Best Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers [That Actually Don’t Leak] – GWC Mag

Shopping For Natural Diapers That Truly Don’t Leak? We’ve Found The Best Sustainable Diaper Brands That Don’t Mess Around With Blowouts!

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Cloth diapers are undeniably the most eco-friendly option for changing your baby. However, the high upfront costs associated with them make it difficult for many parents to afford them.

Additionally, some parents may not have the energy or ability to wash cloth diapers on a regular basis—especially if they live in an apartment complex where they have to use a communal laundry facility. You also have to consider daycares and the fact that not many childcare centers will accept cloth diapers.

With that said, disposable diapers continue to be a more convenient and affordable option for many new parents but, traditional diapers come with a significant environmental cost and aren’t great for baby’s health.

How Harmful Are Traditional Diapers?

One of the main concerns with traditional diapers is the chemicals used in the production process, such as dioxins and sodium polyacrylate. These chemicals have been linked to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.

In addition, disposable diapers can also contribute to diaper rash. The plastic backing of the diaper traps moisture against the baby’s skin, creating a warm and moist environment that is perfect for the growth of bacteria. This can lead to redness, itching, and even infection.

While the levels of these chemicals in diapers are considered safe, prolonged exposure may have negative effects. Hence, it’s best to best to use eco-friendly diapers made from plant fibers and non-toxic fillers.

What To Look For When Shopping For Eco-Friendly Diapers

When it comes to eco-friendly disposable baby diapers, parents want to ensure that they are choosing a brand that is leak-proof, hypoallergenic, and offers good value for their money.

But, with so many “sustainable” options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which brand to trust, especially since a lot of companies tend to “green wash” their products.

Greenwashing is a marketing tactic used by companies to make their products or services seem more environmentally friendly than they actually are.

It involves making false or exaggerated claims about a product’s environmental benefits in order to appeal to consumers who are concerned about the environment.

This can include using vague or misleading terms like “natural” or “eco-friendly”, or using green imagery or packaging to suggest that a product is more environmentally friendly than it really is.

Many sustainable diaper brands also try to lure you in with pretty and whimsical packaging—think adorable cartoon pandas and happy little trees—however, they are far from being functional and incapable of maintaining blowouts, let alone being leak-proof.

Hence, when buying eco-friendly diapers, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and check for:

• Certain certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, which requires textiles-based products to be tested against a list of 1,000+ chemicals.

• Additionally, look for diapers made with plant-based materials such as enhanced cotton, bamboo or cornstarch. Bamboo is my favorite material because it’s naturally antibacterial and super soft and absorbent.

• Avoid diapers containing chlorine, fragrance, petroleum-based plastics, dyes, phthalates, alcohol and lotions.

• It’s also important to consider the overall environmental impact of the diaper, including the manufacturing process and packaging.

• Lastly, read reviews left by other parents on popular places like Amazon, or even the company’s website. If too many parents complain of leaks, move on to another brand.

Unfortunately, even some of the most eco-friendly diaper brands use plastic to package smaller batches of diapers, and even compostable diapers will take years to break down in landfills—still, they’re a lot better than traditional brands.

What Kind Of Eco-Friendly Diapers Are There?

There are several eco-friendly disposable diaper options available for parents who want to make more sustainable choices for their babies and reduce their environmental impact:

• Biodegradable: Firstly, biodegradable diapers are made from materials that can break down naturally in the environment. These diapers are typically made from plant-based materials such as bamboo or cornstarch, and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

• Compostable: Compostable diapers are another option, which can be broken down in a composting facility along with other organic waste. These diapers are made from renewable resources and often have a lower carbon footprint than traditional disposable diapers.

• Sustainable: Sustainable diapers are also available, which are made from materials that are responsibly sourced and produced. These diapers often use recycled materials and have a focus on reducing waste throughout the production process.

• Natural / Organic: In addition to these options, there are also natural diapers available which are free from chemicals and fragrances. These diapers are often made from organic cotton or other natural materials.

Below we will explore some of the best environmentally friendly baby diaper brands available with the best reviews regarding leak protection.

By highlighting their unique features, background information, and other benefits, you will be able to make a more informed decision about which brand is best for you.

There are a few “popular” brands that I left out—brands that are trending on TikTok and such. In reality some of those brands may be sustainable, but they leak horribly, and leave fluff residue all over wet skin—so due to that, I cannot in good faith endorse them.

While eco-friendly diapers are a step towards reducing environmental impact, it’s important to note that they are not completely eco-friendly. This is because they still require resources and energy to produce, and their disposal can still contribute to waste.

Best Leak-Proof Diapers That Focus On Sustainability

1. Earth And Eden

Material | Cotton Enhanced

Coming in at number one is the Earth and Eden Sensitive eco-friendly and hypoallergenic diapers, which parents are praising for being extremely leak-proof—even when at night time and blow-outs. They are also responsibly made right here in the USA with 20% PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) packaging. 

Earth and Eden diapers contain SFI sustainably-sourced fluff that is chlorine free, a non-toxic superabsorbent polymer, a cotton-enhanced™ nonwoven dryness layer, polypropylene nonwoven fabrics, latex-free elastics, a breathable moisture barrier, safe adhesives, and inks made without lead & heavy metals.

With that said, if you’re looking for a no-nonsense reliable diaper that’s sustainably made right here in the United States, this diaper is a great buy. While they are not biodegradable nor compostable, they are made sustainable and nontoxic material that are kind to baby’s health.

Features

• Made with SFI Certified sustainably sourced fluff
• Printed with non-toxic water-based inks
• Produced in a Zero Waste to Landfill Facility
• Non-toxic super absorbent polymer(sodium polyacrylate)
• Cruelty free / not tested on animals

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2. Dyper

Material | Bamboo Viscose

Coming in at number 2 are Dyper Diapers. Made from the viscose of bamboo, the Dyper brand has gained the popularity of parents for being extremely leak-proof, as well as gentle on baby’s skin. The best part is that they are compostable through Dyper’s composting service, REDYPER.

The downside to the REDYPER composting service is that curbside pickup is limited to only around 20 major cities, and there is a $20 fee per curbside pick up. This may not be ideal for many families, especially during times of inflation.

Dypers are OEKO–TEX Standard 100 certified for safety and DermaTest, and they do not contain fragrance or prints, making these extremely hypoallergenic, and great for babies with extra sensitive skin.

Save 10-15% on repeat deliveries: Coupon available on Amazon when you select the Subscribe & Save option.

Features

• Inner and outer layers made with viscose from bamboo
• Hypoallergenic and buttery soft
• Made without prints and perfumes
• Absorbent core with chlorine free pulp
• Wetness indicator strip
• Cruelty free / not tested on animals

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3. Eco Boom

Material | Bamboo Viscose

Eco Boom Diapers are sliding in at number 3 for being highly absorbent, hypoallergenic and 70% biodegradable—and parents are praising these diapers for being great at maintaining blowouts, and have dubbed them the “high-end eco affordable diapers”.

The only downside to these biodegradable diapers is that there are some incidences of “shedding” from the inner layer, which, to be fair, is normal for plant/based diapers, especially if they’ve been left wet for too long. Hence, you won’t have to worry about it if you change your little one in a timely manner.

These natural disposable diapers are manufactured ethically in China, and boxed up in recyclable packaging made from 30% post consumer waste. They also have reputable environmental certifications, and are very transparent about their manufacturing process.

Features

• Certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100
• Bamboo viscose fabric certified by the FSC
• Absorbent chlorine-free pulp
• Arrives in recyclable packaging made from 30% recycled material
• Cruelty free / not tested on animals

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4. Honest

Material | Misc Plant Fibers

Earning their spot at number 4, are Honest’s Clean Conscious Diapers. These diapers are made with safe plant-based materials, including a core made from sustainably harvested wood from Scandinavia.

This wood is turned into fluff pulp at a Swedish mill using chlorine-free processing which ensure that no toxic chemicals end up in our waterways.

These plant based diapers do not contain latex, fragrance, or parabens, making them hypoallergenic, and their new, efficient design reduces the amount of material used in each diaper.

The diapers also feature a wetness indicator, blowout protection, and advanced absorption for dry, healthy-looking skin. Each diaper also contains a beautiful design, but according to parents, these run a little big, so start with a small pack, and go from there!

Coupon available on Amazon when you select the Subscribe & Save option.

Features

• Plant-Based Materials made with sustainably harvested, totally chlorine-free fluff pulp
• Diaper Duty wetness indicator
• Quick absorb channels
• Belly button cut out in newborn diapers and poop pockets in bigger sizes
• Cruelty Free / not tested on animals

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5. Bambo Nature

Material | Misc Plant Fibers + Wood Pulp

Bambo Nature is a family owned and operated business based in Denmark, where their sustainable Dream diapers are manufactured. These baby diapers are also the first to receive certification from the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the official sustainability label for Nordic countries.

These diapers have received high praise from parents for their leak-proof ability, with many trusting them even for nighttime use. They’re also super soft, hypoallergenic, can handle the toughest blowouts.

The only issue that some parents have with these diapers is the sizing. Many claim that the sizing is off and that they run a little bit. My advice is to buy a sample pack and try it out. If they’re too big, you can always hang on to them until baby grows into them.

Features

• Flexible design with leakage prevention
• Breathable back sheet made with TCF fluff pulp
• Wetness indicator
• Ethically produced in Denmark
• Vegan / not tested on animals