Here’s the dirty truth: Babies typically go through 320 diapers in a month, and for every one of those diaper changes, you’ll need baby wipes to get your little one all cleaned up. Not to mention, you’ll want to slip a pack of wipes into your diaper bag for messy meals on the go and dirty fingers on the playground. It’s an essential item in your parenting arsenal—but which wipes do you stock up on? After all, there are a lot of baby wipe brands to choose from. Luckily, we’ve done the research and spoken to parents to pinpoint the best baby wipes for your little one’s needs. Keep reading for what to consider when shopping for the best wipes for babies, then take a look through our top picks.
Our top picks: Overall best baby wipes Healthybaby Wet Wipes at Healthybaby, $50 for 512 wipes Jump to Review Best baby wipes for newborns Pampers Sensitive at Amazon, $16.44 for 504 wipes Jump to Review Best flushable baby wipes Eco by Naty Flushable Baby Wipes at Amazon, $14.99 for 168 wipes Jump to Review Best organic baby wipes The Honest Company Plant-Based Baby Wipes at Honest, $37.99 for 576 wipes Jump to Review Best biodegradable baby wipes Coterie’s The Wipe at Coterie, $30 for 224 wipes Jump to Review Best baby wipes for diaper rash Pampers Aqua Pure at Amazon, $26.49 for 560 wipes Jump to Review Best unscented baby wipes Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes at Amazon, $11.33 for 288 wipes Jump to Review Best baby wipes for sensitive skin Noodle & Boo Ultimate Baby Cleansing Cloths at Noodle & Boo, $48 for 576 wipes Jump to Review Best baby wipes for eczema WaterWipes Biodegradable Original Baby Wipes at Amazon, $13.30 for 240 wipes Jump to Review Best budget-friendly baby wipes Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes at Costco, $22.99 for 900 wipes Jump to Review In this article: What to consider when shopping for baby wipes How many baby wipes do I need? Best baby wipes to buy
What to Consider When Shopping for Baby Wipes
With so many options on the market, how do you decide which baby wipes to buy? We reached out to Po Chang Hsu, MD, a Boston-based doctor. “When looking for good baby wipes, parents should first pay attention to the ingredients,” he says. “It’s best to get plant-based wipes (without added polyester). They are gentle on the skin, making them safe for babies.” Hsu also notes that they’re biodegradable, making them a better choice for the environment. “It’s also crucial to choose baby wipes that don’t contain alcohol, parabens, phthalates or foaming agents,” he adds, the latter of which can strip the skin of its natural protective layer.
Ask yourself these questions to help you choose the best wipes for babies:
• Is price the biggest factor? There are lots of budget options out there, but to make sure you’re really getting a good deal, check the thickness of the wipe. The least pricey baby wipes usually mean you’ll have to use more than one to get the job done.
• Do I want something that’s eco-friendly? Baby wipes that are chemical-free are better for both your little one and the planet. Know that even if wipes are labeled as “flushable,” that’s no guarantee they’ll actually disintegrate; only biodegradable baby wipes are truly green.
• Does baby have sensitive skin? If so, look for unscented, hypoallergenic products with as few added ingredients as possible, including fragrance and preservatives, which can trigger an allergic reaction. Not all manufacturers list ingredients on their baby wipe packaging or on their website, so you may want to call them to get all the info you need.
How Many Baby Wipes Do I Need?
Although baby wipe usage varies depending on age, you may be surprised at how many you’ll need to clean baby up. Newborns need about 200 wipes a week, adding up to around 800 a month, while parents use about 100 to 150 a week wipes for older babies and toddlers, adding up to about 600 a month. Given how many you’ll go through, it’s important to keep a good number on hand, and even buy in bulk. Just make sure to look at the expiration date of the product, especially for natural options that may not last as long.
Best Baby Wipes to Buy
As with most everything infant-related, the number and types of baby wipes out there can be overwhelming. Check out our picks for the best baby wipes that’ll keep baby’s bottom squeaky clean.
Overall best baby wipes
Healthybaby Wet Wipes Image: Healthybaby Buying Options Healthybaby | $50 for 512 wipesThese baby wipes check all the boxes. They’re soft, plant-based wipes that are hypoallergenic and biodegradable, meaning they’re gentle on baby’s skin as well as the planet. In fact, they’re verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), indicating that they meet the group’s strict standards for health and safety. Plus, they’re larger and thicker than many other brands, so you can get the job done better and faster—because nothing is worse than a flimsy wipe tearing mid-swipe. Better yet, you can have these wipes delivered to your door via a monthly subscription, so there’s one less thing for you to think about. No wonder these baby wipes earned a Best of Baby award .
Buy NowBest baby wipes for newborns
Pampers Sensitive Image: Target Buying Options Amazon | $16.44 for 504 wipes Walmart | $27.50 for 576 wipes Target | $20.99 for 504 wipesFor ultra-sensitive newborn skin, you’ll want a gentle baby wipe that’s still able to remove those first sticky, tarry stools . Pampers Sensitive wipes are our pick for best baby wipes for newborns—in fact, many hospitals across the US use them and send sample sizes home with new parents. Pro tip: These ones are also great for a number of alternative uses , including makeup removal, household cleaning tasks and car cleanups.
Buy NowBest flushable baby wipes
Eco by Naty Flushable Baby Wipes Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $14.99 for 168 wipesYou can’t always flush baby wipes the same way you do toilet paper. “The packaging usually says whether baby wipes are flushable or not,” Hsu says. “If the package says that the wipes contain plastic, they shouldn’t be flushed. However, if they are organic and biodegradable, they can be flushed.” Naty’s flushable baby wipes are the perfect option for baby wipes you won’t have to think twice about flushing down the toilet. Made with 100 percent chemical-free, plant-based ingredients, they’re fully compostable, as well as independently certified vegan. Plus, they’re soft to the touch and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
Buy NowBest organic baby wipes
The Honest Company Plant-Based Baby Wipes Image: Honest Buying Options Honest | $37.99 for 576 wipes Amazon | $37.99 for 576 wipes Target | $37.99 for 576 wipes“Organic baby wipes typically use plant-based fabrics, so they’re safe for gentle skin,” Hsu notes. “They also don’t contain any chemicals, so they aren’t likely to cause rash, swelling, redness or eczema.” Looking for an organic baby wipe that’s just as soft and effective as the major brands? We’re a huge fan of Honest baby wipes, which are made entirely from plant-based ingredients and 99 percent water. They’re free from phthalates, parabens and dyes, so you can feel confident you’re using a safe product on baby’s little tushie.
Buy NowBest biodegradable baby wipes
Coterie’s The Wipe Image: Coterie Buying Options Coterie | $30 for 224 wipesMade with only seven ingredients and completely free from chemicals or plastics, Coterie baby wipes take the top spot for the best biodegradable baby wipes. Despite the strong material that stands up to even the toughest diaper situation, these hypoallergenic baby wipes are 100 percent biodegradable—while also being 30 percent larger than most other baby wipes—making them an earth-friendly option.
Buy NowBest baby wipes for diaper rash
Pampers Aqua Pure Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $26.49 for 560 wipes Target | $29.49 for 560 wipes Walmart | $48.95 for 560 wipesPampers Aqua Pure baby wipes are made from 99 percent purified water and cotton for a pure solution that won’t further irritate baby’s already sensitive skin. The hypoallergenic solution helps restore skin’s healthy pH levels and is free of fragrances, parabens, latex and dyes, making them the best baby wipes to use when dealing with a dreaded diaper rash. Just be sure to air out baby’s bottom so the skin is thoroughly dry before putting on a fresh diaper.
Buy NowBest unscented baby wipes
Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $11.33 for 288 wipes Target | $11.49 for 288 wipes Bed Bath & Beyond | $6.99 for 184 wipesFragrance can irritate baby’s skin, so you may want to look for options without it when shopping for wipes. These plant-based, unscented baby wipes are hypoallergenic and made with 99 percent purified water and 1 percent skin-essential ingredients like aloe and Vitamin E, meaning they’re free of all of the other bad stuff like parabens and dyes. The product is also pH-balanced to maintain healthy, moisturized skin. We especially love that the wipes come in a Winnie the Pooh pattern to make diaper changes fun for both you and baby!
Buy NowBest baby wipes for sensitive skin
Noodle & Boo Ultimate Baby Cleansing Cloths Image: Noodle & Boo Buying Options Noodle & Boo | $48 for 576 wipes“Wipes for babies with sensitive skin should use a moisturizing component [like aloe vera or glycerin],” says Hsu. The hypoallergenic, moisturizing solution this brand uses, which includes vitamin E, aloe and camomile, makes them perfect for babies sensitive skin, leaving tiny tushies clean and hydrated. The wipes can be used anywhere, including on baby’s face for a quick wipe down. The natural baby wipes also boast a light, fresh scent that parents love.
Buy NowBest baby wipes for eczema
WaterWipes Biodegradable Original Baby Wipes Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $13.30 for 240 wipes Target | $16.29 for 240 wipes Walmart | $12.20 for 240 wipesMade with 99.9 percent purified, softened water and a mere 0.1 percent grapefruit seed extract, these are our choice for the best baby wipes for eczema. In fact, WaterWipes were awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and the 2017 Natural Child World Eco-Excellence Award in the Baby Wipes. Score! Just keep in mind that because they have zero preservatives, it’s not encouraged to stockpile—you’ll need to use them within four weeks of opening to prevent mold from developing.
Buy NowBest budget-friendly baby wipes
Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes Image: Costco Buying Options Costco | $22.99 for 900 wipesYou might not think that some of the most wallet-friendly wipes on the market would also boast amazing features like plant-based ingredients, zero use of potentially harmful chemicals and soft, absorbent material, but that’s just what you’ll get when you add Kirkland wipes to your next Costco run. At only $23 for 900 wipes, Costco’s store-brand baby wipes are among the cheapest you can buy—just another reason this fan-favorite brand made our list of best baby wipes.
Buy NowBest reusable baby wipes
bumGenius Flannel Baby Wipes Image: bumGenius Buying Options bumGenius | $14.96 for 12 wipesIf you’re using cloth diapers and are searching for eco-friendly wipes to match, look no further! Made with super soft 100 percent unbleached cotton cloth, these reusable baby wipes are nearly as big as a washcloth, so they can handle even the dirtiest baby bottom. With a rock-solid price compared to other reusable baby wipes, they’re also a total steal!
Buy NowAbout the experts:
Po Chang Hsu, MD, is a doctor based in Boston, Massachusetts with a focus on pediatrics. He received his medical degree from Tufts University; prior to medical school, Hsu did a master thesis on neuroimaging in schizophrenia patients at Harvard Medical School. He is currently a full-time medical writer and consultant.
>Plus, more from The Bump: > The Best Baby Wipe Warmers to Keep Baby’s Bum Cozy and Toasty > The Best Diapers for Your Baby > 25 Brilliant Baby Wipes Hacks That Do It All
