For parents, there is nothing nearly as important as the comfort of their baby. Fortunately, disposable diapers have come a long way to ensure your little one’s skin remains soft and dry throughout the day and night. However, are you aware of the environmental impact of these apparently harmless products? If not, our handy guide on eco-friendly disposable diapers is meant just for you.

As it turns out, nearly 20 billion disposable diapers end up in landfills across the country every year. To make it even worse, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that diapers account for an estimated 3.5 tons of annual waste (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/disposable-diapers-add-millions-of-tons-of-waste-to-landfills-each-year-according-to-epa-report-300384344.html

). The agency also stated that these products release methane gas, introduce dangerous pathogens into the environment, and potentially pollute drinking water. Methane is known to act as a greenhouse gas and is a major contributor to the warming climate.

So, as a parent, what can you do to limit your role in making the climate crisis even worse?

The answer is simple: switch to eco-friendly disposable diapers made from natural and organic materials.

What Makes Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers a Good Choice?

Here are some of the most noteworthy reasons you should replace traditional disposable diapers with their sustainable alternatives:

• They have hypoallergenic properties
• Many organic diapers are biodegradable
• They are made from plant-based materials
• They are free of potentially harmful chemicals
• They are a suitable option for babies with sensitive skin

Types of Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

When we talk about eco-friendly diapers, we usually talk about products made from organic and sustainable materials. However, since diapers are not regulated properly or bear uniform labels, it can be difficult to determine if the product you are buying for your baby is actually what it claims to be.

Here are the three main types of disposable diapers all environmentally conscious parents should know about:

Organic Diapers

Disposable diapers are unlikely to be 100% organic. Nonetheless, if a product claims to be organic, please make sure it has been certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This seal on the packaging means the products are made from at least 95% organic certified materials.

Biodegradable and Compostable Diapers

Products that are broken down by microorganisms in nature are known as biodegradable. If a product is not biodegradable, then it will linger in the natural world for a very long time and potentially pose a hazard to wildlife. Traditional plastics are a perfect example of a non-biodegradable product. If a product is biodegradable and breaks down leaving behind only carbon dioxide, water, and biomass with no toxic or metallic residue, then that product is also compostable.  All compostable diapers are biodegradable but not all biodegradable diapers are compostable.

Sustainable Diapers

Sustainable diapers are usually free of chemicals that may harm the baby’s skin and the environment. Although they are not necessarily organic or compostable, these products are made from renewable materials such as bamboo fibers, making them more environmentally friendly than their traditional counterparts.

What Chemicals to Look Out For When Buying Diapers?

Experts suggest steering clear of the products that contain the following chemicals:

Phthalates

A common ingredient in most skincare and cosmetic products, phthalates are considered possible carcinogens. If your baby’s diaper is fragranced, there is a good chance it contains this endocrine disruptor.

Chlorine

Many manufacturers use chlorine in diapers due to its bleaching properties. Prolonged use of such products can cause skin rashes and irritation among babies.

Latex

Disposable diapers that have latex mentioned on their label can cause a severe skin reaction in some babies. Hence, you should try and avoid it altogether.

The Best Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

Let’s look at some of the best disposable diapers that will be gentle on your baby’s skin and the earth alike.

The Honest Company Diapers

If you are looking for comfortable baby diapers that are made from plant-based materials, you should consider checking out the eco-conscious product line by the Honest Company. These disposable diapers contain no chemical fragrances, parabens, or latex. So, rest assured, it will be kind to your baby’s skin and help them sleep through the night without any hassle.

Additionally, the Honest Company offers diapers for every stage of a baby’s life, ranging from newborn to size 6. Their products also feature a wetness indicator and are highly leak-proof.

Dyper Sustainable Baby Diapers

The ultra-soft and highly absorbent nature of sustainable baby diapers by Dyper has made them a favorite among new parents. These products are made from plant-based materials and comprise a chlorine-free pulp that ensures our waterways remain clean and healthy. These diapers are also free of fragrances and dyes. These diapers are also certified bio-based, carbon-neutral, certified plastic neutral.

It is also worth mentioning that Dyper baby diapers are compostable. In addition, the company has earned a Standard 100 certification by OEKO TEX, adding more credibility to its products.

Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers

The Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers are not only affordable but also very eco-friendly. They comprise a layer of organic bamboo fiber, making them largely biodegradable.

Furthermore, these diapers are super absorbent and hypoallergenic. In other words, you won’t have to worry about your baby experiencing painful rashes or other skin irritations even after prolonged use of these products. You can buy Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable diapers in five sizes: Newborn, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.

The brand has also partnered with Eden Reforestation Project and has pledged to plant two trees for every item purchased.

In a Nutshell

Disposable and biodegradable diapers made from organic materials will help make the world a better place by reducing pollution and protecting your baby from the potentially harmful chemicals used in mainstream products.

Although you may find it difficult to locate 100% organic diapers on your local supermarket shelves, the growing popularity of eco-friendly options is certainly good news. These products make it easier for parents to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle while ensuring their child is comfy at all times.

If you are interested in learning more about eco-friendly disposable diapers or want to know about other organic products for your baby, please stay connected with HomeOrganic. Also, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to share your comment and feedback.