Whether you’re expecting your first bundle of joy or are dissatisfied with your current diapers for your newborn, finding the right non-toxic diapers can feel daunting. The internet can feel like the Wild West, with many diaper companies accused of greenwashing or misleading new parents.

Experts, family bloggers, and parents agree that Coterie is the top safe, non-toxic diaper brand, with Seventh Generation and Hello Bello following suit. These brands have the best chemical-free diapers, but not all diapers are created equal. While there are definitely chemicals you should avoid in your baby’s diapers, you also want to prioritize your baby’s comfort and wellbeing.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about choosing non-toxic diapers, which brands meet our basic qualifications, and which ones go above and beyond.

What to Avoid in Diapers

We’re here to make it simple–there are certain ingredients and features you should avoid when selecting diapers. If you can keep these qualities in mind when shopping, you’re sure to have a safer and more comfortable baby.

Let’s start with fragrances‒are they a critical feature you need, or are they harmful to your baby? Research indicates that you should always avoid diapers with fragrance. It’s a little-known fact that by using the term ‘fragrance,’ manufacturers can hide an array of more than one hundred chemicals without disclosing them. This can include phthalates, hormone disruptors, asthma triggers, and more.

We also recommend avoiding diapers with ingredients such as bleach, dioxins, and tributyl-tin (TBT). Bleach is a powerful respiratory and skin allergen, and while it’s common in diapers, it has been linked to dangerous byproducts: dioxins. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals known to science.

TBT is a biocide that can prevent the growth of microorganisms, which may sound good for diaper support. However, it is highly toxic and has been directly linked to endocrine disruption. Your endocrine system is made up of the glands in your body that produce hormones, which means exposure can lead to developmental issues, reproduction struggles, and an increase in cancer risk.

Popular Non-Toxic Diaper Brands

All of the brands on this list aim to create a cleaner, safer diaper for your little one. Let’s explore each one a little more in-depth:

Seventh Generation

These diapers can be easy to find at your local Whole Foods and might do in a pinch. This company has more than twenty-five years of experience in creating safer products for families and the environment. It strives to make plant-based products, including diapers for your little one.

What Works

This diaper is fairly absorbent and is chlorine-free and fragrance-free.

What Doesn’t

Parents have complained online that these diapers feel flimsy, with weaker tabs and a rougher feel to the touch. Uncomfortable materials can lead to a fussy baby, and if you’re caring for a newborn, their sensitive skin might not enjoy the feel of these diapers.

Additionally, the brand does not disclose what chemicals are used to make the dyes on the designs on the diaper.

Hello Bello

Hello Bello prides itself on sustainable practices and makes all of its products in the United States. While it is a newer brand, it has focused on creating a supportive community for parents.

What Works

These diapers are made fragrance and chlorine-free and made with eco-friendly materials, such as plant-derived polylactic acid. This material is made from renewable biomasses, such as corn or cassava.

What Doesn’t

Parents complained that the diapers are not as absorbent as other diapers on this list. Additionally, the diapers lack stretchiness that is helpful for children as they start crawling and exploring.

Coterie

Coterie takes the cake when it comes to safe, non-toxic diapers that perform well. The Diaper is free from more than 200 chemicals, including fragrance, dyes, phthalates, bleaching, dyes, and more. Additionally, Coterie is the only diaper company to publish our ingredients safety report.

These diapers aren’t just safer‒they’re more comfortable and more absorbent. The Diaper is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested, making it incredibly soft with apparel-grade materials. The Diaper is designed for sleep with up to twelve-hour leak protection and 70% more liquid capacity to keep your baby as comfortable and safe as possible!

Sources:

• https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/fragrance/Opens in a new tab.
• https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/do-fragrances-equal-clean/Opens in a new tab.
• https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/12/health/plastic-chemical-early-death-wellness/index.htmlOpens in a new tab.
• https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/how-to-choose-non-toxic-diapers/Opens in a new tab.
• https://acleanbake.com/non-toxic-diapers/Opens in a new tab.