Wetness indicators have become a ‘must-have’ for many parents and carers, so it’s good to know which brands offer diapers that have them. Some brands feature wetness indicators on their smaller diapers only, and others feature them on all sizes.
And while many think wetness indicators are super handy, other parents and carers actively avoid them.
Some brands say they steer clear of wetness indicators because there isn’t a way to make them non-toxic. But what are wetness indicators made from, and are they safe?
Let’s find out which diaper brands have wetness indicators, which avoid them, and whether they’re safe for our little ones’ delicate skin.
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Do all baby brands have a wetness indicator?
Not all diapers have wetness indicators, but there are plenty of diapers that do – and many parents and carers swear by them.
In some diapers, you’ll only find wetness indicators in the smaller sizes.
And some brands avoid them altogether.
Which diaper brand has a wetness indicator?
Diapers without wetness indicator:
The following diaper brands don’t feature a wetness indicator on any of their sizes. Let’s take a closer look at why…
Healthybaby diapers
Healthybaby diapers are, as the name suggests, super healthy for the skin. Completely non-toxic, they avoid wetness indicators completely and they’re the first diaper brand to be verified by the Environmental Working Group. The EWG is a not for profit group that works to shine a light on harmful industry practices, so an endorsement means you really can trust a diaper’s ingredients.
The brand tells us that they do this because wetness indicator dyes change color when wet, which requires chemicals ‘like quaternary ammonium compounds’. These pose a problem because they’ve been linked to development and reproductive issues, as well as environmental damage.
Healthybaby tells us that they’re not ruling out adding wetness indicators to their diapers in the future, but they have to be completely sure that there’s a non-toxic and safe alternative before doing so.
Read More: Healthynest Diapers Reviewed: The New (And Super Healthy) Kid On The Block
Happy Little Camper Diapers
Happy Little Camper diapers are similar to Healthybaby diapers, in that they’re non-toxic. And, just like Healthybaby, they avoid wetness indicators. The brand tells us that the indicator strips are made with ‘harmful chemical dye’. And because the brand steers clear of dye altogether, it doesn’t use wetness indicators in any size diapers.
The brand tells us that we should be changing our little ones every 2-3 hours, and wetness indicators just aren’t necessary.
Read More: Happy Little Camper Diapers Review: The Celebrity-Endorsed Diapers Making An Impact!
Ecoriginals Diapers
Like Healthybaby and Happy Little Camper diapers, Ecoriginals diapers don’t feature a wetness indicator on any of their sizes. The brand tells us that this is because they haven’t yet found a safe formula to use to create this feature.
Like Healthybaby and Happy Little Camper, Ecoriginals is a non-toxic brand that makes a point of steering clear of toxins and harmful chemicals. And they’re seriously impressive when it comes to their commitment to the environment. Ecoriginals diapers are made with 90% biodegradable materials – a higher percentage than any other plant-based diaper on the market right now!
Read Next: Ecoriginals Diapers Review, 2023: The Greenest Diaper On The Market?
Seventh Generation Diapers
Seventh Generation diapers don’t have a wetness indicator, but they don’t state why. Like the other diapers in this particular list, Seventh Generation works hard to stay away from toxins like phthalates, fragrances and lotions, so it makes sense that they steer clear of wetness indicators too.
These super soft diapers use some plant-based materials and are widely available. They’re one of the OG environmentally-friendlier diapers, in fact.
When did diapers start using a wetness indicator?
It was Kimberly-Clark that first used wetness indicators in their diapers. While their most famous brand is currently Huggies, it was actually Kleenex diapers that boasted the first wetness indicator.
They featured a fade-when-wet design, which is still used today.
How do color-change diaper wetness indicators work?
Wetness indicators are pH indicators. Many diapers that feature a wetness indicator use bromophenol blue, a chemical that changes color when exposed to pee. When a diaper is dry, it appears yellow, and changes to blue when wet.
Most diapers seem to use this type of wetness indicator, although some feature ‘fade when wet’ designs.
Is a wetness indicator in baby diapers toxic?
According to the Environmental Working Group (or EWG), most wetness indicators include a pH indicator or dye. What makes up a wetness indicator will differ across the different diaper brands, but many use harmful toxins, including ‘halogenated organic compounds’ and ‘quarternary ammonium compounds’.
The latter chemicals have been linked to developmental and reproductive issues, as well as skin irritation and asthma.
The EWG is a not for profit organization that highlights harmful industry practices, helping consumers make better choices. Healthybaby is currently the only diaper brand verified by the EWG.
If you’re concerned about toxins in diapers, it’s best to steer clear of wetness indicators when you can. If you really want to use diapers with wetness indicators, the Environmental Working Group recommends checking that your chosen baby brand uses indicators made without harmful chemicals like halogenated organic compounds and quaternary ammonium compounds.
How do you know when a diaper is full?
A good rule to stick to is to change your little one every 2-3 hours. As your baby gets older, it will be easier to see when they need to be changed, as the diaper will swell.
If the diaper feels bulky, it’s time for a change.
Why do bigger nappies not have a wetness indicator?
You tend to find wetness indicators on smaller sized diapers. That’s because it’s harder to visibly see when younger babies need changing. As your little one gets older and produces more pee, it’ll be very very obvious when they need changing – their diaper will bulge and appear misshapen.
Parents and carers with newborns often find wetness indicators helpful.
Wetness indicators FAQ:
1. Do Huggies diapers have a wetness indicator?
The following Huggies diaper varieties feature wetness indicators:
- Huggies Special Delivery
- Huggies Little Snugglers
- Huggies Plus Little Snugglers
- Huggies Little Movers
- Huggies Plus Little Movers
- Huggies Overnites
- Huggies Snug & Dry
2. Do Pampers have the pee indicator?
The following Pampers varieties feature a wetness indicator:
- Pampers Baby Dry (sizes NB through 2)
- Pampers Pure Protection
- Pampers Swaddlers
3. Do Pampers Pure have a wetness indicator?
Yes, Pampers Pure Protection diapers have a wetness indicator – on all sizes.
Read Next: Pampers Pure Protection Review: Are They Really Pure?
4. Does Pampers Baby Dry have a wetness indicator?
Pampers Baby Dry diapers have a wetness indicator on sizes NB-2.
Related Post: Huggies Vs. Pampers 2022: Which Is The Best Diaper Brand For Your Baby?
Conclusion
Wetness indicators are a ‘must-have’ for many parents and carers, and plenty of brands produce diapers that feature them. While some brands feature wetness indicators on their smaller diapers only, others feature them on all sizes.
But if you want to avoid wetness indicators altogether, there are a few brands that have got your back: Seventh Generation, Happy Little Camper, Ecoriginals and Healthybaby. And these diapers are some of the healthiest and most eco-friendly on the market right now.
There’s still a lack of information when it comes to wetness indicators and their safety. The EWG recommends checking that your chosen diaper, if it features a wetness indicator, is free from certain chemicals. But it’s pretty impossible to do this without contacting the company directly.
So if you want to avoid any potential chemicals and toxins, it’s best to steer clear of wetness indicators. Instead, changing your little one every couple of hours is a good rule to go by!
If only all little ones came with a rule book…
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