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Diapering Essentials
Diapers​
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Not all “natural” diapers are created equal. Many still contain hidden chemicals, plastic-heavy liners, or greenwashing claims that don’t hold up under scrutiny. In this section, I’ll show you what to look for—and what to avoid—so you can make better choices from day one.
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What to Avoid in Diapers​
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Fragrances & Lotions – Can irritate baby’s skin and contain undisclosed chemicals.
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Phthalates – Linked to hormone disruption and often found in the absorbent core.
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Chlorine Bleaching – Avoid diapers not marked TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) or ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free).
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Greenwashing – Watch out for vague terms like "hypoallergenic", "dermatologist tested" , "eco-friendly” , "plant-based", "non-toxic" and others without certifications to back them up.
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Diaper Topsheet– While most plastic use plastic in one way or other, it's better to use diapers that sit directly on plastic can cause rashes and trap moisture.
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What to Look for Instead​
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TCF diapers are usually preferred by parents over ECF– peace of mind that no chlorine by products are in the diaper
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OEKO-TEX and Dermatest Certified – Independent safety standards.
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FSC-Certified Wood Pulp – Sustainably sourced absorbent materials.
- EWG verified and Ecolabel or Nordic Swan Ecolabel certifications are further safety approvals.
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100% Cotton or Plant-Based Topsheet – Gentler on baby’s skin; however, Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) blends are also safe- just might trap more moisture and could cause rash.
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Full Ingredient Transparency – Only go for brands that disclose every diaper layer ​​​
The 3 clean diaper brands I use on my baby - and can recommend:
1. Kudos – 100% cotton topsheet, made in the USA, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 & Dermatest certified, founded by an MIT mom who appeared on Shark Tank. This is the daily diaper I switched to after doing extensive research on clean diapers. It's the only one in North America that uses cotton in the liner. I love the cleanliness and fabric choice on my baby. Tip: size up early to avoid leaks!​
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Get through this link to get 10% OFF!!
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2. Coterie – Cashmere soft with top-tier absorbency (12+ hours overnight), great fit for active babies, easy on/off design, and fewer leaks thanks to excellent contouring. This is the night diaper my baby wears. Recently, my baby also started wearing The Pant when we are out and about since he gets very wiggly when I am changing him on the changing station in public.​
3. Bambo Nature – Great value, excellent absorption, made with sustainably sourced materials and has some of the top certifications including Nordic Swan, Ecolabel, OEKO-TEX Standard 100. I used it widely when spending time in Peru at my family's house and recommend it as a best value option.
Kudos - organic cotton diaper
Price ranges from $0.45- $0.79 per diaper.
Get 10% off with my link. ​CLICK HERE
Top 10 Clean Diaper picks of 2025
Researched, certified, and parent-approved: I analyzed materials, ingredients, certifications, and parent feedback to select these 10 standout clean diaper brands. Whether you're looking for value, softness, or ingredient transparency—there’s something for every family here.
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In addition to Kudos, Coterie and Bambo Nature, the following are highly-rated options to consider:
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Eco by Naty​​​ (Bio embrace)
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Bambo Nature - great budget-friendly option
Price ranges from $0.44- $0.52 GET IT HERE
READ
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Let’s Be Real: Disposable Diapering Isn’t Perfect — But It Can Be Cleaner
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The 10 Cleanest Picks in 2025 (and what they'll actually cost you)​
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MY BLOG TO LEARN MORE
Wet Wipes​
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When choosing baby wipes, it’s best to keep things simple and clean—no harsh or unnecessary ingredients. Avoid things like fragrance, alcohol, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (yes, those can be in wipes). Instead, go for options with minimal, gentle ingredients that are safe for sensitive baby skin. Certifications like EWG Verified, USDA Organic, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 can offer extra reassurance that the product is truly non-toxic and baby-safe.
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Below 6 clean options:
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Blissmile is the only option I’ve found that’s made with 100% cotton and water—making it the purest, most chemical-free wipe available. It comes in individually sealed packets, which is perfect for on-the-go use. I tried them while traveling with my baby last summer, and they were a lifesaver for quick cleanups when water wasn’t easily accessible.
That said, the format isn’t the most convenient for everyday diaper changes, so I use Coterie wipes for that—they’re gentle, effective, and also super clean.
The other wipes I recommend are all highly rated and thoughtfully selected. I’ve cross-checked them against the EWG database to ensure they contain minimal, non-toxic ingredients.
Some, like Blissmile, Coterie, Honest and Mustela, are EWG Verified, while others like Ecowave and Terra aren’t EWG certified but still meet high standards with other trusted third-party certifications.
Best Value
On the go option
Blissmile - organic cotton and water
​$38.94 for 110 wipes ($2.82 per wipe)
Coterie Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin, Plant-Based and Plastic-Free Fibers, 99% Water, Unscented
8 Pack, 448 Count $74 or $0.17 per wipe
Dry Wipes​
Dry wipes can be a great complement to—or even a replacement for—wet wipes. I’ve been using them since my baby was born and highly recommend them.
Whoopsie wipes, in particular, are made of 100% cotton and are incredibly durable. I’ve used them both dry and dampened for diaper changes, and I always keep a pack in my baby’s bag for quick cleanups after meals. They’ve been super helpful and are definitely a staple in our routine!
Best Value
Whoopsie Wipes 100% Pure Cotton Dry Wipes
Use Wet or Dry | Extra Strong & Absorbent |
$36.95 for 600 wipes or $0.06 per dry wipe
Cloth Wipes​
An alternative to disposable wet wipes is using reusable cloth wipes, which can be dampened with water or a gentle cleansing solution.
For safety and comfort, they should be made from organic cotton, 100% cotton, cotton flannel, cotton terry cloth, muslin, or bamboo—materials that are soft, absorbent, and gentle on baby’s skin.
The recommendations below are designed to last between 2–3 years, making them not only an eco-friendly choice but also a budget-friendly one that can offer substantial savings over time.
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Our top picks below for a recommended 40-50 reusable cotton wipes.
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Essembly, Organic Cotton Reusable Baby Wipes, Soft and Sturdy Washable Cloth Diaper Wipes, One Size, 12-pk
$13.99 per 12-pack or $1.16 per cloth wipe
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OsoCozy Unbleached Flannel Cloth Baby Wipes - Reusable & Washable Saves Money - 100% Cotton - Soft and Durable - Colorful Stitching - 8 x 8 inches - Three 15 Packs
$26.48 for 45 or $0.58 per cloth wipe
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Cloth-eez Muslin Baby Wipes Pack of 12 wipes, size approximately 9.5 x 10.5 inches. One layer.
$12.95 for 12 pack or $1.07 per cloth wipe​​​​​​
Diaper Cleansing lotion​
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To replace wet wipes altogether, you can either:Use a dry wipe or cloth wipe with some water OR cleansing lotion.
​A great recommendation that is EWG verified and USDA Certified organic is La Petite Creme French Premium Diapering Lotion - Diaper Cream Alternative to Baby Wipes - Gentle Moisturizer & Skin Cleanser.
La Petite Creme French Premium Diapering Lotion - Diaper Cream Alternative to Baby Wipes - Gentle Moisturizer & Skin Cleanser
$22.00 per 8 fl. oz
Diaper cream
When it comes to diaper creams, many parents find it helpful to have two types on hand: a non–zinc oxide cream for daily use and a zinc oxide–based cream for treating or preventing diaper rash.
Non–zinc oxide options, especially those that are EWG Verified, are ideal for everyday use as they contain clean, gentle ingredients that moisturize and protect without harsh chemicals.
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For rashes or longer stretches like overnight, creams with zinc oxide create a stronger moisture barrier. While there is no official recommendation on how much zinc oxide should be on a diaper rash cream, consensus seems to be between 20-40% for greater effectiveness - with 40% considered high.
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What to look for (and avoid)
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Whether using zinc or not, look for creams with simple, skin-safe ingredients like calendula and shea butter, and avoid petrolatum, parabens, fragrance, phthalates, and lanolin. Certifications like EWG Verified, USDA Organic, or MADE SAFE can offer added peace of mind that the product is non-toxic and baby-safe.
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In our case, we use Mustela Diaper Cream with 9.9% zinc oxide for daily use—it’s a gentle option with a low level of zinc that's still effective for everyday protection. While not EWG verified, it has clean ingredients and is fragrance-free; it's also certified by the National Eczema Association. It is recommended for babies 1+ months.
For parents who prefer a zinc-free cream for regular use, the Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is a great alternative. It’s both EWG Verified and USDA Certified Organic, made with clean, plant-based ingredients that are safe and soothing for daily application. It can be used by babies from birth.
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Other highly-rated recommendations are ​
With different levels of zinc oxide level, so you can pick what works best for your baby
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La Petite Creme Organic Diaper Balm
EWG verified, USDA Certified organic
Zinc oxide- free
​$13.99 for 1 fl oz.​
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Baby's Natural Diaper Cream | Organic Diaper Cream
EWG verified
12% zinc oxide
$9.90 for 2.5 fl.oz
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EWG verified
15% zinc oxide
$20 for 3 fl.oz
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Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance Free Diaper Cream
EWG verified, USDA Certified Organic,
25% zinc oxide
Can be used from birth onwards
$13.50 for 3 fl. oz.​​​
Mustela Baby Diaper Rash Cream 123 - Skin Protectant with Zinc Oxide (9.9%)
​$12.50 for 3.8 fl.oz
Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm-
EWG verified, safe from birth onwards
Zinc oxide- free
​$13.48 for 2 fl.oz