guide to eco-friendly, cloth, and sustainable diapering

a guide to eco-friendly, cloth, and sustainable diapering

potty training, reducing waste, and making smarter diaper choices

potty training faster: how your diaper choice helps

Every parent looks forward to the day when diapers are no longer needed—but did you know that your choice of diaper can actually speed up potty training? Traditional disposable diapers trap moisture away from your child’s skin, making it harder for them to recognize when they are wet. This delays the potty training process because toddlers don’t get the natural feedback that helps them learn bladder control. On the other hand, cloth diapers and other breathable options allow children to feel wetness sooner, which can help them potty train months earlier than those in disposables. Learn more.

how many diapers does a baby use before potty training?

The average baby goes through 6,000 to 7,000 diapers before being fully potty trained. This adds up to thousands of pounds of waste per child in landfills. By choosing reusable cloth diapers or industrial compost-friendly options, families can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

how to potty train more quickly

Choose the Right Diaper – Cloth or moisture-wicking natural fiber options help kids feel wetness, creating a stronger connection between cause and effect.
Look for Readiness Signs – If your child stays dry for longer periods, pulls at dirty diapers, or shows interest in the toilet, it may be time to start.
Nighttime Training Takes Longer – Most children take extra months (or even years) to stay dry overnight, so consider breathable training pants rather than full diapers.

do disposable diapers delay potty training?

Disposable diapers are designed to keep babies feeling dry, which can make it harder for toddlers to recognize when they are wet. This lack of sensation may delay the potty training process, as children don’t get the natural feedback that helps them connect bladder control with the need to use the toilet.

why do disposable diapers make potty training harder?

Highly absorbent materials – Disposable diapers wick away moisture, reducing a child’s awareness of being wet.
Less motivation to use the potty – If a child stays comfortable in their diaper, they may not feel the need to transition to underwear.
Later potty training trends – Over the last few decades, potty training ages have increased, partly due to the convenience of modern disposables.

While disposable diapers don’t prevent potty training, they can make it take longer. Parents who want a faster potty training experience may benefit from switching to cloth diapers or training pants during the transition period.

what are the most sustainable diapering options?

For parents looking for the most eco-friendly option, cloth diapers remain the gold standard.

are cloth diapers really better than disposable?

Yes, Cloth Diapers are:

Reusable – A single set of cloth diapers can last for years.
Free from Chemicals – No synthetic gels or plastic waste.
Cost-Effective – If you wash your own diapers, while the upfront cost is higher, families can save hundreds over time. Using a cloth diaper service will likely be more expensive than using plastic disposables.

how much water and energy is used to wash cloth diapers?

Many studies show that the environmental impact of washing cloth diapers is still lower than the impact of producing and disposing of thousands of single-use diapers. Plus, using energy-efficient washers and air drying further reduces the footprint.

what are the benefits of cloth diapers vs. compost-friendly disposables?

Choosing between cloth diapers and compost-friendly disposables depends on your priorities—whether it’s reducing waste, convenience, or cost. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

cloth diapers

Benefits:

Reusable & cost-effective – A one-time investment that lasts through multiple children.
Lower environmental impact – Reduces landfill waste significantly.
Fewer chemicals – Lowers exposure to synthetic materials.
Encourages earlier potty training – Helps children recognize wetness faster.

compost-friendly disposables

Benefits:

Convenience – No washing required, making them easier for busy parents.
More eco-friendly than standard disposables – Designed to break down in industrial composting facilities.
Daycare-friendly – Accepted by most childcare providers.

Both options are better for the environment than traditional disposables. If you prefer long-term savings and waste reduction, cloth diapers may be best. If convenience and daycare-friendliness are your priority, compost-friendly disposables offer a good balance.

Many parents assume all disposables end up in landfills forever—but there are new, innovative ways to reduce waste and lessen the environmental impact of diapering.
are diaper companies working on sustainable diapering?

Yes, quite a few companies are working on ways to make diapering more eco-friendly. Around the country you can find services similar to Seattle's Diaper Stork, who provides cloth and compostable diaper services. Some diaper brands such as Boo Diapers and others are working on new diaper technologies such as using bamboo to speed up the time it takes for the diaper to decompose. Companies are also receiving grant money to explore new industrial composting technologies such as turning the diapers into biochar.

are traditional disposable diapers bad for the environment?

Yes. Most disposable diapers contain plastics, synthetic gels, and chemical treatments that take hundreds of years to break down. They account for over 3.5 million tons of landfill waste annually in the U.S. alone.

how long do disposable diapers take to break down?

Disposable diapers take an estimated 300 to 500 years to break down in landfills. Because they contain plastic, synthetic materials, and absorbent gels, they do not decompose like organic waste. Instead, they slowly degrade into smaller pieces of plastic, contributing to long-term environmental pollution. While no disposable diaper breaks down quickly in a landfill, choosing compost-friendly alternatives or reusable cloth diapers can significantly reduce waste and environmental impact.

are biodegradable diapers better than regular disposables?

Many people read the term, “biodegradable diaper” and make the assumption they completely break down in any trash bin, compost heap, or landfill. But the reality is more complex. While there is no such thing as a 100% biodegradable diaper, these diapers do contain more plant-based materials than traditional disposables. When properly disposed of at an industrial composting facility with specific conditions like heat, moisture, and microbial activity, their ability to break down is accelerated. But if thrown into regular trash and sent to a landfill, they may degrade as slowly as conventional disposable diapers.

do huggies, pampers, or costco have eco-friendly diapers?

Huggies, Pampers, and Costco offer diapers with some eco-friendly claims, but none of them are fully biodegradable or compost-friendly. Huggies and Pampers have lines marketed as “natural” or “plant-based,” but they still contain plastics and synthetic materials. Costco’s Kirkland diapers use some plant-based components but are not compostable.

do sustainable diapers reduce chemical exposure?

Traditional disposable diapers contain synthetic gels, fragrances, dyes, and chlorine bleaching residues, which can irritate sensitive skin. Cloth diapers and plant-based industrial compost-friendly diapers help reduce exposure to these chemicals, offering a more natural, skin-friendly alternative.

what are alternatives to disposable diapers?

Cloth Diapers – Reusable, cost-effective, and reduce waste significantly. You can choose to wash diapers yourself or use a cloth diaper service such as Diaper Stork.
Industrial Compost-Friendly Diapers – Some newer diapers, like Boo Diapers, use plant-based materials and can be processed in industrial composting facilities, significantly reducing landfill impact.
Hybrid Diapering Systems – A combination of cloth and industrially compostable diapers that allow flexibility for different lifestyles.
Elimination Communication - Babies are born ready to eliminate away from their bodies, which is why they signal, fuss and cry before they need a diaper change. They want that diaper off so they can stay clean and dry. Give them opportunities at the right times, and you can keep diapers clean and dry.

how industrial composting works & why it’s different from home composting

Many parents want a diaper that doesn’t contribute to landfill waste. While no diaper can be composted in a backyard setup, industrial composting can break down certain plant-based diaper materials safely and effectively.

how does industrial diaper composting work?

Collection & Sorting – Used diapers are collected through a specialized program (like Diaper Stork’s).
High-Heat Processing – Many industrial composting facilities use controlled heat and microbial activity to break down organic materials safely.
Transformation into Biochar – Some industrial composting facilities have the ability to process the diapers into biochar, a nutrient-rich material that helps enrich soil and improve sustainability efforts.

what is biochar and how does it support sustainability?

Biochar is a high-carbon material made by heating organic waste without oxygen. It can improve soil health, water retention, and carbon storage, making it a valuable resource in sustainable waste management. Some industrial composting facilities process diapers into biochar, turning waste into a useful, eco-friendly material rather than sending it to landfills.

common questions about diaper rash

is diaper rash common?

Diaper rash is something almost all families will deal with when diapering their babies, but there are many things you can do to treat and even prevent diaper rash in the first place. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 50% of babies aged between 4-15 months will experience diaper rash at least once in a two-month period. With proper treatment, a rash usually lasts 3-4 days.

how do you prevent diaper rash with cloth or natural diapers?

Change frequently to keep skin dry.
Use cloth-safe barrier creams (avoid petroleum-based products).
Choose breathable covers to reduce irritation.
Offer diaper-free time to let the skin air out.

can you use diaper cream with cloth diapers?

Yes, but avoid traditional creams with petroleum or over 10% zinc oxide, as they can cause buildup and reduce absorbency. Look for cloth-friendly balms instead.

diaper options at daycare

are cloth or industrial composting-friendly diapers allowed at daycare?

Some daycares allow cloth, while others require disposables. If cloth isn’t an option, industrial composting-friendly diapers offer a more sustainable disposable choice that daycares may accept.

how to talk to your daycare about sustainable diapers

Many daycares have strict diapering policies, often defaulting to traditional disposables. However, some are open to cloth diapers or industrial compost-friendly options if presented with the right information.

Ask about policies early – Some providers already allow cloth diapers with specific requirements.
Offer a wet bag – A sealed, odor-proof bag for cloth diapers can address sanitation concerns.
Explain the benefits – Fewer chemicals, less waste, and cost savings can make daycares more receptive.

learn more about eco-friendly diapering

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