Because you are going to change a lot of diapers. You might as well make the setup a good one.
There are a few things nobody really prepares you for before having a baby.
Like how many diapers one tiny person can go through.
How quickly you can identify a poop by smell from another room.
Or how you somehow become extremely passionate about diaper cream.
Welcome to parenthood.
The good news is that diapering doesn’t need to be complicated.
You really need diapers, something to clean baby with, something to protect their skin and somewhere to put everything.
That’s the basic formula.
But if you’re trying to make more thoughtful choices about the products you’re using on your baby every day, there are some easy swaps worth considering.
We’ve rounded up our favourite non-toxic, organic and eco-conscious diapering essentials — with a focus on simple ingredients, better materials, less unnecessary fragrance and products that actually work.
Our Non-Toxic Diapering Philosophy
Let’s get one thing out of the way.
There is no such thing as a completely impact-free diaper.
Disposable diapers contain a variety of materials, including absorbent polymers and synthetic components. Even the most eco-conscious disposable options aren’t going to disappear into thin air after one use.
So we don’t believe in chasing perfection.
Instead, we look for:
- Fewer unnecessary ingredients
- No added fragrance where possible
- No unnecessary lotions
- Responsibly sourced materials
- Organic cotton where practical
- Reusable options where they actually make sense
- Transparent ingredient lists
- Recognized certifications
- Products that are gentle enough for everyday use
Better, not perfect.
That’s our approach to pretty much everything.
1. Bambo Nature Diapers
Our pick for a more eco-conscious disposable diaper
If you’re looking for a disposable diaper with a stronger environmental focus, Bambo Nature is one of the first brands we’d put on your list.
Bambo Nature diapers are made in Denmark and carry certifications including the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, EU Ecolabel and FSC. They’re also made without added perfume, lotions or parabens.
They’re breathable, absorbent and available from newborn through toddler sizes.
And perhaps most importantly:
They still work like a diaper.
Because being eco-conscious is great.
Cleaning up a diaper explosion at 3 a.m. is not.
Why we like them
- No added perfume
- No lotions
- No parabens
- Dermatologically tested
- Nordic Swan Ecolabel
- EU Ecolabel
- FSC-certified materials
- Breathable design
- Latex-free leg cuffs
- Wetness indicator
- Available in newborn sizes
Bambo Nature also uses responsibly sourced cellulose and says it avoids a number of substances of concern in its manufacturing process.
Our tip
Don’t buy an enormous supply of newborn diapers before your baby arrives.
Babies have opinions.
And occasionally those opinions involve diaper sizing.
Shop Bambo Nature Diapers on Amazon Canada →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=Bambo+Nature+Baby+Diapers
2. La Petite Crème Organic Diapering Lotion
Our favourite diapering-skin swap
This is one of those products that makes us wonder why diapering has become so complicated.
La Petite Crème is a French-inspired diapering lotion designed to clean, moisturize and protect baby’s skin in one step.
The current formula contains just six ingredients:
- Organic extra virgin olive oil
- Organic beeswax
- Organic vegetable glycerin
- Water
- Limestone
- Vitamin E
The brand recommends applying it directly to the skin or to a cotton pad or washable cloth, then using that to clean baby.
It’s also listed by EWG as an EWG Verified product.
Why we love it
Instead of having:
wipes + diaper cream + moisturizer
you essentially have one simple product doing several jobs.
That’s exactly the kind of product we like.
Less stuff.
Less clutter.
Less ingredient detective work.
Shop La Petite Crème
Amazon Canada →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=La+Petite+Creme+Organic+Diapering+Lotion
La Petite Crème →
https://www.lapetitecreme.com/
3. Organic Muslin Cloths
The surprisingly versatile diapering essential
If there’s one baby product we recommend buying in multiples, it’s muslin cloths.
They can be used for:
- Diaper changes
- Burping
- Cleaning baby’s face
- Bath time
- Spit-up emergencies
- Changing-pad covers
- Nursing
- Messes you didn’t see coming
And unlike disposable wipes, you can simply wash them and use them again.
Look for 100% organic cotton muslin where possible.
BIBS, for example, offers 100% organic cotton muslin cloths designed to be used as burp cloths, nursing covers, changing-mat covers and bibs.
How many?
I’d start with 6–12.
You will probably use them.
A lot.
Shop organic cotton muslin cloths on Amazon Canada →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=organic+cotton+muslin+cloths+baby
4. WaterWipes
For when reusable isn’t practical
We love reusable cloths.
We also live in the real world.
Sometimes you’re in the car.
Sometimes you’re travelling.
Sometimes the diaper situation has escalated beyond what a washable cloth can reasonably handle.
That’s where WaterWipes come in.
They’re made primarily from purified water with a small amount of fruit extract, making them one of the simpler disposable wipe options.
Why we like them
- Very short ingredient list
- No added fragrance
- Designed for sensitive skin
- Convenient for travel
- Easy newborn option
They’re still disposable, so we don’t consider them a “zero-waste” product.
They’re simply a practical option when reusable cloth isn’t convenient.
Shop WaterWipes on Amazon Canada →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=WaterWipes+Baby+Wipes
5. La Petite Crème Organic Diaper Balm
For when baby’s bottom needs a little extra protection
The La Petite Crème diapering lotion is fantastic for everyday cleaning and moisturizing.
But sometimes baby’s skin needs a little more.
That’s where a simple diaper balm can come in handy.
La Petite Crème’s organic diaper balm uses five ingredients:
- Organic extra virgin olive oil
- Organic beeswax
- Water
- Limestone
- Vitamin E
The brand positions it as a more concentrated protective option than its everyday diapering lotion.
Our approach
You don’t necessarily need to coat your baby’s bottom in cream at every diaper change.
Use a protective balm when you actually need additional barrier support.
And if your baby’s rash is persistent, worsening or concerning, talk with your healthcare provider rather than trying to solve everything with another product.
Shop La Petite Crème Diaper Balm →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=La+Petite+Creme+Organic+Diaper+Balm
6. Organic Cotton Washcloths
For a reusable diapering routine
If you’re trying to cut down on disposable wipes, small organic cotton washcloths are one of the easiest swaps.
They’re inexpensive.
They’re washable.
They’re useful.
And you can use them for plenty of things beyond diaper changes.
Look for:
- 100% cotton
- Organic certification where possible
- Soft texture
- Machine washable
- Small size
La Petite Crème specifically recommends using its diapering lotion with a washable washcloth as a reusable alternative to disposable cotton pads.
Shop organic cotton baby washcloths →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=organic+cotton+baby+washcloths
7. A Simple Changing Pad
Keep the surface easy to clean
You don’t need a complicated changing station.
You need a safe, comfortable surface that is easy to clean.
If you’re trying to reduce synthetic materials, look for changing pads made with clearly disclosed materials and avoid unnecessary PVC where possible.
An easy-clean surface is especially important because:
Babies do not respect the changing pad.
They will pee on it.
They will poop on it.
They will somehow poop beyond it.
Choose accordingly.
Shop changing pads on Amazon Canada →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=non+toxic+baby+changing+pad
8. Organic Cotton Changing Pad Cover
For a softer layer
If you’re using a wipeable changing pad, an organic cotton cover gives you a soft layer against baby’s skin.
Keep a couple on hand so one can be in the wash while the other is in use.
And yes, this is another situation where buying two makes considerably more sense than buying one beautiful cover and pretending laundry happens instantly.
Shop organic cotton changing pad covers →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=organic+cotton+changing+pad+cover
9. Diaper Caddy
Not technically “non-toxic” — but absolutely essential
We care about materials.
We also care about not walking across the house 37 times a day.
A simple diaper caddy lets you keep your essentials together:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- La Petite Crème
- Muslin cloths
- Extra onesie
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable bags, if needed
Choose a simple fabric or natural-fiber option if you can.
And keep it portable.
The nursery is not always where the diaper change happens.
Shop diaper caddies on Amazon Canada →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=organic+cotton+diaper+caddy
10. Reusable Diaper Pail Liners
For families using cloth or reusable diapering products
If you’re incorporating reusable cloths or cloth diapers into your routine, a washable waterproof liner can help keep your diaper system organized.
Look for:
- Reusable construction
- Washable materials
- Waterproof lining
- Durable seams
You don’t have to go fully cloth diaper to incorporate reusable elements into your diapering routine.
Even replacing some disposable products with washable cloths is a step in the right direction.
Shop reusable diaper pail liners →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=reusable+diaper+pail+liner
11. Diaper Disposal Bags
For the diaper bag
At home, you can have your preferred disposal system.
On the go?
You need somewhere to put the diaper.
Look for biodegradable or compostable bags where appropriate — but read the actual claims carefully.
“Eco-friendly” is a very broad marketing term.
And something being biodegradable doesn’t necessarily mean it will break down quickly in a landfill.
Our preference is:
Use fewer bags when possible, and choose a lower-impact option when you actually need one.
Shop diaper disposal bags →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=compostable+diaper+disposal+bags
12. Organic Cotton Diaper Changing Basket
For the minimalist nursery
If you’re going to keep your diaper supplies on a dresser or changing table, a simple woven or organic cotton basket can keep everything contained.
We’d rather have one good basket than a drawer full of tiny plastic organizers.
Put the essentials inside.
Done.
Shop natural diaper changing baskets →
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=natural+cotton+diaper+caddy+basket
Our Ideal Non-Toxic Diapering Setup
If we were starting from scratch, we’d keep it simple.
For baby
Bambo Nature diapers
For a more eco-conscious disposable option.
La Petite Crème diapering lotion
For everyday cleaning, moisturizing and protection.
La Petite Crème diaper balm
For additional barrier protection when needed.
Organic muslin cloths
For reusable cleaning and approximately 900 other jobs.
WaterWipes
For when you’re out and about.
For the changing station
Simple changing pad
Easy to wipe clean.
Organic cotton covers
Soft and washable.
Diaper caddy
Keeps everything together.
Washable cloths
For reducing disposable wipe use.
For the diaper bag
Keep it extremely simple:
- 5–6 diapers
- WaterWipes
- 2 muslin cloths
- La Petite Crème travel size
- One change of clothes
- Portable changing pad
- Disposal bags
That’s it.
You do not need to pack the entire nursery every time you leave the house.
What We Would Skip
We’re all for thoughtful baby products.
We’re not all for buying things because someone put “eco” on the label.
You can probably skip:
- Scented diaper products
- Disposable changing-pad covers
- Wipe warmers
- Excessive plastic organizers
- Fragranced baby powder
- Giant diapering kits with 37 unnecessary pieces
- Products that don’t clearly disclose their materials
- Buying six different diaper brands before you know what fits your baby
Start simple.
Then adjust.
Disposable vs. Reusable: You Don’t Have to Pick a Side
This is one of our favourite things about creating a more eco-conscious baby routine:
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
You can use disposable diapers and washable cloths.
You can use disposable wipes when you’re travelling and cloths at home.
You can use an eco-conscious disposable diaper without switching to full-time cloth.
You can make one better choice at a time.
That’s still progress.
The Best Part? Less Stuff.
The more we research baby products, the more we come back to the same conclusion:
You don’t actually need that much.
A good diaper.
Something simple to clean baby’s skin.
A protective balm.
A handful of muslin cloths.
A changing pad.
A caddy.
Done.
The goal isn’t to create the world’s most elaborate changing station.
It’s to create one that works.
Our Best for Baby Diapering Picks
| Essential | Our Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable diaper | Bambo Nature | Eco-conscious + fragrance/lotion-free |
| Everyday diapering lotion | La Petite Crème | Six-ingredient formula |
| Diaper balm | La Petite Crème | Simple protective formula |
| Disposable wipes | WaterWipes | Minimal ingredient approach |
| Reusable cloth | Organic cotton muslin | Washable + versatile |
| Washcloth | Organic cotton | Simple reusable option |
| Changing pad | Simple wipeable pad | Practical + easy to clean |
| Organization | Diaper caddy | Keeps everything together |
| On-the-go | Portable changing pad | Makes diaper changes easier |
The Bottom Line
Diapering is going to take up a surprising amount of your life for a while.
So make it simple.
Choose diapers without unnecessary fragrance or lotions.
Use organic cotton and reusable cloths where practical.
Keep ingredients simple.
Choose products you’ll actually use.
And don’t feel guilty when convenience wins.
Because there will be days when the reusable cloths are in the washing machine, the baby is screaming and you are standing in the kitchen holding a diaper like it personally offended you.
On those days?
Use the wipes.
We promise.
Better choices, not perfect choices.
That’s always the goal at Best for Baby Collective.
Disclosure
Some links in this article are Amazon.ca or other affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, Best for Baby Collective may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Product formulations, certifications and availability can change. We recommend checking the manufacturer’s current ingredient list, certifications and product information before purchasing. “Non-toxic,” “natural” and “eco-friendly” are not guarantees that a product has zero environmental or health impact.
