Why ask the question?

A baby’s skin is thin, permeable, and particularly sensitive. Yet, a diaper is in contact with them day and night for approximately 2 to 3 years… That’s more than 4,000 diapers! The choice of diaper is therefore not insignificant, both for their health and for the environment.

While disposable diapers are convenient, they sometimes contain controversial chemicals. Fortunately, more environmentally friendly and transparent alternatives are now available.

What is a disposable diaper made of?

A disposable diaper is made up of several parts:

• Contact veil (the one that touches the baby’s skin)
• Absorbent mattress (cellulose + super-absorbents that transform urine into a gel)
• Outer casing (waterproof part)
• Elastic bands and fasteners
• Glues, inks, sometimes perfumes or humidity indicators

It is in these elements that substances of concern are often found.

Ingredients to watch out for

• Sodium polyacrylate (SAP) : this super-absorbent gel retains urine, but comes from petrochemicals and can irritate some skin.
• Chlorine and bleaching : can leave traces of dioxins, substances classified as carcinogenic.
• Perfumes and lotions : mask odors but often cause allergies and irritations.
• Inks and dyes : present on the designs, sometimes with solvents.
• Glues and adhesives : rarely detailed by the brands.
• Plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester) : not very breathable, made from petroleum.

A good indicator: when a brand indicates perfume-free, chlorine-free, lotion-free , and details its materials, it is prioritizing transparency.

My personal experience

Before finding what suited me, I spent months analyzing, comparing, and researching the disposable diapers available on the market . I studied their composition, labels, user reviews, and even tested different brands to form my own opinion.

Today, I found my balance:

• During the day → I mainly usewashable diapersbecause they are comfortable and reduce our waste.
• At night and when we’re out and about , I prefer eco-friendly disposable diapers for their convenience and peace of mind regarding leaks. Personally, I opt for pull-up diapers since there’s no risk of them coming undone or shifting during sleep. As a result, I no longer get up during the night to change my child’s bed AND clothes! Here’s the link to my diapers :https://amzn.to/4nwK5If

This combination allows me to combine health, ecology and simplicity.

3 more eco-friendly disposable diaper brands

Following my extensive research, here are the ones that stand out as the best options in terms of transparency and environmental commitment:

Eco by Naty(by far my favorite!)

• Fragrance-free, chlorine-free, lotion-free
• Natural fiber veil
• OK Biobased Certified
• They also offer biodegradable wipes

Natural Bamboo

• Ecolabel certified diapers
• No controversial ingredients
• Transparent manufacturing

EcoPea Co

• Nordic Swan and OK Biobased certified
• They also offer biodegradable wipes.

Practical tips for choosing your diapers

• Read the labels and check the labels ( FSC, Ecolabel, OK Biobased ).
• Avoid scented or overly colored diapers.
• Opt for natural and breathable fabrics.
• Test several brands to observe skin reactions.
• Changing diapers often, even eco-friendly ones: moisture remains a risk for the skin.

Choosing diapers for your baby is a real journey, balancing health, ecology, and budget. No solution is perfect, but every little bit helps: opting for a more transparent brand, alternating between washable and disposable diapers, or reducing chemicals by choosing “clean” options.

I’ve found my balance with a mix of washable items during the day and eco-friendly disposables at night and when we’re out . What works for your family?