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Home / Baby / Baby Shopping Guide Because cloth isn't the only green way

Home / Baby / Baby Shopping Guide

Because cloth isn't the only green way to diaper your baby.

By Motherly Updated July 27, 2022

Pampers

We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy.

If the thought of cloth diapers is too intimidating to consider, not to worry! That's not the only option if you’re looking for eco-friendly, natural diapers.

In an effort to do what's best for their babies and for the earth, more and more parents aim to make environmentally and socially responsible choices in child-rearing. In doing so, they are driving big changes in the baby market, pushing brands to hop on the green bandwagon. As of late, the world of disposable diapers is no exception. That's good news, because eco-friendly and natural diapers are easier on your baby's tush AND on the earth!

The average baby goes through 5,000 diapers before being potty-trained; and since 95% of families use disposable diapers, most of them end up in landfills and make up several million tons of waste every year. To top it off, mainstream disposable diapers are notorious for being packed with chemicals that are harmful to your little one's skin and to the planet. Luckily, diaper brands have come a long way and are now offering disposable alternatives and diaper subscriptions that make using natural diapers easier than ever.

We’ve rounded up 13 natural diaper brands that are disposable, safe for baby (and Mother Nature) and that stand a chance against those massive blowouts.

It's no surprise there's a team of MIT engineers behind the relentless innovation of Kudos diapers. Not only are they the only disposable diapers with the Cotton Natural™ seal (which means they’re powered by 100% clean cotton lining), they actually work and work hard. The double layer construction makes them ultra absorbent, even overnight and the clean ingredients are gentle on the most sensitive bottoms.

According to Motherly's Editorial Operations Coordinator, Hayli Craig, "These diapers may have completely changed my mind about what diapers could be. After months of seeing drab-ish colors soiled by blue lines, Kudos proved diapers can be fun and functional. We started giving our little one more solid foods, which has inevitably led to more diaper rashes. Thanks to these being designed with 100% cotton, we saw less red this week." One note to parents: If you are between diaper sizes or think you’re getting ready to move up in size, go ahead and size up in these!

When it comes to safety, sustainability and performance, Healthybaby diapers check all the boxes and then some. As the first (and only) diapers verified by the EWG, they’re setting a new standard in the diaper industry. Their premium, plant-based disposable diapers took three years to develop and are tested for over 900 chemical compounds, assuring parents that they’re the purest on the market. And it's no surprise really—Healthybaby is a new brand from a founder of a brand we already know and love: Happy Family Organics. We can't wait to see what comes next!

The biodegradable diapers from Dyper are made from sustainable bamboo and free of chlorine, latex, alcohol, lotions, TBT or Phthalates. Even better? This eco-friendly diaper subscription company launched the first ever compostable diaper service called REDYPER. For an added fee, they’ll provide you with the bags, boxes and prepaid shipping labels to safely pack up and transfer your used diapers to TerraCycle and put them to good use—such as helping to grow vegetation in highway medians. Landfills are so 2018.

We have to admit, we’re a bit smitten with newcomers Freestyle. With a young, fresh aesthetic that makes parenthood look impossibly cool, we came for the branding but stayed for the equally compelling product. The eco-friendly diapers are made with a tree-free bamboo core and are as soft as they are absorbent.

According to Motherly's resident diaper tester, Hayli Craig, "When Freestyle Diapers raves about their diaper's ability to absorb, they’re not kidding. My daughter has recently developed the ability to find the tags of the diaper and rip them off. And even though her diaper may not be totally secured, this diaper still catches every last drop (or plop.)"

Coterie has upgraded basically every aspect of diapering. Their plush, cashmere-like disposable diapers absorb moisture super fast to prevent not only leaks, but rash and redness as well. The eco-friendly design is also free of fragrance, lotion, latex, rubber, dyes, alcohol, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, chlorine bleaching, VOCs, and optical brighteners. Your baby's bottom deserves the best–and these are pretty perfect.

The Honest Company diapers were a huge hit from the second they splashed onto the scene with their adorable prints. Parents stuck around when they heard these eye-catching diapers are also plant-based and sustainable — no chlorine, no bleach processing, no latex, fragrance or lotion. By far the most well-known eco-friendly diaper subscription, The Honest Company offers the option of subscribing to their diaper and wipe bundles, which save you time and money.

Save 15% on your first Honest order! Use code HONESTCO15

One of the original eco-friendly, disposable diaper brands, Bambo Nature makes diapers that ease parents’ concerns about their effect on the environment while also protecting their baby's sensitive skin. These diapers are both safe and effective; free of chemicals and dyes but also absorbent and leak-free. The wood used for pulp is derived from sustainable forestry, where more trees are planted than felled; and the waste from the production of baby diapers (even powder and dust from the plant) is filtered, collected and sold for further use.

A tried and true and most importantly trusted brand by parents for decades, Pampers line of all natural, plant-based diapers (called Pampers Pure) are extremely breathable and absorbent, keeping your baby's bum dry and free of diaper rash. Plus, they’re chlorine, fragrance, paraben and latex free! Conveniently, they’re widely available in your local super markets and drug stores or on Amazon!

Absorbent, breathable and certified skin-safe, Seventh Generation diapers are a great choice for eco-friendly diapers. These disposable diapers not only help with baby's sensitive skin, they are on a mission to help the environment. Seventh Generation diapers are made with sustainably sourced materials and even work with the Rainforest Alliance to help reduce deforestation.

We love Babyganics diapers for their clean look and for the fact that they contain zero dye. They are derived from plants and made with NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend to soothe and protect baby's skin. Plus with a newly improved fit, Babyganics diapers are now 20% thinner which means less diaper bootie under those leggings (even though diaper booties are pretty cute!)

Joone, an environmentally responsible diaper subscription, is one of the newer brands to hit the US market. Made in France, these diapers are healthy, effective and come in all those cute patterns you love. Plus their commitment to the environment and their transparency with consumers is refreshing! Not to mention, their wipes are olive oil based, which is known to be oh so gentle on baby's skin.

Parasol is making a name for itself as a chemical-free and innovative (and really cute) disposable diaper brand. These diapers are contoured for a perfect fit, dry in seconds to keep wetness away from baby's bottom and even have a built-in belly-button cut out, which we’re loving for itty bitty newborns. Parasol Co is a subscription-based diaper service: you pick the prints and size and they send them to your doorstep.

What's better than chlorine, dye, fragrance and chemical free diapers? Ones that are competitively priced. Abby & Finn's super convenient bundles send everything you need to keep your little one fresh and happy (including essentials like diaper balm and baby wash!) right to your door month after month with savings of up to 30%. What's more, they donate 30 diapers to families in need with every bundle sold. According to the brand they do run small, so we suggest sizing up if you’re unsure!

Sister company of Veeda (a respected natural feminine care line), Happy Camper diapers use the same premium 100% natural cotton, developed with their already positive and proven health benefits. They’re made with sustainably grown wood pulp bio-core blend which is super absorbent and feature soothing aloe vera, vitamin E to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and irritations. And seriously though, how cute is that signature owl print?