Guide Note

Eco-Diapers are diapers that are intended to pose a smaller environmental footprint than traditional disposable diapers. As distinct from traditional cloth diapers, eco-diapers are usually disposable, or include a disposable lining.

Fast Facts

1. Made from: usually corn-based fibers; can be a cloth/disposable hybrid
2. Price range: 30 cents to 60 cents each, in bulk
3. Can be completely biodegradable
4. Many chlorine-free
5. May use less energy to manufacture
6. Average baby uses 5,000 diapers before being potty-trained
7. GDiapers brand contain flushable pad

The relative merits of disposable diapers vs. old-fashioned cloth diapers have been debated ever since 1942, when the first disposable was introduced. A new wrinkle emerged in the 2000s, as ecology-minded parents became the target demographic of several manufacturers offering "environmentally friendly" diapers. A new debate has begun over whether or not these products—which are often made with biodegradable fiber—are actually safer for babies, or the environment, than either traditional disposables or cloth diapers.

Although it can be confusing, it pays to wade into the debate over eco-diapers before clothing your baby in them. Biodegradability may or may not be an issue—according to some reports, very little actually biodegrades in modern landfills, regardless of its material. Health concerns are also a factor—some eco-diapers contain the same absorbent chemicals as standard disposables, and may pose some of the same health and developmental risks.

1. Seventh Generation
2. GDiapers
3. TenderCare Plus
4. Nature Boy & Girl