Babies are so cute; you want to hold them, make faces and watch them smile at you while you smile back. Your smile can, however, disappear when it’s time to cater to their toileting needs.
Due to their underdeveloped state, babies cannot identify when, how, or where they can pass stool, so they just do it right there in their pants. Using a good diaper regularly helps to keep the mess at bay.
Over the years, diapers have helped parents and caregivers maintain healthy toileting for their children and patients however, in recent times, more people are fighting toxic waste by switching to eco-friendly diaper options.
In this article, we will reveal what you should know about eco-friendly diapers and some of the best options available for use.
Also read: How Eco-friendly Products help Environment: 11 things you didn’t know
What are eco-friendly diapers?
Eco-friendly diapers are made using materials that are biodegradable and have fewer chemicals. Unlike regular diapers that contain dyes and chemicals that are toxic to the environment, eco-friendly diapers contain little to no harmful chemicals.
Diapers that are considered eco-friendly can be classified into two major groups-disposable and reusable diapers. Reusable diapers make use of absorbent materials such as cloth napkins that can be washed and reused. Disposable diapers, on the other hand, are similar to traditional diapers. The difference is that they contain less toxic waste and chemicals.
3 reasons why you should use eco-friendly diapers
1. Easy decomposition
Before learning to use the toilet, most babies would have used up to 5000 diapers. Adults who suffer from illnesses that render them incapable of controlling their bladder or rectum also require the use of adult diapers, most of which end up in landfills.
In 2018 alone, about 3.3 million tons of diaper waste ended up in landfills in the United States. This accounted for about 1.4% of total municipal solid waste in the US. The implication is a high level of CO2 emissions and pollution of the land and air that could seep into the earth and contaminate groundwater.
Using eco-friendly diapers can help to solve this problem. Eco-friendly diapers are primarily biodegradable and contain fewer pollutants. This makes them easy to compost which is good for the environment.
2. Free of chemicals
Regular disposable diapers make use of chemicals like formaldehyde, bleach, and perfumes, which can cause rashes and other health problems in infants. These chemicals are not present in biodegradable diapers.
A publication in the National Library of Medicine states that chemicals in regular disposable diapers are responsible for some health implications, such as testicular cancer, male infertility, chronic diaper rash, and respiratory infections like asthma.
Eco-friendly diapers are made with more natural materials like cotton wool and are thus devoid of harmful chemicals. This keeps the infants healthy and is also healthy for the environment.
3. Pocket friendly
Eco-friendly diapers could be disposable or reusable. Reusable diapers are very easy on the pocket as they require less spending. When you compare all the advantages of a biodegradable diaper to a conventional disposable one, you’ll find that they’re not only good for the environment but also easy on your wallet.
The majority of the overall cost of taking care of a baby’s requirements is spent on diapers. An opportunity to select a diaper of higher quality at a fair price that is good for both your kid and the environment is unquestionably worthwhile.
10 best eco-friendly diapers to choose from
1. Pampers pure
This is one of the most sustainable diapers produced by pampers. This diaper is soft, fragrance-free, and chemical free. They are also made without latex which reduces the chances of allergic reactions in infants.
Pampers pure is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp and has a plant-based top sheet. They also come with cute prints that your baby will love.
Despite these advantages, pampers pure diapers are not completely compostable and may still end up in landfills; however, they are worth your money for their chemical-free makeup.
2. Mum & You nappies
Made from sustainably sourced materials, this cotton nappy is free from perfume, and latex. It is super absorbent and prevents leaks for up to 12 hours.
Mum and You nappies are made using 100% renewable energy with packaging that is 100% recyclable. These diapers also contain 30% recycled products.
3. Bamboo naturals
Bamboo naturals diaper is chlorine-free and has no harmful chemicals present. They are also soft and are made using renewable energy. This diaper is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and includes roughly 30% bio-based ingredients. A moisture indicator is also present to let you know when the diaper should be changed.
Like ordinary diapers, they are made of synthetic materials like SAP, elastane, and others which do not decompose quickly. This is the principal disadvantage of this eco-friendly diaper brand.
4. Seventh-generation diapers
When it comes to absorbency and leaking, this brand consistently ranks among parents’ who take that initial step into the market seeking natural products. Diapers from Seventh Generation are widely accessible and help keep newborns tidy and dry.
5. Coterie diapers
This diaper is leak-proof and ideal for infants and toddlers. The newborn size can be worn on infants weighing less than 10 pounds, with additional sizes available.
Coterie diapers are clean in terms of environmental friendliness. They are produced using soft materials, including SAP, nonwoven polypropylene and polyester, and TCF wood pulp. They are free of optical brighteners, rubber, dyes, alcohol, VOCs, fragrance, and dyes. They are produced in unbiased laboratories and never put to the test on anim
6. Andy Pandy diapers
There isn’t any disposable diaper that is currently 100 percent biodegradable and compostable. However, Andy Pandy is almost there. Their bamboo diapers are more biodegradable than most conventional disposable diapers at 87 percent!
The diapers are created without harmful chemicals like chlorine, alcohol, PVC, and preservatives. Instead, bamboo, TCF fluff, SAP, and velcro glue are the materials used in producing this brand. The diapers are super absorbent, soft, stretchy, and have a wetness indicator. Parents adore them because they may lessen diaper rash.
7. Momgaroo reusable cloth diapers
The cloth diapers or nappies made by Momgaroo contain an interior layer of suede fabric and an exterior layer that is waterproof. They come in one size fits all styles and feature two rows of snaps across the waist. You are free to select the kind of inserts you desire. Fabrics made of hemp or bamboo charcoal are also available. They are not thrown-away inserts.
They are washable and reusable and contain a soft top sheet that is mild on the baby’s skin. They are also made by hand, which is quite cute and friendly for the environment. The major disadvantage of this diaper is that you will have to do a lot of laundry in the end.
8. Nest disposable diapers
This diaper comes with recyclable packaging, and the diaper is made with materials that adhere to the Oeko-tex 100 standard. The SGS has also validated that Nest diapers are 62.2% biodegradable. In a landfill, it will break down more quickly than other disposable diapers.
The baby’s skin will feel soft and comfortable with Nest eco diapers. They don’t cling to the skin when moist or create diaper rash. They can hold a lot of urine, and the wetness indicator always lets you know when it’s time for a change. The diaper was praised for its excellent fit, which prevented thighs or waist rashes.
9. Dyper diapers
If your child is often grumbling about how comfortable their diapers are, Dyper is a brand that may capture your attention. These diapers are perfect for kids who are active since they may be used both day and night. They are cozy and stretchy and soft to the touch, according to parents.
The absorbance is another factor that makes them so comfy. Both the inner and outer layers are constructed entirely of bamboo viscose, which is excellent at capturing and wicking away moisture from your baby’s skin. Not to mention, you can return these diapers using the REDYPER program to reduce waste.
10. Eco by Naty disposable diapers
Eco by Naty disposable diapers are made mostly of bioplastic and include a wood pulp and SAP absorbent core. They make use of plant resources like cotton, maize, sugar cane, and wood cellulose that makes this diaper partly compostable.
Naty’s diapers recently underwent a transformation from a bulky kind to a slender type, and the new type is significantly more elastic. The baby diapers also include a variety of adorable, nature-inspired patterns.
This brand is devoid of greenwashing as the company is very transparent about the materials, ingredients, and processes involved in making this diaper. One major demerit however is that they are less absorbent and may not be completely compostable.
Tips to consider when choosing eco-friendly diapers
When choosing an eco-friendly diaper for your baby or patient, there are certain tips that can help you choose the right one.
- Look for diapers with natural ingredients.
- Look out for certifications.
- Make sure the diaper is absorbent. An absorbent diaper will save costs and help keep your baby comfortable.
- Look for brands that are devoid of greenwashing. It is better to go with honest brands that are partially eco-friendly than with one that claims to be completely green.
Conclusion
Using eco-friendly products has become a trend in our world and diapers are certainly not left out. The advantages of using green diapers outweigh the disadvantages.
In this era where climate change and waste pollution have become issues of concern, it is important that we combat these issues by adopting eco-friendly products that will benefit our health as well as our planet.
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