As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your little one. When it comes to nappies, eco friendly disposable nappies are becoming increasingly popular. They not only benefit the environment but also provide better skin protection for babies.
In this blog, I’ll explore the advantages of using eco friendly disposable nappies and why they should be your choice. I’ll dive into the biodegradable materials used in these nappies and how they impact the environment.
Additionally, I’ve reviewed the top 6 UK-based brands of eco friendly disposable nappies so that you can make an informed decision when choosing one for your baby.
Lastly, I’ll share some tips on how to maximize the use of eco friendly disposable nappies to reduce their environmental impact further. Join us on this journey towards making a sustainable choice for our babies and the planet!
Disclaimer: This article may have affiliate links to products mentioned throughout. If you were to purchase a product, I may make a small commission from the sale which supports this blog. Read my privacy policy page for details.
Quick Links
Advantages of Eco Friendly Disposable Nappies
Eco friendly disposable nappies, made from sustainable materials like:
- Cotton
- Hemp
- Bamboo grown in sustainable rainforests in china.
- Wood pulp
- cornstarch
- wood pulp
Free from harsh chemicals such as:
- Chlorine
- Latex
- Bleach
These materials are sustainably sourced and reduce carbon production. Like traditional disposable nappy option, eco friendly disposable nappies come and come in various sizes for newborns to toddlers. They offer superior absorbency, by removing moisture and supportive leg cuffs all this keeps your babies dry and comfortable.
Environmental Impact of Single-Use Nappies
The current stats according to Wrap.org.uk. Each year, 3 billion nappies are discarded by UK parents, contributing to 400,000 tonnes of landfill waste. According to the waste The Prevention Hub by the time a toddler is potty trained an average child will have used 4000-6000 nappies.
Whilst eco friendly disposable nappies are not as environmentally friendly as reusable nappies, there some eco friendly disposable nappies are 80%-100% biodegradable. Brand dependant so check the labels for info!
All-in-all so require less landfill waste space. And if you are a family like ours friendly as That’s why eco friendly disposable nappies play a vital role in reducing this impact and promoting a sustainable future.
Why Choose Eco Friendly Nappies?
Before I start I want to say that I am an advocate of reusable nappies. I think they are great for the environment and if you can use them for part or all of your babies needs you SHOULD. But, I have to be honest with you as there are downsides too!
Many families like ours are not able to use reusable nappies for the following reasons:
- Overly sensitive skin problems that is susceptible to nappy rash in cloth nappies. For us we tried reusable nappies from when our little was 3 months and for the first 6 months we had no problems. We used the nappies at home and trad-disposable when we went out. However once she started teething she got really bad nappy rash and it was hard for us to manage changing her constantly.
- Extra washing and nappy care may not work for your family’s lifestyle. We were luckily that we started using reusable nappies in the summer and so could wash and care for them in our garden. But if you are a family with no-garden, live in a cold country, then its hard to find the time to dry and maintain them. If you are interested in the steps needed to wash a cloth nappy check out my article where I go through the step-by-step process on How To Wash a Cloth Nappy.
- Lack of space for many families storing and using reusable nappies may not be an option because of the space needed to store and clean them. Additionally, if you are planning your newborn baby’s room which is small. You are already having to work out where the cot and other baby bit will go without having to worry about extra nappy storage.
Understand the Biodegradable Materials in Nappies
According to companies like Kit and Kin by utilizing unique plantcell technology, once used eco friendly disposable nappies break down faster and so can be composted of thrown away with normal house hold rubbish. Their absorbent wood pulp core, , ensures maximum absorbency distributing liquid away from skin.
Compostable Designs
It should be mentioned that lots of eco friendly disposable nappies brands are report the use of plant cell fibres in their eco-nappies and from what I gather that can mean anything from wood pulp core to bamboo lining. The most important thing to look for it how much of the nappy is bio-degradable as you will have to remove the non-biodegradable parts if you want to compost.
The designs of eco friendly disposable nappies are FSC approved and most eco nappy brands are B Corp which means they have a commitment to give back to workers and the environment.
It should also be noted that eco friendly disposable nappies are NOT 100% biodegradable, the ratio is about 80/20 so make sure you check to see which parts like the straps which are often made of plastic.
Importance of Sustainable Packaging
If you haven’t already noticed traditional disposable nappies are packaged in single-use plastic which can not be recycled or reduced again in produce. Whereas, if you were you use eco-nappy brands they try to ensure that the packaging is made from either recycled plastic and or D2W.
But what is D2W I hear you ask. According to Green Smiles, its an additive that when added to plastics renders it biodegradable! Yes its true!
Nappy Comparison Table
Just before we review my top six nappy brands lets do a quick compare and contrast of reusable, eco-nappies and single-use brands.
| Nappy Type | Pros | Cons |
| Reusable | Can be reused for years. kind to skin. Easy to wash and dry. 0 cost if you have a 2nd child. Once used can be sold or donated. | Bigger upfront purchase cost. Certain brands look blucky. Takes up space to dry and store. |
| Biodegradable | Made from biodegradable materials. Kind to skin. Compostable. Convenient to use. Can take 4 years to decompose | Some brands are not 100% compostable. Higher cost than single-use nappies. |
| Single-use | Cheaper price point Easy to buy from most shops | Takes 400 years to decompose. Made from fossil oils Comes in plastic packaging |
Analysis
Reusable nappies are the only type that can make you money if you were to sell on after use. Reusable and Biodegradable are more expensive upfront but can save money in the long run. single-use are cheaper and easier to buy but are so much worse for the environment.
Review of Top 6 UK Eco Friendly Disposable Nappy Brands
Now that you have been armed with the knowledge of benefits eco-nappies can offer let’s have a look at my top six nappy brands. Just to note that the brands are mainly UK based but if you are based in the USA, Canada and Australia you’ll be able find very similar brands that offer the same quality. Some brands offer subscription packages that include nappy sacks and wipes.
Spotlight on Kit & Kin
Kit & Kin‘s is an established eco-brand that sells clothes, toys and other eco products for families. It’s endorsed by celebrities like Emma Bunton. They are award winning and hypoallergenic too! The materials used are 100% sustainable, gentle on the environment, and designed for sensitive baby skin.
Their eco-friendly disposable nappies come it packs of 24 costing £8 per pack or £32 for a pack of 4. You can buy on subscription. What I love about Kit & Kin is that they promise that every 10 subscriptions stop 13 tonnes of carbon, they buy a share of rainforest and give back to those in need.
Insights on Eco By Naty
Naty are a Swedish company that offer 0% plastic nappies so even the straps which are often plastic are made from non-plastic materials. A pack of 17 nappies cost £7.99 which can be sent as a subscription. I love that they sell potty training equipment and bio-nappy wipes, bags and liners.
Exploring Mum And You
Mum & You are a online Eco-shop that offer a range of mum and baby products like wipes, skin and bath care. Their nappies come in newborn-6+size (16kgs-35lbs). Each nappy is made from PESFC certified wood pulp. I like that the size 5 and 6 nappies are pants which so handy for toilet training. Mum and You are currently offering a free nappy pack if you sign up today. When you click the link, select the right size for your baba and you’ll receive a FREE pack of nappies – Amazing!
Discover Beaming Baby
Beaming Baby introduces eco-conscious parents to sustainable, biodegradable nappies with tabs made from bamboo. It’s another award winning company and the UK best selling nappies made from bamboo. Each nappy is soft breathable and made without formaldehyde, dioxins and other harsh chemicals.
They promise that their nappies compost in 4 years. I love that their packaging is made from bamboo paper so you can have piece of mind you are buy an eco-friendly product.
Award Winning Peaches
Peaches are a brand endorsed by Forbes, Vogue and Mother and Baby. Their nappies are engineered to provide extra softness and absorbance to ensure that your baby has no leaks.
The designs of the nappies are nifty and Peaches have spent time redesigning how a nappy should fit snuggly around your babies bum. A trial pack of 18 costs £15 and a subscription of 108 costs £70 (or £45 for their current offer as of January 2024)
Review The Cheeky Panda Bamboo Nappies
The Cheeky Panda and a B Corp known for providing toilet roll and wipes. So it makes sense that they make the foray into baby products too! Bamboo nappies are hypoallergenic and FSC and vegan certified. Meaning their absorbent core effectively prevents leaks while maintaining biodegradability and sustainability for your baby!
A pack of 20 nappies costs £30 with free postage. If you sign up before the 31.01.2024 using the code Vegan 10. You get 10% of your first 3 subscription prices.
Maximizing the Use of Eco Friendly Nappies: Tips and Tricks
Here are my top 4 tips and tricks to help you maximize your eco friendly disposable nappies.
- Proper sizing and fit are essential for preventing leaks and discomfort in baby nappies.
- Consider using a trial pack to find the perfect fit and avoid sensitive skin problems. Most of the brands in my review above offer a reduce cost or free trial.
- Remember to change nappies only when necessary to minimize waste and use nappy cream to minimize rashes on skin.
- Use biodegradable nappy bags and wipes to ensure the nappy breaks down quickly and reduces plastic waste.
Proper Disposal and Composting Techniques
If you want to go a step further and compost your babies nappy in your garden compost then you’ll need to follow these steps to successfully compost. it will be useful to have a nappy bin and sort regularly to avoid build up of smells:
- Remove solid waste from your eco friendly disposable nappies down the toilet involves removing solid waste.
- Separate the nappy components if the straps are plastic then cut them off and throw in main bin.
- When adding your nappy to your compost bin mix with compostable materials, carboard, leaves and allowing lots of time for compost maturation. Each nappy brand will vary in breakdown time so check the pack for details.
I wrote an article on how to set up a compost bin for your home with lots of easy to follow steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are eco friendly disposable nappies and how do they differ from traditional disposable nappies?
Eco friendly disposable nappies are made from sustainable materials, unlike traditional ones that contain plastic and take centuries to decompose. They also use fewer chemicals, reducing the risk of irritation or allergy. While they may cost more, they are a responsible choice for reducing environmental impact.
What are some top eco friendly disposable nappy brands available in the UK?
Some popular eco friendly disposable nappy brands in the UK include Kit & Kin, The Cheeky Panda, and Beaming Baby. These brands use sustainable materials like bamboo and plant-based plastics. They are free from harmful chemicals and switching to them can reduce landfill waste, benefiting the environment.
How can I properly dispose of or recycle eco friendly disposable nappies?
Properly disposing of or recycling eco friendly disposable nappies is important for minimizing environmental impact. Check with your local waste management facility for recycling options. If not available, dispose of them in a regular trash bin, avoiding flushing them down the toilet. Consider using cloth diapers for an even greener choice.
Are there any downsides to using eco friendly disposable nappies?
While eco friendly disposable nappies have numerous benefits for the environment, it’s important to consider potential downsides. They might be more expensive than traditional options and some may not be as absorbent or leak-proof. Research and reading reviews can help in choosing the right brand for you and your baby.
Are there any potential drawbacks to using eco friendly disposable nappies?
Potential drawbacks of using eco friendly disposable nappies include higher costs compared to traditional options, potential lower absorbency levels, and not all options being biodegradable or compostable. Availability may also be limited in some areas.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing eco friendly disposable nappies, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of our parenting choices. Choosing nappies that have biodegradable materials and sustainable packaging can make a significant difference in reducing waste.
In this blog, I reviewed the top 6 UK eco-friendly disposable nappy brands, including Kit & Kin, Mum & You, Peaches, Eco by Naty, Beaming Baby, The Cheeky Panda Bamboo. Each brand offers unique features, a reduce or FREE nappy trial and health benefits for both your baby and the environment.
Don’t forget to share and save and if you’re looking for more eco-friendly parenting tips, don’t forget check out my other blog articles for ideas and tips!
6 Useful Zero Waste Swaps for New Parents
Top 10 Sustainable Baby Shower Gifts of 2023
Want to level up your sustainability game? Then take our Sustainable Living Quiz to learn more about your sustainable living habits!
