Organic diapers are generally more costly than normal disposable diapers, and when you know how many diapers your baby will go through, it might put you off going the eco-friendly route. While we all know that we should be doing our bit for the environment, you also want to use diapers that work well, are gentle on your baby’s skin, and which won’t break the bank.

(If you’re not sure how many diapers your baby will go through, you can learn about that in our article How Many Diapers Do I Need?, which includes our diaper calculator. Also, check out our ultimate diaper guide for new parents.)

When it comes to organic diapers, do they work as well as ordinary disposables, and should you be sacrificing some of your budget to use them?

To help you decide whether organic diapers are the right choice for you and your baby, here is all you need to know about them, and whether they are worth it or not!

Are Organic Diapers Worth It?

Whether organic diapers are worth it or not will depend on your baby, but generally, they are considered a better option.

Made with natural, plant-derived materials, organic diapers are softer on your baby’s skin and tend to be gentler as well. Most organic diapers are made with hypoallergenic materials, with no harsh, irritating chemicals.

Keeping this in mind, organic diapers do hold quite a high price tag, and while they might give you peace of mind that you are doing your bit to reduce waste and care for the environment, they might just be way out of your budget.

If you are wanting to be more eco-friendly, but cannot afford the high price tag of organic diapers, you could look to use cloth diapers. These take quite a bit of effort, but they do cost less in the long run, and they do not produce nearly as much waste as disposable diapers.

Organic diapers are worth it if you have a bit more room for diaper expenses in your budget!

Are Pampers Pure Really Natural?

It can be so difficult to determine whether or not an ‘eco-friendly’ product is what it claims to be, or whether it is clever green-washing by marketers. When it comes to finding products for your baby, you want to make sure that if something claims to be natural, it really is.

Pampers Pure is a new range from Pampers, which is advertised as eco-friendly. Being eco-friendly, one would expect the diapers to be natural, but they do not qualify as eco-friendly and as natural as some of the top-tier organic diapers on the local market and on Amazon retail stores.

This in no way means that you should not purchase Pampers Pure if you want a more eco-friendly option. They are made with more organic and natural ingredients than other Pampers diapers, so if you are wanting to make a move to a more organic option, but do not want to commit to the higher prices, Pampers Pure is a good choice.

They are a good move if you are already using Pampers diapers, and want to dip your toes into the organic market without straying from your brand.

Product image of Pampers Pure

Are Pampers Pure Diapers Chemical Free?

Pampers Pure diapers contain no chlorine bleaching, no fragrances, no latex, and no parabens. They are also made using premium cotton, and are hypoallergenic, making them safe for sensitive skin.

Normal Pampers diapers were already chlorine, latex, and paraben-free, but the Pure range is noticeably softer, and have a more natural feel overall.

The Pure range also contains no fragrances, which makes them ideal for sensitive skin. Normal Pampers diapers are quite heavily fragranced, so this is a step in the right direction.

While they might not be completely chemical-free, they are safer to use than normal diapers and have a lower chance of causing irritation and sensitivity on your baby’s skin.

Check Pampers Pure size availability on Amazon here.

Are The Insides Of Diapers Toxic?

The disposable diaper industry is self-regulated, and diaper manufacturers are not compelled to list all materials used in their diapers, even though some might be toxic.

As diapers are made to be used by babies, we often do not consider that they might contain toxic ingredients, but the truth is that they do.

Diapers need to be absorbent, otherwise, what is the point? The problem is that disposable diapers, normal and eco-friendly, contain a material called sodium polyacrylate. This chemical is added to the inner pad of diapers to make them absorbent.

This is usually in the form of a powder which turns into a gel when it is exposed to liquid. This can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and can be toxic if ingested.

Dioxin is another chemical used in diapers, and it is once again toxic. There are very small traces of dioxin found in some disposable diapers, but even then, do you want your baby exposed to a dangerous chemical?

Another worry are the phthalates contained in the plastic bits of disposable diapers. Phthalates help to soften diapers, to make them easier to use, but they are considered endocrine disruptors, meaning that they can mimic human hormones and send false signals and messages to the body.

It is such a tricky choice to make – we have been using disposable diapers for years with little side effects, but you also do not want to take the risk of exposing your child to these chemicals in case they are one of the few that react badly.

Do you need diapers for your baby to sleep in? Check out the Best Overnight Diapers here.

Are There Chemicals In Huggies Diapers?

Huggies diapers contain a crystal-like gel substance in the inner layer, which is activated when your baby urinates. This gel substance draws wetness away from your baby’s skin and helps to keep them dry and comfortable.

Huggies claim that the safety of these super-absorbent gel crystals has been tested rigorously, but it is an unnatural chemical, and you never know how your baby might react to exposure to this. You can check out the latest Huggies diapers here.

If you are a fan of Pampers or Huggies disposable diapers, you can read our comparison of Pampers vs Huggies diapers.

 

Index finger with diapers blue gel

Can Diapers Cause Infertility?

There is a belief that diapers might cause infertility later on in life. This stems from the idea that plastic-based diapers raise the temperature of a baby boy’s testicles, and this could lead to infertility, or reduced fertility later on in life.

There has been no concrete evidence to prove this, and the jury is still out whether diapers lead to infertility. However, many parents are concerned about the chemicals, fragrances, and additives included in diapers, which may have other effects.

It is safer to use organic diapers if you are worried about these possible risks, as they do contain more natural ingredients, with fewer chemicals that could cause irritation and sensitivity.

Do Aldi Diapers Have Chlorine?

Aldi has created their own brand of affordable diapers that many families on a tight budget have turned to. However, you might be concerned about using cheaper diapers, as they could contain harmful or irritating chemicals that could cause both short and long-term effects.

Aldi diapers are advertised as free from parabens, formaldehyde, and phthalates. While Aldi is not that transparent on what their diapers do contain, they are quite clear on what they don’t contain, so it does give you some assurance that these nasties are not in the diapers.

Similar products available here.

Aldi diapers product image

Do Diapers Have Chemicals In Them?

Disposable diapers do contain chemicals; it is what makes them effective and super absorbent. These chemicals can be harmful to your baby, so it does help to know what chemicals diapers might contain.

The most common chemicals included in diapers are dioxin, sodium polyacrylate, tributyl-tin, volatile organic compounds, dyes, fragrances, and plastics.

These chemicals all have the potential to harm your baby, but these are very low risk, as the chemicals are not found in large qualities, and their exposure to your baby’s skin is minimal.

However, many parents are now moving to organic diapers, to protect their baby from exposure to these chemicals and ingredients.

Do Kirkland Diapers Have Chemicals?

Some parents are incredibly loyal to Kirkland Diapers, as they really are a great brand to use. Not only are they very absorbent and offer a wonderful fit for your baby, but they are also made without harmful chemicals.

Kirkland diapers are not made to be cute or to have a perfumed smell, which actually makes them a great option. They do not contain dyes, perfumes, and chemicals that other brands have, and while they might be quite plain, they are definitely safer for your baby’s sensitive skin.

If you are prepared to sacrifice a cute design and a perfumed aroma, Kirkland diapers contain fewer chemicals than most leading brands, while not charging the high price of organic diapers.

Visit Amazon.com to know the available Kirkland diaper sizes.

Kirkland diapers product image

Do Parents Choice Diapers Have Chemicals?

Parents Choice diapers do not fully disclose the full list of chemicals and materials used in the makeup of the diapers, so it is difficult to know what they do and don’t contain.

These diapers are not free from dyes or added lotions, but they are fragrance-free, which makes them slightly suitable for babies with sensitive skin. However, the inclusion of dioxin and added lotions, as well as the super-absorbent materials, might make the diapers irritating for certain skin types.

Check product availability on Amazon.

Parents Choice diapers product image

How Long Does A Diaper Take To Decompose?

Disposable diapers contribute to massive amounts of waste each and every year. They are convenient and easy to use, but they do take a toll on the environment.

It is estimated that 20 billion disposable diapers are sent to landfills in the USA each year, which adds up to around 3.5 million tons of waste.

These diapers introduce pathogens to the environment they are disposed of in, as they contain human waste, and there is a risk that this waste might eventually leak into water systems.

The biggest issue is that a single diaper can take up to 500 years to fully degrade. In the process, these diapers create methane gas, and other toxic gasses, which are released into the environment.

The other issue is that nearly 200,000 trees are lost each and every year just to make disposable diapers for babies in the USA alone.

Disposable diapers are definitely not environmentally-friendly, and the world does need to move towards organic, decomposable diapers, which will not cost as much as they currently do.

If you’re worried about decomposing diapers, you can always switch to cloth diapers instead.

Is There A Biodegradable Diaper?

There are brands of diapers that claim to be biodegradable, but the truth is that even biodegradable diapers cannot break down in an airtight landfill.

However, there are diaper brands that are working on this solution. One diaper brand, Nature Boy & Girl, use cornstarch in their diapers instead of plastic, which is a more natural, decomposable ingredient.

Many brands of diapers are also now not bleached, which means that they do not emit as many toxins into the air or water as they break down.

Most of the leading organic or green diapers are more degradable than normal disposable diapers, but the level of degrading does vary.

No diaper is 100% biodegradable, no matter what the diaper brand claims. This is mainly due to the superabsorbent polymer contained to catch moisture, which does not break down. Organic diapers do create less waste and are worth using.

To check availability of  biodegradable diapers visit Amazon.com.

Looking for something you can take into the water? Check out the Best Swim Diapers.

Nature Boy & Girl diapers product image

What Are The Cleanest Diapers?

If you are looking to use the cleanest diaper brands, you will need to up your diaper budget. The cleanest diaper brands would be more eco-friendly, organic diapers. Some of the best brands include:

  • Earth and Eden diapers
  • Eco Pea diapers
  • Pampers Pure diapers
  • Seventh Generation diapers
  • Babyganics diapers
  • Little Toes Disposable Biodegradable Bamboo Diapers

These are all made with plant-based materials, which are not only friendlier to the environment but which are gentler on your baby’s skin as well.

Regardless of what type of diapers you prefer, you’re going to need something to carry them in. Check out the Best Diaper Bags here.

What Are The Most Eco-Friendly Diapers?

There are some wonderful eco-friendly diapers available on the market, but one of the most eco-friendly of them all are the Eco Pea diapers.

These are made from sustainable and biodegradable bamboo sheets, which are disposable. The bamboo material feels soft and luxurious, and they are fragrance-free!

The bamboo nappies were designed specifically for sensitive skin, and are ideal for babies who are prone to diaper rashes.

Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly materials to use, and being able to make diapers with them, and then have them be easily degradable, really is a win for the environment!

Click here for similar products online.

If being eco-friendly is your main concern, check out the Best Natural Baby Wipes.

Eco Pea diapers product image

What Diapers Are Chemical Free?

There are no chemical-free diapers. They simply would not work. The difference comes in with which diapers are made free of harmful chemicals.

Diaper manufacturers will all argue that their diapers are free from harmful chemicals, but this isn’t necessarily true. To help you choose diapers that are free from harmful chemicals, consider the following:

  • Organic diapers are made using natural, plant-based materials, and therefore are less likely to contain harmful materials.
  • Cloth diapers, once washed, contain very few chemicals, especially those which are organic.
  • Good brands of disposable diapers are safe to use and have no harmful effect on babies.

Chemical free diapers are a great way to keep chemicals out of your diaper cakes.

Why Are Honest Diapers Better?

Honest diapers really are just a great brand to stand behind. The diapers are made with plant-derived materials and sustainably harvested pulp. These diapers are hypoallergenic and are not processed with chlorine. They are also free from fragrances, latex, lotions, and chemical additives that might irritate the skin.

Naturally derived odor blocks help to keep smells away, and the re-fastening tabs, stretchy side panels, and secure cuffs prevent blowouts and leaks.

The diapers are available in over 20 stylish designs, and eight different sizes, so there is the right one to suit your baby.

Reliable, eco-friendly, and easy to use, Honest diapers are great for families who can afford them.

Check diaper sizes and availability on Amazon.

To learn more about them, check out Stuff4Tot’s Honest Review of Honest Diapers.

Honest diapers product image

Why Do Honest Diapers Smell?

Honest diapers do not contain fragrances like many other diaper brands. Instead, the diapers have naturally derived odor blocks which help minimize diaper smell. Many parents have noticed this and found that it actually makes the diapers smell worse once they are wet.

Soiled Honest diapers can have a bit of an off smell, so it is up to you whether or not the other perks are worth the smell or not!

Speaking of smells, if you are worried about soiled diapers stinking up your place, read about how to choose the best diaper pail for your family.

 And here is an honest review from Stuff4Tots for the Playtex Diaper Genie.

Are Organic Diapers Worth It?

With the waste that disposable diapers contribute to landfills each year and the fact that one diaper can take up to 500 years to fully degrade, it makes sense to move over to organic diapers.

While organic diapers might not be perfect, they are a better option to reduce waste and to offer gentler, more natural materials to your baby’s sensitive skin. The issue is that these organic diapers come with quite a high price tag, and it is up to you, and your budget, as to whether they are worth it or not!

You can check the latest diaper prices here.

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Rebecca Brown_One of the stuff4tots authors
Rebecca Brown

Rebecca Brown is a mom to two and writer on all things parenting. She has been focussed on content creation and article writing for the last four years, drawing on the inspiration she gets from her own experience as a mother, and the expansive research the job requires.

When not writing, you can find Rebecca outside with the kids, or hidden away enjoying a good cup of coffee!