If you’re looking for a safer non toxic diaper for your baby, you have probably heard of Kudos and Dyper. There are a lot of thoughts surrounding what the safest diapers are. Between the materials used and the processing of them to create the diaper, a lot of research can go into choosing the right diaper for your little ones. I’ve recently been testing out Kudos diapers with my second baby, after having used Dyper brand exclusively for almost 2 years with my daughter. I felt it was time for a proper Kudos vs Dyper review – as Kudos has been all over instagram and blogs recently after being on Shark Tank. So let’s dive in!
[This post contains affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links. I have personally tried these diapers on both my babies and will only recommend brands I trust!]
If you’re looking into natural and eco-friendly disposable diapers, I did a roundup here. This review is going to focus on Kudos vs Dyper brands specifically.
What is Kudos from Shark Tank?
Kudos is a diaper brand, one of the newer ones on the block. Their claim to fame is they are the first and only disposable diaper that has 100% cotton touching baby’s bum.
About the brand
Founded by MIT and P&G engineers, they set out to create a diaper made of sustainably sourced plant based ingredients and to have only 100% cotton touching baby. They claim they have 4 times more plant based components than the leading brands.
Certifications
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Free of standard 100 harmful chemicals in all parts of the article
Ingredients
What I love about Kudos is they are super transparent with every single ingredient they use to make their diapers and if it’s plant based or not. They make this very easy to understand compared to some other companies, including Dyper.
- Top sheet: Unbleached cotton
- Acquisition distribution layer: Plant-based polyethylene (from sugarcane) and plant-based polylactic acid (from starch derived from corn)
- Core wrap: polypropylene (this is a plastic component found in many diaper brands)
- Absorbent core: Sodium polyacrylate and cellulose pulp (sustainably harvested and totally chlorine free)
- Back sheet/barrier film: Polyethylene/polypropylene blend, calcium carbonate, and printed ink for the print options (CI 21108, CI 15850, CI 74160, CI 77266)
- Cover: Plant-based polyethylene (from sugar cane)
- Leg cuff: Polypropylene and polyurethane elastic
- Closing system:
- Back and Front Ears: Polypropylene, polyester, styrenic hot melt adhesive, elastomeric film.
- Closure Tape: Polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, hot melt adhesives (synthetic rubbers, resins + antioxidant), silicone release agent
- Landing Zone: Polypropylene
- Adhesives: Synthetic rubber based hot melt
- Wetness indicator: Block co-polymer / polycyclopentadiene
Sourcing
All of their cotton is sourced from the US. Diapers are assembled in Germany and Mexico.
What are they free of?
Chlorine, parabens, latex, lotions, fragrances, phthalates
Does Kudos use any bleaching process?
No, they are Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) and do not bleach the cotton. You may notice tiny imperfections and dark spots within the diaper liner, which also shows you they don’t bleach their cotton.
How long does it take them to break down in landfills?
Unsure if they have any of this information available at this time.
Do they offer any sort of composting program?
Not at this time but I know they are looking for ways to improve biodegradability and disrupting the diaper industry! Excited to see what they have in the future.
Do they have a subscription service?
Yes
How good are Kudos Diapers?
I have to say, I really love these diapers. My baby’s skin has been FLAWLESS down there with these. Zero redness, never need diaper rash creams, never irritation around the thighs.
Pros:
- They fit well, they hold a lot of pee, they come in classic white which is my preference (although they have a couple prints available if you like them better)
- Only diaper on market with 100% cotton in contact with your baby’s sensitive skin. This truly does make a difference I think, especially when 100% cotton is also recommended largely for clothing in young babies as well.
Cons:
- They do run small, you have to size up earlier. You’ll know you need to size up by the leaking pee or poop-splosions up the back.
- Feel that poop would often just slide up the back or out the legs before getting absorbed into the diaper a little – feel like sometimes these diapers just couldn’t handle larger poops (this is all on a baby 0-5 months old for reference, and exclusively breastfed).
- When at the larger end of the age range of the diaper size, feel like I encountered multiple nights of pee leaking. This can happen with many diapers, but I didn’t realize the size I was using was such a narrow weight range – 14 to 18lbs and my son is around 17-18 mark when I noticed this so that makes sense!
What are Dyper diapers?
About the brand: Founded by Sergio Radovcic. He started the company to solve three problems: never running out of diapers, treating his daughter’s bum with no harmful chemicals and leaving a better planet behind for his three children.
Their mission is to create a more plant-based, and more biodegradable option for a diaper, using sustainable bamboo, safe manufacturing processes and materials as indicated by their certifications below. I love that they are committed to solving the problem of disposable diapers being a huge problem in landfills because so many of them are mainly plastic and can take 500+ years to break down.
Dyper brand diapers start to degrade within 180 days! Now that is something I can celebrate. I was about to go down the cloth diaper rabbit hole until I found Dyper brand. Biodegradability was something really important to me when choosing disposable diapers. In addition, all the other things they are made without like fragrances, lotions, etc.
Certifications
- Certified B Corp
- Measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Free of standard 100 harmful chemicals in all parts of the article
- OEKO-TEX STeP
- This stands for Sustainable Textile and Leather Production – Per their website, the goal of STeP is “to implement environmentally friendly production processes in the long term, to improve health and safety and to promote socially responsible working conditions at production sites.”
- DERMATEST 5 start rating
- An independent clinical dermatology testing company – clinically tests for adverse skin reactions, and if none, may receive the 5 star rating.
- USDA Certified Biobased
- Diapers are 55% biobased
- Wipes are 95% biobased
- OK Biobased
- Certified ★★ Stars by TÜV Austria, out of 4 stars possible. This is based on the percentage of raw renewable materials used in the products.
Ingredients
Although Dyper is transparent, when comparing Kudos vs Dyper, I feel like I understand the ingredients from Kudos’ description a little better. However, both do have a complete breakdown on their websites which I appreciate!
- Textile content:
- Outside Cover, Inside Cover: 100% Viscose from Bamboo Fibers
- Legcuffs: 100% PP, Inner Film: 100% Bioplastic, Elastics: 100% Elastane, Others.
- Components:
- 22% Sodium Polyacrylate, 35% Elemental Chlorine-Free Wood Pulp, 4% Paper, 9% Polypropylene, 18% Viscose, 6% Bioplastic, 2.3% Adhesive, 3.7% Elastane
- Broken down by layer
- Leakage guard: Hydrophobic Nonwoven
- Top sheet: Bamboo viscose fiber nonwoven – plant based
- Acquisition diffusion layer: nonwoven
- Coating layer: Tissue – plant based
- Absorbent core: Sumitomo SAP (super absorbent polymer), chlorine-free wood pulp
- Breathable film: film – plant based
- Back sheet: Bamboo viscose fiber nonwoven – plant based
- Frontal side ear: nonwoven
- Stretchy side ear: nonwoven composite film
- Hook: magic tape
- Front tape: Nonwoven composite film
- Spandex
What are they free of?
Chlorine, latex, alcohol, lotions, fragrances, phthalates, or TBT (Tributyl-tin).
Does Dyper use any sort of bleaching process?
Yes, they are Elemental Chlorine Free or ECF, meaning that elemental chlorine is not used. However, this usually means they use chlorine dioxide as a whitening agent/process.
It is believed that there could be some dioxins still generated from the chlorine derivatives used in this processing, so this is not considered the safest bleaching option amongst the clean / non-toxic diaper community.
So, I did a little more digging on this for us.
More on ECF and safety:
When looking this up, I found one article in Science Direct, a chapter taken from Pratima Bajpai, in Biermann’s Handbook of Pulp and Paper (Third Edition), 2018.
- The except states that research shows that treated wastewater from well-managed paper and pulp mills using ECF bleaching were virtually free of dioxin and persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances.
- It also stated that remaining organic substances containing chlorine had a composition similar to those in nature, degraded naturally and didn’t persist in the surrounding environment.
I found another article from 2017 published in Clinical Pediatrics, that helps reassure this, debunking myths about diapers.
- This article goes on to describe ECF bleaching was introduced back in the 1990s to help get rid of dioxins in the paper and pulp industry. Elemental Chlorine Gas which was used previously left many unwanted and toxic chemicals/pollutants in the process.
- Chlorine dioxide has a different structure and acts differently than elemental chlorine, is used in water treatment/purification, and deemed dioxin-free by many agencies such as the FDA, and EPA.
Dyper used to be TCF but had changed to ECF within recent years I believe, and I’m not sure why. I think maybe I’ll email them on this one!
Totally Chlorine Free (TCF), which is what Kudos is, is the truly chlorine free whitening process. Totally chlorine free processing is usually hydrogen peroxide, oxygen and ozone from what I understand. Although I don’t mind the elemental chlorine free designation, some people choose to only use brands that are TCF.
How long does it take them to break down in landfills?
Per their website, their diapers have been tested by SGS and shown to degrade more than 70% in 180 days. Ultimate degradability of any product depends on a number of factors including disposal location and specific conditions.
Do they offer any sort of composting program?
Yes they have their program called REDYPER!
Pros:
- You can return your diapers and wipes (yes, used ones) via the REDYPER program for commercial composting. SO COOL.
- They offer a mail away program OR they have a local pickup option in 21 cities now!
Cons:
- Yes it costs money though
- Mail away boxes: this used to be $39 a month, however when looking this up for the purpose of this review, it looks like this whole process changed since they now are offering the local pickup options in multiple cities. The boxes + compostable bags kit is $150. If this is for one month of REDYPER that is way over the price of the diapers themselves and doesn’t make this affordable for anyone honestly.
- Local pickup is $20 per pickup, plus cost of the compostable bags ($5/10 bags). To me, this is a way more affordable option, but is super limited to 21 cities so far.
How good are Dyper Diapers?
I LOVED these diapers since the first time I’ve used them. I used them exclusively for my daughter for nearly 2 years once I found them. They work so well, absorb like a dream, lasted all night for the most part, and never caused reactions.
Pros:
- Generous fit
- Great absorption
- Super quick shipping and excellent customer service
- Excellent certifications, Certified B corp, safety certifications – the company is doing amazing things
Cons:
- More expensive than some others
- Wipes aren’t as clean as others, but work great never any issues with skin sensitivity
- Not Totally Chlorine Free (TCF), which may be a deterrent for some.
Are Kudos diapers safe?
Absolutely – I love that they are cotton based touching baby’s skin, they use tons of plant based materials to reduce the amount of plastic in the diaper like many mainstream diapers are made of. No added lotions, fragrances, chlorine etc.
Also Kudos are Totally Chlorine Free, meaning no chlorine or derivatives are used in any whitening process, and they don’t whiten their cotton.
Are Dyper diapers safe?
In my opinion, yes! I also love that they are bamboo touching baby’s skin, not plastic. They also try to reduce the amount of plastic, free of lotions, fragrances, chlorine etc. I am completely comfortable using them with their Elemental Chlorine Free bleaching process based on my research, but if you aren’t comfortable with this, Kudos may be the winner here then!
Kudos vs Dyper: are their diapers biodegradable?
Winner: DYPER
Dyper: partially yes – As mentioned above their diapers are shown to degrade more than 70% in 180 days, and they have their REDYPER program to help with commercially composting as well.
Kudos: I don’t think they have this information available yet, but I believe they are working towards this information and pushing the industry to hopefully have a more compostable diaper out there!
How is the fit of Kudos vs Dyper?
Winner: DYPER
Kudos – definitely runs smaller and more narrow. Kudos tells you to size up if your baby is in between or on the cusp of sizes. That being said, I just ordered size 4s, which are currently on their way, and will compare to the Dyper size 3s for reference!
Kudos size 3 is 14 – 19 lbs, Kudos size 4 is 18 to 26 lbs. Dyper size 3 is 16 – 28 lbs for reference.
Dyper – definitely runs more generously sized, and has a wider fit, which I like as I think it helps prevent more poop-splosions!
How is the absorption of Kudos vs Dyper?
Winner: DYPER
Absorption is hands down better with Dyper – they just absorb poops better especially for the infant stage when they are on an all milk diet – I find we have slightly less poop-splosions than with the Kudos ones.
Do they prevent blowouts?
Winner: DYPER
Dyper I have definitely still had a few blowouts with my daughter, but so far with my son, Dyper is winning on the blowout prevention compared to Kudos – and this could be that I needed to size up again already with Kudos. I just ordered size 4, and I am going to update this review if this changes for me!
I do feel like I’ve had a ton of poop-splosions up the back with Kudos, whereas more near misses with Dyper – if that makes sense?
Do they last overnight?
Winner: TIE
Right now my baby started sleeping on his stomach. Immediately we had Kudos overnight leaks if I didn’t change it half way through the night. Dyper brand we also had a leak though, I think it’s the combination of the overnight feeds and having a boy this time around – Dyper never failed me overnight with my daughter! I was having mostly success with Kudos as well until recently. Again, I am sizing up to help prevent this and will report back!
Do they offer a subscription?
Winner: KUDOS
While both offer a subscription, Kudos is slightly less expensive for both Diapers and Wipes!
What is the cost of Kudos vs Diaper?
Winner: KUDOS
Dyper: $99 for a monthly box, or $89 for a monthly subscription
Kudos: $88 for a monthly box, or $78 for a monthly subscription
Dyper + wipes (4 pack bundle): $123 for a monthly box + wipes. $109 for a monthly subscription ($89 for diapers, $20 for wipes)
Kudos + wipes (4 pack) bundle: $112 per monthly box with wipes, or $100 for a monthly subscription ($78 for diapers, $22 for wipes)
Shipping Speeds of Kudos vs Dyper
Winner: DYPER
Hands down, DYPER is THERE FOR YOU when you need them. You need an emergency pack shipped to you? I’ve gotten diapers literally within 1 or 2 days when I order them. Reach out to customer service with a need? They get back to you SO quick – their customer service is second to none. They are just excellent.
Kudos on the other hand, I had to switch the size recently and although their subscription ships in plenty of time before you run out of diapers, their shipping is super slow in my opinion on the regular orders. Like if you are in a diaper emergency, it’s a little slow to me, and you can’t get Kudos in a regular store either.
- For example, it says my box of size 4s shipped on Tuesday October 31st. It’s now November 5th and the ETA is November 6th. As I am writing this it’s now Sunday evening on November 5th – so about a weeks time. If you are running super low like I was, because of a switch in size and shipping back the old box etc – I had to emergency order DYPER in the meantime from Walmart and then my box I ordered from them came the next day.
- That being said, I still love them and the subscription shipping is perfectly timed!
Can you purchase Kudos or Dyper in regular stores versus online?
Winner: DYPER
Dyper has recently been available at Walmart and also Target – although I haven’t seen them personally on shelves, I know they are starting to readily be available from other big box stores and have personally received gifts from them and also ordered from Walmart as well. When I needed a pack of backup diapers I’ve easily been able to grab some at Walmart!
Kudos is still direct to consumer from their website. I’m hoping they’ll be also available at some of these stores in the future as well!
Customer service of Kudos vs Dyper
Winner: TIE
Both are great honestly!
How do the wipes stack up?
Winner: KUDOS
While both are biodegradable wipes, Kudos are EWG verified, and have a slightly better ingredient profile. I find they are super moist, do a great job, never irritate my kids skin (we use these for our potty trained toddler as well). They also clean up messes well.
Dyper are great, I used them for 2 years and still would, but I love the packaging on the Kudos and I love that they don’t have benzethonium chloride, which can be a skin irritant to some. Of note, Dyper also makes a few other different variations, and their extra large ones don’t include benzethonium chloride. The other ones I have to look into they make a couple other variations of their wipes now.
Kudos wipes:
Biodegradable? Yes
Ingredients: Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Squalane, Sodium Levulinate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.
Material: 100% VEOCEL™ Lyocell fibers.
EWG verified? Yes
Dyper wipes:
Biodegradable? Yes
Ingredients: Water (99%), Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Benzethonium Chloride, Citric Acid.
Material: 100% viscose from Bamboo
EWG verified? No
Final Thoughts: Would I recommend either brand over the other?
Honestly, It comes down to what is most important to you!
Cotton versus Bamboo, compostability, sizing and fit for your baby. I have two subscriptions going right now because I can’t decide myself.
Kudos is excellent, it’s 100% cotton which is super safe for baby, minimal processing, Totally chlorine free, fits well, does a great job for the most part, excellent wipes.
Dyper is also excellent, sustainable as a company, trying to do better for the planet, excellent absorption and larger fit holds more poop in my opinion, but not Totally chlorine free which could be a deal breaker for some. Based on my research on ECF, Dyper are still 100% okay in my book and I still love what they do as a company.
You really can’t go wrong with either, I’d for sure give them both a try!
Where to buy Kudos and Dyper:
If you want to try Kudos, you can use code SARAHFAMA for 10% off your first purchase!
If you want to try Dyper, you can get 50% off your first box here!
You can also find Dyper at Walmart in different package sizes, and Dyper also has their new black charcoal diapers you can find exclusively online and at Target! I haven’t tried these yet. Will report back if I do, they are pricier so I haven’t tried them yet.
Have you tried either of these diaper brands? Share your thoughts with me here or see you on the ‘gram!
xo – Sarah