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Organic diapers are becoming increasingly popular among parents who are concerned about the impacts of traditional diapers on babies’ health and the environment and are looking for more eco-friendly alternatives.
Organic diapers don’t use harmful chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin. Plus, they’re a lot kinder to the environment than non-organic diapers.
That said, most disposable diapers still contain certain materials that take a really long time to biodegrade. That means they end up in landfills for a ridiculously long time.
If you want to avoid this problem, a cloth diaper is the way to go. But if you’re not up for cloth, I’ve also included my top five picks for organic disposable diapers.
Read on for a closer look at organic diapers, including the nine best options available today.
Organic Diapers vs. Traditional Diapers
Organic diapers are becoming increasingly popular among parents due to their benefits for both babies and the environment. There are several different reasons why organic diapers for your baby are a good choice.
Pro: They use chemical-free materials
First and foremost, organic diapers are chemical-free and gentler on baby’s delicate skin. Conventional diapers are made using synthetic materials, such as plastic and petroleum-based chemicals, that can cause skin irritation and rashes.
Organic diapers are instead made using natural and non-toxic materials such as organic cotton or bamboo that are hypoallergenic and do not contain any harmful chemicals, making them perfect for babies with sensitive skin.
Pro: They’re better for the environment
Organic and eco-friendly diapers are also a lot kinder to the environment. Traditional diapers contain many chemicals that are released into the environment during manufacturing. These volatile chemicals end up in local ecosystems, harming waterways and contributing to pollution.
Con: They might still contain non-biodegradable materials
Organic diapers contain more eco-friendly and non-toxic materials that are gentler on your baby’s skin. However, organic disposable diapers might still contain materials that take a long time to biodegrade. An estimated number of 20 billion disposable diapers get dumped into landfills in the United States every year.
4 Best Organic Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are reusable, so they create far less waste than disposables. Opting for cloth means you’re using gentle materials on your baby and aren’t contributing to piles of dirty diapers ending up in landfills and the ocean.
A quick word on the cost of cloth diapers: at the beginning, cloth diapers are an investment. You will pay a few to several hundred dollars up front to get enough of a supply to last you a few days before needing to wash them.
In the end, though, you will inevitably spend far less on cloth diapers than you will on disposables. After all, babies are usually in diapers for 2-3 years, so the costs really add up if you’re buying a new box of disposables very few weeks.
How many cloth diapers will I need?
We recommend getting at least 20-24 cloth diapers for newborns. This should get you about two days before you need to wash them. If you want to get through three days before washing, you should have 30-36 cloth diapers.
As your baby gets older (6-12 months), she will need fewer diaper changes, and you can cut down to around 16-20 cloth diapers to get you through two days.
Here are our favorite cloth diapers featuring organic cotton inserts and waterproof outer layers to keep your baby comfortable and dry.
1. GroVia All-in-One Cloth Diapers
We put GroVia first on our list of organic cloth diapers because, unlike a lot of other diapers in which you need to deal with stuffing separate covers with differently sized inserts, this is an “all in one” diaper. It makes cloth diapering feel simpler and less intimidating to someone who’s new to this world and might be feeling nervous about taking it on.
GroVia sells sets of newborn sized “all in one” diapers (6 for $100), as well as a larger all-in-one diaper that should fit your baby from 10 lbs to potty training. You can also buy a few single diapers for $21 if you want to try them out to see if they work for you.
The inside components of GroVia diapers are made out of soft and organic, absorbent cotton. They also have adjustable waist and leg snaps so you can get a good fit on your baby for keeping them dry.
GroVia says you have to start off by washing new diapers 3-5 times before using to help make their inner layers more absorbent.
When your baby needs a diaper change, you remove the diaper, remove as much solid waste as you can by scraping it into the toilet, and put the dirty diaper in a dry diaper pail (you don’t need to soak it, which makes things easier). When you’re ready to wash it, you throw the diapers in the washer on warm with detergent, then tumble dry on low.
Et voila! You have clean diapers, and you haven’t added to the huge piles of diapers in your town’s landfill.
2. Esembly Cloth Diapers
Esembly is another fairly simple cloth diaper system with just two parts that make up the diaper: the inner and outer layers. The inners are made of certified organic cotton, and the outers are made of TPU that comes from recycled bottles.
The outers also double as a swim diaper, which is nice, since there you won’t need to buy separate swim diapers when you start taking your baby to the pool and beach later on.
These diapers are designed to contain leaks. The outer layers have two rows of snaps to keep the diaper cozy. To avoid leakage, make sure the cotton is tucked into the outer layer. Otherwise, it can wick pee onto baby’s clothes.
You could get away with 24 inner layers and just 6 outers in each of the two sizes: size 1 (7-17 lbs) and size 2 (18-35 lbs), though you can start just with the newborn size first. These diapers cost $54 for a set of three inners and one outer.
We love the cute prints available with these popular diapers, and that the two part system keeps cloth diapering simple. Esembly sells a great “Try it Kit” for $69 that has everything you need to try their system out for a day, including their own diaper detergent.
3. The Flip Diapers
The Flip is a budget friendly cloth diaper ($14 per cover) that has a waterproof outer shell which you line with a cotton insert (for day-time or night-time)with different absorbencies, depending on your needs.
The inserts are made of organic cotton that’s gentle on your baby’s skin. You can also use the Flip’s outer layer to cover over disposable diapers, if you are having leakage problems with disposables.
Flip diapers come in both solids and very cute prints. The inserts fit snugly inside the covers, and you can re-use clean covers through multiple diaper changes.
4. Thirsties “Natural Newborn” Cloth Diapers
Although several of Thirsties’ cloth diapers do not use organic inner layers, the “Natural Newborn” line comes with organic cotton liners, plus additional inner “soakers,” which are extra layers made with a blend of hemp and organic cotton. Newborn diapers are made to fit 5-14 pound babies. They also make a larger all-in-one diaper for babies 8-40 pounds.
*Note that Thirsties does not state that the hemp they use in the soakers is organic, so that may be a deal-breaker for some buyers who only want organic materials touching their baby’s tush.
Thirsties natural fiber diapers should be washed and dried at least three times before you use them to make the inner layers more absorbent. They also caution that diapers made out of natural fibers do tend to get some wear and tear along the edges from repeated washing. This is definitely a good thing to be aware of going into the cloth diapering world.
We like that this diaper comes sold as an “all in one” system, so you aren’t having to fold or pin inner layers of diapers like some kind of origami master.
The Realities of Eco-Friendly (ish) Disposable Diapers
There are lots of disposable diapers on the market these days which feature more eco-friendly materials than traditional diapers and are biodegradable. They are made of plant derived materials and are manufactured without chlorine, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances that really aren’t good for babies. This is great news for your baby’s tiny tush.
But… there’s kind of a huge but (no diaper pun intended!). Most disposable diapers are still far from being eco-friendly. Even those diapers sold as “biodegradable” have a hard time actually breaking down in landfills and in trash heaps out in the ocean. That’s because these environs lack the dirt, oxygen, microorganisms and heat (biodegradation needs temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit to work) needed to break down the diapers’ materials effectively.
Even “biodegradable” diapers could stick around for fifty years when buried in a landfill. Stinks, doesn’t it? This is tough news to swallow for those of us who wanted to make a difference by seeking out supposedly eco-friendly diapers.
In some better news, a few of the disposable diapers below are technically compostable, if you happen to live in an area where you can subscribe to a diaper composting service.
The other problem with “organic” disposable diapers
We also have to grapple with the other problem of labeling disposable diapers “organic.”
A lot of diapers that are described as organic, once we really look into their ingredients, turn out to be mostly made of plant-derived materials that are not actually grown with organic methods. The only disposable diaper we know of that is made mostly from organic materials is the EcoPea bamboo diaper.
Also of note: all of the disposables that have absorbency use an ingredient called SAP , which stands for Super Absorbent Polymer, to effectively absorb moisture so the diaper doesn’t leak. SAPs have been tested and researched to make sure they’re safe for humans, and luckily their job is to stay inside the diaper. But clearly, SAP can’t be called an organic or natural ingredient.
It’s also difficult to find disposable diapers made without some form of plastic, usually polyethylene (PE). If this is a deal-breaker, you’ll want to head back to the organic cloth diapers above. Polyethylene components are often used to make diapers’ stretchy leg bands, velcro attachment pieces, and/or outer waterproof layers.
Final verdict: We can’t really win in the eco-friendly department for disposable diapers, in the end. All we can do is the best with what we’ve got, which is accepting that disposable diapers are kinder to your baby’s skin, but that they have a long way to go before they are kinder to Mother Earth.
What does a “plant-based” or “plant derived” diaper mean?
This one can be really confusing. “Plant based” or derived diapers are a broad term that gets thrown around a lot in the diapering world, so you’ll always want to do your research when checking out a new brand.
Usually, reading about a “plant based” diaper means the diaper’s absorbent core is made of some kind of wood pulp or even cotton. It doesn’t necessarily mean the entire diaper comes from plants, so the term can be promising, but also mis-leading.
As far as we know, no one has yet invented a truly plant-only derived disposable diaper, although some of the diapers on our list, such as the EcoPea ones, come very close.
The one good thing is that since majority plant-based diapers tend to be chlorine, latex, fragrance, and paraben free, they at least lack the concerning chemicals and plastics of traditional disposable diapers.
5 Best Plant-Derived Diapers
Here are the best (mostly) plant-derived diapers available today.
1. EcoPea Bamboo Diapers
Ingredients: Organic bamboo pulp, chlorine-free wood pulp, SAP, non-woven polypropylene, polyethylene film, spandex (tape), water based ink, aloe vera
EcoPea bamboo diapers are at the top of our list of eco-friendly disposable diapers. They are made mostly out of certified organic bamboo pulp, which is great for a variety of reasons. They are fragrance-free and contain no harsh chemicals like chlorine, parabens, phthalates or formaldehyde.
Bamboo is a sustainable resource because of how quickly it grows. The bamboo pulp EcoPea uses is grown without harmful chemicals, which helps you feel better about putting these super soft diapers on your baby’s skin. They can apparently harvest the pulp without cutting down entire trees, which adds another check to their sustainability list.
Besides bamboo pulp, these diapers also contain Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) to effectively absorb moisture, as do other highly absorbent disposable diapers. Although SAP is not organic and thus non-biodegradable, it is deemed safe for babies’ skin. It’s found across all types of disposable diapers.
You can get 192 EcoPea newborn sized diapers in a box for $89, and you can also order a subscription service so they are automatically sent to you after however many number of weeks goes by that you choose. The diapers will come in 100% compostable packaging.
As far as disposables go, EcoPea makes just about the most “organic” diaper you can get. Besides the SAP, its ingredients are all organic bamboo. And they claim that bamboo biodegrades faster than other kinds of diaper materials. If you’re going to try a disposable diaper, we’d start with this one. Note that some parents say these diapers run large.
2. Nest Diapers
Ingredients: Wood pulp, bio-films, SAP, polyethylene and polypropylene
Nest diapers are Oeko-Tex 100 certified for non-toxic ingredients. They are made from wood pulp, SAP, and other materials that you can read more about on their website.
What makes Nest really unique from other brands it that they are technically compostable, though you have to work with an authorized diaper composting company. Hopefully this will become more widely available soon, but for now, diaper composter services are limited to very few urban areas, such as San Francisco, L.A.. Hartford CT, and Springfield MA.
3. Dyper
Ingredients: Bamboo viscose, SAP, chlorine-free wood pulp, nonwoven composite film, hydrophobic nonwoven, plant-based tissue, plant-based film, magic tape (polypropylene).
Dyper is a well liked diaper company that can be composted through its own REDYPER composting service, if you live in one of the 21 urban areas it currently services. For $20 per pickup, they’ll come every two weeks to pick up your diapers in a compostable bag and take them away for composting. Given the conditions they crate in their composting facilities, it only takes them two weeks to biodegrade a dirty diaper. Now considering that it can take over 50 years in a landfill, I’d call that progress!
Dyper also says that you can pay a fee to ship your dirty diapers and wipes back to them through a program called Terracycle, where they will be eventually turned into compost.
Dyper’s definitely winning the diapering innovation award, if such an accolade exists!
4. Andy Pandy
Ingredients: Non-woven bamboo viscose, chlorine-free fluff pulp, sumitomo SAP, aloe essence, elastic (waistband and legs), velcro tape, adhesive, PH strip (wetness indicator)
The only part of Andy Pandy diapers that are touching your baby’s skin are the bamboo parts, which are soft, hypoallergenic, and antibacterial. These diapers are made without chlorine, latex, parabens, fragrances, or phthalates.
Andy Pandy is known for being very absorbent and containing blow-outs at a superior level to many mainstream diapers. They are often prescribed for babies who are getting a lot of diaper rashes from traditional diaper brands.
Though Andy Pandy doesn’t have its own composting service like Dyper, they recommend inquiring with local composters to see whether they will take their diapers. So it’s a “maybe” on the composting front with Andy Pandy’s diapers.
5. Bambo Natural Diapers
Ingredients: Cellulose (TCF fluff), polypropylene, polyethylene, SAP. Adhesive made of synthetic rubber. Wetness indicator. Elastane (for elastic).
Bambo diapers are have a three-layer design to catch leaks. Parents say they’re soft, breathable, and good at containing blow-outs. These diapers are entirely free of chlorine, fragrances, latex and dyes that you don’t watch touching your baby’s skin. They are safe for babies and toddlers who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Bambo diapers are also made in a facility that is powered by wind energy, so they’re more eco-friendly than some others on the manufacturing end of things.
Other Diapers: Runners Up
There are several disposable diaper brands that also make their diapers out of materials that are free of chlorine and other concerning ingredients, but are not compostable or made from plant-derived materials like the brands above. Here are some of the best performers in the runners up category, for your consideration:
Tip: The other thing you can do to reduce the number of diapers you need to buy and use is potty train your little one on the earlier side. By the age of two/two-and-a-half, many kids are able to start potty training. If you have time in your schedule and the will to do it, you can cut down on the number of diapers you end up throwing away by potty training your kids on the earlier side.
Learn More: What Chemicals Should Be Avoided In Diapers?
Whether you’re using a diaper made from bamboo materials, or something else, steer clear of these chemicals frequently added to other regular brands.
- Chlorine: Chlorine is often used to bleach traditional diapers, but it emits small traces of known toxic chemicals called dioxins during this bleaching process. According to the EPA, dioxins are a likely human carcinogen. Problematically, dioxins kind of exist everywhere. But this doesn’t mean we should accept a healthy load of extra dioxins with our diapers. Go chlorine free
- Tributyltin (TBT): TBT is a toxic chemical often used as a fungicide in traditional diapers. It can have harmful effects on the immune, endocrine, and central nervous systems. Exposure to TBT can irritate the eye, lung, and skin. It is also dangerous to marine environments as it makes its way into groundwater supplies and out into waterways.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and are found in traditional diaper linings. They are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone production and regulation. This can lead to adverse developmental, reproductive, and neurological effects, particularly in infants and young children.
- Latex: Latex is a common component of traditional diapers and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Latex allergies can range from mild skin irritation to severe and life-threatening reactions.
- Parabens: Parabens are a type of preservative used in traditional diapers to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. However, they can be absorbed into the body through the skin and disrupt hormone production and regulation.
- Fragrances: Although it might sound appealing to mask the smell of your baby’s diaper contributions, synthetic fragrances can contain unhealthy chemicals you don’t want getting on your baby’s delicate skin. Plus, you kind of need to smell what baby’s been working on so you can change that diaper as soon as possible. Always go with fragrance-free or unscented diapers when choosing an organic diaper.
Eco-Friendly Diapers: Better for Baby and for Mother Earth
Choosing organic or sustainable diapers for your baby is a wise choice for many reasons. Not only are these diapers free of harsh chemicals and gentle on your baby’s skin, but they are also (generally speaking) better for the environment and more sustainable in the long term.
If you’re looking to make a positive change in your baby’s life and the world we live in, these diapers are definitely worth a look. And don’t forget the non-toxic wipes and diaper cream!
If you’re on an eco-friendly parenting journey, check out our guide on How to Build an Eco-Friendly Nursery.
