365 Diapers (Whole Foods) are ECF, and free of fragrance, latex, and TBT. We are also calling them Sneaky Stuff because of their lack of disclosure about phthalates, dyes, and lotion.
Price per diaper: $0.24
Earth’s Best Tendercare Diapers At first glance these diapers appear to be at least Good Stuff: they use a “plant based plastic” for their top-sheet and back-sheet and a cellulose fluff/SAP/bio-SAP core. However, there is no info on whether Earth’s Best diapers are phthalate-free or lotion-free. They do claim to be dye-free, but don’t give any info on what is used for the print. There is a general absence of transparency about the composition and percentage of the diaper that uses “plant-based plastic.”
Price per diaper: $0.32
Huggies Diapers are ECF, and free of fragrance, lotion, latex and parabens. The label states that they are “EU 26 allergens free,” as well. I’m not moving them from Sneaky Stuff because they do not disclose any information about phthalates, dyes, or the composition of the back-sheet.
Price per diaper: $0.59 to $0.88
Kirkland Signature Diapers As many of you know, Kirkland has made some great improvements to their diaper, and now appear to be free of latex, chlorine, fragrance, lotion, and artificial dyes. That said, there is no evidence that they are free of phthalates (we chatted with a rep and they said that they were unable to provide an answer about phthalates) and of course they are still made of petroleum-based plastics. They state that “some of the polyethylene is made from sugar cane” I would like say they’ve upgraded from Bad Stuff to Okay Stuff, but with a lable that boldly claims that these diapers are “made with plant-based materials,” coupled with the lack of transparency on phthalates, we have to call these green-washed, and therefore Sneaky Stuff.
Price per diaper: $0.26
Mamma Bear (Amazon brand) are ECF, fragrance free, latex free and hypoallergenic, but have no further information available. Mama Bear gets a “Sneaky Stuff” designation for lack of disclosure about phthalates, dyes, and lotion.
Price per diaper: $0.16
Rascal & Friends Premium Diapers A few of you asked about this brand, but the response we received was: “Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a detailed ingredients list of our diapers, as this is commercially sensitive. We are proud to say that our products are free from formaldehyde, elemental chlorine, phthalates, parabens, gluten, and endocrine disruptors. We also have a focus on no nasties, and our diapers contain no latex or fragrances and we only use water-based inks! The inks we use are non-toxic and completely harmless to baby’s skin.” Without more details on what is in these diapers, we will consider them Sneaky Stuff.
Price per diaper: $0.22
Up & Up Diapers (Target) are Sneaky Stuff because the label states “petroleum-free lotion” and “perfume-free” as opposed to simply being lotion-free and fragrance-free, although we did confirm that they do not contain phthalates.
Price per diaper: $0.43
268 comments
Migle Swies
Yes please! I am interested too. Used on my kids since birth. And still using the wipes. I hope they end up healthy :/
Maia James
Oh, there are many! Here’s a recent one: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-cloth-diapers-might-not-be-the-greener-choice-after-all/2015/05/08/32b2d8dc-f43a-11e4-bcc4-e8141e5eb0c9_story.html
Maia James
Yes, I think Honest would be the next best option;).
Audrey
Hi! do you have the info on the study that you cite about disposable diapers using more energy, water, etc than cloth diapers. I would love to see it. Many thanks! Very helpful blog all around.
Ferry
I’m surprised that Earth’s best is in the sneaky stuff. Another website mentions that it is the best “natural”, eco and budget friendly option out there. They also mentioned that Bamboo was the best of them all but budget-wise, it is too costly for us. I would have gone with cloth diaper but living in an apartment building with only one washing machine in the basement makes it tricky. Which disposable brand (budget friendly) would you recommend? I was considering the Honest co. Diapers.
Maia James
Hi Laura! We’re still making our way through our research list for this guide. There will be an update soon.
Laura
Hi!
I saw that you previously hadn’t looked into Parasol diapers, but wondering if you’ve since found any additional information….
Thanks :)
Sherry
I saw another person ask about the Delora Diapers. I too am interested what you think of them.
https://www.bbbuggy.com/store/Delora-Eco-Nappy-Disposable-Diapers-8818.htm
Apparently they are two thirds biodegradable/compostable with the balance described as ‘earth neutral’. The soft, white outer cover is made from organic (GMO free) plant starch and is 100% biodegradable and breathable. The cellulose in the core of the diaper is derived from certified renewable forestry. They are not chlorine bleached. Dermatologically certified as ‘especially skin friendly’ which makes them ideal for babies with eczema, chronic diaper rash or sensitive skin. They come packed in 100% biodegradable/compostable foil bags.
Fragrance, latex, TBT, dye and chlorine-free
Michelle
Ok thanks! I can’t wait to hear when you rate them! I’m just trying to find a diaper that is good but not very expensive.
Maia James
I consider Earth’s Best to be Sneaky Stuff. I haven’t reviewed BabyGanics yet, but will when we update the guide!