In 2019, health authorities alarmed diaper manufacturers about the number of toxic substances contained in baby diapers. Indeed, the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) had noted on the basis of an analysis that these products, although designed for the fragile skin of babies, had allergenic, carcinogenic and reprotoxic substances. They then ordered the manufacturers and distributors of baby diapers to correct the situation within a set deadline. Information that has cause for concern for parents, who cannot do without diapers for the first years of their child. Fortunately, there are alternatives such as ecological layers.

Eco-friendly diapers: an alternative to traditional disposable diapers

Given the revelations of potentially dangerous substances that traditional baby diapers can contain, manufacturers have had to take action. The same goes for parents who have every interest in opt for ecological diapers, which turn out to be a better choice not only for baby's health, but also for the environment.

In fact, choosing an ecological diaper means making sure that it does not contain harmful substances or perfumes that could irritate baby's fragile skin and pollute nature. This must be designed with bio-based materials, and in particular the natural cellulose instead of petrochemicals. This type of diaper is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested to ensure its safety.

The advantage of ecological layers is that they also make it possible to ensure that they have been produced with respect for the environment : 100% green electricity for production, materials from well-managed forests and controlled sources, etc. These are the criteria on which you must be careful when choosing ecological disposable diapers, because some brands cheat on the composition of their products proclaimed "ecological": it is the " greenwashing"

Otherwise, you can also choose the washable ecological diapers available on the internet now, and which have been designed to ensure maximum comfort for babies with a little maintenance from parents.

What are the controversial substances in disposable diapers?

The survey carried out by ANSES in 2019 revealed a significant exceedance of health thresholds for at least one chemical in the composition of many disposable diapers. These include hydrocarbons (PAH) from the glues on the closure strips, pesticides which mainly come from raw materials, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde...

The most controversial substances are voluntarily added fragrances in order to "mask the bad smell", chlorine derivatives used during the bleaching of the product as well as the molecules that can form during manufacture: dioxins, PBC, furans ...

These are all products that can be potentially harmful to the baby's skin and health, especially since their buttocks are in wet contact with them, for months or even years! Without forgetting that these substances are particularly polluting given the fact that the thousands of dirty diapers will irreparably end up swelling the ranks of non-compostable waste buried in storage sites, or burned.