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As I\u2019m sure many parents know, babies go through A LOT of diapers.\u00a0\u00a0Diapers not only produce a lot of waste, but they are also often laden with preservatives, scents, and numerous chemicals that can be harmful to your baby\u2019s health.\u00a0\u00a0Luckily, I have found a few great companies that find new ways to manage and address sustainability and toxicity issues in their diapers and other baby products.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before I provide my various ratings and recommendations for diapers, it is important to understand what these descriptions actually mean, and what ingredients you should watch out for in your child’s diapers.<\/p>\n
Like many of the other products I have discussed on this website, there are very few restrictions on what companies can use to make diapers. \u00a0Diaper companies “self-test” and “self-regulate”, meaning they report all of the ingredients used in their diapers, but no organization is confirming their claims. \u00a0So, companies essentially have free rein when it comes to what they share with consumers.\u00a0 Even companies who do share all of their ingredients probably have at least a few unlisted ingredients if the word “fragrance<\/a>” is on their label. \u00a0To get an in-depth understanding of this issue, click HERE<\/a> for an explanation as to how the FDA regulates chemicals in products and what chemicals to look out for.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Main Components of Diapers:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Inner layer-<\/strong> This is what rests against your baby\u2019s skin so, this is the layer that needs to be free of toxins.\u00a0\u00a0All diaper manufacturers should disclose the ingredients of this inner layer.<\/p>\n 2.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Absorbent Core<\/strong>: The layer that absorbs fluid.<\/span><\/p>\n 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Waterproof outer shell<\/strong>: Environmentally friendly diaper companies use a plant-based plastic known as polylactic acid (PLA)<\/p>\n \u00a0The most trusted manufacturers are those who fully disclose all ingredients.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Many companies will tell you what\u2019s not in their diapers, but will fail to tell you everything that is in the diapers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Pampers and Huggies are big diaper companies who fail to disclose all of their materials.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0SAP- Super Absorbent Polymer<\/b>: These are the crystals in the absorbent core of the diaper that absorbs fluid.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>The issue with SAP is that it hasn\u2019t been around long enough to determine if it\u2019s 100% safe.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>SAP is derived from petroleum.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>It is believed to be nontoxic, h<\/span>owever, if ingested, it could kill a baby.<\/span><\/p>\n Why Chlorine Free is Important<\/b>: Chlorine is used to bleach diapers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0But d<\/span>uring this bleaching process, toxic chemicals called dioxins can be released. Dioxins can cause reproductive issues, damage to the immune system, hormone disruption and cancer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>It is hard to find a diaper with no dioxins so, a trace amount is the best we can usually find.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>According to the EPA,\u00a0dioxide\u00a0is the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>It is banned in most countries, but not the United States. Learn more about this lack of <\/span><\/span>chemical regulation HERE<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Dye free (pigment free, colorant free) <\/b>\u00a0is always better when it comes to diapers. Dyes can cause skin rashes and allergic reactions. Some natural diaper companies use dye that doesn\u2019t contain heavy metals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>These are thought to be safe, but as always use\u00a0caution and diligence when you find a brand that claims to be “eco-friendly”, “non-toxic” or safe, because there are so few regulations<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Watch out for<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n TBT & Other Heavy Metals<\/b>: TBT can be absorbed into the skin and act as a hormone disruptor. This means that these chemicals can\u00a0disrupt the hormones that should be in your child’s systems and change the way your child’s organ systems function. \u00a0This could lead to small issues or have major health implications. \u00a0But it is DEFINITELY not worth the risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pthalates<\/b><\/a>: These can be used in diapers to make a flexible, waterproof plastic liner. They can be released into the air and can also mix into liquid.<\/span><\/p>\n Want more information? The issue of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>non-toxic and sustainable diapers is a very\u00a0complex<\/span><\/span> one, which is why I have attached a link to a more in-depth articles at the bottom of this page. \u00a0However, <\/span>I believe that the following brands I have researched and reviewed are great alternatives to Pampers and other mainstream diaper b<\/span>rands that aren’t the safest for your little ones. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Before I can\u00a0discuss the three sustainable\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0safe diaper brands below, I have to discuss the MOST sustainable option first: Reusable Diapers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n I know, the idea of taking a gross diaper and using it again sounds extreme, unpleasant, and a complete pain to manage. \u00a0BUT, there are actually a lot of benefits that are worth AT LEAST considering, before you shake your head and read on.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Cloth diapers and various reusable diaper types are MUCH more affordable than disposable diapers. The average toddler will go through around 7,000 diapers before they are potty trained. 7,000!! Pampers diapers cost roughly $30 per 100 diapers. This\u00a0means that it will cost around $2,000 to diaper one of your kids. With cloth diapers, which last an average of 6 YEARS, you can buy anywhere from 5-20 for significantly less, and use them for your first child and future children. This means that you could save $6,000 by\u00a0using cloth diapers. Not to mention the good you are\u00a0doing\u00a0for your children’s health AND the\u00a0environment. \u00a0In some areas, such as NYC, there are even companies that will launder have a pick up and delivery subscription, where you can give them\u00a0your soiled diapers in\u00a0exchange for new ones, so that you don’t have to deal with cleaning. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now, I realize I am driving a hard bargain, parenting is challenging, and adding something else to laundry basket isn’t exactly appealing. But I encourage you to check out these sustainable cloth brands for a few minutes and seriously consider the potential benefits.\u00a0 Cloth diapers are better than they were 30+ years ago.\u00a0 They’ve come a long way!<\/span><\/p>\n Cloth Diaper Options<\/strong><\/p>\n Bambino Mio<\/a>\u00a0– overall best quality and value – \u00a0$<\/span><\/p>\n Alva Baby<\/a>\u00a0– great swim diapers – $<\/span><\/p>\n Lil Joey All in One Diapers<\/a> – Good for preemies $<\/span><\/p>\n Still not convinced? Check out these companies for disposable diaper options that\u00a0you can still feel good about.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This section contains affiliate links.\u00a0<\/em> As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hello Bello is made without lotion, fragrance, phthalates, and latex, 100% chlorine free, and the absorbent liner is plant-derived.<\/span> Sustainable:<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Standards<\/strong>: Hello Bello<\/a> prioritizes renewable materials and sources, which often means using plant-based materials rather than petroleum or chemical-based.\u00a0\u00a0They use organic ingredients and non-toxic chemicals \u2013 which are listed with all of their products.\u00a0\u00a0They acknowledge how under-regulated basic products are, and stand by their company standards as a means to ensure safety for all of their customers.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Special Qualities<\/strong>: They have over 20 adorable designs that you can choose for diapers.\u00a0\u00a0They offer day and night diapers to make them easier to use. Finally, they use a bundling method, so you can get the diaper products you want, AND get free products.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Non-Toxic:<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Affordability: $<\/strong>– They are partnered with Walmart, so their products are easily accessible, and they don\u2019t have high prices that often come with smaller companies. You get roughly 112 diapers for $29 – cheaper if you subscribe. Pampers diapers are $25 for only 84 diapers, so with Hello Bello, you’re getting more for less! Out of all the diapers I’ve researched, this is the only brand that’s less expensive than competing mainstream brands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Effective (Absorbent + Wetness-Indicator):\u00a0<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chlorine-Free:<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cute:\u00a0<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other Products Include<\/strong>: Kid-friendly shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash, vitamins, and other personal care baby products, like oil, wipes, hair-detangler, diaper wash cream, and more!<\/p>\n Click HERE<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>for $15 off your first bundle of diapers and wipes.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sustainable<\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Standards<\/strong>: Hypoallergenic, 100% plastic-free, biodegradable, and fragrance-free.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Non-Toxic<\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Special Qualities<\/strong>: They also sell a “plant-based potty”. It sounds a little out there, but it is a functional toddler toilet that is the most sustainable option available!\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Affordability<\/strong>: $<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Effective (Absorbent + Wetness Indicator)<\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chlorine-Free<\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cute<\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/p>\n <\/p>\nHello Bello<\/a><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/strong>They have over 20 adorable designs on the diapers.<\/span><\/p>\nEco by Naty<\/a><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n They are a European-based company, so there is a greater shipping footprint, but unlike Hello Bello, their founding principles are centered around sustainability. \u00a0This means that sustainability is not a goal for Naty, it is the forefront fo their company.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/environmentalemma.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2020-04-28-at-3.06.03-PM.png\")
\u00a0– they are very high quality diapers that have been praised for their performance, but they DO NOT have a wetness indicator.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\u00a0– has designs, but they’re simple<\/p>\n
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