If your baby has sensitive skin, you’ll know exactly how important it is to find a great hypoallergenic diaper that works for you and your little one. If the diapers you’ve been using have resulted in any blotchy or red skin, it might be time to try hypoallergenic diapers, as it may be that your baby needs material that’s gentler on the skin.
Hypoallergenic diapers are perfect for sensitive skin, because they contain no harsh chemicals that might irritate the skin.
And with so many on the market to choose from, the world is your hypoallergenic oyster. But which one should you choose? Let me guide you through the sometimes-very-complex world of hypoallergenic diapers: what they are, what to look for and the best options out there for your little one!
Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my affiliate link. Please read my disclosure for more info. All prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Our Top Hypoallergenic Diapers For Babies With Sensitive Skin
1. Andy Pandy Diapers –
Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic Bamboo Diapers
2. Ecoriginals Diapers –
Eco-Friendly Diapers
3. Kudos Diapers –
Best Disposable Natural Cotton Diapers for Diaper Rash
4. Little Toes Diapers –
Naturally Biodegradable & Hypoallergenic Premium Bamboo Fiber Diapers
5. Nest Diapers –
Natural Plant-Based Eco-Diapers
6. Bambo Nature Diapers –
Eco Friendly Premium Baby Diapers For Sensitive Skin
7. Dyper Diapers –
5-Star Bamboo Diapers
8. Dewor Baby Diapers –
Premium Bamboo Disposable Diapers
9. Eco Pea Diapers –
Bamboo Baby Diapers for Sensitive Skin
10. Aleva Naturals Diapers –
Bamboo Baby Diapers
11. Honest Company Diapers –
Best Hypoallergenic Diaper For Sensitive Skin
12. Seventh Generation Baby Diapers –
Free & Clear For Sensitive Skin
13. Parasol Baby Diapers –
Natural Diapers For Sensitive Skin With RashShield™ Protection
14. Babyganics Ultra Diapers –
Most Affordable Disposable Diaper For Sensitive Skin
Table of Contents
- What does hypoallergenic mean, and why is it important when it comes to buying diapers?
- How do I know if my child has sensitive skin, and why do babies have it?
- What should I look for when buying diapers for sensitive skin?
- What are the best hypoallergenic diapers on the market?
- Andy Pandy Diapers
- Ecoriginals Diapers
- Kudos Diapers
- Little Toes Bamboo Diapers
- Nest Biodegradable Diapers
- Bambo Nature Diapers
- Dyper Diapers
- Dewor Baby Diapers
- Eco Pea Diapers
- Aleva Naturals Diapers
- Honest Company Diapers
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers
- Parasol Baby Diapers
- Babyganics Ultra Diapers For Sensitive Skin
- Hypoallergenic Diaper FAQs
- Final Thoughts
What does hypoallergenic mean, and why is it important when it comes to buying diapers?
You may or may not have heard of hypoallergenic diapers. Sounds fancy, right. So what does it actually mean? The definition of hypoallergenic is ‘relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction’. You’d hope that all diapers on the market would be unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, but, unfortunately, this just isn’t the case.
With all the fancy features of diapers on the market, they’re including more and more materials, gels, lotions and perfumes. This can be bad news for babies, especially if they have sensitive skin, and certain brands may react differently.
The difference with hypoallergenic diapers is that they tend to be composed with plant-based materials and they mostly avoid anything that might irritate the skin, like lotions, latex, chlorine and added fragrances. So they’re much less likely to cause a problem for your little one’s delicate skin. And, ultimately, diapers without these additions are much better for the environment (added chemicals can never be considered a good thing!), so they’re a wise investment.
The only issue we face as parents when looking for hypoallergenic diapers, is that labeling requirements aren’t yet strict enough; brands can decide for themselves whether their diapers are hypoallergenic, but they won’t necessarily list the materials used. A lot of reputable brands, if they call themselves hypoallergenic, will go ahead and be super transparent about their diapers. These brands are of course the ones to go for!
How do I know if my child has sensitive skin, and why do babies have it?
Some of us might already know that our little one has sensitive skin and be on an active search for the best hypoallergenic diapers. But what are the signs that your baby has sensitive skin if you’re not already using them?
As we know, a baby’s skin is incredibly delicate and fragile. It might not remain sensitive forever, but it’s important that they’re comfortable and their skin is protected whilst it’s developing. There are lots of signs to look out for that tell you your baby’s skin might require a hypoallergenic diaper. And, ultimately, regardless of whether your baby’s skin is particularly sensitive, hypoallergenic diapers are a great choice. It’s best to stay away from skin irritants if you can.
- Red, blotchy skin
If your baby’s skin looks blotchy and red where the diaper has been, this may be a sign that their skin is sensitive. The gels, perfumes and chemicals added to a lot of disposable diapers might be causing this skin irritation, so it’ll be worth testing out hypoallergenic diapers to see if this helps.
- Diaper rash
Whilst diaper rash is pretty common, the culprit of said rash might be easily tackled: it could be the diaper brand you’re using. Of course, changing diapers regularly is the best way to prevent it, but could also be a reaction to the materials on baby’s skin. Diaper rash makes baby uncomfortable, and probably pretty irritable – understandably – so it’s best to try out a hypoallergenic diaper to see if it makes a positive difference.
- Hives
When we have an allergic reaction to something, whether that’s a particular kind of food, bite or medication, our bodies produce hives. So if you notice your baby developing the red, spotty condition, you’ll need to figure out what’s causing it. Of course, you should contact your doctor if any of these conditions cause baby distress. You’ll need to rule out certain foods, and the diaper you’re currently using may not be helping.
- Dry skin
If your baby has persistent dry or flaky skin, this could be another sign that it’s sensitive, especially if using regular lotions and creams then causes it to turn red or blotchy. It’s then worth trying hypoallergenic diapers, as well as lotions and creams that are specifically designed for little ones with sensitive skin.
- Eczema
Eczema will display itself as a red, itchy rash on your baby’s chest, arms, elbows, knees or face. It can be caused by allergens in food that your baby eats or even pollen or cigarettes. Again, it’s important to get a doctor to check rashes out, and it might also be worth trying hypoallergenic diapers, to prevent further rashes. You can also buy special lotions and creams for little ones who are prone to eczema.
What should I look for when buying diapers for sensitive skin?
If you think your little one has sensitive skin, what should you be looking for in a diaper? And what should you be avoiding when choosing the right brand for you and your baby?
- Free from allergens and irritants (dyes, artificial fragrance, lotions, latex, parabens)
Firstly, it’s absolutely crucial that the diaper brand you use doesn’t contain any unnecessary materials or ingredients, like dyes, lotions, latex, added fragrances (especially artificial ones) and parabens. Parabens are a type of preservative used to extend the shelf life of health products. They prevent mold and bacteria, and are often used in diapers, as well as beauty products. There’s no real need for this stuff in diapers, especially when your baby’s skin is prone to a reaction.
Diaper brands are becoming more and more transparent about the materials they use in their products, which is great news for all parents, especially those with sensitive-skinned little ones. But that doesn’t mean that all brands are following suit. I think it’s really important to go for brands that make it crystal clear exactly what they use to make their diapers. When a baby has sensitive skin, a rogue lotion or chemical is all that’s required to set off that rash. If diapers are claiming to be hypoallergenic, they should be able to state clearly why that is. And that list of materials should not include anything that isn’t absolutely crucial to making diapers, like a list of plant-based materials.
- Free from phthalates
Not quite sure how to pronounce phthalates? Me neither. However you say it, phthalates are used in everything from cosmetics and toys to vinyl flooring and wall covering and they’re usually used to soften plastics. You have to be a little concerned when the same stuff used to make a floor is the same stuff used in children’s toys… and some diapers for that matter.
Globally, more than 18 billion pounds of phthalates are produced and used each year (1), so it’s not that surprising that some studies have found phthalate exposure in 98% of people tested. And other studies have shown that continued, long-term exposure to these chemicals could increase the risk of asthma and eczema in children (2) and can even cause abnormal genital development in boys.
Despite years of campaigning by child health care experts, brands aren’t required by the FDA to medically test their diapers, and prove their safety. So it’s more important than ever to check what your diapers are made of. Regardless of what the product’s marketed as – hypoallergenic, biodegradable, plant-based – check that they definitely don’t include these potentially harmful chemicals before purchasing them for your little one.
- Free from chlorine and petroleum-derived plastics
While chlorine and plastics are more of an environmental issue than a health and safety issue for your baby, if these materials can be avoided, it’s best to do so. Many diapers listed below have stated that they’re totally chlorine free, which is much better for the planet, as its use can have a negative effect on the world around us, and it was actually used as a chemical weapon during World War I! Checking for plastics is harder, but, as a general rule, if a company does not use bamboo or any other plant-based materials to produce a diaper, they use petroleum-derived plastics. Petroleum-derived plastics do not cause any real harm to babies wearing the diaper, but they’re pretty terrible for the environment.
- Full and transparent ingredients lists
If possible, choose diapers from brands who are open and transparent about the materials they use. They might declare that they’re good for sensitive skin, but I’d be hesitant to trust that without a full ingredients list to back it up. Brands are getting much better at declaring the components of their diapers, but some still have a way to go.
What are the best hypoallergenic diapers on the market?
With more choices than ever when it comes to hypoallergenic diapers, which brand do you choose? Here are my top 12 choices for babies with sensitive skin! There are lots of hypoallergenic diapers out there, but the below brands are (mostly!) also good for the planet as many are biodegradable. Unfortunately, while some diapers may be hypoallergenic, so good for sensitive skin, they also contain plastic, which can be easily avoided.
Andy Pandy – Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic Bamboo Diapers
Andy Pandy diapers are not only naturally hypoallergenic, but they’re kind to the environment. Made from high quality plant-based materials, including bamboo fiber and pure aloe essence, Andy Pandy diapers are even (mostly) biodegradable, which means they can be composted.
But back to the issue of sensitive-skinned little ones, the fact that Andy Pandy diapers uses natural materials and are completely free from latex, chlorine, alcohol and phthalates, means that they’re naturally anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic. The moisture wicking and temperature regulating bamboo used to make them prevents baby’s skin from developing nappy rash. A fantastic choice for your baby, whether they have sensitive skin or not, Andy Pandy diapers are tried, tested and loved. Check out the amazing Amazon reviews!
Ecoriginals – The World’s Most Biodegradable Nappies
Ecoriginals, an Australian baby brand, is making waves in the US. These super eco diapers are made with sustainably sourced wood fluff pulp and are, impressively, 90% biodegradable. They’re free of harmful toxins and feature breathable layers to prevent rashes.
They have great reviews – 4.8 out of 5 on average, so they’re not just green; they’re great at keeping leaks at bay too! They’re not the cheapest diapers. Expect to pay between 40 and 70 cents depending on the size you need, but they’re more than worth it if your budget can stretch.
Fancy trying Ecoriginals nappies? Use my code, ECODIAPERS, on the Ecoriginals site to get 30 off the 3 Packs of Diapers + 3 Packs of Wipes (3+3)!
The planet and your little one’s skin will thank you!
Kudos Diapers– Best disposable natural cotton diapers for diaper rash
Kudos diapers are new to the market, but their cotton diapers are setting the standard for hypoallergenic diapers. They’re made with a high percentage of plant-based diapers and are completely free of phthalates, fragrances, lotions, latex, and chlorine.
Plus, the bits that come into contact with your baby’s skin are made of cotton, so they’re not just healthy for the skin, but super soft too!
Little Toes – Naturally Biodegradable & Hypoallergenic Premium Bamboo Fiber Diaper
Little Toes Bamboo diapers are another incredible choice for babies with sensitive skin. Like Andy Pandy diapers, Little Toes diapers are made primarily with bamboo, which they say is 60% more absorbent than cotton, which means fewer changes! Hallelujah. And like Andy Pandy, they’re super transparent with the materials that they use in their diapers, which is even better.
With baboo, a super-absorbent core, side fastener and elastic-back waistband, Little Toe diapers are naturally hypoallergenic and completely free of alcohol, perfumes, PVC, antioxidants, chlorine, latex, phthalates and preservatives. This means that they’re perfect for babies with sensitive skin, and, as an added bonus, they’re also great for the environment; the bamboo used in them is biodegradable, unlike most disposable diapers.
Nest Biodegradable Diaper – Natural Plant-Based Eco-Diapers
Another eco-friendly brand, Nest Diapers are made with plant-based, sustainable materials and so are completely free from perfumes, lotions, chemicals and known allergens. They’re therefore hypoallergenic, and great for babies with sensitive skin.
They’re a very transparent company, listing all of the materials used in their diapers, including wood pulp, viscose, starch and elastin. They also list which materials are biodegradable and sustainably sourced, if you’re also looking for a diaper that’s kinder to the environment.
Bambo Nature Diapers – Eco Friendly Premium Baby Diapers for Sensitive Skin
Bambo Nature diapers have been dermatologically tested to ensure that they won’t irritate your baby’s skin. They’ve even been awarded the Nordic Swan Eco-Label accreditation – to obtain this, products have a very strict criteria to adhere to in terms of their environmental focus. So it’s pretty official! They’re completely perfume, lotion, PVC and paraben-free.
Bambo Nature diapers also have a top-fry layer that quickly wicks away wetness and locks it in the absorbent core. This means that the baby stays dryer for longer, and rashes and irritations are prevented.
Dyper Diaper – 5-Star Bamboo Diapers
Like other hypoallergenic diapers, Dyper diapers are free from ‘nasty stuff’, like PVC, lotions, phthalates, alcohol, perfumes, chlorine and latex. They’re better for the environment as they can be composted, are soft to the touch, but still absorbent and durable. Made with viscose fibers from bamboo (it seems to be a popular choice!), they’re odorless, breathable and wick moisture away quickly, which means fewer diaper rashes and skin irritations.
They’ll even ship diapers directly to you, saving you time, money and energy!
Dewor Baby Diaper – Premium Bamboo Disposable Diapers
The Dewor brand name was born from a combination of ‘dew’ and ‘organic’. Sounds like we’re already on the right track…
Dewor bamboo diapers are great for babies with sensitive skin as they’re hypoallergenic; they don’t contain any PVC, lotions, phthalates, perfumes, latex or preservatives. They’re also a transparent company, as they list all the materials used in their diapers, including bamboo fiber, super absorbent polymer (which is safe for baby – link to bamboo diapers article) and wood pulp. Like most bamboo diapers, they’re partly biodegradable, which means they’re not only great for baby’s skin, but great for the world around us, too.
Eco Pea Diapers – Bamboo Diapers for Sensitive Skin
Eco Pea diapers like to shun a toxin. Thank the diaper Lords! This super eco-friendly company produces planet and skin-loving biodegradable diapers, which are dermatologically tested and suitable for little ones with sensitive skin.
They’re made predominantly with soft and sustainable bamboo, they’re free of phthalates, fragrances, lotions, and chlorine, and use water-based dyes. I like. So babies who tend to get diaper rash should have no issues with these supernatural diapers, which happen to be vegan and cruelty-free too.
Aleva Naturals Bamboo Baby Diapers
The diaper brand Aleva are great because they give a very clear explanation of how their diapers help babies with sensitive skin, as well as the environment. They describe how most diapers and baby wipes are bleached with sulfates, chlorine and other chemicals, the residue of which can cause irritation and discomfort for baby. But bamboo diapers like Aleva don’t need to be bleached, because they contain a natural anti-bacterial agent called Bamboo-Kun.
This makes Aleva diapers hypoallergenic, as well as vegan and cruelty free for the vegan mamas out there.
Honest Company Diapers – Best Hypoallergenic Diaper For Sensitive Skin
Honest Company diapers completely avoid potential irritants in the production of their hypoallergenic diapers, which minimizes the risk of baby’s skin becoming irritated. They’re great for babies with sensitive skin, they feature advanced leak protection, are super comfortable for your little one, and are non-toxic.
Honest also produces a range of plant-based wipes that are also great for little ones with sensitive skin. And, as a little side note, the company was founded by Jessica Alba, so they’re basically designer diapers…
Seventh generation Baby Diapers Free & Clear for sensitive skin
There’s no messing around with Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers. They state ‘for your baby’s sensitive skin’ on the packaging, making it crystal clear to parents and carers that these are a fantastic choice! With an ultra absorbent core, these diapers are made using sustainably-sourced fluff, with no chlorine bleaching, fragrances or lotions.
Not only do they make diapers for little ones with sensitive skin, but they also produce a range of wipes for sensitive skin, as well hypoallergenic cleaning products for washing your baby’s clothes and bedding. They’ve thought of everything!
While Seventh Generation diapers are great for sensitive skin, they’re unfortunately not biodegradable since they contain sodium polyacrylate, polypropylene, polymer spandex, and polyurethane.
Parasol Baby Diapers – Natural diapers for sensitive skin with RashShield™ protection
Okay, so Parasol diapers might just be the cutest on the list. With super sweet animal designs, your baby’s skin will not only be protected, but look the part, too! They also state very clearly that they’re great for sensitive skin, and feature a unique absorbent system that quickly wicks away moisture to keep your little one dry, and prevent diaper rash.
They of course contain no chemicals, latex, phthalates, lotions, alcohol, dyes or fragrances, as we’ve come to expect in hypoallergenic diapers, and are made from chlorine-free wood pulp. The only downside is that they are not biodegradable or compostable, but they do source their plant-based materials only from certified forests. Parasol diapers are just as soft as cloth diapers, but with the convenience of a disposable diaper.
Babyganics Ultra Most Affordable Disposable Diaper For Sensitive Skin
Babyganics are certainly my top pick for affordability among the hypoallergenic range on the market. As you would expect, Babyganics diapers are formulated without latex, lotions, fragrances or chlorine and contain a very fancy-sounding NeoNourish Seed Oil blend – their own blend of tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin and raspberry seed oils. They feature soft stretch sides, a thin design but with ultra absorbency for leak protection and a wetness indicator.
Babyganics diapers have been tried and tested by pediatricians and dermatologists and are a good choice for little ones with sensitive skin. They tend to work out at around 38-40 cents per diaper, making them great value, as well as great for the skin. And it might be worth grabbing some of their hypoallergenic wipes while you’re at it! They average 4.3 out of 5 in over 300 reviews.
Hypoallergenic Diaper FAQs
1.Are Huggies diapers hypoallergenic?
Huggies diapers are one of the most commonly-used brands on the market. They’re available pretty much anywhere, and appear to be hypoallergenic. At least, the company states that their diapers feature a ‘hypoallergenic soft outer cover’. They also state that they aren’t chlorine bleached and don’t contain any latex or added fragrances.
So are they a comparable choice to the other brands mentioned above? Not quite. They might claim to be hypoallergenic, but they still use unnecessary ingredients, such as dyes, colorants, and plastics. While they may be hypoallergenic, the brands listed in my roundup all make much more of a conscious effort to use plant-based or eco-friendly materials. And one of their listed ingredients – polypropylene – is used to make plastic bottles. It’s not really something we’d choose to put next to our babies’ skin if there are alternatives available!
2. Are Kirkland diapers hypoallergenic?
If you’ve never heard of Kirkland diapers before, chances are, you haven’t been to Costco in a while! Kirkland Signature diapers are Costco’s brand of diaper and are a pretty budget-friendly brand. But it’s near impossible to find a list of ingredients used in their diapers online, and, given the fact that they don’t state they’re hypoallergenic or free from the chemicals that could irritate your baby’s skin, it’s pretty safe to say they’re not great for baby’s with sensitive skin.
Related Post: Kirkland Baby Diapers Review 2020: Are Costco’s Diapers Worth Trying?
More and more brands are realizing that parents and carers want transparency when it comes to the baby products we’re using every single day. Luckily, many brands, like those listed in my roundup, are incredibly transparent, and proud to state their non-toxic ingredients. It’s best to stick to them, regardless of whether your baby has sensitive skin. We all want to know exactly what we’re putting on the delicate skin of our little ones!
3. Are honest diapers hypoallergenic?
Honest diapers are labeled hypoallergenic, as they don’t use potential irritants. They don’t contain any latex, chlorine, fragrances or lotions, and so are suitable for babies with easily-irritated skin. Unlike Kirkland diapers, they’re also very transparent, listing all of the ingredients they use to make their products.
While they’re fantastic for sensitive skin, if you’re after a hypoallergenic diaper that’s also eco-friendly, be careful with Honest diapers. While they use the right buzzwords, like ‘eco-friendly’, they can’t be composted, unlike many other hypoallergenic diapers like Ecoriginals or Dyper.
Final Thoughts
Who knew there were so many potential irritants in diapers? There’s no wonder our little ones suffer from rashes, when certain brands use added chemicals, latex, fragrances and lotions in the production of their diapers.
Luckily, it’s easier than ever to find hypoallergenic diapers that are great for little ones with sensitive skin and, ultimately, great for all little ones. If we can avoid putting unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients on our babies, why wouldn’t we? And what’s even better is that a lot of hypoallergenic diapers, because they use mainly plant-based materials, are better for the environment than many other disposable diapers as certain elements of the diaper can be composted, and they’re simply safer for babies.
Not all brands are transparent about the materials they use, so I’d recommend sticking to brands which are honest and open about their ingredients. Your baby’s skin is delicate, and it deserves the best!
References:
- Hannon, P.R./ & flaws, J.A. (2015). The effects of phthalates on the ovary. Frontiers in endocrinology, 6
- Jaakkola, J. J., & Khinght, T. L. (2008). The role of exposure to phthlates from polyvinyl chloride products in the development of asthma and allergies: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Environ Health Perspect, 116(7), 845-53.
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