Until those baby poos form into more manageable solids that can be shaken off into the toilet, the reality is: I'm sometimes going to use disposables. In addition, I'm still working out some kinks in my diaper stash and washing routine, so a disposable option oft-times comes in handy (not to mention during travel and overnights).
But I despise the state of the mainstream diaper of today. It is rife with chemicals: chlorine, dioxin, volatile organic compounds, petroleum, perfumes. All of these toxins so close to my little boy's baby parts makes me ill. I'm not going to get into why each of these is not so great for the little babies' bums (read more here), but just asking the question: 'Are they REALLY necessary?' The answer is a resounding No. You can have a perfectly usable diaper that contains messes and absorbs phenomenally without all the added potentially harmful gunk on your baby's junk.
The bottom line is: disposable is not an eco-friendly way to go, however, non-toxic IS more eco-friendly. So I believe that the reality is, sometimes you need the convenience of disposable diapers and let's face it: not everyone is going to take the plunge into cloth diapering. So it is important to mitigate the risks and impact on the environment where one can.
I tried four 'eco-friendly' diapers myself and here's the scoop on the poop:
1) Seventh Generation Free & Clear: These are chlorine, latex, petroleum, and dioxin free. The process used to make them is more sensitive to the environment. However, they do use a dye to give their diapers their signature light brown color.
They emit almost no smell from the diaper. It is disgusting to compare it to the Enormous Whiff Of Gross I get from regular Pampers or Huggies.
While the construction of these seemed kind of extra-plasticy on the top, they were no worse than most of the leading brands. Using these diapers on Dax, I found them to be trim and perform very well with no leaks or messes. I truly like them and they are easier than some of the other 'eco' brands to obtain locally. I've seen them at Sprouts and Whole Foods. Online, you can easily find deals.
Pros: The most affordable of less toxic diapers, with a price per diaper on par with the leading brands. Also, easier to obtain locally. If economy is a major factor, then buying this diaper is a no-brainer because it cuts out potentially harmful toxins (and that gross diaper smell) without losing function or adding bulk or adding cost. A great cost-effective alternative to the major brands.
Cons: Suspect that the diapers are the least eco-helpful in their manufacturing process of the bunch.
2). Tushies: They contain none of the yucky chemicals and toxins rife in 'mainstream' dipes. They are made from the 'woodpulp fluff from renewable sustainable family-owned forests.' What makes Tushies different is that they have NO Super Absorbant Gel (SAP). This SAP gel is used in most diapers because of its major absorbency power.
The problem is: SAP was removed from tampons back in the 80's due to its contribution to Toxic Shock Syndrome. However, the arguments for the safety of SAP are that, used EXTERNALLY, it has not proven to have any problems whatsoever. Tushies argument for their gel-free diapers is, 'why risk it?'
However, one must mitigate that with the fact that these diapers are the bulkiest of group. I like clothes a lot and especially love the little baby boy clothes I put on my guy, so I am constantly in search for trim trim trim, with my cloth diapers, and I certainly want trimness with disposables. Also, because they are made with cotton wood pulp and no SAP, you do have to change them more often.
However, putting them on was easy enough, they are a hearty, well-constructed diaper. We experienced no messes or leaks. They are super soft and emit only a nice pleasant smell of natural cotton. However, the tabs don't stick as well as I'd like.
Pros: No gel. Great for super sensitive babies whose little bums will stand for nothing synthetic. If you don't mind a little added bulk, this is an amazing diaper. Also great for the mama who absolutely can not cloth diaper (no wash machine), but who can't stand the thought of SAP. Available online and at most local health food stores.
Cons: Bulky. Need to change more often. Tabs are not very sticky. My least favorite of my trials.
3) Nature Babycare: I'll admit it. This was my favorite (and my husbands). Made from cornstarch, these diapers did not have an oily feel that the others did (no plastic too!). They were also more breathable because of those natural materials. (Which I like because there was a study showing male fertility could be affected by regular diapers because they hold in a lot of heat). They emitted no smell. Plus, I thought they were the best constructed of all three--very trim and clean-lined and fit very well on Dax. In addition, I liked the little graphics on the diapers--it made them look more sophisticated perhaps than other dipes.
They contain none of the offending chemicals we've discussed. They also are more biodegradable than the others listed. I also LOVE how open they are on their website.
Pros: Trim & absorbant. Nice construction. Best non-smell of all tested. Dry feel. Use very little SAP. Great look to them.
Cons: More expensive than 7th generation (although not as expensive as Tushies). Purchase online mostly (look for coupons and free shipping!)
4). Bambo Nature: I was very excited to try out this diaper because their website truly is amazing in terms of what they do during their manufacturing to take care of their environment. They make non-toxic diapers with sustainability in mind!
The diaper functions very well--we had no blowouts while using these diapers. They are constructed well and are soft. They also have a wet feature that the lettering starts to run when they are wet--however, I don't really see the point of this--it's pretty easy IMO to see when babe's got a soggy diaper.
All in all, I would say these diapers are probably the most eco-friendly of the bunch in terms of their product and the manufacturing (they plant more trees than fell). However, their price per diaper is pretty darn high--almost 45 cents per diaper, and that's IF you find a 10 percent off coupon. I did like them, but didn't see their effectiveness to be worth the extra cost compared to 7th Generation or Nature Babycare, who's price per diaper is much less. In addition, their little graphics on the diaper I didn't like as much. I liked the more modern look of 7th Generation and Nature Babycare.
Pros: Cute & soft & effective. Great non-toxic diaper for babies made with sustainability in mind.
Cons: Expensive diaper. Not convinced it's worth the extra cost. Available in very select retailers.
5:) Other Brands
Broody Chick: These are said to be 100% compostable AND 100% natural and hypoallergenic, made from renewable resources. No gel either! I've never tried the diaper, but the reviews seem decent. From what I read, one needs to check with their city--municipal composting facility--to see if they would allow; also, remove tabs. Although they are compostable, the makers note that they can be composted at home only if the correct 'temperature, aeration, and moisture levels' are maintained. So they recommend a municipal setting. Pro: This is an excellent, actually eco-friendly option for those people whose cities will do this. In fact, even if you don't compost it, it is still another great gel-free option. Cons: Cost per diaper is high (the highest of those listed here).
Huggies Pure & Natural: False advertising! They use organic cotton PARTLY on the OUTSIDE of the diaper (what a waste of organic cotton) and the same old bleached crap on the inside. They are also more expensive than ALMOST ALL of the diapers I've mentioned here! Pros: No smell, and um, latex free? However, still better than the regular Pampers and Huggies. Cons: See above.
Earth's Best: I don't know about these, haven't tried them, but meaning to. However, I've read mixed reviews on these diapers.
My RANKINGS, in review (based on value, cost, function, ease, & look)
1) Nature Babycare
2) 7th Generation
3) Bambo Nature
4) Tushies
The bottom line is: disposable is not an eco-friendly way to go, however, non-toxic IS more eco-friendly. So I believe that the reality is, sometimes you need the convenience of disposable diapers and let's face it: not everyone is going to take the plunge into cloth diapering. So it is important to mitigate the risks and impact on the environment where one can.
I tried four 'eco-friendly' diapers myself and here's the scoop on the poop:
1) Seventh Generation Free & Clear: These are chlorine, latex, petroleum, and dioxin free. The process used to make them is more sensitive to the environment. However, they do use a dye to give their diapers their signature light brown color.
They emit almost no smell from the diaper. It is disgusting to compare it to the Enormous Whiff Of Gross I get from regular Pampers or Huggies.
While the construction of these seemed kind of extra-plasticy on the top, they were no worse than most of the leading brands. Using these diapers on Dax, I found them to be trim and perform very well with no leaks or messes. I truly like them and they are easier than some of the other 'eco' brands to obtain locally. I've seen them at Sprouts and Whole Foods. Online, you can easily find deals.
Pros: The most affordable of less toxic diapers, with a price per diaper on par with the leading brands. Also, easier to obtain locally. If economy is a major factor, then buying this diaper is a no-brainer because it cuts out potentially harmful toxins (and that gross diaper smell) without losing function or adding bulk or adding cost. A great cost-effective alternative to the major brands.
Cons: Suspect that the diapers are the least eco-helpful in their manufacturing process of the bunch.
The problem is: SAP was removed from tampons back in the 80's due to its contribution to Toxic Shock Syndrome. However, the arguments for the safety of SAP are that, used EXTERNALLY, it has not proven to have any problems whatsoever. Tushies argument for their gel-free diapers is, 'why risk it?'
However, one must mitigate that with the fact that these diapers are the bulkiest of group. I like clothes a lot and especially love the little baby boy clothes I put on my guy, so I am constantly in search for trim trim trim, with my cloth diapers, and I certainly want trimness with disposables. Also, because they are made with cotton wood pulp and no SAP, you do have to change them more often.
However, putting them on was easy enough, they are a hearty, well-constructed diaper. We experienced no messes or leaks. They are super soft and emit only a nice pleasant smell of natural cotton. However, the tabs don't stick as well as I'd like.
Pros: No gel. Great for super sensitive babies whose little bums will stand for nothing synthetic. If you don't mind a little added bulk, this is an amazing diaper. Also great for the mama who absolutely can not cloth diaper (no wash machine), but who can't stand the thought of SAP. Available online and at most local health food stores.
Cons: Bulky. Need to change more often. Tabs are not very sticky. My least favorite of my trials.
3) Nature Babycare: I'll admit it. This was my favorite (and my husbands). Made from cornstarch, these diapers did not have an oily feel that the others did (no plastic too!). They were also more breathable because of those natural materials. (Which I like because there was a study showing male fertility could be affected by regular diapers because they hold in a lot of heat). They emitted no smell. Plus, I thought they were the best constructed of all three--very trim and clean-lined and fit very well on Dax. In addition, I liked the little graphics on the diapers--it made them look more sophisticated perhaps than other dipes.
They contain none of the offending chemicals we've discussed. They also are more biodegradable than the others listed. I also LOVE how open they are on their website.
Pros: Trim & absorbant. Nice construction. Best non-smell of all tested. Dry feel. Use very little SAP. Great look to them.
Cons: More expensive than 7th generation (although not as expensive as Tushies). Purchase online mostly (look for coupons and free shipping!)
The diaper functions very well--we had no blowouts while using these diapers. They are constructed well and are soft. They also have a wet feature that the lettering starts to run when they are wet--however, I don't really see the point of this--it's pretty easy IMO to see when babe's got a soggy diaper.
All in all, I would say these diapers are probably the most eco-friendly of the bunch in terms of their product and the manufacturing (they plant more trees than fell). However, their price per diaper is pretty darn high--almost 45 cents per diaper, and that's IF you find a 10 percent off coupon. I did like them, but didn't see their effectiveness to be worth the extra cost compared to 7th Generation or Nature Babycare, who's price per diaper is much less. In addition, their little graphics on the diaper I didn't like as much. I liked the more modern look of 7th Generation and Nature Babycare.
Pros: Cute & soft & effective. Great non-toxic diaper for babies made with sustainability in mind.
Cons: Expensive diaper. Not convinced it's worth the extra cost. Available in very select retailers.
5:) Other Brands
Broody Chick: These are said to be 100% compostable AND 100% natural and hypoallergenic, made from renewable resources. No gel either! I've never tried the diaper, but the reviews seem decent. From what I read, one needs to check with their city--municipal composting facility--to see if they would allow; also, remove tabs. Although they are compostable, the makers note that they can be composted at home only if the correct 'temperature, aeration, and moisture levels' are maintained. So they recommend a municipal setting. Pro: This is an excellent, actually eco-friendly option for those people whose cities will do this. In fact, even if you don't compost it, it is still another great gel-free option. Cons: Cost per diaper is high (the highest of those listed here).
Huggies Pure & Natural: False advertising! They use organic cotton PARTLY on the OUTSIDE of the diaper (what a waste of organic cotton) and the same old bleached crap on the inside. They are also more expensive than ALMOST ALL of the diapers I've mentioned here! Pros: No smell, and um, latex free? However, still better than the regular Pampers and Huggies. Cons: See above.
Earth's Best: I don't know about these, haven't tried them, but meaning to. However, I've read mixed reviews on these diapers.
My RANKINGS, in review (based on value, cost, function, ease, & look)
1) Nature Babycare
2) 7th Generation
3) Bambo Nature
4) Tushies
19 comments:
Thanks for the rundown. We're currently using the Huggies Pure & Natural on my toddler because I love them. They don't have that terrible chemical smell and they are soft. Expensive, yes. But I laughed when you said they were the worst choice! I'm not particularly worried about being super eco-friendly though, just bottom-friendly. :)
I haven't decided yet what we'll try for the new baby coming this summer. I might give the nature babycare a shot. The price is great!
Thanks again!
Meagan: EEK! insert foot in mouth hahaha....
I am going to add 'no smell' to their pro list. And to be fair, they ARE better than regular huggies and pampers on babies bums, because they do not have latex and use 'more' renewable resources in their manufacturing, but there are still a lot of chemicals there that they don't mention (i.e. chlorine and dyes). I would say definitely better than any of the mainstream ones for gentle on the bum. If you do try nature babycare, let me know what you think. I am now secretly interested in a comparison :-)!
My first baby is due in September and I am excited about the stack of cloth diapers I just finished ordering yesterday. I'm pretty confident I will be fine with cleaning, washing, etc but my husband isn't super excited about the idea. A friend told us the other day about GroVia's disposable liners. They say they're 100% natural (here's a link from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00483GAJU/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002RT8O5U&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=152MPJ0RT4Z8P320G31W) and I think we will be using these. They're flushable so I think my hubby will be able to deal with them :) Have you looked into them at all? If so, what do you think?
Thanks! We are still exclusive on the breastfeeding - so all the poo is water soluable and goes right in the pail. But I have been thinking about the disposable liners for when she starts solids. If you try those out, please post! A diaper sprayer seems so messy and I am not looking forward to it. We are about to go on a two week trip and have been debating using sposies. I've been really against it because all the ones we have tried have that stink! I would never have thought before that cloth is less smelly than sposies...but I guess that is a bonus. I might try one of your not smelly suggestions for the plane ride!
Oh! And for cl9oth diapering without a machine, look at the "flats and handwashing" challenge. Honestly, I would only do that if it was food vs diapers, but I can see how many families can be in that situation. There have even been news stories about families trying to reuse disposable diapers or leaving them on too long.
There is also a Canadian made compostable diaper called Broody Chick. I use PC Green for our sposie back up :) If you need help troubleshooting with your cloth let me know! I am here to help ;)
Have you tried the G - Diaper inserts? that may help you out until the bowel movements are a bit more predictable :)
leyla: First off, congrats on your little one on the way! And much congrats on your commitment to cloth diapering. you are gunna fall in love: with your baby AND cloth diapering :-)
Secondly, GROVIA IS SO AMAZING@@@@!!! Truly, I have so many diapers in my stash and I just got a Grovia shell and some snapin liners and i can truly say that i like grovia above all else. I have an HE washer so I like the AI2 option and natural organic cotton (holds in less stink). I also like the clean lines and great construction of this diaper.
AND there flushable biodiapers are a GREAT option. The only bad thing would be the price. Each flushie would run approx. .70 cents, which is almost twice what an 'eco' dipe would cost. HOWEVER, none of the ones i mentioned are "flushable." So if you think of it that you are saving landfill space and that is HUGE, then the added cost over a regular disposable throw-away nappy might be worth it. But if those added costs aren't then I would use Grovia cloth most of the time and a good disposable (nature babycare or bambo) for when you must. But you can get the grovia flushies just to appease your husband for the short term because ur hubby is quicklly gunna see how EASY it is to cloth diaper and he'll get over it. Mine did. Mine loves it now! although, i have to admit, i do most of the clean up.
leyla: oops
i just followed ur link and see you are talking about the LINERS that go on top of the dipe!!!
sorry!
YES those doooooo help with cleanup, however when you are exclusively breastfeeding, that poop is gunna be like liquid cheetos, so that bio-strainer might not help too much. I suspect your hubby still won't care for cleanup. The good news is that breastfed poop is water soluble and therefore can go right in pail. However, since i have a low water washer, i rinsed it right out in the sink first anyway because i just dont think my washer cleans it good enough. But if you have a good regular washer and you are exclusive on BFing, then there really is no clean up--just right in the bucket and wash every two days about!
calket: i envy your bf poo!!!! i miss it haha....
We have tried the flushable liners, but not consistently and one of our main problems right now is my stash. It really is not right for our washer and we unfortunately invested in a lot of sized dipes that he is sizing out of. So i am currently selling off my stash to replace with ones that are better for our HE washer and for our lifestyle. i am digging on Grovia right now. Lately, his doodoo has gotten more 'solid' and i've been going days with cloth and then days without to test the waters back, but it's been slow going. We have a diaper sprayer and it really IS messy, i like the sink just as well. But i think when poo gets more round and 'solid' i think we'll use the sprayer because it will just be easier to 'shake' into toilet. i can't really wash those dookies down the sink anymore. how gross is this response? i guess my response is: yes liners!
and NO on flats! I much too like my trim modern diapers with snaps--although if it were food or dipes, i think i'd be a handwashing fool!
PamJ: It is so funny you mentioned this, I was JUST thinking about adding them! have you tried them? My sister composts at her house, can she send them with her composting garbage do you know? She is interested in a diaper like this....
ALSO, our cloth diaper problems are centering around my stash and my washer. I think i have it figured out--but need to sell some diapers and buy some different ones and then we'll be back on track. We are going out of country for about 9 days and then i gotta get my cloth diapering A** in gear!
Eva: I HAVE tried the gdiaper liners, and i think they are better than sposies because you can flush them away. They work well too. I have two gdiapers and my little guy is sizing out of them. And they are kind of awkward what with that snap in back liner, i much prefer the Grovia Ai2s. Grovia has something very similar as a flushable thing, although the cost is higher than a sposie, but i think when i get my cloth diapering act together, i will definitiely be using these in a pinch for sure. I do like them.
PamJ: ok just added broody chick :-)
So you're not impressed with G Diapers?
Erica: Well, yes and no. I actually do like the flushables, but I can't seem to find an insert that I like. They are either too bulky or not the right fabric. The cloth inserts the gdiapers sell are microfiber and i just am not liking that lately. As far as cloth diapers go, there are just easier options. I do use them in my rotation though, however when Dax completely sizes out of them, which will be soon because he's huge, I don't think I will replace them in the larger size. Something about that 'snap-in' thing, I much prefer an altogether liner and insert as opposed to a liner with an insert that 'sits' in there. Grovias are awesome because they have the shell (just like the gdiapers), but then the only other part is a 'snap in' liner that is backed with waterproof layer, so it ends up being almost like an all-in-one. But easier to clean, and the diaper doesn't move around in there like it sometimes does with the g's.
GPants! mama. They are "cloth" but they have disposable liners. so when he develops a schedule you can keep in the cloth ones for pee and just swap in a biodegradable liner for when you're expecting a mess. <3
haha, I guess I should read ALL the comments before posting. Also you know we do Elimination Communication, so she poops in the AM IN THE TOILET! and then if I'm lazy we diaper for the pees throughout the day.
Excellent review, Darcy! I had to smile to myself because every time I say eco-friendly disposable I feel like it's an oxymoron too. But I didn't know what else to say. You're right saying that non-toxic is more like it. I wish I had thought of that myself.
Right now we're potty training and I'm looking forward to saying goodbye to diapers. Although I have to admit I had a lot of fun with cloth. I didn't find cloth to be for every situation so I'm glad there were more non-toxic choices out there.
cupcake: I seriously think of you an EC all the time. I just look at my guy and think: I coulda trained you earlieR!!! You are amazing. I want to try with my next one. Where did you get a waterproof pad for during play?
Victoria: Thank you! Yes, I kept trying to think of a way that did express that i thought they were 'eco-friendli ER!" And less toxins are good for sure. Now I will NEVER buy regular pampers again after this experiment.
Man, when I have a baby I am gonna be all over this blog! You give some great advice and since I'm also a concerned environmentalist like you it's nice to see other moms out there trying to raise their babies with a more conscious attitude.
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