Environmentally Friendly Diapers: The Best Sustainable Diaper Options for You

For most parents, the easiest way to ensure their little ones stay clean and dry is by using disposable diapers…but disposable diapers aren't necessarily environmentally friendly diapers. 

Each year, the United States estimates that over28 billion disposable diapers are used. These diapers end up in landfills and account for around 3.5 million tons of trash. What's more, these disposable diapers cantake up to 500 years to decompose in landfills. That's staggering! 

One thing to consider is how sustainable diapers impact the local community. Many eco-friendly diapers companies are making efforts to give back. For example, some companies donate a percentage of profits to environmental causes, while others run recycling programs to help reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. This type of corporate responsibility can make a big difference in terms of overall environmental impact.

If you're considering a shift to sustainable diapers, it's worth noting the potential for cost savings. The initial investment for reusable cloth diapers may seem high, but over time they are significantly cheaper than disposables. Plus, they can be used for subsequent children or sold second-hand, extending their value even further. Sustainable disposable diapers aren’t going to save you money, but the environmental savings is well worth the cost. 

As awareness about environmental sustainability grows, parents are now looking for more sustainable diapers that are both safe for the environment and their babies. So with that in mind, we've prepared a list of some of the best eco-friendly diapers.

Top Sustainable Diapers for Your Little One and Mother Earth 

Want to skip the details? Here's our short list of the best eco-friendly diapers:

 

While these are our short list of most eco-friendly diapers, let’s go into a little more detail about these and other contenders and how we ended up at our top 4 options.

1. Eco-Friendly Choice: Eco By Naty Baby Diapers

 

The best eco-friendly diapers are made with natural materials that are biodegradable and easy to dispose of. Eco by Naty Baby Diapers are renewable and made with plant-based materials—for instance, FSC-certified wood pulp, sugar cane, corn, and cotton. They're also free from chlorine, fragrances, and other harmful chemicals.   

Naty Baby Diapers also claim these diapers to be one of the best environmentally friendly diapers that prevent plastic from touching your baby's skin. What's more, these diapers come in a variety of sizes to fit babies of all ages.

Pros	Cons
Made from natural and sustainable materials 0% oil-based plastic Cruelty-free Free from toxins and other harmful chemicals Good absorbency  Comes in a variety of sizes FSC, TCF, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and TUV Austria certified	More expensive than some other options Some users report that the sizing can be inconsistent

2. Sustainable Option:The Honest Company Clean Conscious Diapers

 

If you're looking for sustainable diapers that can keep up with your child's wiggles and wobbles, these diapers are the way to go.

The stretchy sides with flex + strength keep leaks under wraps and help your baby stay dry throughout the day. Meanwhile, the quick absorb channels quickly draw wetness away from your infant's skin, keeping them comfortable and dry. 

And even if they do end up getting a little messy, the diaper duty wetness indicator tells you exactly when it's time for a fresh diaper—no guessing required! Plus, these diapers are made with plant-based materials that are sustainably harvested and free of any toxins or chemicals.

 

3. Sustainable and Reusable:Nicki's Diapers Bamboo Snap All-In-One Diapers

When it comes to eco-friendly diapers, Nick’s Diapers is dedicated to creating sustainable options that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Their Bamboo Snap All-In-One Diapers may be the best sustainable diapers for your family because while biodegradable diapers are miles better than regular disposables, the most eco-friendly diaper is one you don't throw away at all! These diapers are made from sustainable materials and are easy to use. They come with a bamboo terry liner and waterproof exterior, designed to keep your baby dry all day long.  

The snap closures on these diapers make it easy to adjust the size as your baby grows, so you don't have to worry about buying new diapers as they grow out of their old ones. 

What’s more, all of Nicki’s cloth diapers are reusable and washable. They can last as long as you care properly for them. Some families even use the same cloth diaper on three or four of their kids, making them incredibly cost-effective.

Best of all, Nick’s Diapers offers a 60-day satisfaction policy, which means that you can try their cloth diapers for almost two months. So, if you don't come to love cloth diapers, or they don't fit right with you, no worries! Just let Nicki's Diapers know, and they'll give you your money back.

See Related: Cloth Diapers For Beginners

4. Eco-Friendly and Gentle:Rascal + Friends Premium Diapers

If you're looking for a diaper that's as good for the environment as it is for your little one, try Rascal + Friends Premium Diapers. These diapers are made from sustainable materials and are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. 

They're also dermatologically certified and free from potential allergens like fragrances and lotions. Thus, they're gentle on your little bundle of joy's skin.

They're designed to be soft and comfortable, with a 3D core that provides maximum absorbency. The stretchy waistband and leg cuffs ensure a snug and comfortable fit. Plus, the cute designs make them fun to wear. These diapers come in a range of sizes to fit babies of all ages.

5. Green Disposables:Pampers Pure Protection Disposable Diapers

The Pampers Pure Protection Disposable Diapers have been designed with your child in mind. They're crafted with sustainable materials for dry and healthy skin, like soft plant-based fibers, breathable cotton, and other thoughtfully selected materials. They're also free from chlorine, fragrances, and parabens.  

These diapers are designed to be gentle on your baby’s skin and provide up to 12 hours of leak protection. The absorbent plant-based liner contains a mix of plant-based fibers and polypropylene fiber. It's also enriched with shea butter to help protect the skin from elements such as wetness, dirt, and bacteria. Plus, the wetness indicator lets you know when it’s time for a change. These diapers come in a range of sizes to fit babies of all ages.

6. Eco-Conscious Diapers:DYPER Viscose from Bamboo Diapers

If you're looking for sustainable diapers that are soft, stretchy, and absorbent, try these diapers. They're designed for sensitive newborns and preemies, but they're great for toddlers too!

DYPER Viscose from Bamboo Baby Diapers is made with 100% Viscose from Bamboo. They're clinically tested and 5-star rated by dermatologists. They're also hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. 

Additionally, they're certified to the highest OEKO-TEX consumer safety standards. Thus, you can rest easy knowing that your baby is safe when wearing them. 

7. Allergy-Friendly and Sustainable:Huggies Hypoallergenic Baby Diapers

Huggies is a brand that is familiar to many parents. They're a brand that offers great products and services for babies. Their new product, Hypoallergenic Baby Diapers, is both hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. These diapers are made with plant-based materials and are free from fragrance, parabens, and latex. They are designed to be gentle on your baby’s skin and provide up to 12 hours of leak protection. 

The soft, breathable materials of these diapers help to keep your baby comfortable. Plus, the wetness indicator lets you know when it’s time for a change. These diapers come in a range of sizes to fit babies of all ages.

8. Bamboo-Based Eco-Friendly Diapers:Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers

The next best eco-friendly diapers on our list are Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers.  These award-winning diapers are made from natural bamboo fibers—which are twice as absorbent as cotton—as well as hypoallergenic and antibacterial. They're also free of chlorine, latex, alcohol, phthalates, PVC, PFAS, and TBT.  

These diapers are designed to be soft and comfortable, with a super absorbent core that keeps your baby dry for up to 12 hours. The elastic waistband and leg cuffs ensure a secure fit. Plus, the wetness indicator lets you know when it’s time for a change. Best of all, they have an aloe liner that keeps the skin hydrated to prevent diaper rash.

9. Affordable Eco-Friendly Diapers:Hello Bello Premium Baby Diapers

Hello Bello Premium Diapers offer an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to big name brands. With Hello Bello, you can spend less and get more. This is because their products are made from 100% biodegradable plant-based materials. They're made without chlorine processing, artificial fragrance, and other toxic chemicals. 

What's more, these diapers are soft and absorbent, with adorable designs to boot! They're perfect for boys and girls alike.  

Hello Bello diapers offer the same quality as more expensive brands but at a lower cost. From their adorable designs to their softness, you won't find anything better—so go ahead and give these affordable eco-friendly diapers a try!  

10. Best for the Environment:Best Bottom Diapering System

If you're looking for a diaper that's as good for the environment as it is for you and your little one, then look no further than the Best Bottom Diapering System.

Best Bottom Diapers is a reusable, adjustable cloth diapering system that is designed to be used from birth to potty training. It features a waterproof outer layer and a soft, absorbent inner layer that wicks away moisture. The diaper system includes replaceable inner liners that make changing diapers a breeze. The snaps allow you to adjust the size of the diaper to fit your baby as they grow.

Overall, Best Bottom’s diapers are a versatile solution to your baby's needs. They offer the best of both worlds: convenience and sustainability.

In addition to choosing sustainable diapers, there are other ways you can reduce your environmental footprint. Try resusable wipes (even if only for dealing with wet bums, it’ll still save a tree or two!) One option is to use a diaper service, which washes and returns your cloth diapers for you, reducing water consumption.

Some parents also use compostable liners with their cloth diapers to make clean-up easier and further reduce waste. These are just a few ideas to make the transition to eco-friendly diapers even more green.

Alternating Between Cloth and Disposables for Sustainability

If you're considering using cloth diapers, but are nervous to commit to them full-time, try hybrid use instead.

Hybrid use means that you'll be using cloth diapers during the day or at home, and disposable when you're out. This allows you to start with a small number of cloth diapers and expand your collection as needed.

This is also a good option if you have different caregivers who might not be as on board with cloth diapers. It's easy enough to stick a disposable in the diaper bag if you're going somewhere that requires it.

Overall, the hybrid use of cloth and disposables is an excellent way to balance the eco-friendliness of cloth diapers with the convenience of disposables.