exposure to these chemicals has harmful health consequences from skin irritation to impaired body systems.
What Materials You Want
What you want to see are plant-based materials such as bamboo and cotton, to name a few. Most of the organic diapers in this review like the ones from Nature Babycare and Seventh Generation even use wood fluff pulp that came from sustainable resources for the purpose of helping our earth’s forests.
On the one hand, if you prefer cloth diapers, it is also important that you check what is it made out of. Just because you have a lower risk of chemicals in cloth diapers compared to disposables doesn’t mean that they will always be 100% zero-irritation on your baby.
Size and Comfort
Just like with clothes, the diaper must fit perfectly on your baby. This is essential for comfort and to prevent any leaks. Generally, sizes can vary from size 1 to 6 or from infant to extra large depending on the brand.
Diaper sizes are dependent on a baby’s weight and not his/her age. You can check the product’s sizing guide before purchasing so that you avoid mistakenly buying a bulk that does not fit well.
Besides the size, a diaper’s overall comfort can also be attributed to soft and breathable materials. Let’s just say that red marks, difficulty in strapping, or putting on are loud indications that the size is not correct. Choose a diaper that is not bulky and stiff.
What about in cloth diapers? For practicality and ensured fit, a one-size-fits-all cloth diaper like the one we reviewed from BumGenius is your perfect choice. It can fit your baby for months, so you get to save on buying new sizes as your baby grows. However, do note that some one-size cloth diapers do not fit newborns.
Absorbency
Absorbency is inarguably an essential characteristic of a diaper. Because it prevents dampness, it also plays a role in the comfort and in preventing rashes. If you think about it, you can’t blame babies for crying out loud when a) the fit is too tight and b) you feel icky and weird. You can see different feedbacks that can answer the question, “how much liquid can the diaper hold?” or “how long can it keep it from leaking out?”
In our reviews, most diapers use SAP or Superabsorbent Polymer, and perhaps it is called super because it can absorb liquid more than its own mass. The good news is that SAP is not toxic, irritating, sensitizing, or cancer-causing. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration allows SAP as a food additive, and the EU Ecolabel allows it in hygiene products.
On another perspective, because SAP can hold more liquid than other water retention materials, they make diapers that are less bulkier who’ll, in turn, use less raw materials. And although SAP is not biodegradable, there is research that indicates a biodegradable alternative in the near future.
Conclusion
One of the best products to be labeled as organic are baby products. Babies are still vulnerable to different health conditions, and they have sensitive skin. Therefore, it is best for them to use things that are chemical-free. And since diapers are basically what babies wear, it is only logical to use organic diapers.
Organic diapers are not only safe for health because of the lack of chemicals. They are also friendlier to the environment because some manufacturers use materials from sustainable resources and go out of their way to shorten the diaper’s lifespan in a landfill.
However, be vigilant about the validity of the products claiming that they are eco-friendly and chemical-free. Labels and certifications from various legitimate organizations can help you know that the company has conformed to the criteria and passed the standards about their claims.
Our best pick is the baby diapers from Earth + Eden. These diapers offer 8 sizes and has an overall great fit for the baby. The diaper itself is also soft and breathable, but at the same time, keeps the baby dry using sustainable materials. However, you can always step it up with being environment-friendly by using cloth diapers.
Overall, with the right weighing of pros and cons, you can find yourself an organic diaper that fits your needs with minimal compromise. We hope that this review has inspired you in making choices that are good for the environment. When it comes to being a good role model to your baby, why not start with his/her diapers?
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