Nappies: What We’d Actually Buy
No disposable nappy is non-toxic.
They all rely on plastics to work — and they all end up in landfill.
So the decision isn’t “toxic vs non-toxic.” It’s how much unnecessary chemical input you’re willing to accept.
Mainstream nappies prioritise cost and performance. They meet safety standards but they’re not stripped back. The better approach is to reduce what doesn’t need to be there.
That comes down to:
1. Processing
How the absorbent core (the inner material that holds liquid) is treated during manufacturing
2. Additives
Fragrance, lotions, dyes — none of which improve performance
- • No fragrance, lotions or dyes
- • Uses some plant-based plastic (sugarcane instead of fossil fuels)
- • Holds for ~3–4 hours daytime use without leaks
- • Absorbent core processed using chlorine compounds
- • Can struggle overnight for heavier wetters
- • Fit is average — less forgiving if your baby is between sizes
- • No fragrance, lotions or dyes
- • Absorbent core processed without chlorine
- • Independently tested for common skin irritants
- • Uses wood from responsibly managed forests (FSC-certified)
- • Lower absorbency — more prone to overnight leaks
- • Narrower fit — more prone to blowouts if between sizes
- • Material difference vs Tooshies is minimal — mainly how the core is processed
- • No fragrance, lotions or dyes
- • Uses some plant-based fibres (including bamboo)
- • Absorbent core processed using chlorine compounds
- • Absorbency drops off after ~3 hours
- • Feels wetter sooner — needs more frequent changes
- • “Bamboo” is only part of the material — still mostly plastic + synthethic core
- • No added fragrance or lotions
- • Very high absorbency — handles overnight well
- • Easy to buy at Coles
- • Absorbent core processed using chlorine compounds
- • Uses dyes
- • Bulkier fit — helps reduce blowouts but feels heavy when saturated
- • Limited transparency on materials
- • Does not meet the Clean Bar
- • No added fragrance or lotions
- • Soft inner lining
- • Easy to buy at Woolworths
- • Absorbent core processed using chlorine compounds
- • Uses dyes
- • Can sag or feel wet sooner
- • Limited transparency on materials
- • Marketed as "premium" - materials are standard
- • Does not meet the Clean Bar
We’d go with Tooshies because it keeps things simple — no added fragrance, lotions or dyes. It's also cheaper and more consistent in day-to-day performance than comparable "clean" options.
Convenience matters too. If we’re at Coles or Woolies, we'll pick up Rascals and Millie Moon — especially as they often go on sale and it's nice to have backups on hand.
In reality, most parents end up rotating between nappies. You might use something like Rascals overnight and lean on a cleaner option like Tooshies during the day.
Sometimes, it's not about finding the cleanest option — it’s about finding what works and what you can easily keep buying.
