Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection Review

The Seventh Generation company has been operating for 25 years, offering products that range from baby supplies to household cleaners.

Performance Comparison

Absorption

Seventh Generation diapers earned one of the highest scores for absorption, outperforming most others in the group.

We were impressed with this diaper as it achieved consistently high results throughout all three rounds of absorbency testing. Relative to other disposable diapers we tested, these diapers only show a small amount of green moisture transfer on the filter paper, indicating that they effectively lock away excess moisture and keep your baby from feeling soggy. 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. From the filter paper above, you can see that most of the green is localized to one area. While not a deal-breaker, it could indicate that further wetness may not absorb at all once the center is saturated. Arguably, it is likely time for a diaper change, but some of the best diaper competitors were able to use their lock-away cores from end to end more evenly.

Leakage

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. The stretchable back and side wings should help this problem as well.

Comfort

Sensitive Protection earned one of the highest scores for comfort, and the current version is a vast improvement over previous versions of Seventh Generation diapers.

The materials used 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. We love that Seventh Generation found a way to combine coziness and eco-friendliness into a comfortable green diaper.

Health

While not the highest-scoring disposable for health concerns, Seventh Generation is above average for the group regarding baby health.

These diapers use the preferred totally chlorine-free manufacturing process and are also free of perfumes and lotions. Unfortunately, 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.

Eco-friendly

Again, while not boasting a top score, Sensitive Protection is above average for more eco-friendly, with a score better than half of the competitors.

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, and their score in this metric reflects these efforts.

Durability

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 online research. The most prominently reported issue is the construction of the diaper not holding up during use and allowing SAP to leak. 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. We believe parents can resolve these issues by knowing when the diaper is soiled and changing your baby more frequently. Regarding 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?

Overall, we love this diaper and think it is a reasonably priced green option most families will be happy with. While we aren't fans of the dyes being used or the "fake" brown coloring added to make parents think it's more natural, it did perform well in our tests for comfort and absorption. With better than average results for health and eco-friendliness, we think it checks the boxes for parents who want a terrific diaper that considers health and the Earth.

What Other Disposable Diaper Should You Consider?

If you want more green considerations, Bambo Nature earned the top score for a baby's health. It also has the same score for eco-friendliness, making it a better overall green option, but it does cost slightly more. Eco by Naty has the best absorption score in the group with a perfect 10 and one of the best eco-friendliness score. Its health result is lower than Bambo, but at least it is still a serious consideration for the brand.

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