The Best Eco Nappies

 One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of a newborn is to use eco-friendly nappies. Made from biodegradable materials, and with a lighter carbon footprint, eco-friendly nappies can help you be that little bit kinder on the environment. To help you find the right sustainable baby nappies for your little one, we’re taking a look at some of the best disposable and reusable nappies around.  

What is an Eco-Friendly Nappy? 

Eco nappies, or eco-friendly nappies, are designed to minimize their environmental impact compared to traditional disposable nappies. They often contain natural, biodegradable materials, reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and are produced using sustainable practices. Some eco nappies are partially compostable or biodegradable, which helps reduce waste in landfills.

Eco nappies can be divided into two main categories:

• Biodegradable disposable nappies: Made with plant-based or compostable materials, designed to break down faster than regular nappies.
• Reusable nappies (cloth nappies): Designed to be washed and reused multiple times, significantly reducing waste.

What is the Most Environmentally Friendly Nappy?

While no eco-friendly nappies are completely biodegradable, there are a number of options that are virtually carbon neutral. Using these nappies can help you to significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Reusable Nappies

If you want to minimise the amount of physical waste you produce, cloth nappies are a good choice. Unlike disposable diapers, reusables can be washed, dried and worn again and again. This means you won’t have to throw a nappy away every time your baby needs a change.

Reusable nappies have come a long way in the last few decades and are now specifically to be absorbent, easy to use and kind to your baby’s skin. However, washable nappies generally aren’t as absorbent as disposable options and even premium reusable nappy brands can have problems with leakage. In most cases, parents will need to use extra inserts and change their reusable nappies on a regular basis.

Eco-Friendly Disposable Nappies

 Another eco-friendly option is to invest in biodegradable disposable nappies. Although not compostable, an eco-friendly disposable nappy will break down much faster than standard nappies. A lot of biodegradable nappies are also made from sustainable natural materials like bamboo fibre. This will help to reduce the amount of waste in landfill and minimise the carbon produced during the manufacturing process.

What are the Benefits of Eco Nappies?

There are several reasons why parents are choosing eco nappies over conventional ones:

• Reduced landfill waste: Traditional disposable nappies take hundreds of years to decompose. Eco nappies, particularly biodegradable ones, break down faster, reducing their long-term environmental impact.
• Fewer harmful chemicals: Eco nappies are typically free from chlorine, fragrances, dyes, and other harmful chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin.
• Sustainable sourcing: Many eco nappy brands use renewable resources such as bamboo or wood pulp, which are sourced responsibly.
• Compostability: Some eco nappies are fully or partially compostable, meaning you can dispose of them in a home composting system.
• Healthier for baby’s skin: Natural materials like bamboo are gentle on sensitive skin and provide better breathability.

Which are the Best Biodegradable Nappies?

Although a lot of nappies contain biodegradable materials, there is currently no true 100% biodegradable nappy on the market. This is because even sustainable nappies contain some elements that can’t be easily broken down.  

If sustainable diapers aren’t fully compostable, you might well ask the question are eco-friendly diapers worth it? The answer to this is definitely a resounding yes. Because, while your used nappies might not turn into compost in the blink of an eye, they will degrade a lot faster than standard options.  

What’s more, the manufacturing processes for nappies made from sustainable materials like corn starch, organic cotton and chlorine-free wood pulp produce a lot less carbon than traditional nappies. This makes the entire process more eco-friendly.

1. Bambo Nature 

Made in Denmark, the production process for Bambo Nature eco-friendly nappies has sustainability built in from start to finish. The packaging is fully recyclable, while an impressive 95% of the waste from the production facility is recycled and the brand holds both the Nordic Swan Eco Label and the FSC label.

Free of phthalates and nasty dyes, the nappies are breathable, flexible, absorbent and dermatologically tested. So if you’re wondering what the best eco-friendly diapers for sensitive skin are, Bambo Eco Nature is a great choice.

 

2. Kit & Kin

The brainchild of Spice Girl Emma Bunton and developer Chris Money, Kit & Kin is one of the most popular eco-friendly disposable nappies around. The nappies are made from a number of sustainable and biodegradable materials including FSC certified wood pulp and bio-based gels.

As well as sustainable nappies, Kit & Kin also offers a range of chlorine-free baby wipes and a great choice of nappy rash lotions and biodegradable accessories.

3. Eco by Naty

Naty nappies have been available since 1994, making them one of the most established names on the market. Made largely from sustainable, plant-based materials, the nappies don’t contain any nasty chemicals and no oil-based plastics will touch your baby’s skin. Even so, Eco by Naty nappies stay impressively dry, even overnight.

 

4. Cheeky Panda

Cheeky Panda nappies are made from sustainably grown bamboo and other eco-friendly materials. Naturally hypoallergenic and with a wetness indicator built in, Cheeky Panda nappies have the convenience of mainstream brands like Pampers but without the carbon footprint. Their ‘Aqua Lock’ technology means the bamboo nappies have an absorbent core, while added Aloe Vera means Cheeky Panda nappies are great for sensitive skin.

5. Bambino Mio

If you don’t want to produce any waste at all, you could opt for reusable instead of disposable nappies. Search ‘what are the best cloth nappies’ and there’s a good chance that Bambino Mio will be right at the top of your results.

Bambino Mio offers a great, easy to use option for those who want to go as green as possible. Their Miosolo nappies have an all-in-one system that means the nappies will fit your little one from the time they’re a newborn to when you start potty training. This means that, while the nappies may seem expensive at first, they’re likely to save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

What to Consider When Choosing Eco Nappies

Before selecting the best eco nappies for your baby, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• Materials: Look for nappies made from plant-based or biodegradable materials such as bamboo, cotton, or wood pulp. Check for certifications that verify eco-friendliness (e.g., FSC-certified wood pulp or Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics).
• Performance: Eco nappies should provide good absorption and leak protection, ensuring your baby stays dry and comfortable.
• Biodegradability: Some nappies are 100% biodegradable, while others may only be partially compostable. Make sure you know how long they take to decompose.
• Comfort and Fit: Ensure the nappy is comfortable for your baby, with a secure but gentle fit that won’t cause irritation or rashes.
• Cost: Eco nappies can be more expensive than traditional disposables, but many parents find the investment worth it for the environmental benefits.
• Certifications: Look for nappies that have been certified by environmental and health organizations, such as the EU Ecolabel or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

What are the Best Eco-Friendly Nappies?

Each of these eco-friendly options offers its own benefits. Luckily, with most babies wearing nappies for at least a couple of years, you’ll have plenty of time to try out different brands and decide which are the best eco-friendly disposable nappies for your needs. Find out more about sustainable nappies, and start stocking up for your new arrival, by exploring our range today.

 

Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).