Eco-Friendly Disposable Nappies That Actually Work

Looking for sustainable disposable nappies? Here are the best eco-friendly nappies I’ve found in the UK that actually work, without leaks.

I’m a huge fan of reusable nappies. When my first daughter was born, I went into using reusable nappies thinking it was all or nothing. I was going to use reusable nappies 100% of the time, and that was that.

Perhaps for some parents that approach works and is entirely practical for their life. However, quite quickly into first-time parenthood, we discovered that for us we would need to use eco-friendly disposable nappies at least some of the time.

So as well as extolling the virtues of reusable nappies, I’m really keen to let new parents know that they shouldn’t be disheartened if they have to use disposable nappies some of the time or even all of the time. For us, using a disposable nappy at night time was the difference between sleep and no sleep. And of course, washable nappies do not work for everyone’s lifestyle. For others, the upfront cost of reusables may be prohibitive.

As such, I thought I’d do a round-up of the best eco-friendly disposable nappies available in the UK.

What Makes A Disposable Nappy Sustainable?

If you’re trying to weigh up whether it’s worth spending more on sustainable disposable nappies, then you’ll want to know what makes them better compared to standard supermarket or big-brand names.

There are many plus points associated with eco-friendly disposable nappies. The first is that they are typically made with far fewer harsh chemicals compared to other nappies. The absorbent core of disposable nappies is typically filled with harsh chemicals. However, eco-friendlier brands have found less chemical-intensive ways to create absorbency without leaks. This is good for the environment and for your baby’s skin.

The more sustainable brands also tend to be made from more renewable resources. As standard nappies are mostly made of virgin plastic, this reduction in the use of fossil fuels is great for the planet. 

And, finally, more sustainable brands tend to have more ethical supply chains. Take Pampers, for example, which are made by Proctor & Gamble. Proctor & Gamble has in the past been linked to human rights abuses in its supply chains and the habitat destruction of threatened species. 

How To Avoid Greenwashing

The eco-friendly disposable nappies market is rife with greenwashing. Here are the two main points to look out for when shopping for nappies:

Be Wary of Biodegradability Claims

This is because many manufacturers market their nappies heavily on the fact that they are biodegradable. Yet due to the way landfill works, nothing truly biodegrades in landfill.

Oxygen is required for biodegradable matter to break down. However, most landfill sites are so tightly packed that they do not let much or any air in. Therefore, any biodegradation that does take place does so very slowly, or it is mummified.

Biodegradable items in landfills also release a considerable amount of the greenhouse gas methane. As such, if a nappy brand only talks about biodegradability, then be sceptical. There is a high chance they could be greenwashing you. Instead, look for other factors, such as the use of eco-friendly materials and independent certification schemes.

Be Wary Of Compostability Claims

You might be tempted to compost nappies labelled as biodegradable. However, biodegradable is not the same as compostable, and won’t break down in your compost heap.

If you come across brands who say their nappies are compostable, then be wary. You cannot compost human waste materials, such as faeces, at home, as it would pose a health risk. This is because the pathogens and bacteria found in human poo aren’t always broken down by the composting process.

Some nappy manufacturers say you can compost their nappies at home. This is as long as you don’t compost soiled nappies. As someone who composts, and who has had children in nappies, then this sounds like a total nightmare. 

If you are using disposables full-time, or even using them part-time, then you’d need a pretty massive composter. This would be purely to hold that many nappies over a sustained period, as well as the correct ratio of green and brown waste that composters need to work effectively. Nappies would take a long time to decompose in a standard composter, so you might end up with an overflowing compost bin before long. In short, I wouldn’t.

Guide to Eco-Friendly Disposable Nappies

You can avoid supporting these practices by switching to eco-friendly brands, where possible. Try my guide to the best nappies in the UK that benefit both your baby and the planet.

Kit & Kin

Kit & Kin (£8 for 38 nappies) offers a great eco-friendly option without compromising on performance. Made from sustainable plant-based materials like sugarcane and FSC-certified wood pulp (meaning the pulp is derived from sustainably managed forests), these cute animal-print nappies are free from chlorine, latex, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals. This makes them gentle on even the most delicate skin.

Dermatologist-approved and hypoallergenic, they provide up to 12 hours of dryness – which heaps of glowing reviews support.

Even better, Kit & Kin’s nappies are produced in a carbon-neutral facility in the EU and come packaged in recyclable paper packaging. Plus for every 10 nappy subscriptions sold, Kit & Kin safeguard 1 acre of rainforest.

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Mama Bamboo

Mama Bamboo (available at Big Green Smile / £8.76 for 30) is another good sustainable nappy brand to try. Designed with sustainability and your baby’s comfort in mind, these award-winning nappies are made from 80% plant-based materials. This includes breathable bamboo viscose and corn starch. This means they’re softer than cotton and temperature-regulating, helping to keep delicate skin cool, dry, and free from irritation.

That’s not all. The plant-based liner improves airflow, reducing the risk of nappy rash. Meanwhile, a chlorine-free, highly absorbent core locks moisture away for up to 12 hours, and the leak-free elasticated panels mean they’re comfortable to wear.

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Eco By Naty

Eco By Naty Nappies (available at Ethical Superstore / from £4.99 for 25) is another great brand to check out. Made in Sweden from 70% natural materials, these include a combination of natural tree pulp (sourced from sustainably managed forests) and maize derivatives. As such, they are 100% chlorine, fragrance and latex-free.

We personally used Eco by Naty nappies for both of our kids as our main choice of disposable nappies. This was mainly because they were the easiest eco-friendly disposable nappies to find at the time – being sold in both Boots and in supermarkets. If we ran out, we could pick some up at the shop, rather than having to order more in. They also did a stellar job of keeping the contents of the nappy in the nappy. No leaks here – even overnight!

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Cheeky Panda Nappies

Cheeky Panda (available at Ethical Superstore) is another top choice. Made from FSC-certified bamboo, its nappies are naturally hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and free from chlorine bleach. This makes them gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.

Bamboo grows rapidly and requires minimal resources, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. These nappies are also vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring they’re kind to animals as well as the planet. Plus, with every WWF pack sold, Cheeky Panda contributes to important nature conservation work.

In terms of performance, the soft, stretchy waistband allows babies to move freely. Meanwhile, Aqua Lock Technology keeps them dry for longer.

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Beaming Baby

Finally, Beaming Baby (available at Ethical Superstore / £12.49 for 38) claims its chlorine-free nappies contain 60% fewer chemicals than standard disposable nappies. To help achieve this, it uses eco-friendly materials, such as cotton and cornstarch instead of conventional synthetic fibres.

Meanwhile, the absorbent layer inside the nappy is primarily made from very finely shredded paper. Whilst you might think that shredded paper doesn’t sound very effective or absorbent, again, I tried this brand out on my kids, and again I’m happy to report zero leaks!

What Is The Best Option?

My opinion? I would say that if you use washable nappies and are just looking for a nappy just for night-time use then I would try one of the more sustainable brands listed here. The same goes if washable nappies aren’t for you, and you can afford to use eco nappies full-time.

However, as a parent, I know that washable nappies aren’t for everyone. If you don’t use washable nappies and can’t afford the extra spend of buying eco-friendly disposable nappies then I wouldn’t worry about using standard nappies. Budgets don’t often stretch to more expensive nappies. 

As parents, there are a million other things to feel guilty about, without worrying about which nappies you use. There are plenty of other more beneficial and low-cost ways to help the environment. 

More Sustainable Parenting Resources

If you are looking for more sustainable parenting resources, I’m here to help:

• My guide to eco-friendly baby wipes is a handy one to check out if you’re looking for more ways to green changing times.
• This post on my eco-friendly baby essentials is a good one to read if you’re a new parent or getting ready for the arrival of your little one. I’ve shared all the stuff we did and didn’t need.
• Finally, my handy guide to ethical kid’s clothes is a good one to read if you are looking for sustainable ways to dress your child.