Table of Contents
- How do Conventional Disposable Diapers Harm the Environment?
- What happens to diapers in landfills?
- Harmful Chemicals in Diapers
- The 10 Best Organic Baby Formulas
- Best Organic Shampoo for Kids
- The Difference in the Organic Diapers
- Dangers of Conventional Disposable Diapers to the Baby
- Are Cloth Diapers Better for the Environment?
- What Does Total Chlorine Free (T.C.F.) and Elemental Chlorine Free (E.C.F.) Mean?
- How to dispose of organic diapers?
- Pre-Purchase Considerations for Organic Diapers
- The 10 Best Organic Diaper Brands
- Best Organic Baby Diapers
- Best Organic Diapers For Newborns
- #2 Andy Pandy Eco-Friendly Bamboo Disposable Diapers
- #3 Seventh Generation Organic Baby Diaper - Best Inked Organic Diaper
- #4 Moony Organic Diapers
- #5 Merries Diapers
- #6 Mama Bear Best Fit Diapers
- #7 Earth's Best TenderCare Disposable Diapers
- #8 The Honest Company Club Box
- #9 Eco Boom Bamboo Biodegradable Diapers
- #10 Eco By Naty Eco-Friendly Premium Disposable Diapers
- Best Organic Diaper Brands from Japan
- Final Thoughts
The best organic diapers are not only safe for the environment but also safe for your baby. But, it is challenging to pick the best diaper brand when every other brand touts their diaper as the safest. Today, there are two sustainable diaper options - cloth diapers and disposable diapers. These two diapers help in two ways; reduce the buildup of diapers in landfills and protect your baby from the harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, in conventional diapers.
With the organic diapers, your baby will not suffer the chemicals' effects, and the environment will thank you for it. Cloth diapers are baby-friendly and environment-friendly, but although they might be the best natural diapers, they are not mum-friendly, which is why organic diapers rock.
When shopping for diapers, only go for a chemical-free diaper (watch out for chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and chlorine), synthetic fragrance-free, and free of dyes. Again, ensure that all the materials used to make the diaper are natural or organic and are biodegradable.
How do Conventional Disposable Diapers Harm the Environment?
Disposable diapers are friendly to mothers – no washing and most of them are affordable. However, these same diapers are the Earth's immortal enemies.
What happens to diapers in landfills?
Every day, Americans throw away more than 49 million diapers – this account for up to two percent of all the garbage that the U.S. generates. Diapers, therefore, are among the most significant contributors to the landfills today. The worst part about it is that most of these conventional disposable diapers do not go away; they stay in landfills for decades.
Harmful Chemicals in Diapers
Besides making the environment unsightly, these disposable diapers contain chemical ingredients that could harm the environment, animals, and human beings. According to the Real Diaper Association, some components include polyethylene, petroleum, gelling material, perfume, and polypropylene. They also have non-renewable petroleum products.
Some of the disposable diapers contain chemicals that might lead to the release of dioxin into the environment. Dioxin is a toxin linked to cancer and health concerns in fetuses.
The Difference in the Organic Diapers
Disposable organic diapers are different because they do not have any harmful chemicals in them. Some have a few harmless compounds such as superabsorbent polymers, but these are as safe as the polyester clothes you wear. Granted, they do not pose any threat to the environment, animals, or human beings.
Because they sport all-natural and organic materials, these diapers decompose fast even when they end up in landfills. Because they are biodegradable, you do not also have to take them to landfills. If you live in a place where you can bury the diapers, this might be the best way to dispose of them.
Dangers of Conventional Disposable Diapers to the Baby
Are Cloth Diapers Better for the Environment?
Cloth diapers might be the best natural diapers, but the work you will do on them is so much. On average, your baby will spend at least ten diapers every day when they are still less than a year old. That presents you with ten cloth diapers to wash every day. From an economic perspective, cloth diapers will cost less, but they will take more of your time, the time you could spend taking care of the baby. The cloth diapers require a lot of water and soap to get them clean and white again.
Most of the cloth diapers are a product of organic cotton. This makes the diapers very safe for the baby and the environment. In a world where most moms are working, a natural disposable diaper is better than a cloth diaper. It means less work and more convenience as it comes ready-to-wear.
What Does Total Chlorine Free (T.C.F.) and Elemental Chlorine Free (E.C.F.) Mean?
You will note the terms Total Chlorine Free (T.C.F.) and Elemental Chlorine Free (E.C.F.) on most of the diaper brands I have reviewed below. Most companies tout T.C.F. diapers as the safest as they do not have even a small amount of chlorine – this is good for the baby and the environment. When a diaper comes with the T.C.F. label, it means that the company used any other substance (but not chlorine, hypochlorite, or chlorine dioxide) to bleach the diaper's core material.
E.C.F. diapers, on the other hand, means that the company uses chlorine dioxide to bleach the core material instead of elemental chlorine. Although there is no research indicating so, E.C.F. bleached diapers might still contain trace elements of dioxin, because they still have a form of chlorine in them. However, recent research shows that there are no theoretical benefits of choosing either T.C.F. or E.C.F. To be on the safe side; however, always go with T.C.F.
How to dispose of organic diapers?
Organic diapers are biodegradable. If you leave then on a landfill, they will decompose in a few months, or a year, depending on the conditions in the landfill.
In most cases, however, the conditions in landfills do not support the speedy decomposition of organic diapers. If you live in an area where you can bury the organic diapers, you should do it at home. You can use a diaper pail with carbon filter and airflow to ensure it doesn't mold, sweat, or cause an unnecessary odor in the house.
Pre-Purchase Considerations for Organic Diapers
What do you consider when shopping for organic diapers? Below are a few factors to consider:
1. Reusable and Adjustable Tabs
Occasionally, you need to peek in and see if the baby is wet, especially if the diaper lacks a wetness indicator. Reusable tabs are ideal as you loosen them and then tighten them back if the baby is still dry. They also help you get the right fit – it is, therefore, getting an adjustable tab is vital. These tabs come in the form of Velcro or tape.
2. Wetness Indicator
Wetness indicators appear at the lowest apart of the diaper. They are lines that change in color when the baby is wet. Although the indicator is not a necessary feature, it is more convenient than having to peek into the diaper occasionally.
3. Pocketed Waistband
Pocketed waistbands are life savers if you always have issues with blowouts. They appear as pockets at the back panel of the diaper that contain poop. When shopping, consider the size of the pockets concerning the age of your baby.
4. Fragrance and Essential Oils
The reason why organic diapers are fragrance-free is that most diaper companies use synthetic fragrances that babies might be allergic to. However, a little scent helps mask unpleasant smells from the diaper. Some manufacturers of organic diapers use essential oils, mostly aloe oils and other natural essential oils, to protect the baby's skin, nourish it, and provide a light fragrance.
5. Materials of Organic Diaper
For a diaper to be named organic, all construction materials should be natural. The core material is the most important – this is usually bamboo fiber or cotton. Other materials should also be organic. Nevertheless, most diapers are not 100 percent organic and will have a chemical or two. When shopping, avoid chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and chlorine.
6. Size of the Diaper
Most organic diapers come with a sizing chart. When choosing a size, consider the weight of your baby more than their age. The diaper should not be too tight as that will irritate the skin, and they should not be loose as that will cause leakage. Diapers that stretch are better as they offer a snug fit, but they might also be tight. If your baby is bigger than their age, avoid diapers with elastic bands around the legs.
7. Affordability
Organic diapers cost relatively more than conventional diapers. However, the baby can stay relatively longer with the diaper, making them very cost-effective. With a dollar, you can buy up to three pieces, but some brands are cheaper and some more expensive.
The 10 Best Organic Diaper Brands
Our team made our research and selected only Top 10 Organic Diaper Brands. All of those brands are the best in current market and it was really hard choice to select the best one!
Best Organic Baby Diapers
#1 rated
- Best Organic Diapers Overall
- Feature ultra-soft and highly absorbent materials that make it safe for use during the day and at night.
- Each diaper comes free of chemicals to minimize diaper rash and adverse effects on the environment. Again, the diapers are fragrance-free to reduce the risk of allergies.
- As a guarantee of quality, Bamboo Nature baby diapers come with the Danish/Allergy certification, F.S.C. (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, Nordic Sawn Ecolabel.
- The diapers sport a fully breathable back sheet that wicks away moisture fast to keep the baby dry and keep off diaper rash. This diaper is size four and fits babies that weigh between 15 and 39 pounds.
Features
- For newborns to 39 pounds
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft non-woven back sheet
Pros
Cons
Best Organic Diapers For Newborns
#2 rated
- Diapers feature 100 percent non-woven bamboo fiber that feels soft and comfortable on your baby's skin. The company does not use any chemicals to treat the fiber, so your baby remains rash-free for as long as they use the diaper. Better yet, non-woven bamboo fiber is highly breathable to wick away moisture and keep the baby dry.
- The diaper is Chlorine Free (T.C.F.), which further makes it safer on your baby's skin.
- Andy Pandy uses a light pure aloe essence that provides nourishment to the baby's skin besides enhancing the fragrance of the diaper.
- There is an elastic band around the diaper's waist and the legs for a snug fit. It has a Velcro tape, so you can put it on and remove it with ease. On the diaper is a strip that shows the level of wetness, so you will know when to change the baby's diapers.
Features
- Non-woven bamboo fiber
- For newborns up to 22 pounds
Pros
Cons
#3 rated
#3 Seventh Generation Organic Baby Diaper - Best Inked Organic Diaper
- The Seventh Generation offers their diapers in animal prints. Recently, the company unveiled other editions to make the diapers look more appealing. Animal prints are a call for all people to take care of the environment.
- The diapers are highly absorbent with a high capacity core to keep the baby dry at all times and ensure there is no leak. The company uses air breathable technology to enhance the moisture-wicking capacity of the diapers.
- Each diaper is hypoallergenic and free from lotions and fragrances. Even better, the core of the diaper is free from chlorine bleaching.
- As a guarantee of quality, Seventh Generation sources its wood pulp sustainably used in the core, and the diaper has a certification from Forest Stewardship Council.
Features
- Size 3 (other sizes available)
- Animal prints
- Air breathable technology
Pros
Cons
#4 rated
- Best Cotton-Containing Diapers
- The Moony organic diaper is a Japanese diaper brand that contains cotton. Cotton is naturally soft and feels comfortable on the skin of the newborn. The material is ultra-absorbent to keep the baby dry.
- The construction material is highly flexible to offer a snug fit to babies from birth up to 11.2 pounds. Again, this tape type diaper is easy to put on and remove - the tape further enhances the fit of the diaper.
- Each diaper is free from chemicals such as parabens phthalates. Mooney sources the materials for its diapers sustainably, and the core material is not chlorine bleached.
Features
- Contains cotton
- Birth to 12-pound babies
Pros
Cons
#5 rated
- Best Natural Diapers for Sensitive Skin
- The Merries Diapers is another Japanese brand. It sports all-natural materials sourced sustainably. If your baby has sensitive skin, the softness of the core material of the diaper and its hypoallergenic nature keeps the baby comfortable.
- Each diaper features a dual-channel absorbent core that instantly wicks away pee to keep the baby dry. The top of the diaper is breathable and comes in a wavy design to add to the diaper's moisture-wicking ability.
- Around the waist and the legs, the diaper has airy, soft gathers for a snug fit. These gather stretch gently around the waist and legs and do not cause red marks.
- At the crotch area, the diaper transforms into a flexible W-shape as the baby plays. It further ensures there are no marks or abrasions on the inner thighs of the baby.
Features
- For babies 6-11 kg
- For sensitive skin
Pros
Cons
#6 rated
- Best Natural Diapers with Wetness Indicator
- Mama Bear is one of the largest diaper companies, with so many types of diapers. Their Best Fit organic diapers sport a soft and secure construction to keep the baby dry and comfy. Inside the diaper is a quilted core with a pocketed-back waistband guard to prevent leakage for up to twelve hours.
- At the bottom of the diaper is a wetness indicator that shows when it's time for a diaper change.
- Each diaper is breathable, free of fragrances, hypoallergenic, and free from chlorine. These features protect the sensitive skin of your baby.
- The diapers are available in seven sizes from newborn through size six. The diaper comes with flexible leg cuffs that stay put as the baby moves. If you do not love the diapers, Mama Bear takes them back, and you get a refund.
Features
- Available in newborn to size 6
- Wetness indicator
- Quilted liner
Pros
Cons
#7 rated
- Best Organic Diapers for Leak Protection
- The TenderCare disposable diapers are hypoallergenic, chlorine-free, latex-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free. These features make the diaper ideal for the sensitive skin of your baby.
- Earth's Best uses soft and stretchy panels that refasten to offer a secure and snug fit. Besides the panels, the diapers feature moisture barrier cuffs with breathable sides to keep the baby dry at all times and prevent leakage.
- The diaper is available in seven sizes to accommodate newborns up to 28 pounds. It will not cause any red marks or abrasion as it does not feature rubber bands. Instead, the panels stretch to offer the right fit.
Features
- Fragrance and dye-free
- Available in seven sizes
- For newborns up to 28 pounds
Pros
Cons
#8 rated
- Best Natural Diapers for Night Use
- Are hypoallergenic, ultra-soft, super absorbent, and gentle. These disposable diapers sport adorable posh prints and stretchy side panels for a snug fit.
- Feature a comfortable elastic waistband that keeps them on even when the baby is moving. It further features sure fit leg cuffs with fastening tabs to ensure the diapers do not leak for up to twelve hours.
- The liner on these diapers has multiple layers and packs a soft material construction to lock away moisture and feel comfortable on a baby's sensitive skin. The diaper can hold up to seventeen times its weight in pee – this might be the best choice for night use.
- The Honest Company uses sustainable materials, starting with the bio-based core, to its sustainably harvested fluff pulp. The diapers are free from latex, chlorine, fragrances, or lotions.
Features
- Size One
- Multi-layer technology
- Super-soft liner
Pros
Cons
#9 rated
- Best Flexible Diapers
- Are comfortable on the sensitive skin of a baby and are environmental-friendly. It features quality bamboo fiber on its back and top sheets for a soft feel and breathability. The diaper uses total chlorine-free pulp, making it more sustainable and safe on the baby's skin.
- The bamboo fiber is silky to touch, biodegradable, durable, and absorbent. The core uses Sumitomo Super Absorbent Polymers (S.A.P.), which holds so much moisture to keep the baby dry all night long.
- On the sides of the diapers is a side tape that offers increased elasticity. The increased flexibility ensures that the diapers are not too tight on the waist of the baby. Its Velcro tape material ensures that the baby's tender skin stays protected.
- Eco Boom adds natural aloe oil to all their diapers to protect and nourish the baby's sensitive skin.
Features
- Bamboo fiber construction
- Available in four sizes
Pros
Cons
#10 rated
- Best Organic Certified Diaper
- Comes with a certification from the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association as a guarantee of their hypoallergenic nature. These diapers are, therefore, ideal for babies with hypersensitive skin, asthma, and allergies.
- The core material is bio-based and features a certification from AB Vincotte to show that the contents are biodegradable.
- Eco By Naty avoids chemicals in all their diapers. You can expect the diapers to be free of dioxins, latex, dyes, and perfume, leaving a natural diaper that is breathable and safe for the baby.
- Each diaper is free of genetically-modified materials and comes with a corn-based film that is organic. It is a multilayered diaper, with all layers featuring a natural and biodegradable material.
- It is available in seven sizes, from newborn through size six.
Features
- Available in seven sizes
- Chlorine and toxins-free
- Natural and biodegradable materials
Pros
Cons
Best Organic Diaper Brands from Japan
This list could not be complete without adding a few diaper brands from Japan. Today, Japan is the largest producer of super absorbent polymers (SAP) in the world. SAP refers to the gel that holds pee in a diaper. With SAP, Japanese diapers can hold up to 30 times their weight in water.
Japanese diapers seldom cause skin rashes, thanks to their high absorbency. Below are two of the top brands:
Final Thoughts
With the best organic diapers, protect the environment, and the sensitive skin of your baby at the same time. The best natural diapers are hypoallergenic and soft to feel –comfortable on your baby's skin at all times.
There are many organic diaper brands in the market, and picking the best might be a daunting task. If you are lost for choice with all the brands above, I understand you – I was torn between so many brands too. From my review, I recommend the Bamboo Nature Eco-Friendly Baby Diapers and the Andy Pandy Eco-Friendly Bamboo Disposable Diapers the most.
Both the organic diapers are affordably priced and made of all-natural materials. They also offer a snug fit and are available in a selection of more than four sizes. To top it all up, they are available with several certifications as a guarantee of their quality construction.
