Advances in disposable diapers have been able to increase mobility and convenience among families. The introduction of super-absorbent disposable diapers has improved the performance of diapers beyond what we ever thought possible and babies are able to experience dryer and more comfortable days. No one can dispute disposable diapers are a great convenience in the modern world, yet there is not a lot of information on what diapers are made out of and few companies choose to disclose a full list of ingredients. 

Different Types of Diapers

According to the Archives of Environmental Health, studies have shown that traditional disposable diapers commonly used by parents release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. VOCs include chemicals such as xylene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and dipentene. When these chemicals come into contact with a child's skin, they can cause long-term health problems such as childhood asthma and cancer. Traditional disposable diapers have also been known to cause harsh diaper rash. A study conducted in 2005 showed disposable diapers sometimes used dyes that contained heavy metals. When these dyes came into contact with the skin of a child, it resulted in irritant diaper dermatitis, or diaper rash.

The terms “natural” or “organic” are commonplace nowadays when shopping for diapers. Are organic or natural diapers really better for your baby? We’re here to highlight the differences between natural and traditional diapers so you can make the best choice for your baby. 

Differences between natural and traditional diapers

Free from chemicals and other impure ingredients

Natural diapers are typically free of chemicals, dyes, chlorine, fragrance, and plastic substances such as phthalates and latex. These harmful ingredients can often irritate skin or cause allergic reactions, as a baby’s skin is very sensitive. Natural diapers are often hypoallergenic and pure to protect your baby’s skin and provide a comfortable fit. 

Parasol diapers are free of chemicals, dyes, alcohol, chlorine, fragrances, lotions, parabens, phthalates, preservatives, heavy metals, and latex. We have banned a long list of chemicals from our products.  Our manufacturing facility does not add any of the following chemicals which can commonly be found in traditional diapers:

Arsenic

Cadmium

Chromium

DBT

DEHP

Dioxins

Dipentene

Ethylbenzene

Fragrances

Inks made with heavy metals

Latex

Lead

Lotions

MBT

Mercury

Optical Brighteners FWAs

Orange Oils

Organotins

Parabens

Pesticides

Phthalates

Polyurethane

TBT

Thallium

Toluene

Xylene

All of our Parasol products have a full ingredient list printed on the bag. You don’t need a chemistry degree to buy diapers - we are happy to break the ingredients (and their uses) down for you.

Chlorine Free Wood Pulp

The pillow-y inside of our diaper core is made of pulp (cellulose). Cellulose is the main constituent of plant cell walls and vegetable fibers. Our eco-conscious mission includes sourcing our pulp from FSC-certified sustainable forests. This practice is important as more trees are planted than what is being cut down. Additionally, new forests are better at sequestering carbon than old ones. Young forests are able to extract carbon from the air and incorporate it into their biomass more quickly than mature trees, which means sustainable forestry as a renewable resource is a great choice for mama earth.

We do not use chlorine to bleach our pulp as some brands do. You can rest assured our pulp is sustainable, chlorine-free and never ever tested on animals (none of our products are!)

While it is still high end and top quality, our diaper is thinner and lighter because of our innovative material application which allows us to use way less wood pulp for better performance.  Our mission is to reduce the global warming impact by lowering our products weight, thus reducing carbon footprint. 

Super Absorbent Polymer

These are the magic particles in diapers that can hold up to 50x their weight in liquid, effectively transforming pee into gel. Super absorbency is critical to keeping your newborn dry, comfortable and reducing the incidence of diaper rash caused by exposure to moisture. 

Polypropylene nonwoven fabric

It is the inside of the diaper that feels super soft and cushions your baby’s bum. Polypropylene entraps humidity at a higher level than viscose derived from bamboo and other fibers. Keeping urine under the fabric and away from your baby’s skin. This is of utmost importance in preventing diaper rash. Nonwoven fabric is also used for the cloth-like extra-soft backsheet of the diaper and in the ear tabs that comfortably seal the diaper around your baby's waist. 

Polyethylene film

This film is near the bottom layer of the diaper and it’s used to make the back of the diaper water-proof. This is necessary to keep all your little one’s waste trapped in the middle, not on your child’s skin, clothing or sheets and without any leaks through the back. 

Latex-free, hygiene-grade elastic

Elastic is used at the waist and leg cuffs to secure a snug and leak-free fit. We chose our elastic to be latex-free to remove as many allergens as we possibly can.

That’s it! No other hidden ingredients.

Faster absorbency and drying time

Wet diapers lead to skin rashes and irritation when they do not absorb liquid quickly. Natural diapers are designed with comfort in mind, which also means they absorb liquids swiftly, and dry faster. 

Parasol diapers are designed to wick away moisture and lock any wetness deep within the layers of the diaper to keep your baby’s skin dry and healthy. Our diapers use the highest quality chlorine free wood pulp to absorb liquids, while the RashShield protection fabric keeps the moisture confined to the wood pulp and dries fast to protect your baby’s skin from rashes. 

Price comparison

Traditional diapers averaged at $0.22 a piece while natural diaper average price is at $0.35.

Parasol's  Combo Box Diaper Subscription sends three giant packs of diapers along with 4 packs of wipes. The Combo Box is valued at $159, but subscribers only pay $84 with free shipping. With all the savings, Parasol natural diaper average cost is only $0.26. 

Natural diapers are the best choice for mom and baby. Who wouldn’t want to promote a baby's skin health, avoid unnecessary doctor visits and fees, ensure their precious baby is receiving the best possible care, and feel good about doing their part for mama earth?