Parasol, the baby brand, was founded in 2014 in the USA. Co-founder Jessica Hung wanted to produce an innovative diaper that would tackle diaper rash, and offer safe, sensitive products to babies everywhere.
And with so many diapers on the market hiding a bunch of nasty chemicals, I’m so glad she did. But with more brands than ever joining the non-toxic party, what makes Parasol stand out?
Let’s take a closer look at Parasol diapers – what they’re made of, what they avoid and, ultimately, if they’re worth trying.
Disclaimer: Parasol Diapers has not sponsored or endorsed this article in any way. As a mom who’s passionate about buying the best for babies, I try really hard to include accurate information in all of my posts. If there are any inaccuracies present, please let me know; I’m more than happy to amend any errors. For more information about Parasol Diapers, head over to their main sites: parasolco.com. This review has affiliate links. 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.
What’s in Parasol Diapers?
It’s so important to know exactly what’s in the diapers you choose for little ones. Unfortunately, most diaper brands don’t make efforts to use plant-based materials, or be transparent about what’s in their diapers.
So I love that Parasol is super transparent about their materials, and what’s inside the diapers we’re gonna be putting our little ones in 24/7 for the first years of their lives.
Here’s what’s in them:
Topsheet and Backsheet – Polypropylene and polyethylene
The absorbent core – Chlorine-free wood pulp and SAP
This list of ingredients is super short compared to most, which is great news for our little ones’ skin. The other super impressive thing about Parasol is their commitment to transparency.
In the brand’s own words, they’re ‘appalled’ by the FDA continuing to exclude diapers from mandatory product labeling. I’m with you, Parasol!
Parasol is a transparent brand, and that speaks volumes.
What’s NOT in Parasol Diapers? Are they non-toxic?
Our little ones’ sensitive skin needs the healthiest materials.
Perhaps even more important than what’s inside diapers, is what’s left out. And there’s plenty that should be left out if we want skin-safe products for our little ones.
And, of course, that’s what every parent and carer wants.
So why do so many disposable diaper brands use chemicals?
Cost is usually the biggest issue when it comes to brands using toxins and chemicals; using them can make the manufacturing process cheaper and simpler.
Fragrances and lotions are common culprits, and you’ll often find these in disposable diapers. In some instances, fragrances are painted as a positive. In reality, they’re anything but. They can very easily irritate the skin, and cause skin rashes. Another common chemical found in disposable diapers is phthalates. And they can be even worse for our babies’ health than fragrances and lotions…
In fact, chemicals like phthalates have even been linked to increased rates of asthma and eczema in young children, along with, shockingly, abnormal genital development in boys.
Why the FDA isn’t regulating the use of these harmful chemicals is beyond me.
So where do we stand with Parasol diapers?
The brand tells us that their diapers are completely free of:
Parasol Diapers are free of:
This is wonderful news for our little ones. It’s certainly safe to say that Parasol diapers are non-toxic!
Where are Parasol Diapers made?
The brand was created in Los Angeles by CEO Jessica Hung, and the diapers are made in The Czech Republic in Europe.
Parasol Diapers Size Chart
| Size | Weight |
| 1 | 7-14lbs |
| 2 | 10-18lbs |
| 3 | 16-28lbs |
| 4 | 20-37lbs |
| 5+ | 26lbs+ |
Parasol’s diapers are available in sizes 1 through 5+, for little ones from 7lbs up to 37lbs+.
Where can you buy Parasol Diapers?
You can buy Parasol diapers on the brand’s site, as well as on Amazon. On the Parasol site, you can access their subscription service, for diapers to your door, and a big saving.
Parasol Diapers Reviews
Over on Amazon, Parasol diapers average 4 out of 5 in over 250 reviews. While most reviews are positive, saying it’s great that the diapers are suitable for sensitive skin, and they’re super soft, some say the diapers run small. This seems to cause some leaking issues, so it might be best to go for the size up if your little one is in-between sizes.
Parasol diapers FAQ:
1. Do Parasol Diapers have a free trial?
It’s great when brands offer trial packs. Diapers are hardly cheap, so being able to try them before you commit to big, cost-saving packs is great for our bank accounts.
Parasol offers a pack of 8 diapers for 5 bucks, with free shipping. After a couple of weeks, you’ll automatically join their VIP subscription. So it’s important to remember to cancel if you don’t want to go ahead and subscribe.
2. Are Parasol Diapers biodegradable?
With billions of diapers ending up in landfill every year, it’s no wonder parents and carers across the globe are searching for a planet-friendlier solution. Biodegradable diapers are the talk of the industry right now, and for good reason.
While there’s no completely biodegradable diaper, there are plenty of diapers on the market which use a high percentage of biodegradable materials. That means more of the diaper can be broken down back into the earth, rather than sticking around for centuries to come.
But what about Parasol?
The brand tells us that their diapers are made with Forest Stewardship Council certified wood pulp, but they’re not biodegradable. That means they can’t be composted at home like some brands – Little Toes, for example – or using a commercial facility.
Instead, they have to be thrown away like the majority of disposable diapers. It’s great that Parasol uses some plant-based materials and steers clear of toxins, but biodegradability is the next step.
Check out my guide to the best biodegradable diapers on the market right now, and give Greta a run for her money…
Related Post: Top Picks for the Best Biodegradable Diapers on the Market
3. Are Parasol Wipes any good?
Parasol’s natural wipes are free of harsh chemicals like parabens, dyes and alcohol, and feature an aloe vera extract to nourish the skin. The brand says their wipes will ‘work like a sponge’ to keep them super clean.
While they’re made with some plant-based materials, we’re not told the percentage.
Parasol wipes average 4.4 out of 5 in over 110 reviews on Amazon. Parents and carers say they’re soft and great for even the messiest messes.
Read Next: Best Natural And Organic Baby Wipes, And The Chemicals You Need To Avoid
4. Parasol Diapers alternatives
Parasol diapers are in the small club of brands offering non-toxic products that won’t break the bank. And that’s huge. So which other brands offer the same, and which brands offer even more when it comes to looking after our planet?
Hello Bello diapers are similar to Parasol in lots of ways. Founded by the uber-famous Kristen Bell, this brand produces non-toxic diapers and pull-ups that use some plant-based materials. They come in super cute prints, and they offer a subscribe and save service too. They’re great value, just like Parasol. And like Parasol diapers, they’re not biodegradable.
Read Next: Hello Bello Diapers Review: A-List Diapers For Your Little One
If you want to go a step further, biodegradable diapers are a must. Unlike regular disposable diapers, biodegradable diapers can be disposed of either at home (if the brand specifies), or by using an industrial composting facility.
This saves them from going to landfill, although it’s important to mention that you can’t compost poopy diapers – just the wet ones.
Brands like Andy Pandy, Eco Pea and Ecoriginals offer some of my favorite biodegradable diapers.
There are no 100% biodegradable diapers on the market, but Ecoriginals comes pretty close. Made with 90% biodegradable materials and steering clear of toxins like phthalates, fragrances and lotions, Ecoriginals is a gold-medal-winning eco baby brand.
Andy Pandy comes a very close second, with 87% biodegradable materials, and Eco Pea’s diapers contain an amazing 85%.
With billions and billions of diapers heading for landfill every year in the US alone, the impact of choosing biodegradable diapers instead can’t be understated.
Read Next: Ecoriginals Diapers Review, 2023: The Greenest Diaper On The Market?
Related Post: Eco Pea Diapers Review: Super Soft, Sustainable And Saving The Planet
Read Next: Andy Pandy Diapers Review: The Best All-Around Diapers For Baby And For The Planet?
Parasol Diapers vs Honest diapers
Parasol and Honest diapers share many similarities. So which is better?
| Parasol Diapers | Honest Diapers | |
| Free of lotions? | Yes | Yes |
| Free of fragrances? | Yes | Yes |
| Free of phthalates? | Yes | Yes |
| Free of chlorine? | Yes | Yes |
| Use plant-based materials? | Yes | Yes |
| Biodegradable? | No | No |
| Reviews | 4 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Sizes | 1-5+ | N-6 |
| Price per diaper (size 3)* | 44 cents (on brand’s site) | 41cents (on Amazon) |
| Subscribe and save service? | Yes | Yes |
*Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Both Honest and Parasol diapers are non-toxic, use some plant-based materials and offer a subscribe and save service. But Honest diapers are sometimes a bit cheaper, and they offer a wider range of sizes.
There’s not much between them, really. And both companies do their bit when it comes to charity work: 10% of every Parasol purchase goes to charity, and Honest has donated 3 million diapers to families that need them.
Related Post: Honest Diapers Review: Honestly? They Don’t Live Up To The Hype
Coterie vs Parasol Diapers. Which is better?
Parasol and Coterie diapers are often compared. And it’s easy to see why…
| Parasol Diapers | Coterie Diapers | |
| Free of lotions? | Yes | Yes |
| Free of fragrances? | Yes | Yes |
| Free of phthalates? | Yes | Yes |
| Free of chlorine? | Yes | Yes |
| Use plant-based materials? | Yes | Yes |
| Biodegradable? | No | No |
| Reviews | 4 out of 5 | No average available |
| Sizes | 1-5+ | N-6 |
| Price per diaper (size 3)* | 44 cents (on brand’s site) | 54 cents (on brand’s site) |
| Subscribe and save service? | Yes | Yes |
*Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Like Parasol diapers, Coterie diapers are non-toxic, use some plant-based materials and aren’t biodegradable. They’re slightly more expensive than Parasol diapers, but they do offer a wider range of sizes.
Like Parasol, with its 10% profit donation to charity, Coterie gives back too. In fact, it offsets the carbon footprint of every purchase.
Parasol Diapers Review: The good, the bad table and the bottom line
The Good
The Bad
Conclusion
Parasol diapers are undoubtedly a good choice for the sensitive skin of our little ones. Completely free of nasties like phthalates, fragrances and lotions, they’re safe for our babies, and that’s not something every diaper company can boast.
It’s a shame they’re not biodegradable, like so many brands on the market now, including Andy Pandy, Ecoriginals and Eco Pea. And we need to know the percentage of plant-based materials used. If we’re going to save the planet for future generations, it’s crucial that we make eco-conscious choices at every turn.
It’s good, though, that Parasol diapers won’t break the bank. And the fact that they donate 10% of their profits to charity is pretty awesome.
Ultimately, Parasol diapers are very similar to Honest and Hello Bello’s products – they go some way to helping the environment, but, arguably, not far enough. It’s hoped that these brands find a way to offer diapers that are better for the environment, but still at an affordable price.
Our future depends on it.
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