Do You Really Know What Your Baby’s Nappy Is Made Of?

From the first days at home right through to toddlerhood, nappies are worn almost around the clock, yet few of us know much about what goes into them. Here is a straightforward guide to the layers, the labels and the certifications, so you can choose with a little more confidence.

Many parents happily spend a few minutes scanning the ingredients list on a baby wash or a tub of moisturiser. Nappies tend to escape the same scrutiny, even though they spend more time against a baby’s skin than almost anything else. Part of the problem is that it is not always obvious what a nappy is made from, or what is in the materials sitting closest to that delicate skin.

Words such as plant-based, natural and skin-friendly now appear on plenty of packs, but they do not always tell the full story. Understanding how a nappy is put together is a good place to start.

A nappy in layers

Every nappy is built from several layers, and each one has its own job. The top sheet is the part that rests directly against your baby. Underneath, absorbent layers draw liquid away and help stop leaks, while the cuffs and the outer layer keep everything snug and secure.

This matters when you are reading claims on the packaging. A nappy described as plant-based may only use plant-based material in one particular layer rather than throughout. It is also worth remembering that plant-based is not the same as completely plastic-free or biodegradable, so it pays to check exactly what is being promised.

Are fragrance and lotion necessary?

Some nappies contain added fragrance or lotion, but neither plays any part in the main task of absorbing liquid and preventing leaks. If you would rather your baby went without them, look for packs that clearly state perfume-free and lotion-free.

Vague descriptions such as gentle are worth a second look too. Independent testing tends to give a far clearer picture of how a nappy has been assessed for use on sensitive skin.

Making sense of certifications

Certification logos can be confusing, partly because each one answers a different question. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 tests products for a range of potentially harmful substances and applies especially strict criteria to items made for babies and young children. DIN CERTO certifies biobased materials and products made partly or fully from renewable resources. Dermatest, meanwhile, looks at how well a product is tolerated by skin through dermatological testing.

As with plant-based claims, a certification may apply to a specific material rather than to the whole product. Knowing what each one actually covers makes it much easier to compare brands fairly.

What this looks like in practice

Swedish brand Naty, which has been making baby and women’s hygiene products since 1994, is one example of a company putting these principles front and centre. Its BioEmbrace nappies use certified plant-based materials in every layer that touches the skin, including the top sheet, leg cuffs and backsheet, with DIN CERTO certification. The absorbent core combines FSC-certified pulp with superabsorbent materials, and there is no added perfume or lotion.

The nappies also carry OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification and have been through Dermatest Hyposense testing, which rated them hypoallergenic with excellent tolerability on sensitive skin. Practical touches include a wetness indicator, and the brand says they are designed to give up to 12 hours of leak protection, based on in-home consumer testing of size 4. The range sits alongside FreeMovers nappy pants and wet wipes, and can be found online through Naty, Amazon and Ocado, as well as in Boots, Waitrose and independent health shops.

Three questions to ask next time

Whichever brand you choose, a few simple questions can help cut through the marketing. Which materials actually touch my baby’s skin? Has fragrance or lotion been added? And what, specifically, has been independently tested or certified?

Taking a moment to look for those answers on the pack can make a familiar everyday purchase feel a lot clearer, and help you find the nappy that suits your baby best.

Ollēdi © 2026

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