Non-toxic, eco-friendly diapering for baby

The average cost for disposable diapering can reach up to $1000 a year and for cloth diapering about $400. So if you use diapers for the first two years or so, you can be looking at about $2000 – $3000!

I would have LOVED to say that I used the cloth diaper route. However, I opted for a hybrid approach. With two small children, it was a convenience factor for me. Since we always had activities and outings, I couldn’t develop a system where I could handle the soiled diapers effectively. Here are some things to consider:

Environmental Impact

I was really concerned about the resources that it took just to make baby diapers. Sure, we’re a human race and there are a gazillion of other things that use resources, cause pollution, etc. But the following statistics about manufacturing disposable diapers troubled me:

• 200,000 trees each year are lost to the manufacture of disposable diapers for babies just in the U.S. alone.
• 4 billion gallons of fuel oil every year to make diapers.
• 20 times more raw materials, two times more water and three times more energy to make than cloth diapers.
• Depletes natural resources
• Utilizes non-renewable energy sources
• 500 years to decompose in a landfill.

If it takes a long time to decompose, it ends up in our water, our air.  This made me look into biodegradable disposable diapers that I can recommend below.

Price

As mentioned, you can typically expect to spend between $2000 and $3000 per baby for the first two years or so on disposable diapers. For cloth diapers and accessories (diaper folds/inserts, cover, etc) estimate $800 to $1000 if you wash them yourself. This estimate may be lower if you reuse cloth diapering on new siblings! You can also opt for a diaper laundering service, but it will run you closer to the cost of disposables around $2000 to $3000.

Convenience

Cloth/reusable diapering “technology” has become more convenient. All come with snap or Velcro closures, which makes changing a lot easier. You do have to soak and wash the removable linings which can take time. I found with cloth diapering I had to change more often because some of the inserts tend to be not as absorbent as disposables.

Chemical Exposure

As mentioned in the environmental impact section, it takes a ton of resources to make diapers and as a bi-product, chemicals and other harmful elements end in the the disposable diaper.  One of the many chemicals found in conventional diaper manufacturers is dioxin.  Dioxin is a highly toxic carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.

 

I’ve broken out disposable and cloth diapering on this page.

 

Best non-toxic, eco-friendly disposable diapering:

Andy Pandy

• Eco-friendly diapers.  Company has one of the best commitments to health and the environment (25 Years of Certified Safe & World Friendly) that I have seen.  Bambo Nature diapers have earned the Danish Asthma/Allergy certification, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, are Dermatologically-tested and FSC-certified.
• Produced sustainable manufacturing processes
• Free from harmful chemicals and perfumes to minimize the risk of allergies and diaper rash

Best non-toxic cloth diapering:

Grow Via

• No Dioxins
• Works well with the snap in soaker pad
• Waterproof TPU outer layer

Grow Via part time package

Includes 6 GroVia® Hybrid Shells + 12 GroVia® No Prep Soaker Pads.  This is what I would recommend if you opt to do a hybrid disposable/cloth diaper approach.  This one offers an organic cotton soaker insert.

Mama Koala

• one-size pocket diaper that fits most babies 8-35lbs
• A bargain at 6 pcs + 6 Inserts!
• 3×3 rise snaps adjust the setting lasts from birth to potty training

Thirsties Snap Duo Wrap

• This is just the waterproof shell that goes on the outside of the diaper.  You will need the insert/prefold which is eco-friendly and made out of hemp.
• Size 1 covers fits 6-18 lbs.  They also have larger sizing cover (Size 2) for potty training.
• Thirsties wet bag is perfect if you opt to do cloth diapering all the way!