When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

10 Best Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers of 2024

Updated
Make an easy change to your diapering routine.

Disposable diapers are easy to use and super convenient. But did you know that they take at least 500 years to decompose (1)?

While not everyone can swap reusable cloth diapers, there is another way to protect the planet. That’s with some of the best eco-friendly disposable diapers.

We’ve researched real customer reviews and brand missions to bring you our top 10 recommendations. We were also able to test one brand ourselves, so stay tuned for a more personal review.

Our Top Picks

We independently research, assess and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Kudos The Ultimate Diaper
Best Cotton
Kudos The Ultimate Diaper
  • Twice as plant-based
  • Offer fantastic leak protection
  • Delicate on skin
Product Image of the Coterie The Diaper
Best Leak-Proof
Coterie The Diaper
  • Fast absorbent, prevents diaper rash
  • Control leaks pretty well
  • Clean ingredients, plush feeling
Product Image of the HealthyBaby Our Diaper
Best Sustainably-Made
HealthyBaby Our Diaper
  • Absorbent, great for overnight
  • Soft organic cotton
  • Comfy, stretchy waistband and snug leg
Product Image of the Joone The Perfect Diaper
Best Premium
Joone The Perfect Diaper
  • Chlorine-free construction
  • Multiple design options
  • Affordable, high quality product
Product Image of the Parasol Clear+Dry™ Natural Disposable Diapers
Best for Diaper Rash
Parasol Clear+Dry™ Natural Disposable Diapers
  • With RashShield protection
  • Comfortable and fitted
  • Breathable, stretchy waistband
Product Image of the Andy Pandy Biodegradable Disposable Diapers
Best Biodegradable
Andy Pandy Biodegradable Disposable Diapers
  • 87% biodegradable materials
  • 2x more absorbent
  • Super plush & soft
Product Image of the Dyper Bamboo Cloth Alternative Diapers
Best Fitted
Dyper Bamboo Cloth Alternative Diapers
  • Plant-based & earth friendly materials
  • Great for active kids
  • 5-star rating, certified Biobased
Product Image of the Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Baby Diapers
Best Affordable
Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Baby Diapers
  • Soft, biodegradable materials
  • Flexible waistband & leg cuffs
  • Minimize allergies and diaper rash
Product Image of the Nurture Diapers by BioBag
Best Hypoallergenic
Nurture Diapers by BioBag
  • Leaves no ink or dye prints
  • Hypoallergenic, great for sensitive skin
  • Compostable
Product Image of the Eco by Naty Baby Plant-Based Diapers
Best Plant-Based
Eco by Naty Baby Plant-Based Diapers
  • 53% plant-based
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Cruelty-free and 0% oil-based plastic


The Best Eco Friendly Disposable Diapers of 2024

Transform your diaper routine with these 10 disposable but eco-friendly options.

Kudos The Ultimate Diaper

Best Cotton Eco-Friendly Disposable Diaper

We’ve been using Kudos diapers for about a week now and have to say — we’re very impressed!

The first thing we noticed was that the material was so soft, softer than any store-bought diaper we’ve tried. My son hasn’t had any sensitivity issues while wearing it. He is always happy and comfy in them.

What I really love about them is that they’re totally leak-proof. Even if my son sleeps all night, the diaper is dry in the morning. It’s not even bulgy, which I find is the case with other brands.

Overall, these are of incredible quality. As for eco-friendliness, they are lined with 100 percent clean cotton — no plastic. Kudos is the only brand on the market that does this. They are aiming to make a 100 percent plant-based diaper someday.

Pros

  • Twice as plant-based based as other natural disposable diaper brands.
  • Cotton sourced in the USA; diapers made in Germany.
  • DoubleDryTM Tech in each diaper gives fantastic leak protection.
  • 100 percent cotton liners are kind, even on sensitive skin.
  • Very soft materials that don’t bulge even when diaper is wet.
  • Suitable for kids between eight and 35+ pounds.

Cons

  • They’re not compostable and should be tossed in the trash.

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Absorbency
5 / 5
Comfort
5 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Total Rating
5 / 5

User Experience

My experience with Kudos diapers has been nothing short of impressive. The softness of the material is unparalleled, and my son has had no sensitivity issues while wearing them. These diapers are completely leak-proof, ensuring a dry and comfortable night for my little one, without any bulging. I appreciate that they are eco-friendly, boasting 100 percent clean cotton liners and a goal to eventually become a fully plant-based diaper. DoubleDryTM technology offers excellent leak protection, and they are suitable for kids weighing between eight and 35+ pounds. While not compostable, the numerous benefits of Kudos diapers make them a fantastic choice for parents seeking a high-quality, eco-conscious alternative.

Product Specs

Materials Cotton, corn starch, sugar cane, pulp, and breathable polyethylene
Made Without Chlorine, latex, parabens, lotions, fragrances, phthalates
Sizing 8-35+ pounds
How to Dispose In the trash
Price $$

Coterie The Diaper

Best Leak-Proof Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

We remember the blowout days well. You bring your baby home from the hospital, and it feels like every time they do their business, it’s all hands on deck. Coterie has created an almost leak-proof diaper made to minimize blowouts. They have a newborn size, perfect for babies under 10 pounds. Their biggest diapers are suitable for kids 35 and up, so you can use this brand for years to come.

In terms of being eco-friendly, these diapers are clean. They are made with gentle ingredients such as TCF wood pulp, nonwoven polypropylene and polyester, and SAP. They don’t contain fragrance, rubber, dyes, alcohol, chlorine bleaching, VOCS, or optical brighteners. They’re never tested on animals and they’re made in independent labs.

Pros

  • Absorbs liquids four times quicker to help minimize diaper rash.
  • Since they’re more absorbent, they’re better at containing leaks.
  • Holds 70 more liquid than other brands, making it a great option for overnight sleep.
  • Apex® Technology feels like cloth and has a plush feeling, too.
  • Clean ingredients — made without nasties such as chlorine, lotion, dyes, and alcohol.
  • 25 percent plant-based materials.

Cons

  • The wetness indicator turns gray which is hard to see at night.
  • You can’t order various sizes within one box which is hard for fast-growing babies.
  • The diapers don’t contain the strong urine scent.

Product Specs

Materials SAP, TCF wood pulp, nonwoven backsheet, polypropylene, and polyester
Made Without Fragrance, latex, alcohol, parabens, phthaltaes, chlorine, VOCS and more
Sizing Newborn to 35+ pounds
How to Dispose In the trash
Price $$-$$$

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
4 / 5
Absorbency
5 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm impressed with these diapers as they provide excellent leak protection and are made with clean, eco-friendly ingredients. The high absorbency rate allows for quick liquid absorption, reducing the risk of diaper rash and making them a fantastic overnight option. The Apex® Technology gives them a soft, cloth-like feel that is gentle on my baby's skin. One minor drawback is the wetness indicator turning gray, which can be hard to see in dim lighting. Additionally, it would be more convenient if various sizes were available within one box to accommodate fast-growing babies.

HealthyBaby Our Diaper

Best Sustainably-Made Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

While we’ve explained that you can’t yet get a fully biodegradable diaper, HealthyBaby also agrees. We love that they don’t greenwash you with their diapers. Instead, they explain how their diapers are sustainably-made.

Their diapers are the first-ever EWG certified disposable option. They focus on replacing all petroleum-based materials and they use less petroleum and crude oil in the manufacturing of the diapers. Instead, they use renewable grown plants such as sugarcane. Instead of polyester in the outer cover, they use cotton. All diapers are made in a European factory with incredibly high sustainability standards.

As for the diapers themselves, they’re made from premium organic cotton which is soft and cozy on your baby’s bottom.

Pros

  • Even toddlers prefer these diapers over other brands.
  • Absorbent core traps liquids right away.
  • Soft organic cotton is soft and cozy for babies.
  • Stretchy waistbands and snug leg cuffs are more comfortable for babies.
  • Sustainably made diapers, using high-standard European factories.
  • Parents found they held blowouts well and worked great overnight.

Cons

  • Some customers found it challenging to get the sizing right for their babies.
  • No wetness indicator.
  • One of the more expensive options, almost double than traditional diapers.

Product Specs

Materials Organic cotton, FSC-certified wood pulp, sugar cane, ​​polypropylene, sodium polyacrylate, and more
Made Without Parabens, phthalates, fragrances, optical brighteners, chlorine and 2000+ more banned ingredients
Sizing 6-27+ pounds
How to Dispose In the trash
Price $$-$$$

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
4.5 / 5
Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Comfort
5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

These sustainably-made diapers are a fantastic choice for eco-conscious parents, as they replace petroleum-based materials with renewable plant sources like sugarcane. This results in an EWG certified disposable diaper that is soft, absorbent, and comfortable for babies, even overnight. The stretchy waistbands and snug leg cuffs ensure a great fit, while the premium organic cotton outer cover is gentle on your baby's skin. However, some customers found it difficult to determine the right sizing for their little ones, and the diapers lack a wetness indicator. Do note that these diapers are on the pricier side, but the sustainable manufacturing and high European factory standards make them a worthy investment.

Joone The Perfect Diaper

Best Premium Eco-Friendly Disposable Diaper

When we say premium, we mean quality. But we also love these diapers because they’re one of the most affordable options on the market, almost matching regular disposable diapers. So if you want to save money but also get something high-quality, you’ll love Joone.

These French diapers are non-toxic, making them a hit with parents worldwide. They’re made with TCF cellulose, sodium polyacrylate beads, a double inner fleech, and more toxic-free materials.

The superabsorbent beads can actually hold up to 200 times their weight in liquid, so you won’t see leaks in the morning from these diapers!

Pros

  • Totally chlorine-free construction, dermatologically tested.
  • 20 different design options.
  • Suitable for kids between four and 66 pounds.
  • Premium quality at an affordable price.
  • Holds up to 200 times its weight in liquid.
  • They’re very transparent about how their diapers are made.

Cons

  • You need to buy in bulk to get the affordable price points.

Product Specs

Materials SAP, TCF cellulose, sugar cane, corn starch, and polyethylene
Made Without Chlorine, latex, lotion, perfume, endocrine disruptors
Sizing 4-66 pounds
How to Dispose In the trash
Price $-$$

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
4 / 5
Absorbency
5 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

These premium diapers are not only high-quality but also one of the most affordable options available, almost on par with regular disposable diapers. I appreciate that these French diapers are non-toxic and made with TCF cellulose, sodium polyacrylate beads, a double inner fleece, and other toxic-free materials. The super-absorbent feature of these diapers is impressive as they can hold up to 200 times their weight in liquid, eliminating leaks in the morning. They are also chlorine-free, dermatologically tested, and come in 20 different design options, suitable for kids weighing between four and 66 pounds. The brand's transparency about their diaper construction is another plus point. However, to benefit from the affordable price, you need to buy in bulk.

Parasol Clear+Dry™ Natural Disposable Diapers

Best Eco-Friendly Disposable Diaper for Diaper Rash

Does your little one suffer from bad diaper rash? Normal disposable diapers can irritate diaper rash even more since they’re full of nasty chemicals.

The Parasol diapers use RashShield™ to protect your baby from the horrors of diaper rash. These protective layers are soft and absorbent. So it keeps away moisture and humidity, locking it inside the diaper to prevent irritating sensitive skin and, therefore, diaper rash.

We also appreciate that it’s a very breathable diaper, so your little one will feel fresh and dry, even if wearing it overnight.

Last but not least, it has a very stretchy and contoured waistband that is comfortable and fitted, even if your baby is on the move all day long!

Pros

  • RashShield protection locks in moisture and humidity to prevent diaper rash.
  • It’s more fitted, with a high waist and wider bottoms, to be comfortable on your baby.
  • Very breathable materials keep babies fresh and dry all night long.
  • Stretchy waistband around tummy and legs don’t pinch the skin.
  • Thin materials don’t balloon up much when wet.
  • A parent founded the company.

Cons

  • The diapers can expel condensation, which can dampen your child’s clothes.
  • Suitable for 10 hours, so it might not be best for kids who sleep longer at night.
  • Some customers reported leaking issues.
  • The sizing advice is difficult to follow; some parents ended up with diapers too big or too small.

Product Specs

Materials TCF wood pulp, polypropylene fabric, sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene film, and elastic
Made Without Chlorine, alcohol, dyes, chemicals, fragrances, lotions, parabens, latex, metals, preservatives, and phthalates
Sizing 7-26+ pounds
How to Dispose In the trash
Price $$

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
3.5 / 5
Absorbency
4 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

I'm impressed with these Parasol diapers and their RashShield™ technology, which effectively locks in moisture and humidity to prevent diaper rash. The soft, absorbent layers keep my little one's sensitive skin free from irritation. I've noticed that the high waist and wider bottoms provide a comfortable and secure fit, making them suitable for active babies. The breathable materials ensure my baby stays fresh and dry throughout the night, while the stretchy waistband doesn't pinch the skin. However, I did experience some condensation issues, which dampened my child's clothes, and the sizing advice can be tricky to follow, leading to potential leaks if not sized correctly.

Andy Pandy Biodegradable Disposable Diapers

Best Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

As we’ve discussed, there’s no such thing as a completely biodegradable and compostable diaper yet. But Andy Pandy is nearly there. Their bamboo diapers are 87 percent biodegradable which is better than traditional disposable diapers!

We also love that the diapers are made without chlorine, alcohol, PVC, preservatives, and more nasties. Instead, they’re made with bamboo, TCF fluff, SAP, and velcro adhesive. Kids love that the diapers are moisture-wicking and thermal regulating. Parents love that they’re absorbent and can reduce diaper rash.

Pros

  • 87 percent biodegradable materials.
  • Twice as absorbent as cotton diapers.
  • Super comfortable and soft; good for babies and prevents diaper rash.
  • Includes a yellow to green wetness indicator.
  • Stretchy materials provide a snug fit for babies.
  • 60 percent of the diaper biodegrades within 75 days (you can compost them)!

Cons

  • The entire diaper is not yet biodegradable.
  • They’re expensive (but cheaper via Andy Pandy’s website).
  • The sizing isn’t great — run too big or too small.
  • Parents found the diapers leaked overnight.

Product Specs

Materials Bamboo, TCF fluff, SAP and velcro adhesive
Made Without Parabens, platelets, sulfate, dyes, synthetic fragrance, chlorine
Sizing 7-26+ pounds
How to Dispose Compost
Price $$-$$$

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
4.5 / 5
Absorbency
4 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

Best diapers I've tried so far! I've experimented with different brands, including Bambo Nature, Pampers Swaddlers, and Naty Babycare, but these Andy Pandy diapers are the softest and most comfortable for my newborn. However, they do run a bit large, so they might be better suited for slightly older or chunkier babies. The cut is quite wide, which may not be ideal for all body shapes, but they generally contain leaks well. After using these diapers for a few weeks, I noticed that my baby's skin became less irritated and looked healthier than when using other brands. While they may not be perfect for every baby, I found these diapers to be a great eco-friendly and gentle option for our family.

Dyper Bamboo Cloth Alternative Diapers

Best Fitted Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

If your little one is constantly complaining about their diaper comfort, Dyper is a brand that might catch your eye. These diapers are intended for day and night use, making them great for active little ones. They’re stretchy and comfortable. Parents find that they’re soft to the touch. The company compares them to yoga pants! We think they’re as comfortable as underwear.

Another reason that they’re so comfortable is due to the absorbancy. Both the inner and outer layers are made from 100 percent bamboo viscose which is great at retaining moisture and wicking it away from your baby’s skin.

Last but not least, you can return these diapers through the REDYPER service, which minimizes your waste. Did you know they’ve diverted over 10 million pounds of diapers from landfills?

Pros

  • Plant-based and earth-friendly materials.
  • Made without latex, chlorine, PVC, parabens, alcohol, and more.
  • Bamboo material keeps moisture away from your baby’s skin and prevents blowouts.
  • As comfortable as underwear or yoga pants; great for active kids.
  • Includes a wetness indicator for parents’ convenience.
  • Five-star rating from Dermatest and a certified biobased product.

Cons

  • The sizing is awkward; some parents found the diapers fell off easily.
  • They get bulky when wet.
  • They’re absorbent but stay wet, which can be uncomfortable for kids.

Product Specs

Materials Viscose from bamboo, PP, bioplastic, elastane, sodium polyacrylate, and more
Made Without Chlorine, latex, lotions, TBT, alcohol, and phthalates
Sizing <10-27+ pounds
How to Dispose Use REDYPER service or in the trash
Price $$-$$$

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
4.5 / 5
Absorbency
4 / 5
Comfort
5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

I recently switched to Dyper diapers after trying several other brands that caused rashes on my newborn. Within three days of using these biodegradable, chemical-free diapers, the rash disappeared and we only experienced one or two minor leaks. Although they're a bit pricey and may fit slightly loose on slimmer babies, their softness, absorbency, and eco-friendliness make them a great choice for both the baby's comfort and the environment.

Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Baby Diapers

Best Affordable Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

It’s no secret that eco-friendly disposable diapers can be pricey. They’re usually more expensive than traditional disposable diapers, and in the long run, way more expensive than cloth diapers.

However, the Bambo nature diapers recognise that some parents are on a budget. Their prices are a little more in line with traditional disposable diapers and are around 25 percent cheaper than other options on our list.

What else is to love? The fact that these are stay-dry diapers. They keep your little one comfortable and fresh, even overnight. The diapers are free from dyes and perfumes, making them a great option for sensitive skin.

Pros

  • Super-absorbent advanced core keeps baby’s skin dry, even overnight.
  • Includes a wetness indicator for convenience.
  • Flexible waistband and leg cuffs for flexible movement.
  • Dermatologically tested to minimize allergies and diaper rash.
  • Most elements of the diaper are biodegradable.
  • Diapers can be burned at a recycling facility.
  • Soft materials keep babies super comfortable.

Cons

  • Difficult to get the right size; sizing issues also contribute to leaking issues.
  • Sometimes the diapers rip, and the insides stick to baby’s skin.

Product Specs

Materials TCF fluff, polymer, SAP, PE, PP, potassium sorbate, ECF fluff, and more
Made Without Chlorine, perfume, dyes, phthalates, synthetic preservatives
Sizing 4-35+ pounds
How to Dispose Specific diaper disposal system
Price $

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
4 / 5
Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Love the softness and eco-friendliness of these Bambo diapers! They are incredibly absorbent, making them perfect for daytime use, but I wouldn't recommend them for extended wear or heavy wetters. The sizing runs a bit large, so it's important to make sure you have the right fit to prevent leaks.

Nurture Diapers by BioBag

Best Hypoallergenic Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

Babies have sensitive skin, so it’s crucial to choose a hypoallergenic option, especially if your little one is prone to diaper rash. Nurture Diapers are hypoallergenic and breathable, so they are great for more sensitive babies.

Parents love them because of the absorbent leak protection. There’s nothing more stressful than starting your week with diaper leaks! Minimize that with these sustainably-made diapers. They are made in Denmark using a 100 percent wind-powered facility.

One unique thing about these diapers is that they are commercially compostable in the EarthBaby diaper service system. So you will need to send them to that specific system. Just note that it’s not 100 percent compostable yet, but it is their aim.

Pros

  • No ink or dye prints on the diapers.
  • Hypoallergenic and breathable, which is great for sensitive skin.
  • Leak protection prevents blowouts.
  • Diapers are made in a 100 percent wind-powered facility in Denmark.
  • Compostable using the EarthBaby diaper service system.

Cons

  • The wetness indicator doesn’t work; it is already green and doesn’t change colors.
  • They are expensive.
  • Some parents noticed gaps around the leg or the tabbing system.

Product Specs

Materials Virgin cellulose fluff, SAP, PP, PE, PUR, PLA, and viscose
Made Without Chlorine, perfume, inks, dyes, phthalates, dioxin, latex, and lotions
Sizing 4-35+ pounds
How to Dispose In the trash or using the EarthBaby diaper service system
Price $$$

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
4.5 / 5
Absorbency
3.5 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

I'm impressed by the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of these diapers, but their absorbency could use improvement, especially for overnight use. The fit was better than some other natural brands I've tried, and my baby experienced no skin irritation. However, the pH indicators seemed to have a faulty design or were affected during shipping, as they appeared slightly changed in color before use.

Eco by Naty Baby Plant-Based Diapers

Best Plant-Based Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers

If you’re looking for a diaper pioneering the plant-based way, check out Eco by Naty. Every single part of these diapers contains plant-based ingredients, making the entire content of plant-based materials 53 percent! That includes the non-woven sides and elastic ears, the back sheet, and the inner lining.

The diapers are free from plastics, toxins, and chemicals to prioritize your baby’s safety. They’re also designed to be comfortable. Your little one with love the breathable and flexible fit. And parents will love that these are very absorbent.

Pros

  • 53 percent plant-based, which is high compared to other brands.
  • Hypoallergenic materials minimize diaper rash.
  • Made with natural ingredients like sugar, wood pulp, cotton, and more.
  • Suitable for babies as little as four pounds.
  • Cruelty-free and zero percent oil-based plastic.
  • They’re more affordable, in line with regular disposable diapers.

Cons

  • They used to be compostable, but they no longer are.
  • Customers found the redesign made these diapers prone to leaking.
  • Sizing tends to be too big, so you might need to size down.
  • Customers found they needed to change child’s diaper every two hours to avoid leaks.

Product Specs

Materials Sugar cane, corn, wood pulp, cotton, PE, SAP
Made Without Chlorine, fragrances, latex, lotions, and bleaching
Sizing 4-35+ pounds
How to Dispose In the trash
Price $

Our Ratings

Eco-friendliness
4.5 / 5
Absorbency
3.5 / 5
Comfort
4 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

I've been using these eco-friendly diapers for my 3-month-old son who has sensitive skin, and they haven't irritated him at all. However, they did leak on several occasions, which might be due to my son's short and chunky build. This may not be an issue for babies with a different body type, as a friend of mine had no leakage issues with their long and thin baby. The diapers are soft and have great absorbency during the day, but they don't hold up as well overnight. Sizing can also be a bit off, as these diapers seem to run smaller compared to other brands. Despite the leakage and sizing issues, I appreciate the eco-friendly and skin-friendly aspects of these diapers.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Sizing How to Dispose Price
Kudos The Ultimate Diaper Best Cotton 8-35+ pounds In the trash $$
Coterie The Diaper Best Leak-Proof Newborn to 35+ pounds In the trash $$-$$$
HealthyBaby Our Diaper Sustainably-Made 6-27+ pounds In the trash $$-$$$
Joone The Perfect Diaper Best Premium 4-66 pounds In the trash $-$$
Parasol Clear+Dry™ Natural Disposable Diapers Best for Diaper Rash 7-26+ pounds In the trash $$
Andy Pandy Biodegradable Disposable Diapers Best Biodegradable 7-26+ pounds Compost $$-$$$
Dyper Bamboo Cloth Alternative Diapers Best Fitted 10-27+ pounds Use the REDYPER service $$-$$$
Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Baby Diapers Best Affordable 4-35+ pounds Specific diaper disposal system $
Nurture Diapers by BioBag Best Hypoallergenic 4-35+ pounds using EarthBaby service $$$
Nurture Diapers by BioBag Best Plant-Based 4-35+ pounds In the trash $

Types of Eco-Friendly Diapers

When it comes to sustainable diapering, you have three main options: disposable, cloth, or hybrid diapers. Let’s take a closer look.

Disposable

Disposable diapers are the most common off the shelf. But did you know you can actually get biodegradable and compostable disposable diapers? This will save you time while also protecting the environment. However, it’s important to note that these diapers aren’t yet 100 percent compostable. Single-use eco-friendly diapers use better materials, but they must be sent to a specific composting facility to really make an impact.

That being said, good eco-friendly disposable diaper companies will use more biodegradable materials and sustainably-harvested elements. Plus, they won’t add nasties such as bleach or fragrances.

Pros

  • Some parts of the diaper will biodegrade, protecting the planet a little.
  • They’re easy to use and very convenient.
  • Made without nasty ingredients such as fragrances, dyes, and bleach.
  • There will be less plastic in their packaging.
  • Some brands’ diapers biodegrade much quicker than 500 years.

Cons

  • The entire diaper might not be compostable, meaning it can still sit in landfill for years to come.
  • Companies are good at green-washing you, making you think a brand is sustainable even when it’s not.
  • You need to send the used diapers to composting facilities to make an impact.
  • More expensive than traditional disposable diapers.

Cloth

While cloth diapers are probably the most sustainable way to protect your little one, they’re not for everyone. However, you might still want to hear some of their benefits over disposable diapers. For starters, they have a higher up-front cost, but they can save you a lot of money over time.

These diapers can be washed and reused hundreds of times, saving you money in the long run. Most brands sell diapers that grow with your baby, so you don’t need to stock up on new sizes every few months.

Cloth diapers are typically made with bamboo, cotton, hemp, modal, or polyester.

Pros

  • They come in various materials to best suit individual babies.
  • Diapers typically grow with the baby, so you don’t need to continuously stock up.
  • Over time, they save you a lot of money since you can wash and reuse them.
  • Creates less waste in landfill.
  • Many parents find that cloth diapers are more gentle on a baby’s skin.
  • Studies show that cloth diapers can make potty training easier (2).

Cons

  • Larger up-front cost, usually a couple of hundred dollars.
  • You use more energy and water to clean the diapers.
  • You spend more time doing laundry.
  • It can be a learning curve; your babysitters or daycare might not know how to use them.
  • They aren’t as absorbent, so you will have more diaper changes.

Hybrid

Last but not least, your other option is hybrid diapers. These consist of cloth or reusable diaper covers and disposable inserts. Typically, the insert is plastic-free and flushable, which is better for the environment than regular disposable diapers.

Like cloth diapers, the outer covers tend to grow with your baby, so you can use these for a couple of years before restocking. As for the liners, these have a little more absorbency than regular cloth diapers. Plus, it makes for much easier cleaning!

Pros

  • You can swap between disposable inserts and cloth inserts.
  • They are more eco-friendly than disposable diapers but easier to clean than cloth diapers.
  • They are more absorbent than cloth diapers, so are typically better for the newborn stage.
  • You can avoid nasty ingredients like bleach, dye, and fragrance.
  • They come in a variety of styles and materials.
  • The outer shell grows with your baby.

Cons

  • Bigger investment upfront, plus you have to keep buying new inserts.
  • The disposable inserts can still end up in landfills.
  • There are multiple steps to cleaning and disposing of the diaper.
  • Some daycares or babysitters will prefer not to use hybrid diapers.

How to Choose Environmentally Friendly Diapers

While there are a few different types of eco-friendly diapers, we’re purely focusing on disposable options here. This is a great option for those who don’t have a lot of time to do laundry, don’t have a lot of storage space, and can’t bulk-buy upfront. This guide will help you decipher which brand is best for you. Let’s look at some of the most critical details when shopping.

Materials

The first thing you want to check is what the diaper is made of. This could be bamboo, cotton, non-woven polypropylene, cellulose pulp, wheat starch, and more. While each material has its pros and cons, it’s up to you what you go for.

You want to choose something that will be absorbent (especially if your little one isn’t on solids yet) and comfortable. If you know your baby has sensitivities to bamboo, for instance, avoid that material.

What’s It Made Without

As well as the materials it’s made with, you also want to check what the diaper is made without. When choosing eco-friendly diapers, you also want to prioritize your child’s comfort. So it’s important that the diaper is made without chlorine-based products, bleach, fragrances, dyes, volatile organic compounds, dioxins, and more. If your baby has sensitive skin and experiences diaper rash after diaper rash, it’s essential to avoid these chemicals.

Fit and Comfort

Always check that the brand carries the right size for your baby. For instance, some brands might not carry newborn or premature sizes. Vice versa, they might not have the right size for an older child.

How to Dispose

It’s important to note how you should be disposing of the diaper. For instance, can it go in your regular trash, or will you need to send it to a composting facility? How long will it take for the diaper to break down? While some biodegradable diapers claim to decompose within a few months, it’s important to remember that there might be some elements of the diaper that can still take a few hundred years.

Price

Lastly, we suggest looking at the price per diaper. We’ve found that earth-friendly disposable diapers and plant-based diapers cost around $0.10-0.20 more per diaper than traditional disposable diapers. While this is due to the kindness to the planet and your little one, always check the price to ensure the diapers are within budget.


Eco-Friendly Diaper FAQs

Do Eco-Friendly Diapers Really Exist?

It depends on your definition of eco-friendly. There’s no such thing as 100 percent eco-friendly since even cloth diapers take resources to make and wash. However, some diapers are more eco-friendly than others. The ones on our list are more eco-friendly than traditional disposable diapers, so we think they’re a great and easy swap to make.

Are Pampers Pure Environmentally Friendly?

It’s complicated. While these diapers use sustainably sourced cotton and other plant-based materials, they don’t tell us how much of the diaper is plant-based. That could be five percent, or it could be 95 percent. We don’t know.

The bad news is that Pampers Pure still contains petroleum-based plastic. So we think that Pampers is doing a bit of greenwashing here. There are more eco-friendly disposable diapers available.

Are Huggies Biodegradable?

Their diapers are not biodegradable. But their natural wipes are.

Are Bamboo Diapers Worth It?

It’s down to personal preference. Some parents love bamboo diapers because they are more gentle on your little one’s skin; they’re soft; they’re breathable; and finally, if you opt for cloth bamboo diapers, they’re reusable.

However, there is some debate over whether bamboo is even sustainably sourced. Plus, bamboo diapers are more expensive.

Are Compostable Diapers Really Compostable?

This is the whole catch and where you have to be careful. Some companies do make compostable diapers, but you have to send them to a specific facility. At the moment, these facilities and technologies aren’t widely available. So many parents end up tossing them in with general waste where they will not break down as easily.

How Long Do Bamboo Diapers Take to Decompose?

It can take around 75 days for a bamboo diaper to decompose, which is a lot quicker than regular diapers, which can be around 500 years. However, even bamboo diapers contain some plastic. So while the bamboo elements might decompose quicker, the whole diaper might not be completely gone within 75 days.

How Do You Dispose of Eco-Friendly Diapers?

Most eco-friendly diapers still need to be tossed in the trash. The diaper’s eco-friendly elements usually allude to how the company made it and how it will treat your baby rather than the decomposition process.

However, some diapers will decompose quicker than others.

And finally, some diapers can be composted in the correct facilities or using the proper services provided. The issue is that these services aren’t yet widely available, or they are expensive to use.

Always check the brand’s instructions to dispose of the diapers correctly.


Eco-Friendly Round-Up

We might have scared you with our crazy fact about how long it takes regular diapers to decompose. If you’re ready to make the switch but don’t want to commit to cloth diapers, you can make a small difference with these best eco-friendly disposable diapers.

Some of these diapers are biodegradable, and some are plant-based, but overall, they’re kinder to your environment and definitely kinder to your baby’s skin.

Whether you’re looking for something made from cotton, bamboo, something premium, or affordable — we’ve provided 10 worthy recommendations for you.

Feedback: Was This Article Helpful?
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Thank You For Your Feedback!
What Did You Like?
What Went Wrong?