10 Best Organic Diapers That Are Eco-Friendly

By Anjali Shah on April 15, 2021 · Last Updated on May 28, 2022

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If you’re on the search for the best organic diapers, I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll help you understand the labels and language associated with diaper packaging, so that you can choose the best chemical-free, non-toxic diaper for your baby that is also eco-friendly!

mom changing baby's diaper on changing table

When you’re a new parent, you want to give your baby the best of everything! That likely includes choosing diapers that are not harmful to their delicate skin. Maybe you’ve considered cloth diapers, or even given them a try, but the constant washing, drying, and blowout messes became too much to handle.

That’s ok! I’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re looking for an organic diaper that isn’t harmful to your baby, or one that minimizes harm to the earth, it is possible to find disposable diapers that does both, and avoids leaks and blowouts!

When I had my first baby I was convinced that I was going to use cloth diapers. I looked into many cloth diaper options, and settled on one that would be able to grow with my baby. They also looked easy enough to clean!

I thought it was a great option for both my baby and the earth. Just think of all the diapers I’d be saving from the landfill. Plus, all the money I’d be saving by not having to buy diapers!

Then reality set in! The constant changing, washing, drying, felt like a never ending job — and I found out that even the services that launder cloth diapers for parents aren’t exactly carbon-neutral.

That’s when I started to investigate organic diapers. If I was going to go the disposable route I wanted to find a diaper that was gentle on my baby, and had limited harm to the earth.

It turns out the two go hand in hand. The chemicals that are potentially harmful to your baby that are found in diapers, are also harmful to earth.

Did you know that diapers account for 3.5 million tons of waste annually according to the EPA? Not only that but diapers introduce pathogens into our environment that can contaminate our drinking water.

The challenge is that diapers are not closely regulated. Therefore, the ingredients used to make them can vary greatly depending on the brand you buy.

two stacks of white diapers with a stuffed purple rabbit on top

What Are Organic Diapers?

Diapers that are labeled organic must have at least 95% organic certified fibers, and those that are labeled “made with organic” must have at least 40% organic certified fibers. This is certified by the the Global Organic Textile Standard or GOTS.

But that’s not all that should be considered when finding the best diaper for your baby. You also want to consider the materials and chemicals used.

When I refer to organic diapers I am referring to those that are made without harmful chemicals. There are many different diaper brands that use eco-friendly ingredients, organic cotton, bamboo, and other organic ingredients, but because they are not 95% organic fibers, they cannot use the word on their packaging.

When I refer to organic diapers, they are ones that do not use harmful ingredients, and are healthier for both your baby and the earth.

Why Choose Organic Diapers?

They are chemical-free, and gentler on your baby.
They are kinder to the earth.
Many brands are biodegradable.
Naturally hypoallergenic.
Ideal for babies with sensitive skin.

What Should I Look For In An Eco-Friendly Diaper?

If you want to be sure your baby’s diaper doesn’t take 500 years to biodegrade in the landfill, then you will want to consider eco-friendly diapers. These types of diapers use plant-based materials such as bamboo, that are biodegradable. Bamboo biodegrades 100% in soil! Bonus!

Bamboo is an eco-friendly material for a few reasons. Bamboo grows more quickly and more easily than trees. It is able to survive easily without the use of chemicals or pesticides. It is also very soft, naturally hypoallergenic, and absorbent, making it an excellent material.

Other ingredients to look for include natural inks, dyes, and adhesives. While most of the ingredients in a diaper can be safe, chemicals and irritants can be in the dyes and waist-bands.

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: This is used in some diaper brands to bleach the color. However, it can cause irritation, and over an extended period of time lead to other complications.

Tributyltin (TBT): There are concerns about TBT on the health of children since TBT is toxic to aquatic life.

Phthalates: This chemical is harmful to humans as it is an endocrine disruptor and possible human carcinogen. Diapers that are fragranced emit phthalates into the air that baby can breathe, while also being absorbed through the skin.

Latex: A common allergen, latex in diapers might cause a reaction in some children.

Parabens: Parabens can disrupt the immune system, as well as growth in the first few years of life. Luckily, most brands do not contain parabens.

What Are The Best Non-Toxic Eco-Friendly Diapers?

Kudos Diapers

Kudos is the best organic diaper on the market today! Their diapers perform just as well as any traditional diaper brand, but they are so much better for your baby. They have no chlorine, latex, parabens, lotions, fragrances or phthalates, and their diapers have 4x more plant-based materials than the leading diaper brand. In fact, Kudos are the only disposable diapers to have earned the cotton natural™ seal for being lined with 100% clean cotton. Not plastic. They also happen to use sustainably-sourced and recyclable packaging for all of their diapers!

Healthy Baby Diapers

Healthy Baby’s diapers are made with organic cotton and FSC certified wood pulp, and are EWG & MadeSafe verified to be a healthy, clean option for your little one. They contain no Parabens, Phthalates, Fragrances, Optical brighteners, Chlorine, or 2,000+ other banned ingredients and they are committed to performing just as well as any “standard” diaper – keeping your baby dry day or night!

Eco Pea Bamboo Diapers

These natural diapers use sustainable and biodegradable bamboo. Hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and chlorine free, these diapers are designed for babies with sensitive skin. They are soft and absorbent.
You’ll find a wetness indicator, size label, and a snug fit to avoid leaks and blowouts!

Bamboo Nature

These biodegradable diapers are chlorine free, and free of other harmful chemicals commonly found in other diaper brands. With a three layer super absorbent design these prevent leaks, even overnight! They have a wetness indicator, flexible and comfortable waistband.

Dyper

These sustainable plant-based diapers are free of chlorine, latex, alcohol, lotions, TBT or Phthalates. They are soft for baby, yet also super absorbent. Made from responsibly sourced Bamboo and packed in clear bags made with oxo-degradable materials. These diapers are delivered to your door in a subscription model! No fuss!

ECO BOOM Baby Bamboo

ECO BOOM’s diapers are made from bamboo material. They are FSC certified, and biodegradable. They are soft on baby’s skin, and lock in moisture. With a flexible waistband they are more comfortable for your baby and made to move! They are also chemical free using a (Total Chlorine Free) pulp.

Eco by Naty Baby Diapers

Eco by Naty’s diapers are free of chlorine bleaching, fragrances, and lotions. They do not use oil plastic, or chemicals to protect baby’s skin. Hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested. They use renewable plant-based packaging. Super soft and comfortable with premium protection to prevent leaks and blowouts.

Little Toes Disposable Bamboo Diapers

Little Toe’s diapers are hypoallergenic, vegan and free of PABA, parabens, gluten, phthalates, alcohol, latex, perfumes, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals. They are biodegradable, made with bamboo sheets that are soft and breathable, yet also strong and absorbent. They come in a variety of sizes to fit your growing baby.

Nest Baby Diapers

These diapers are free of harmful chemicals, lotions, perfumes, and known allergens. They are soft and absorbent, making them ultra comfortable for your baby. Using organic plant-based materials, these diapers are also biodegradable, and compostable!

Andy Pandy Biodegradable Bamboo Disposable Diapers

These bamboo diapers prevent your baby from getting wet with moisture wicking technology preventing skin irritation and diaper rash. These hypoallergenic, and antibacterial diapers prevent irritation. Plus, this mom owned business has a “NO LEAK GUARANTEE! It’s also nice to know that this company donates a portion of their profits to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

Organic Diaper FAQs

Are organic and eco-friendly diapers more expensive?

Yes, these organic and eco-friendly diapers tend to be more expensive than other brands. But with anything you buy, you end up getting more for your money in this case. You are getting a diaper that is safer for your baby, gentler on their skin, and also one that does not contribute to as much waste in the landfill, thus helping to preserve a better planet for your child in the future.

Are these diapers all biodegradable?

Depending on the brand, they are all biodegradable to a certain degree. Some more than others. For example, some are made with a top and bottom sheet of bamboo, while others are completely made with bamboo material. A good rule of thumb, is the more bamboo the more biodegradable the diaper.
If you purchase a compostable diaper like the Nest, mentioned above, it will decompose more quickly.
There is not a diaper that is completely biodegradable because all of them contain super absorbent polymer or SAP, which cannot break down. But these eco-friendly brands do produce less trash than traditional brands.

Are eco-friendly organic diapers also chemical free?

These diapers are free of harmful chemicals, but no, eco-friendly and organic diapers are not completely chemical free. Therefore, when choosing a diaper for your baby you want to consider whether it is free of the most well known harmful chemicals, as mentioned above.

Is Super Absorbent Polymer gel harmful to babies?

Super Absorbent Polymer gel, or SAP, which is found in virtually every disposable diaper eco-friendly, organic, or regular, does not have any known harmful effects on humans. However, if you are concerned about this ingredient, using a cloth diaper is a good option.

Conclusion: Best Organic Diapers

When you’re on the search for the best diaper, there’s a lot to consider.

Will this diaper prevent leaks and blowouts?
Is this diaper safe on my baby’s skin?
Will this diaper have long term harmful health implications?
How does this diaper effect our environment?

The bottom line, is you want the best for your baby, and you want a prosperous environment for them in the future. Using an eco-friendly diaper that is free of harmful chemicals, and is also soft, comfortable, and fuss free, is the best bet for you and your child!