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Organic vs. Non-Organic Diapers

You outfitted your baby's nursery with organic cotton bedding - why not use organic diapers, too? With all the options available today come many questions to determine the best diapers for your baby's needs. At Pottery Barn Kids, we're here to help explain the differences so you can decide what's best for your lifestyle. Grab your diaper bag and get ready to learn more about this important choice!

Organic Diapers

The Traditional Diaper

Cloth and disposable diapers are both considered traditional diapers. Not all cloth diapers are organic, and that's where the confusion comes in. In addition, the enormous variety of disposable diapers, including eco-friendly disposables, can invite even more questions. Let's stick with what's in these traditional diapers.

Cloth diapers weren't the original diapers. Animal skins were used for centuries until the 1800s, when cloth became the more popular solution. Modern cloth diapers come in many styles and fibers. Cotton is still the most popular. They're easy to store in a hamper and throw in a lidded, lined pail when dirty. But not all cottons are alike, meaning that not all of cotton diapers are made from certified organic cotton. Many cloth diapers today are also treated to repel liquids, which means there are chemicals involved in the process of creating the diaper.

Disposable diapers made their debut in about the 1940s. They were so expensive that they didn't really take off for widespread use until the 1970s. Modern disposable diapers are more streamlined than earlier, bulkier products. They're made with a highly absorbent pad of synthetic polymers that act like sponges, which parents appreciate. Less leakage means cleaner bedding, furniture and clothing. The pad is encased in nonwoven fabric formed into the shape of the diaper. Disposables are largely made using bleaching processes and petroleum-based chemicals.

The Healthy Diaper

Test after test has confirmed that all diapers - regardless of organic, eco-friendly or synthetic status - are all quite safe for babies. In many circles, however, cloth diapers made from 100 percent certified organic cotton are considered the healthiest diapers available. You can also find eco-friendly diapers that are manufactured with less chemicals. However, these aren't organic. What it comes down to is how a brand reacts with your baby's skin. You'll see proof right there on the changing table if you find rashes that may be coming from the diaper you're using. Or, you may find some diapers are just not comfortable enough for your baby. You may notice red creases on your baby's waist or legs where the elastic lies.  

The Absorbent Diaper

Synthetic, disposable diapers are the most absorbent. That's because of those synthetic polymers in the diaper that absorb liquids. Tests have shown that even eco-friendly (not organic cloth) disposables are made with these same synthetic polymers. Cloth diapers may be less absorbent unless you use them in conjunction with waterproof pants. Though cloth diapers were previously known to easily leak out the contents, many styles are now fitted to prevent that problem.

The Budget-friendly Option

Organic cloth is more expensive, by a few cents per diaper, than traditional disposable diapers. Over time, that cost may become significant. Many parents opt for a combination of organic diapers, eco-friendly diapers and synthetic disposables to even out the costs. There is also the hybrid diaper, which is a specially designed reusable diaper that uses disposable insert pads. Any one of these approaches may make sense to you. For example, you could use organic cloth diapers while your baby is sleeping in the crib, then use more absorbent disposables while you're out and about.

You may also want to go beyond organic bedding and use organic blankets and swaddle sets for your newborn. Always make sure your bedding, blankets and swaddle sets are certified organic. You can also take this mix-and-match approach to support your beliefs and your baby's wellbeing. It may be the answer to the organic versus non-organic diaper question!

No matter what diapers you choose, your baby's comfort is what's most important. Don't be afraid to try a few different types of diapers to see which ones keep your child happiest.