Author: Srijit Ghosh
“Disposable diapers are a mom's best friend and one of the Earth's worst enemies”
Baby diapers are used by most parents everyday despite being a real misery for many infants as it makes them very uncomfortable. Two types of diapers are generally available: The cloth diapers are made of fabric, can be washed and reused and are more eco-friendly. While disposable diapers containing absorbent chemicals are more popular, they are meant for single-use and have thus become the largest contributors to landfills.
Most Indians don’t dispose of diapers in an environmentally responsible manner and do not realize that they take nearly 450 years to decompose. Disposable diapers contain certain harmful chemicals as well as non-renewable, petroleum-based polymers which can have adverse effects on humans, animals, and the environment. They contain chemicals that are carcinogenic and release toxic gases on burning.
Eco-friendly Diapers for Children in India
The Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) used inside diapers was earlier made of plastic polymers and contained chemicals unsafe for children. It was also linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Nowadays, plant-based biodegradable SAP is being manufactured by various companies. These are made of cellulose made from wood or wheat and starch, which are free from chlorine and dioxins. Other parts of the diaper are also being replaced with eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, e.g. bamboo fibers as the back sheet, chlorine-free fluff pulp, wool covers in cloth diapers, etc.
We recommend parents to always use eco-friendly and highly absorbent diapers for their babies that are similar to eco-friendly sanitary pads. They should read the product description and reviews before buying to see what other parents have observed about the diapers and to choose the best diaper for their precious one. Let us look at some of the biodegradable and eco-friendly diaper brands available in India:
Bhoomi & Co. Biodegradable bamboo baby diapers
Bhoomi & Co. is an Indian brand that manufactures environment-friendly disposable diapers. These diapers have a top sheet and bottom sheet made from 100% bamboo fibers and contain chlorine-free wood pulp without any chemicals or petroleum polymers, so it is highly suitable for babies with sensitive skin. Further, Aloe vera extract is used in them to prevent rashes.
It offers high absorbency using an all-natural absorbent material that traps moisture & the safe wetness indicator provides a guide to the parent, toxin-free with a higher degradation rate making it environment-safe as well. Bhoomi Bamboo diapers have a 30% higher degradation rate than standard nappies, decaying within 75 days under controlled composting conditions. They have certifications from FDA, ISO, and FSC and are available at a price range of INR1,250-1,750.
1st Step Size Adjustable Reusable Diaper
1st Step is a leading supplier of baby products in India and has been in this business since 2007. It is currently supplying and catering to a whole range of baby products. 1st Step offers reusable cloth diapers with an easy-to-adjust snap button system, which are designed for multiple uses. The exterior is coated with a waterproof material that prevents leakage and keeps the baby dry. The material is soft on the baby’s skin, does not cause diaper rashes as it is free of chemicals. These reusable diapers come in many attractive colors and are durable enough to withstand many wash cycles. They are available in many designs and sizes, sold at a price range of INR479-599.
Superbottoms Reusable Diapers
Superbottoms reusable diapers, a reputed brand in India, was established in 2015 by Pallavi Utagi, a female entrepreneur. Superbottoms is India’s first and only cloth diaper brand certified by CPSIA. These are completely washable and reusable, so they are eco-friendly and affordable. This waterproof diaper easily lasts for an average wetting baby of 2-3 hours. It can be washed for more than 300 times and reused. The unique thing about Superbottoms is that the company is owned and run by a team of mothers. According to Amazon’s bestseller list, it is India’s no.1 brand of reusable cloth diaper. It is available in many designs and sizes, sold at the price range of INR315–2,689.
Quick Dry reusable cloth diapers
Quick Dry is a unique product created by Shiva Texyarn Limited in the early 1990s. They produce 100% waterproof reusable diapers containing highly absorbent terry pads inside. The company offers breathable, reusable and washable diapers with an OEKO Tex Standard Certification, which assures the absence of any harmful chemicals in it. Quick Dry diapers come in a variety of colors and adjustable sizes. These are available in India at INR499.
Allter Organic Bamboo Diapers
Surbi Bafna Gupta saw the harmful consequences of plastic waste produced from disposable diapers. This inspired her to establish Allter in 2019 to manufacture biodegradable diapers and baby wipes that are organic. They are made from Certified Organic Bamboo Pulp Core, with no chemicals or micro-plastics. They are hypoallergenic without any risk of skin rashes. Their products are available in various sizes at a price range of INR299-999.
Cloth Diaper Shop
Cloth Diaper Shop is a leading online shop for cloth diapers in India. The company creates extremely baby-friendly and customized products, which helps parents to pick products that suit their lifestyle. Their products are comparable with any other diaper of international quality and yet are affordable for Indian customers. Further, Cloth Diaper Shop has an exclusive brand ‘Kaupina’ which is being designed and manufactured in India. These diapers are made by underprivileged women under their women empowerment program.
I am looking bamboo diapers and nappy.