Babee Greens vs. Esembly: Which Cloth Diaper Brand Is Better for Your Baby?
Posted by Jason Rector on
Choosing the best cloth diaper for your baby is a big decision, especially with so many options available. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the details of Babee Greens and Esembly, comparing their materials, safety, performance, ease of use, sustainability, and cost. Our goal is to give you a clear, objective view of each brand so you can make the best choice for your baby.
Materials & Safety: What’s Really Touching Baby’s Skin?
When it comes to cloth diapers, the materials used are crucial, not just for comfort, but also for safety. Babies have more sensitive skin than adults, and anything in contact with their skin should be non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals.
Babee Greens:
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Natural-only materials: Babee Greens uses 100% organic cotton, hemp-cotton blends, and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 merino wool. These materials are free from synthetics, pesticides, and harmful chemicals.
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No synthetics or microplastics: The brand avoids synthetic materials like PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) that are commonly used for waterproofing, opting for natural alternatives like wool for breathability and leak resistance.
Esembly:
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Organic cotton inners: Like Babee Greens, Esembly uses organic cotton inners, which are soft and gentle on baby’s skin.
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Synthetic waterproofing: However, Esembly’s waterproof outers are made from upcycled polyester laminated with TPU, a synthetic material. While they are made from recycled plastic, this still means some synthetic components are in contact with the baby’s skin.
Absorbency & Leak Protection
Both Babee Greens and Esembly offer excellent absorbency, but their approach to leak protection differs.
Babee Greens:
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Hemp-cotton blend: Known for its superior absorbency, the hemp-cotton blend used in Babee Greens diapers provides excellent moisture retention.
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Wool covers: Babee Greens’ merino wool covers offer natural leak resistance and temperature regulation. Wool’s breathability helps reduce the risk of rashes and keeps babies comfortable during long periods of wear, including overnight.
Esembly:
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Organic cotton inners: Esembly’s cotton inners absorb well.
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Synthetic waterproof outers: The TPU laminate in Esembly’s waterproof covers provides good leak protection, but the lack of breathability could lead to dampness or discomfort over extended wear, especially overnight.
Ease of Use & Care
When it comes to cloth diapering, the ease of use and care requirements can make a big difference in your day-to-day routine.
Babee Greens:
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Simple system: Babee Greens uses a fitted diaper + wool cover system, which is easy to use and maintain. Once the wool cover is lanolized, it requires minimal care—just a wash every few days or when soiled.
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Low-maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean fewer pieces to wash and maintain. The hemp-cotton blend also holds up well after multiple washes.
Esembly:
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Two-piece system: Esembly uses a two-piece system, where you have separate inners (diapers) and outers (covers). This adds a bit more work, as the inners need frequent washing, and the outers require care to maintain their waterproof qualities.
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Brand-specific detergent: Esembly also recommends using their special detergent to maintain the waterproofing of their TPU covers, adding another step to the laundry routine.
Sustainability & Transparency
Both brands have a focus on sustainability, but their approaches differ.
Babee Greens:
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Natural-only philosophy: Babee Greens uses 100% natural fibers, such as organic cotton and hemp, and even offers upcycled wool/cashmere options. This commitment ensures that the products are not only safe for babies but also sustainable at every level.
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Made in the USA: All Babee Greens products are made in Asheville, NC, reducing their carbon footprint by keeping production domestic.
Esembly:
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Recycled materials: Esembly uses upcycled polyester in their waterproof outers, which reduces the need for virgin plastic. While this is a step toward sustainability, it still relies on plastic-based materials, which may not align with families looking for a plastic-free solution.
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Eco-friendly packaging: Esembly also uses eco-friendly packaging, making an effort to reduce waste, but the reliance on TPU is still a key consideration for parents focused on plastic-free options.
Cost & Value
When comparing cost, both brands offer good value for money over the long term compared to disposables, but there are differences in the overall investment.
Babee Greens:
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Durable materials: The hemp-cotton blend and wool covers are highly durable, meaning they can last through multiple children, making them a long-term investment.
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Fewer accessories: You won’t need as many add-ons or accessories, making the upfront cost lower in comparison to other systems.
Esembly:
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Higher initial cost: Esembly’s two-piece system, including inners, outers, liners, and boosters, requires a larger initial investment.
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Additional accessories: The need for extra products, like special detergents and liners, can add to the ongoing costs over time.
A Quick Look

Final Thoughts: Which Cloth Diaper Brand Is Right for You?
Both Babee Greens and Esembly provide high-quality, reusable cloth diaper systems, each with unique strengths.
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Babee Greens emphasizes 100% natural fibers, including organic cotton, hemp-cotton blends, and merino wool. Their diapers and wool covers are breathable, durable, and easy to care for, with small-batch production in Asheville, NC. These features make it a strong choice for families seeking transparency, sustainability, and materials that are gentle on baby’s skin.
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Esembly offers a modern two-piece system with organic cotton inners and recycled polyester outers. Their design prioritizes convenience and leak protection, which can be appealing for parents who like a ready-to-use system.
While both brands are reusable and environmentally conscious alternatives to disposable diapers, Babee Greens stands out for families who want a simpler, low-maintenance system made from natural fibers. Its combination of organic cotton, hemp, and merino wool offers performance, comfort, and sustainability in one package, making it a compelling option for parents looking for a plastic-free, natural approach to cloth diapering.