Biodegradable nappies has become somewhat of a buzz word in recent years... But what exactly are they? How do they benefit your family and the planet? Are they really that much better than normal nappies? Are they worth the extra cost?
Well... The BIG question is: How do they affect YOU and YOUR baby? And that's EXACTLY what we're going to dive into today!
This post will clear up all the confusion and hype around biodegradable nappies and GIVE YOU THE FACTS that are often hidden away so you can make the most informed choice when choosing the best nappies for your little one!
So click on the jump links below to get started and learn the TRUTH behind biodegradable nappies!
Are ‘Eco-Friendly’ Products And ‘Biodegradable’ Products The Same?
It is important to remember that eco-friendly nappies do not necessarily mean biodegradable and that these terms mean two different things!
Eco friendly refers to the ethics behind the way a product is sourced and produced. So when it comes to a disposable nappy, we need to consider how the nappy is made. Does the company use plant-based, sustainable materials that are ethically sourced?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘biodegradable is the ability to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful to the environment.’
So if a product is described as eco friendly it does not always follow that it is biodegradable.
But knowing the difference between these two terms will ensure you are a savvy shopper when choosing items for you and your baby!
So, What actually Are the most environmentally friendly nappies?
As a parent, you will literally change hundreds and thousands of nappies!
WRAP - Waste & Resources Action Programme UK, says that by the time they are potty trained, a baby could have used 4,000 to 6,000 disposable nappies or 20 to 30 reusable nappies.
So if you REALLY want to be eco-friendly then you need to be using reusable cloth nappies, as they are BY FAR the most environmentally friendly way to go.
Award-winning Bambino Mio has a brilliant reusable nappy system which works from birth onwards. Their nappies function like disposables with their quick fasteners so they're super easy to put on and take off. They also come with the option for an added insert for extra protection and their super-absorbent core draws moisture into the nappy away from your little one’s skin.
Bambino Mio Reusable Nappies
What is it? Super soft and chemical free reusable nappies
Why do I recommend it? I love the choice of patterns for these easy to use reusable nappies and the fact that you buy a nappy that will grow with your baby.
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Reusable cloth nappies will keep on the right side of being eco friendly and produce fewer carbon emissions if:
- they are mostly line dried
- only tumble dried when absolutely necessary
- washed once you have acquired a full load
- not washed at more than 60 degrees.
- are used on subsequent children
If you’re looking for some more nappy options, I have compiled a few more of my favourites in my Parenting Toolbox. Be sure to check them out!
BUT there's a catch... cloth nappies can be very messy and for some families, they are just a bit too inconvenient for your everyday lives or when travelling, for example.
Therefore, the main advantage of biodegradable nappies is that they are convenient to use and are kinder to the environment than regular disposable nappies.
Just know that WHATEVER diapers you choose, ensure they are ethically produced with a low carbon footprint, are chemical-free and made from sustainably sourced plant-based materials. (I will be recommending my favourites at the end of this post!)
Top Tip
No matter what you decide there is no doubt that both reusables and biodegradable nappies are BETTER for the planet than normal disposable diapers.
Conclusion:
If as a parent you are trying to make an ethical choice when choosing baby products for your little one, your choice of nappy will be the hardest and most confusing one to settle on.
I feel that reusables are the most eco-friendly way to go as they do produce fewer carbon emissions over time, have longevity, are kind to your baby’s skin and there are excellent companies out there producing very effective reusable nappies, covers and biodegradable liners.
However, please don’t beat yourself up on the ethics of using the occasional biodegradable nappy, just try to choose the most ethically produced brands you can!
What to look out for when choosing biodegradable nappies
So, if you've decided that using biodegradable nappies will work for your family, you now need to unlock your inner detective to ensure you’re buying the best nappies for your baby and the planet! Here are the most important questions to get answer for when choosing the best diapers!
- Are they ethically produced?
- Are they made from sustainable and renewably sourced materials, such as sustainable wood pulp?
- Are they free from perfume, chlorine and plastic?
- Do they consist mostly of biodegradable materials?
- Do they come in biodegradable packaging?
- Does the company producing them give back to the environment in any way?
- Are they hypoallergenic so great for baby sensitive skin?
- Can they be left on for 12 hours for nighttime dryness?
So, with that in mind... here are my top picks for eco-friendly and biodegradable nappies that tick all the boxes!
The Best Eco Friendly Biodegradable Nappies To Do Your Bit For The Planet
REMEMBER
No nappy is 100% biodegradable.
You just have to choose the most eco-friendly option that you can. The more natural the materials used, the quicker the nappy will biodegrade and the better for the planet it will be!
Mum & You NappyChat Eco Diapers
What is it? Super soft eco-friendly nappies with smart-tube technology which distributes liquid evenly to improve fit & protect against leaks.
Why do I recommend it? These are cute looking nappies that also have a yellow line wetness indicator and come in a good range of sizes and they are produced using 100% renewable energy.
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ECO BOOM Biodegradable Diapers
What is it? Super absorbent eco-friendly nappies made from bamboo.
Why do I recommend it? This nappy is ethically sourced and has a German-designed absorbency layer which keeps your baby's bottom dry. They also come in all sizes from newborn to pull-ups for older children.
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Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Nappies
What is it? These sustainably produced nappies are widely considered to be excellent nappies both in the UK and USA.
Why do I recommend it? Whilst not 100% biodegradable, they are free from harmful chemicals both of which reduce the risk of nappy rash and allergic reaction. They have a wetness indicator and give a good fit with a super absorbent core that ensures your baby stays dry all night with no leaking.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Kit & Kiln Eco Nappies
What is it? Well-fitting eco nappies with a super absorbent core.
Why do I recommend it? While this nappy ticks all the normal eco-friendly boxes, I love the fact that they work in conjunction with the World Land Trust: Buy an Acre programme to help replant the rainforests.
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Moltex Pure and Nature Eco Nappies
What is it? One of the top rated eco nappies around made from plant based materials sustainably harvested corn and sugarcane.
Why do I recommend it? These are the safest eco nappies in the terms of preventing leakages, even from the biggest nappy explosions! They are also made from 100% plant based materials.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Are Biodegradable Nappies Worth It?
The Updated Study from the Environmental Agency for England published in 2008 showed that, when used responsibly, real nappies can be 40% better for the environment than disposable nappies.
I think that the Great Nappy Debate is quite hard for new parents. There is a great deal of pressure to be eco friendly... So when it comes to nappies, reusables appear to be the best answer.
However, the practicality of it is that even if you decide to use reusable nappies you will, on occasion, find it more practical to use a disposable nappy.
Until we have a totally biodegradable nappy option, I would say that a COMBINATION of reusable nappies along WITH eco-friendly, disposable nappies is the BEST option!
Just accept the fact that your disposable diapers will not be home compostable but as they will be made mostly of biodegradable material, you will DEFINITELY be doing your bit for the planet!
Biodegradables are significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional disposable diapers and you will NOT be exposing your little one’s bottom to any bad materials either!
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As I mentioned in this post if you're looking for products for your little one and you're not sure where to begin, be sure to check out my Parenting Toolbox.
It is full of all my favourite products which I've tried to ensure are all non-toxic, eco friendly, sustainable and, of course, they’re all baby proof! I've also included loads of cloth nappy options in the Baby Care section if you're stuck for where to begin!
Do you have any blog recommendations that you'd like me to write about? Drop me an email [email protected] and let me know!
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