In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Parasol Clear and Dry Review

This super absorbing diaper offers great leak protection, comfort, and nods to the environment and baby's health, but it will cost you
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parasol clear and dry disposable diaper review
The Parosol diaper is as adorable as it is functional with the highest absorbency test results.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $1 List
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Manufacturer:   Parasol
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jun 2, 2023
95
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 19
  • Absorption - 45% 10.0
  • Leakage - 25% 9.4
  • Comfort - 20% 8.0
  • Durability - 10% 10.0

The Skinny

Parasol Clear and Dry is a green diaper that amazed us with its improvements over older versions we've tested in our best disposable diaper review the past. This diaper is a super absorber with some of the best absorption test results we've ever seen in over a decade of diaper testing. It also offers better-than-average leak protection and is comfy and durable. What's not to love? Almost nothing. As a matter of fact, our one major gripe is the price. With a per diaper price of over half a dollar, these are one of the most expensive in the group. Plus, you can really only find them online, which might be convenient for some and a disappointment for anyone who struggles to plan ahead or keep on top of supplies (like a sleep-=deprived parent). Overall, however, if you want a well-performing diaper with a top rank and baby and earth-friendly leaning, it is tough to beat the Parasol.
REASONS TO BUY
Super absorber
Great leak protection
Comfy
Durable
Free from chlorine
Fragrance
And lotions
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Primarily available online
Editor's Note: This Parasol review is part of our diaper update and is all new with new test results and ranking, including results from 13 newly tested options. We made this update on May 24, 2023.

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parasol clear and dry disposable diaper review
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Bottom Line Impressive absorption and leak protection make this high-end diaper a real contender if you can afford the price of admissionImpressive performance and better health nods than you'd expect make this a budget-friendly diaper parents will loveWith great absorption and leak protection, this durable and comfy diaper is a reasonably priced option for most familiesGood absorption and few leaks with a budget price that are easy to find, but no nods for eco-healthVery earth-friendly, healthy choice with high absorption but disappointing comfort and durability performance
Rating Categories Parasol Clear and Dry Kirkland Signature Hello Bello Premium Huggies Snug & Dry Eco by Naty
Absorption (45%)
10.0
10.0
8.7
8.0
9.7
Leakage (25%)
9.4
9.0
8.4
7.8
5.8
Comfort (20%)
8.0
8.6
7.4
7.5
2.7
Durability (10%)
10.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
1
Specs Parasol Clear and Dry Kirkland Signature Hello Bello Premium Huggies Snug & Dry Eco by Naty
Type of Diaper Green/Traditional Green Traditional Green Traditional Green
Chlorine-Free ECF/TCF TCF ECF TFC Not Listed TCF
Fragrance-Free Yes Yes Yes No - Strong baby powder scent No - Strong baby powder scent
Biodegradable Not listed Not listed No Not listed Eliminated as much non-biodegradable material as possible.
Contains SAP Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Miscellaneous Materials Details 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
GM Free corn based film
Wetness Indicator No Yes Yes Yes No
Stretchable side wings Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Stretchable Back of Diaper Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Eco-Awards & Certifications 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"
FSC Certified, Vincotte OK Biobased Certified, Swedish Asthma and Allergy Foundation Recommended, "Good Environmental Choice" Eco Label from Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, EcoCert, GOTS Certified
Dye-Free 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." Not listed, does have a print
Lotion-Free Yes Yes Yes Not Listed Not listed
Latex-Free Yes Not listed Yes Not listed Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

Parasol Essentials for baby make diapers and wipes. It is a company founded on the belief that baby products should be safe and eco-conscious. They believe that eco-friendly diapers don't have to be bulky or rough. The company makes efforts to use fewer materials from sustainably managed forests, less packaging materials, and reduced shipping waste, so their diapers have a smaller overall footprint.

Performance Comparison


parasol clear and dry disposable diaper review - to test how well a diaper absorbs mock urine, we do an absorbency...
To test how well a diaper absorbs mock urine, we do an absorbency test, including weighting and waiting before pressing filter paper on the wet diaper to gauge how well the diaper locks in moisture. Parasol had no urine transfer to the paper.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Likes


Whoa! What do we like? Well, just about everything. The Parasol diaper has some of the best absorption test results we've ever seen.


With almost no green fake urine showing up on the transfer paper, we can attest that it rapidly absorbed our urine fast and locked it away in the core, providing a drier surface area for little one's sensitive skin. Test after test yielded equally impressive results, showing consistency and quality across diapers.

Our mock urine absorption testing includes simulating the weight of a baby wearing the diaper.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

parasol clear and dry disposable diaper review - only a couple of drops escaped the parasol diaper in our leak tests.
Only a couple of drops escaped the Parasol diaper in our leak tests.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

This option also has great leak protection, both in our lab and as reported by users online. With fewer leaks and blowouts reported, you'll be doing less laundry and cleaning up fewer messes to bedding, clothing, and other gear.


parasol clear and dry disposable diaper review - the adorable parasol diaper is comfortable and soft with durable...
The adorable Parasol diaper is comfortable and soft with durable materials but less stretch than the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Next up? This diaper is both comfy and durable. Compared to other diapers, we found this option to be soft, almost towel-like, but it does have more texture on the inside than most.


While some folks thought this might be scratchy, it still feels soft, and the texture is unnoticeable on the face. Durability is also impressive, with no leaking SAP reports or faulty tabs.


We didn't have any issues with splitting back sheets or other problems during testing. They aren't as stretchy as some of the competition, so one thing to note would be ensuring you have a good fit without pulling any part too much, causing it to tear.

parasol clear and dry disposable diaper review - the parasol diaper is free from fragrance, lotion, and latex and...
The Parasol diaper is free from fragrance, lotion, and latex and uses water-soluble inks for the outside pattern.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Parasol is both a green diaper and designed with a baby's sensitive skin in mind. It is manufactured using totally chlorine-free methods using sustainable forest resources. Its "dry-lock" technology helps decrease the amount of wood pulp required per diaper. This diaper has earned the Nordic Swan Eco Label, PEFC Forest Sustainability, PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan, Original Excellent Dermatest FSC, and is ROHS compliant. For a disposable diaper, it is clear they are taking their environmental impact seriously. For baby's skin, this diaper is free of fragrances, lotions, and latex, and uses water-based inks on the back sheet only.

parasol clear and dry disposable diaper review - parasol is both expensive and harder to find, primarily only sourced...
Parasol is both expensive and harder to find, primarily only sourced online. One or both of these could be deal-breakers depending on your budget or shopping habits.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Dislikes


There are only two things to dislike about the Parasol, price, and availability. This diaper is over fifty cents per diaper, which means a day of 10 diapers will cost you five dollars. This feels like a lot because it is. With high-performing diapers sporting prices closer to a quarter each, you can spend half as much to buy something almost as great. We suspect saving money is high on the list of most new parents, but whether or not you can or want to afford the Parasol will be personal.

Second, these diapers are largely only available online. While this might be seen as a benefit to some who frequently shop online and are good at staying on top of supplies, for others, it could be frustrating when you realize you've run out and have to find a locally available brand to fill in the gap while you wait for a delivery of new diapers. While not a deal-breaker, it is worth noting.

parasol clear and dry disposable diaper review - if your budget allows and you love to shop online, the parasol green...
If your budget allows and you love to shop online, the Parasol green disposable diaper is one to put at the top of your list.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Parasol?


If you are looking for a green diaper free from most irritants that is earth-friendlier with outstanding absorption and leak prevention, then the Parasol should be your number one choice. With impressive results in every metric, it stands out from the rest, with a high score never before seen in disposable diapers. It is also comfy, durable, and available to order online. While this diaper is one of the most expensive, with a price over fifty cents per diaper, its price is really its only flaw. However, if your budget allows for such things, we think most families will love what Parasol has to offer.

What Other Disposable Diaper Should You Consider?


Parasol diapers are expensive and hard to find outside of the internet, which means you might be wondering what else you might want to consider. If you want a top-ranking absorbing powerhouse at a reasonable price, and being uber-green is not a major concern, then the Kirkland Signature is a great choice. With impressive absorption test results and a reasonable price tag, it is a great contender for anyone looking for functionality and comfort. If you want something with more eco-friendliness that still performs well but is less expensive than Parasol, then Eco by Naty is a great compostable green diaper to consider. Want to split the difference with an easy-to-find and budget-friendlier option? Hello Bello Premium is a disposable diaper with much to offer in every metric.

Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz