Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection | |||||
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Awards | Best Premium Disposable Diaper | Best Overall Disposable Diaper | Best Disposable Diaper in Stores | Best Budget-friendly Disposable Diaper | |
Price | $0.57 List | $0.56 List | $0.27 List $0.30 at Amazon | $0.35 List $0.36 at Amazon | $0.31 List $0.25 each at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A greener diaper with good absorbency and a comfy fit, but the leak protection and durability are lacking | Impressive absorption and leak protection make this high-end diaper a real contender if you can afford the price of admission | Impressive performance and better health nods than you'd expect make this a budget-friendly diaper parents will love | With great absorption and leak protection, this durable and comfy diaper is a reasonably priced option for most families | Good absorption and few leaks with a budget price that are easy to find, but no nods for eco-health |
Rating Categories | Seventh Generation... | Parasol Clear and Dry | Kirkland Signature | Hello Bello Premium | Huggies Snug & Dry |
Absorption (45%) | |||||
Leakage (25%) | |||||
Comfort (20%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Specs | Seventh Generation... | Parasol Clear and Dry | Kirkland Signature | Hello Bello Premium | Huggies Snug & Dry |
Type of Diaper Green/Traditional | Green | Green | Traditional | Green | Traditional |
Chlorine-Free ECF/TCF | TCF | TCF | ECF | TFC | Not Listed |
Fragrance-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No - Strong baby powder scent |
Biodegradable | Not Listed | Not listed | Not listed | No | Not listed |
Contains SAP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Miscellaneous Materials Details | Wood fluff pulp free from chlorine processing (absorbent core) Sodium polyacrylate (absorbent core) Polypropylene (core wrap, cuff, inner liner, fastening system, outer layer) Polyethylene (breathable moisture barrier, outer layer) Polyolefins (Acquisition layer) Polyurethane (Waist elastic) Adhesives (seams, joints) Polymer Spandex (fastening system, leg elastic) Inks (external printed designs) Pigments |
Made with "Drylock" technology, which means less wood pulp is used for core of diaper | Made with Plant Based Materials (At least 23%+ by weight) | TCF fluff pulp from sustainably managed forests, a high-performance Super Absorbent Polymer, polypropylene/polyethylene/polyester nonwoven fibers, plant-derived PLA nonwoven fiber, spandex strands, and an elastomeric fill | Wood Pulp Sodium Polyacrylate Polypropylene Polyethylene Adhesives Polyester Polyrurethane elastics |
Wetness Indicator | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Stretchable side wings | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Stretchable Back of Diaper | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Eco-Awards & Certifications | FSC Certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified | Nordic Swan Eco Label, PEFC Forest Sustainability, PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan, Original Excellent Dermatest , FSC, ROHS compliant | Good Housekeeping ~ "2022 Parenting Awards" New York Magazine ~ "Best Diaper Subscription" ptpa.com ~ "winner" |
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Dye-Free | The entire diaper is dyed light brown and there is a printed pattern on top of that | Uses water-based inks | Not listed, does have a print | No | "Printing inks are used to provide a decorative design. The colorants and pigments we use are evaluated to ensure they are safe and non-sensitizing." |
Lotion-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Listed |
Latex-Free | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Yes | Not listed |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Seventh Generation company has been operating for 25 years, offering products that range from baby supplies to household cleaners.
Performance Comparison
Likes
Seventh Generation diapers earned a relatively good score for absorption. We were impressed with this diaper as it achieved consistently good results in all three rounds of absorbency testing. These diapers show less green transfer on the filter paper than more than half of the diapers, indicating that they effectively lock away excess moisture.
Perhaps, our only complaint is that they didn't distribute the liquid very well. Much of the “urine” remained in the center, never fully reaching each end of the diaper. While not a deal-breaker, it could indicate that increased wetness may not absorb at all after the center is saturated. Arguably, it is time for a diaper change, but some of the best diaper competitors utilize their lock-away cores from end to end more evenly.
Sensitive Protection earned one of the highest scores for comfort. The materials are soft and non-abrasive, smooth inside and out, with no quilting or texture. Even in areas where the fabric is wrinkled and folded, it is soft to the touch. Our tester was at ease in this diaper, and at points of motion such as leg gussets and waistband, he did not experience any lasting marks or rashes.
Sensitive Protection is above average for being eco-friendly. Sensitive Protection diapers are not biodegradable, but the Totally Chlorine Free bleaching process eliminates the output of dioxins and other pollutants into the environment. Seventh Generation is also a certified B Company and has FSC and Rainforest Alliance certifications to boot. Although not the most environmentally friendly, we admire the company for taking steps in the right direction.
These diapers are free of perfumes and lotions. However, the entire diaper is dyed. According to the manufacturer, even the “brown layered materials” contain dye. This practice feels intentionally misleading, as the brown color falsely indicates a more natural product when it actually uses more dye than competitors. Seventh Generation does not list any allergy certifications for their diapers. Still, they partially disclose their ingredients and allude to some more health-friendly practices.
Dislikes
A combination of research and hands-on leak testing shows that Sensitive Protection diapers are slightly below average in terms of leak protection. This diaper absorbed liquid almost instantly in our runoff tests, letting very little mock urine reach the pan. This kind of result, along with high absorption rates, typically indicates good leakage protection. However, a higher percentage of online reviewers reported issues with leakage or blowouts.
Diaper fit and the frequency of changes influence the overall leak protection it can provide; any diaper will leak if it gets too full. So to ensure your baby is blowout-free (as much as one can), use a properly sized diaper, and attach the tabs so it is snug around your baby's waist. We also recommend frequently checking your child's diaper to see if it is soiled.
Durability is not a strong point for Sensitive Protection diapers. While beating out some competing green diapers in this metric, they still scored below average for the group. Nearly 20% of users reported some durability concerns in our research. The most prominently reported issue is the construction of the diaper not holding up during use and leaking SAP. Some parents noticed extreme sagginess when wet, with the diapers even falling apart in some cases. However, it can be challenging to determine the durability of a single-use product. Tab durability and fabric integrity, Sensitive Protection diapers faired relatively well in our side-by-side tests.
Should You Buy the Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection?
This could be a potential contender based on your goals. However, new additions to the diaper lineup show better diapers are available at multiple price points and with benefits from near-perfect absorption to better eco-friendliness. This makes it feel like there are better options no matter what your goals are.
What Other Disposable Diaper Should You Consider?
We think the Hello Bello Premium is a good contender as an alternative to the Seventh Generation. This diaper has a cheaper price and higher scores for leak protection, health, and the environment. It also sports the same absorption scores making it generally better overall than the Seventh Generation. If your budget is tight, the Kirkland Signature has some of the best absorbency but lower scores for health and the Earth. If your goal is the highest score for eco-health, Eco by Naty is one to consider. With good scores in most metrics, this eco-friendly diaper is a green option families can feel good about.