By Laura A. Jana, MD, FAAP and Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP
Although we haven't officially counted, there have to be about as many brands and types of baby wipes as there are tennis shoes—environmentally friendly, all-natural, scented and unscented, with aloe and without it, in round containers, in refillable rectangular containers, and in reusable or disposable travel packs. And while they may cost only a few cents a wipe if you don't go for the top of the line or opt for fancy packaging, the cost can still add up.
Here are a some points to consider when buying and using baby wipes:
Packaging. After one look at the shelves, you won't need us to tell you that when it comes to buying wipes, you pay for packaging. However, doing so is not always a bad thing. For example, someone who clearly had firsthand experience in the use of wipes on the go must have come up with the handy little travel-sized packs, and many parents find the added convenience well worth the extra money. That said, it is useful to hang on to reusable plastic travel containers and full-sized refillable plastic containers. By simply buying large refill packs and restocking them yourself, you can save the extra expense.
Don't flush 'em. Enough said—almost. There are very few wipes on the market that don't have the potential to wreak havoc on your plumbing. Be sure to check package labels before buying if you are determined to find wipes that are flushable because most of them are not. Even then, seasoned plumbers will tell you that despite their name, the flushable ones still have the unfortunate tendency to get stuck.
Warm 'em? Some people are convinced that warm wipes are less shocking to a baby's skin. It sounds reasonable: given that a baby's body temperature is 98.6°F and regular damp wipes are roughly 60°F, we're talking about a 40°F difference. There are many options when it comes to choosing a wipe-warming unit—AC power adapter and/or car charger, heat from the top or heat from the sides, a constant 104°F wipe temperature inside the unit, built-in nightlights, and more. Realistically speaking, though, most babies are not afforded this luxury and get used to cool wipes right from the start.
The overuse of wipes. Believe it or not, not every diaper change requires the use of wipes. This is not only because pee is rarely irritating but also because today's superabsorbent disposable diapers effectively limit the amount of pee that comes into contact with your baby's skin. Reserving wipes for cleaning up poop can save you a considerable amount. Also, keep in mind that a moist tissue, a wet washcloth, or even a quick rinse in the tub may be used in place of baby wipes when convenient.
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- Last Updated
- 5/15/2021
- Source
- Adapted from Heading Home with Your Newborn: Birth to Reality, 4th Edition, (Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Pediatrics)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circ*mstances.