Non-Toxic Diapers/ Latex-Free Diapers

Some topics, including non-toxic diapers/ latex-free diapers, are extremely frustrating to research. After all, you want your little bundle of joy to be as healthy and safe as possible- as do I! Thus, I have been working on the research for this topic for nearly a year and a half now, on and off. This might sound extreme to some, but I take my recommendations very seriously. As shared in my book Poisoned: Failed by Western Medicine, Modern Construction, and Corporate Interests, trusting the industries of the world did not work out so well for me. In fact, it's a miracle I'm alive at all.

Unfortunately, as with so many topics, deception and lies abound when it comes to truly healthy diapers. It really shouldn't be complicated, but when even company CEOs, owners, and product inventors/ engineers can't answer one's questions, it creates a bit of a problem!

Our readers do vary as to what they prioritize, with some only concerned with natural rubber latex, while others focus on toxicity. This post addresses both aspects of diaper selection!

This is not medical information or advice. Consult your medical professional about everything under the sun.

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- Cloth Diapers: For everything related to cloth diapers, go to Green Mountain Diapers. There is a plethora of information and a variety of options. I urge you, regardless of whether you are aware that latex is a toxic sensitizer, to specifically request products free of elastic, spandex, Lycra, Velcro, and elastane. I have never before publicly made a recommendation to ask a vendor for accurate advice about their products- because most lie! (But as always, do your own research as well, please!)

- Latex- Free Disposable Diapers: Companies deceive, stating “no added latex,” when the materials contain latex. If all you care about is latex, Pampers Pure Protection is the way to go. Kirkland Signature Diapers are the next best option.

- Non-Toxic Disposable Diapers: They don't exist. But Terra is what I would opt for if I needed disposable diapers. Dyper is my runner-up pick. Coterie is another option, but I'm not 100% convinced regarding latex in the source materials.

Going Old-School,Baby!

Perhaps I am showing my age here, but I grew up with a mother who used the plain white cloth diapers- now referred to as flats- that later were used as dishtowels, then rags. When I took babysitting classes while young, we were taught how to use both disposable diapers and cloth diapers, though by the that time most people had transitioned to disposable diapers.

Often diaper covers were used (usually plastic-lined), but most people were pretty calm about accidents here and there. After all, it's a baby. What would one expect?

As a matter of fact, many cultures across the world still diaper their sweet little babes in only cloth. So can you use cloth diapers without a plastic diaper cover? Of course. But is it a good idea? Probably not.

Personally, I would likely opt for wool covers rather than forgoing a cover in entirety. Babies create a lot of laundry and require plenty of time caring for them without having to constantly change their clothing, wash their bedding, and clean up messes on furniture! Who has time for that?

While I have not personally tested wool in relation to diapering, I have done a great deal of experimentation with wool's ability to absorb water and humidity, and was so impressed that we insulated our house with wool. Furthermore, wool is vapor permeable, so unlike the plastic covers, it allows your baby's skin to breathe. Obviously, this is to avoided in cases of a wool allergy.

Some thrifty mamas make wool diaper covers out of thrifted wool sweaters.

Were I to have a little bundle of joy today, I would opt for flats with wool covers. However, please know that this is what I would try first, from a toxicity and latex-avoidant standpoint. I cannot say how this would actually work! Thus, this is not a recommendation, but rather a statement as to the direction I would initially go in, as I know I'll be asked if I don't share it!

Latex-Free Diaper Covers?

There are multiple ways that diaper covers can contain natural rubber latex. Elastic usually contains latex, as do spandex, Lycra, and elastane.

Hook-and-loop fastening also almost always contains latex. I would steer clear of all hook-and-loop fastening.

Elastic can be replaced with latex-free elastic from Sew Sassy. I don't trust the third-party "latex-free" elastic peddled on Amazon and eBay.

Are Waterproof Diaper Covers Toxic?

Most waterproof diaper covers are made from PUL, which is short for PolyUrethane Laminate. This is a product that has a layer of polyurethane and a layer of cloth, usually polyester but sometimes cotton. Polyurethane is one of the more toxic plastics, and one I recommend avoiding. Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is used in the manufacture of polyurethane, and research is so clear as to the toxicity of this chemical that there are publications such as "Health Effects of Diisocyanates: Guidance for Medical Personnel" to help guide medical professionals in treating the symptoms resulting from exposure. This is just on

However, this begs the question in my mind: is this better or worse than disposable diapers?

Since disposable diapers apparently are protected by trade secret law (more on that later), we don't actually know what's in them. So, in this case, the devil you know may be better than the devil you don't know.

There are more natural options for waterproofing fabric, such as beeswax. Information on such methods may be found on permies, which is a forum I have learned a great deal from when it comes to more natural living. Here is a random forum with other options to research yourself.

But again, many have reported success and even delight with wool diaper covers. That's the direction I would go in. And no, I don't have a recommendation for a specific brand, and I feel utterly inept writing about this topic. However, I do

have a recommendation as to who to ask!

Green Mountain Diapers

Every so often, I'll reach out to a company, and they'll actually be familiar with our work. That geeks me out, especially these days, since we see less than 5% of the website traffic we saw 4 years ago.

Gee, I wonder why. It's certainly not due to having less content, or fewer email subscribers!

This actually happened with Green Mountain Diapers! I was delighted to communicate with the owner, Karen, who was exceedingly patient with my ignorance and an absolute pleasure. For those with chemical sensitivities, a fragrance-free warehouse is maintained, so this is where you need to go to ensure fragrance-free diapers! (Or, as minimally fragrance-contaminated as possible. Nothing's perfect these days.)

Look at all of the options for cloth diapers below!

Please note that we are not affiliates for this company. There are no kickbacks. This is not a sponsored post. I truly and sincerely like this company, and if you've contacted me in the past year and a half regarding the question of diapers, then that's where I sent you!

The information on the Green Mountain Diapers website is so clear and thorough that I'll simply send you there rather than talk about that which I have little experience. Truth be told, the owner is so knowledgable, with such detailed information, that it even had me crossing my eyes for a few minutes.

Babee Greens brand "uses organic cotton and cotton threads and the elastic is latex-free."

"Another item that could pass the test would be a Disana wool pull-on cover in undyed natural. That is GOTS certified wool, undyed and no elastic at all." This is what I would go for!

Most chemically sensitive persons don't have to worry much about thread. When it comes to latex, most thread is not made with latex, unless it's specifically stretchy thread. As Karen shared with me, it's difficult to find thread that stands up to the rigors of washing that isn't synthetic. I've certainly found that to be the case in regards to my sewing projects, for which I use undyed organic thread from Organic Cotton Plus.

I recommend contacting them with your needs, and specifying that you need a latex-free product. Alternately, you could get something with elastic and swap it out for latex-free elastic. Do know that latex-free elastic can't really be considered to be non-toxic, however, and one can be allergic to latex-free elastic as well! I am.

Our long-time newsletter subscribers and readers know that I can often be found muttering about this or that company or corporation. Most manufacturers drive me bonkers, and few vendors are actually knowledgeable about what they sell. This is an exception.

Please note that it's rather pointless to buy "natural" diapers and wash them in toxic laundry products, including essential oils (concentrated plant terpenes/ VOCs)! See my book Non-Toxic Cleaning for the Healthy Home: Save Money, Simplify Your Life, and Improve Your Health for recommendations.

If you have questions about cloth diapering, my best advice is this: go ask Karen at Green Mountain Diapers. She's just lovely, and actually knows that most elastics contain latex.

But what if you are looking for disposable diapers? Well, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax.

Latex-Free Diapers

A very important note in regards to latex-free diapers is that some sneaky manufacturers are now stating "no added latex."

Did you catch that?

Looking at the ingredients, those same manufacturers disclose spandex as an ingredient!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry about all of the exclamation points. This is important.

Spandex, of course, almost always contains natural rubber latex.

If all you care about is avoiding latex, then Pampers Pure Protection is the way to go for a latex-free diaper. But just remember, nothing is actually latex-free!

Pampers Pure Protection diapers do contain aloe, which is a common allergen. Pampers actually specifies on their website that their elastane is latex-free in this product.

The next best option, and the budget pick, is Kirkland Signature, which may be purchased from Costco, Amazon, and likely from other vendors as well.

Are Disposable Diapers Toxic?

The sheer amount of information available online from a simple search of "disposable diapers toxic" makes it rather pointless for me to put much effort into listing all of the possible toxins in disposable diapers, such as formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, pesticides, and a plethora of other known toxins- many known or suspected to be carcinogenic.

Even the National Institute of Health has shared how toxic disposable diapers are, including those labelled as "organic" or marketed for sensitive skin.

Read that sentence again.

And thus, I embarked on a journey to the truth about "natural" disposable diapers! I was going to learn which ones were the healthiest options for your little one! Yes! I was going to find the truth!

Fast forward nearly 18 months.

Non-Toxic Disposable Diapers

I couldn't find any disposable diapers that I can stand behind.

Not one.

Unfortunately, many diapers marketed as organic, or for sensitive skin, actually contain natural rubber latex, a known sensitizing toxicant. This rules out those diapers as options. Latex allergy can take decades to be diagnosed, and tests are practically worthless.

I've previously addressed the problem with certification programs in my article and video on non-toxic paint. Certifications don't impress me, and they shouldn't dazzle you either.

Apparently, consumers such as you and I do not have the right to know what is in an "organic" or "natural" disposable diaper. It's a secret. In some cases, it's even a secret from the CEOs, inventors, and manufacturers, as their manufacturing is outsourced. They don't know, but they want you to buy their junk and feel good about it.

Don't fall for it. You're smarter than that.

Non-Toxic Diapers: The List

I get it. You've got a job, a house to take care of, kids to care for.... and perhaps you are just looking for a "better" option for diapers. Maybe you can't handle the extra laundry of cloth diapers, or you aren't quite ready to take that step. After all, will the other mothers look at you funny?

You shouldn't care. But I digress.

Even if we had a little bundle of joy, I'd probably want to have some non-toxic disposable diapers on hand just in case. So which ones would I choose?

If I were to buy disposable diapers, I would choose Terra diapers. However, know that they are made with bamboo, which is a moderately common cross for those with latex allergies. And in order to process raw bamboo pulp into a usable product, chemicals must be added. I'm not a big fan of dyes of any type, as we simply don't have enough information about most dyes, including "plant-based dyes" to draw a conclusion in regards to toxicity.

Dyper comes in at a close second in my list, with fewer ingredients than most disposable diapers. I like simple!

Another option is Coterie, which is marketed as a luxury diaper. I'm not 100% convinced regarding the potential for latex in the source materials of "adhesives and elastics," however.

Positive Wrap-Up

As you have learned in this article, not everything is as we are led to believe in this deceitful world, run by financial interests! Hopefully this has helped you to make the best choice for your little one.

Be gentle with yourself. No one really has it all together.

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