It’s no secret that diapers are expensive, or that babies tend to blow through them like wildfire. Americans spend thousands of dollars on diapers each year, contributing a significant amount of used diapers to landfills along the way. While using diapers is a must for babies, there are alternative options that support sustainability and other benefits. 

Cloth diapers are reusable and support sustainability efforts, but they also require lots of energy and water use for cleaning. If you don’t have the time or energy to devote to reusable cloth diaper options, there are other sustainable diapers to consider. Our plant-based diapers are great for the planet and for your baby.  

If you’re considering making the switch to sustainable diapers, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind. Here’s what you need to know.

What Makes a Diaper Sustainable?

First, what makes a diaper sustainable? It’s important to differentiate between real sustainability and tricky marketing. Let’s take a look below. 

Plant Materials

Sustainable diapers must be made with plant materials that are helpful for the planet and don’t clog landfills. Cloth diapers are sustainable in their ability to be reused, but they do require lots of energy and water to maintain. Look for plant materials like wood pulp from sustainably managed forests and other clean materials. 

Free of Chemicals

Chemicals are not only harmful for your little one and their skin, but they can also be harmful for the planet. When products with chemicals are thrown away, the chemicals seep into water sources, animal habitats, plants, and the air. Sustainable diapers should be free of harmful chemicals like fragrance, chlorine, alcohols, rubber, parabens, dyes, VOCs, latex, and heavy metals. 

It’s important to check the ingredient list to find the most sustainable option for you. 

Smaller Impact on the Environment

Sustainable diapers have a smaller impact on the environment. Regular diapers do harm to the environment by filling up landfills quickly, taking years to decompose, and introducing the chemicals in diapers into the world. 

How To Make The Switch

Sustainability matters. Here are a few tips that can make using sustainable diapers much easier. 

• Use a Subscription Service

Using a subscription service is a great way to make sustainability easy. Sign up for a monthly delivery of sustainable diapers that comes right to your door. Subscription services usually offer hefty savings for recurring subscriptions. This is a great way to save money while shopping sustainably. Plus, instead of going to the store to buy diapers each month, you can enjoy more time with your little one as they come right to your home. 

• Consider More Than One Sustainable Option

When it comes to sustainable diapers, there are more than one option. From plant-based diapers like our overnight diapers to reusable options like cloth diapers, there’s a lot to choose from. Let’s break down some of the most popular sustainable diaper options to switch between below.

How can you switch between methods? Consider using reusable diapers in the daytime and overnight diapers during the night. This can help minimize how many diapers you have to buy while also making morning clean ups easier and sustainable! Our plant-based diapers come with a wetness indicator that tells you when your babe needs changing. No need to take a peek under the hood or go in for the sniff–enjoy a clear line that tells you when it’s time for a change. 

Having more than one sustainable option is an excellent way to ease into sustainability. It can be a big shift to go from single-use, non-sustainable diapers to using a better option. Using a few methods can help you find what you prefer and ease you into the world of sustainability. 

• Always Have a Back Up

Even if you prefer to use cloth diapers that are reusable, it can help to keep a handful of diapers on hand when an accident or blow out occurs. If you’re out shopping with your little one and run out of reusable cloths, having a few diapers on hand can save the day. 

Similarly, if you want to use a sustainable single-use diaper during the day, you can carry around a few cloth diapers as alternatives if you run out unexpectedly or need a diaper on the go. This is an excellent way to keep your baby comfortable and to stay prepared. 

The Best Sustainable Diapers For Your Babe 

When you find a sustainable diaper option, you can support the environment and your little one’s health. Look for diapers without chemicals and harsh ingredients, and with superior drying abilities. Find diapers that are free of alcohols, parabens, and other toxins. Your baby deserves the best, and if you can support the planet with environmentally friendly means, there’s no better way to support the planet!