If you're preparing to welcome a baby into your life, then you are faced with one absolute truth. You will need nappies. And if you're going the disposable route, you will need a lot of them. It's no big secret that nappies [1] aren't exactly mother nature's best friend. In fact, studies have indicated [2] that it takes 500 years for a traditional disposable nappy to decompose while sitting in a landfill.
On top of the threat they pose to the environment, it's also true that nappies aren't exactly the most affordable necessity on the registry list. Nappy need [3] is a growing issue in the United States and has only skyrocketed since the beginning of the COVID-19 [4] pandemic. Aside from harming the health and wellbeing of the child, nappy need also puts enormous emotional stress on parents, leading to anxiety and depression [5]. This repercussion comes back around, posing further harm to the child.
Here's the good news: There are many nappy brands out there who are looking to make a difference. From biodegradable options to brands that have built giving back into their business model, there are nappies available across price points for parents who are looking to make socially and environmentally responsible nappying decisions. Here's a roundup of some of our favourites.
Dyper
Dyper [7] ($68 and up) is a brand committed to making single-use nappies more environmentally friendly. By partnering with TerraCycle, Dyper customers can easily compost their child's nappies by sending them away for composting through their ReDyper service [8]. For every purchase, Dyper also purchases carbon offsets to reduce the footprint of the nappying journey.
Believe Nappies
Believe Nappies is on a mission to solve nappy need in the U.S. Through their partnership with Good+, Believe Nappies [9] ($15 and up) donates one nappy to a family in need for every nappy purchased. The nappies are also made from responsibly-sourced materials, and their bamboo makeup keep them renewable and eco-friendly.
Esembly
Ensembly is a landfill-free option that's ideal for helping parents tackle the what-can-be-intimidating process of cloth nappying. Their nappy design features an inner and outer layer (soft on the inside, waterproof on the outside) to prevent nappy blowouts. Ensembly [10] ($100) even offers a try-it kit, complete with laundering supplies, to help parents determine whether or not cloth nappying is the right choice for their family.
Hello Bello
Kristen Bell [11] and Dax Shepard's family brand, Hello Bello [12] aims to provide all parents access to premium baby products while being kind to the planet in the process. The nappies [13] ($65 and up for a bundle) are made with a plant-derived core liner and sustainably harvested fluff pulp, making them more eco-friendly than traditional nappy brands. Hello Bello also partners with proclaimed "do-gooders" - creating nappy designs that reflect their work and donating a portion of sales from the collaboration nappy to a related charity.
The Honest Company
The Honest Company has a reputation for offering quality family products at an affordable price. The company's new plant-based Clean Conscious Nappies [14] ($11) are disposable nappies made from safe, planet-based materials harvested from sustainably managed pine and spruce trees in Scandinavia.
Coterie Nappies
Coterie prides itself on creating disposable nappies that are crafted with sustainable practices top of mind. The Coterie nappies [15] ($81 and up for a bundle) are made from 25% plant-based materials and — in effort to keep a minimal carbon footprint — most of the materials are sourced from North America.
Abby & Finn
Recognising that nappy need is a serious problem in the United States, Abby & Finn donates 30 nappies to a family in need for every nappy bundle box [16] ($60 and up) purchased, by partnering with nonprofit organisations. Abby & Finn nappies are also eco-friendly and made without harmful metals, toxins, or chemicals.
Joone
This French-made nappy subscription service prioritises transparency above all else and shares all information with customers - including toxicology and clinical reports for their nappies. Joone nappies [17] ($75) are eco-friendly, made with high-quality materials and sustainably sourced.
Healthynest
Healthynest prides itself in offering sustainable, non-toxic nappies that offer your baby a soft, cosy experience. If you're new to Healthynest, the company offers a trial pack [18] ($30 and up) that will allow you to test out the the food-grade quality nappies and their softness.
Nora's Nursery
Nora's Nursery allow parents to try cloth nappying at an affordable price. Nora's Nursery nappies [19] ($65 for 7) are ethically manufactured and the company offers transparent pricing, breaking down the cost of the nappies' manufacturing, shipping, and transport, on their website.
Pampers Pure Protection
Pampers Pure Protection nappies [20] ($52 and up for 150 nappies) use sustainably sourced cotton that is grown in the USA and are made with 100% certified renewable energy [21]. Plus, their low price point make them an eco-friendly disposable option for parents on a budget.
Eco Pea Co.
Eco Pea Co.'s nappies [22] ($15 and up) are 85% biodegradable, crafted with bamboo sustainably harvested, and processed with steam instead of chemicals. A full breakdown of all materials used along with their purpose and environmental footprint can also be easily accessed on the company's website [23], giving parents all the knowledge they need to make an informed purchasing decision.