When it comes to buying baby wipes, parents usually just reach out for what’s cheapest and most convenient before stuffing them into their shopping cart. After all, how different can baby wipes be, so why fuss over it? Even though baby wipes are considered staples in a home with babies, toddlers and young children, there are several variables to consider, and some of them can affect how you clean your precious one. Here are 8 things parents should consider before buying the most suitable wipes to get the cleaning job done.
1 – Scented or Fragrance-Free
Scented wipes are great for masking nasty smells. But because sensitive skin is more prevalent, more and more parents are opting for fragrance-free options as they are supposed to be kinder to the skin. Therefore, it is a good habit to read the labels and note the product’s active ingredients. The ingredient with the highest content is usually listed first. When looking for milder wipes, look for those that are chemical-free. Even if your child is blessed with great skin, opt for those that are lightly scented. However, check that they are good quality baby wipes that use only natural extracts that are less likely to cause skin irritation or flare-ups
2 – Thickness and Durability
Thicker baby wipes would surely make clean up a lot easier while ensuring that your hand stays clean instead of coming into contact with poop. The last thing you want is for thin, fragile wipes to tear on you during a diaper change. Thicker wipes tend to be more absorbent but look for those that are pliable and made with softer material so that it is not as abrasive on your baby’s delicate skin
3 – Texture and Design
Along with varying thickness, some wipes are designed to have texture. This isn’t so that your baby wipes look more atas like how some toilet papers can be, but they are there to help improve clean up by picking up stains or messes more efficiently. Oh, so should we buy the most textured one then? The answer is NO because balance is key when it comes to your baby’s delicate skin. Instead, aim for baby wipes made with textured fabric that are soft and not too rough. The last thing you want to do is end up “scrubbing” those smooth baby bottoms several times a day
4 – Size Matters
And in this case, bigger is always better, especially if your baby is prone to explosive pooplosions. Larger baby wipes tend to cover more surface areas, and parents might actually get more use with just one sheet compared to tiny ones.
But having said that, there are good points to having smaller, travel-sized ones on hand as well. Travel-sized baby wipes are designed to be smaller so that they are convenient to carry around, especially during diaper changes or when out and about. They are lighter and do not add more bulk to your already full diaper bag. So depending on its usage, it is best to keep larger ones at home and pack the travel-sized ones in your bag.
5 – Premium Baby Wipes
There are also premium baby wipes on the market that are chemical and alcohol-free with soothing ingredients. Some are even made with 99%Electrodeionization (EDI) Water, where water is processed into its purest form
with natural or organic ingredients—great for babies prone to diaper rash. Going organic also ensures that your baby does not come into contact with harmful plastics, chemicals and bleach. Some are even made with biodegradable materials like bamboo that are environmentally friendly because they are designed to break down faster instead of piling up in landfills.
Naturally, premium wipes would cost more than the commercial one, but if it helps to soothe your baby’s skin, and helps you adapt to an organic lifestyle, then it is probably worth the extra money.
6 – Baby Wipe Container and Covers
The most common type of baby wipes we see in the market is the ones that come in flexible bags with a rigid flip-up top or soft peel back tape. It is always better to find those baby wipes that come with a rigid cover so that they do not run the risk of drying out. The soft peel back tapes tend to not stick after a while, especially if it comes in contact with moisture all the time.
Regardless of whether they are travel-sized or not, they are convenient because there is no need to refill them and you can just throw them away once finished. Of course, some parents prefer to buy in bulk to refill their containers to reduce the use of plastics. Either way, you choose what works for you.
7 – What about flushable baby wipes?
Even if they claim to be flushable, it is best not to flush them down the toilet anyway because you might end up with a hefty plumbing fee just to unclog your pipes. What may seem convenient for the moment might result in wasted money.
Therefore, dispose of them as you normally would and refrain from flushing them down your toilet. Flushable wipes are generally more suitable for potty-training toddlers, but it might be cheaper, in the long run, to install a bidet and teach your child to wash their bums.
Even if your septic system can handle it (this is rare – unless you had one specially installed), try not to flush too many wipes at one time and be sure to watch out for clogs or slower drainage.
8 – Cost
Parents might overlook the cost of baby wipes if they buy them in small quantities frequently. But they add up to a lot and are quick to finish if you count the number of sheets you use each time you change a diaper, depending on whether it is poop or pee. Just do the math, and you’d be surprised how much you actually spend on baby wipes alone.
Without noticing, parents and carers can easily go through a packet (80-100 sheets) in a day! So even if you want the best baby wipes for your baby, they shouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet. A good way is to get them in bulk or buy them during promotions to save more.
