The Best Non Toxic Disposable Diapers (From a Mom of 2)
Looking for a non-toxic disposable diaper that actually works?
Lately, our family has been using Kudos diapers and LOVIN’ them. Not only are they non-toxic, but they are the only diaper with 100% cotton touching baby’s skin 👏
I have been a mom for over 3 years now. That means 3 years of multiple diaper changes every. single. day (minus about a month between my daughter being potty trained and my son being born). Nonetheless— it’s been A LOT.
Now, if you have read this blog before, you know I am not a fan of being afraid of chemicals or toxins, and instead, try and use this space to educate so that you are aware of what is in your environment. Then you can make the appropriate decision for your and your family’s health and priorities.
When deciding what products my own family uses, I think about two categories: is it holistically beneficial for our health and wellness, and does it work?! Because even though something is “cleaner”, I’d usually rather purchase a product that works really well. And the best thing is when you can find amazing products that do BOTH (which are the kind of things I love to recommend around here)!
With that said, diapers were always something I wanted to find a cleaner option for, but unfortunately was left suuuuper disappointed with. I've tried all the new brands and cleaner alternatives... hello bello, honest, dyper, Healthy Baby, Millie Moon, you name it. But nothing did the trick. Like most other parents, blowouts are not my fave, and needing to constantly pack extra backup outfits gets old quickly. I also knew that i did not want to use cloth diapers-- more power to you if that works for your fam.
So, for the last few years, I’ve bought a popular hypoallergenic brand that worked like a champ, never leaked, but also wasn’t the cleanest option around. It didn't bother my baby's skin or cause a rash (despite both of my children having veryyy sensitive skin). And I was totally at peace with it and thought my diapering journey would end with these diapers.
Until I tried Kudos.
TLDR: Kudos is a diaper brand that I have been trying and really loving. They are the only brand on the market that ensures 100% cotton is the only thing touching your baby's skin. They also have a double layer of absorbent material meaning no leaks-- seriously, i've been shocked at the capacity. They don't use animal testing, are fully plant-based diapers, and are safe for even the most sensitive skin. I have been using them for my son and they'll be the diapers we use until I'm done having babies in diapers 😅
They generously shared code WELLNESSWKAELYN10 for 10% off your orders! ✨
As parents, we want nothing but the best for our little ones, from the food they eat to the clothes they wear. But what about the diapers they use every day? Disposable diapers are a convenient choice for many families, but there may be some risks you should be aware of. Let’s dive into the common toxins and chemicals found in traditional disposable diapers and explore the potential risks they pose to your baby’s health.
(side note: my heart is never to instill fear of chemicals by sharing this information. I think it is important that people mindfully choose their personal care products fully knowing the potential risks and benefits. Then you can weigh all the factors when deciding what is best for your family. )
What’s Inside a Disposable Diaper?
Disposable diapers are awesome inventions for modern convenience, but for conventional diapers, there is normally an ingredient list full of things you don't want on your baby's skin. Especially if your baby struggles with sensitivities, rashes, or eczema. In the first year alone, your baby will wear approximately 2,500 disposable diapers. Here are some of the common substances found in these diapers:
Elemental chlorine
Dioxins are byproducts of the bleaching process used in diaper manufacturing. These toxic chemicals can potentially cause skin irritation and have been linked to more severe health issues, such as hormone disruption and immune system impairment when exposure is prolonged.
Sodium Polyacrylate
This super-absorbent polymer is responsible for the impressive absorbency of disposable diapers. While effective at keeping moisture away from your baby’s skin, sodium polyacrylate has been associated with skin irritations and respiratory issues if the powdery substance escapes the diaper.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Diapers often contain VOCs such as toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and dipentene. These compounds can off-gas from the diaper material, potentially contributing to indoor air pollution. Prolonged exposure to VOCs has been linked to respiratory issues, headaches, and even developmental problems.
Fragrances
Many disposable diapers are scented to mask odors. However, these fragrances are typically made from a mixture of chemicals, some of which can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, and respiratory issues in sensitive babies.
Not to mention how important a baby's sense of smell is-- it not only helps them bond with their caregivers but recognize them from other people.
Phthalates
Used to make plastics more flexible, phthalates are another concern. These chemicals can leach out of the diaper and be absorbed through the skin. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to various health problems, including reproductive issues and asthma.
Dyes
Many dyes can cause allergic reactions and may be contaminated with heavy metals like lead.
Related Reads:
Potential Risks to Baby’s Health
The presence of these chemicals in disposable diapers raises concerns about potential health effects. Here are some of the risks associated with these substances:
Skin Irritation and Allergies
The sensitive skin of infants can react to chemicals like dioxins, fragrances, and dyes, leading to rashes, redness, and irritation. For babies with particularly sensitive skin, this can be a significant issue. I have seen this with my babies- within just a few minutes of being in a less-clean diaper (we were traveling and it was the only option available), my little guy started breaking out in an angry diaper rash.
Respiratory Issues
Inhalation of VOCs and sodium polyacrylate particles can contribute to respiratory problems. Babies are particularly vulnerable because their respiratory systems are still developing.
Hormone Disruption
Chemicals like phthalates and dioxins can interfere with hormone function, potentially impacting a baby’s development and leading to long-term health issues.
Chemical Absorption
The skin is not a perfect barrier, especially for infants. Prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals through the skin can lead to their absorption into the bloodstream, which might pose various health risks over time.
Is being exposed to one single chemical going to affect your child's lifelong health? Nah. Probably not.
But I always think of the cumulative effect. How many toxins is your child being exposed to every day?
Think of environmental toxins like air pollution and chemicals in our water supply.
Pesticides, preservatives, artificial colors and flavorings in our food.
Lotions, body wash, shampoo, toothpaste and personal care products.
And there are so many more!
As parents, our children's health is often the most paramount thing in our focus. And while that should not be minimized, there is also a significant environmental impact with disposable diapers. While Kudos are not fully biodegradable diapers (yet 😉), they are still a far better option.
Introducing Kudos: A Non-Toxic Diaper Option
If you’re looking for a better diaper and a safer alternative to traditional disposable diapers, Kudos is a brand worth considering. Kudos diapers are designed with your baby’s health and the environment in mind, offering a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution without compromising on performance. Not to be dramatic, but they truly are changing the diaper industry.
Why Kudos is a Better Option
Since trying Kudos, I knew they were the best diapers to fit my priorities-- clean, safe, affordable, and that actually work.
No Harmful Chemicals
Kudos diapers are free from harmful chemicals such as dioxins, phthalates, and VOCs. Their cotton diapers are a blend of non-chlorine bleached and unbleached cotton which help to give the cotton more strength. Here is the full statement from their site:
“Kudos uses a mix of 70% unbleached cotton and 30% bleached cotton. The bleaching is 100% chlorine-free and gives the cotton the strength necessary to hold up in a diaper. Most cotton you see in baby products is 100% bleached cotton. Which is why it’s so white. With Kudos, you may see tiny specks from our pure unbleached cotton. That’s the cotton showing off how natural (and unbleached) it is.”
Sustainably Sourced Materials
The brand prioritizes sustainability, using plant-based materials and sustainably sourced wood pulp. This not only reduces the environmental footprint but also ensures that your baby’s diapers are made from the safest possible ingredients.
But I thought bamboo diapers were the best option?? This is the statement directly from the Kudos website regarding bamboo: "Unfortunately, even diapers made of seemingly natural ingredients, like bamboo, can use harmful processing techniques that are dangerous for the planet. Ever feel a bamboo plant? It’s hard. Almost like wood. Unfortunately, the harsh processing to turn hard bamboo into soft fabric releases environmentally toxic carbon disulfide (which can cause psychosis or lung disease) and hydrogen sulfide (which can cause reproductive issues and eye irritation) into the air.
According to an FTC report about the mislabeling of bamboo, “most ‘bamboo’ textile products, if not all, really are rayon, which typically is made using environmentally toxic chemicals in a process that emits hazardous pollutants into the air.”
That’s why, when researching materials for our diapers, Kudos chose to avoid bamboo entirely and opt for 100% US-sourced cotton instead. You can learn more here."That also means no plastic. Instead, you'll find ingredients like cotton, sugarcane, and tree pulp -- truly a plant-based diaper!
Superior Absorbency
Let me just start by saying these are the most absorbent diapers I have ever tried. Despite being free from sodium polyacrylate, Kudos diapers boast impressive absorbency thanks to their innovative use of natural materials and absorbent core. Unlike other disposable diapers, Kudos has a unique Double Dry technology. That means that instead of having just one absorbent layer, they have two. This keeps your baby dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of diaper rash and irritation (not to mention blowouts and leaks).
Plus they have a wetness indicator which is far more convenient than grabbing your baby to see how squishy their diaper is.... IYKYK...
Finally, they perform for overnight use. For my little guy, I used to size up his diapers at nighttime for extra absorbency because we woke up too many times to leaks. But thanks for Kudos inner layer, we just keep the same size and have not had any leaks!
Breathable and Comfortable
Kudos diapers are designed with highly breathable material, allowing air to circulate and keep your baby’s bottom clean and dry. This breathability, combined with the softness of natural cotton, keeps your baby comfy and dry. Plus they just have a good fit overall-- no gapping at the waist or around your baby's thighs. They are snug without tight.
Transparent Manufacturing
Kudos is committed to transparency, clearly listing all ingredients and manufacturing processes. This openness allows parents to make informed decisions and trust that they are choosing the best for their baby. Seriously, you can go through the FAQ and learn so much about their standards, goals, and research that went into designing diapers suitable for a baby's delicate skin.
Subscription service
I used to be one of those people who got annoyed by subscription plans-- now I appreciate them fully and think they are genius. I think I am just in a season of life where convenience is one of my top priorities. So for a company to fully eliminate needing to remember to pick up diapers and wipes-- it's a game changer for busy parents.
I love that you can also add on wipes to your subscription. Their wipes are made of fully biodegradable materials too! Here is the full ingredient list for their wipes: Water, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Squalane, Decyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate. (you can look up all those specific ingredients on the environmental working group (EWG) for specifics, but the wipes overall score a 1 👏 which is the best score you can get for safety)
Smart Prints
I didn’t realize until I had been using the diapers for a while that the prints are actually very intentionally chosen— I just thought they were cute. 😂 But actually they are really thought out! High-contrast designs for when your little one is most visually interested in them, geometric shapes when developmentally children may be able to recognize them, and math symbols when your little one starts basic comprehension of math principles.
It’s a little added something that always reminds me of just how incredibly smart children are.
If you are looking for non-toxic disposable diapers, check out Kudos. My little guy is a happy little camper when wearing them--and I am too, when I can be confident in a leak-free day. Use code WELLNESSWKAELYN10 for 10% off your order.
As always, nothing on this blog is medical advice. Just sharing for educational purposes. Use this info to make the best choice for your family and your own personal priorities and goals.
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Healthy Baby markets there diapers as the “softest and the safest”. I was excited to try them out to see if they stood up to the claims— and ultimately if they could handle the task at hand without blowouts, leaks, and more laundry 😅