13 of the best baby wipes for newborns 2024
WHY DO I NEED BABY WIPES?
Baby wipes are used to clean your baby’s bottom during nappy changes. The alternative is cotton wool and water.
Can I use baby wipes with a newborn?
Parents used to be advised to clean their baby with just cotton wool and water for the first weeks as a newborn’s skin is so sensitive. However, there are now a number of baby wipes which are gentle enough to be used from day one. It should say on the packet if this is the case. They will be moistened with 99% water and a drop of another non-irritating ingredient. For example, aloe vera. Some babies will still find these too much so if there is any redness, just use cotton wool and plain water.
WHAT ELSE TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING BABY WIPES
Baby wipes now have a confusing array of features. Here is what everything you might see on a label means.
Gentle/sensitive skin wipes
The higher the water content of the wipes, the less likely it is to cause irritation. Those without fragrances will also be more gentle.
Purified water
Many gentle wipes contain water which has been purified. This means that any contaminants have been filtered out.
Dermatologically tested
These wipes have been tested by a dermatologist to see how it reacts to a baby’s skin. There is no standardised test for wipes though and you’d have to contact the company for the results.
Approved by the British Skin Foundation
The British Skin Foundation is a charity which raises money to research skin diseases. They offer accreditation by reviewing a brand’s research into their own product to ensure that any claims are not misleading. The review is carried out by at least two independent dermatologists.
Approved by Allergy UK
Allergy UK is a charity which aims to improve the lives of those living with allergies. They review or test products to ensure there is a minimal chance they will cause an allergic reaction and are suitable for sensitive skin.
Plastic-free and biodegradable wipes
For a wipe to be biodegradable, it must be free from plastic. A plastic wipe will take around 100 years to break down in landfill and will release microplastics and other toxins into the environment. Biodegradable wipes are made from naturally-derived fibres, usually cellulose from wood pulp. This type of wipe is becoming much more common and some shops, like Tesco and Boots, now only sell plastic-free wipes.
Compostable
For a wipe to be labelled compostable it will have to break down quickly in compost conditions. However, you shouldn’t put anything faeces-covered into home compost as high temperatures are needed to kill harmful bacteria.
Flushable wipes
Some wipes are designed to be flushed and will disintegrate in the sewage system. Look out for those labelled ‘Fine to Flush’. These have been certified by Water UK to break down as quickly as toilet paper.
Reusable wipes
These are an eco-friendly alternative as they are washed after use instead of being thrown or flushed away. They can be moistened with water and a few drops of an essential oil like lavender. Cheeky Wipes sell a kit with containers for fresh and dirty wipes and an essential oil blend (see below).
WHICH ARE THE BEST BABY WIPES?
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Huggies natural biodegradable
99% water
0% plastic-free.
Recyclable packaging.
Suitable from newborn.
No perfume.
Made from natural fibres.
Approved by the British Skin Foundation.
2. cheeky panda bamboo baby wipes
Plastic-free, biodegradable wipes.
Made from sustainable FSC-approved bamboo.
Vegan and cruelty-free.
Dermatologically tested.
The moisture is 99% purified water and 1% aloe vera.
3. MAMA BEAR ultra SENSITIVE BABY WIPES
Fragrance-free wipes with 99.5% naturally derived ingredients.
Suitable to be used from birth.
100% biodegradable.
4. Aldi Mamia sensitive wipes
Award-winning wipes which are great value for money.
Plastic free and made from plant-based fibres.
Suitable from birth.
Dermatologically accredited.
5. waterwipes biodegradable
99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract.
The water has been through a seven-step purification process.
Approved by Allergy UK.
Can be used from day one.
Plastic-free and biodegradable.
Fragrance-free.
The wipes are made from plant-based viscose.
6. Jackson Reece Kinder by Nature natural herbal wipes
Certified biodegradable and compostable cloth made from 100% organic wood pulp.
Hypoallergenic and specially designed for children with eczema or sensitive skin.
Plastic-free
Award-winning
Made in the U.K.
Vegan
7. Pampers Harmonie Coco wipes
Made with no plastic. Just 100% plant-based fibres.
Contains organic coconut oil to moisturise and protect.
Dermatologically tested.
Safe on newborn or sensitive skin.
8. Mum & You
99.4% water
Vegan and cruelty-free.
Plastic-free and made from sustainably sourced naturally derived viscose.
100% biodegradable
Suitable for newborns.
Dermatologically tested.
100% recyclable packaging.
Made in the UK.
9. Pura flushable eco baby wipes
The only baby wipes that Water UK have declared are fine to flush down the toilet
100% plastic-free
100% biodegradable and 100% compostable
Vegan
Packaging can be recycled
Organic aloe vera and 99% water make them very gentle.
10. Kit & Kin biodegradable eco wipes
100% natural plant-based cellulose which will completely biodegrade.
Plastic-free
99% water and soothing aloe vera
Fragrance-free
Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested
Vegan and cruelty-free
An ethical company that makes donations to protect the rainforest and helps to support women and children that live in these areas with education, family planning and healthcare.
11. Mama Bamboo biodegradable bamboo wipes
Made from sustainably-sourced bamboo, which has natural antibacterial properties. This may reduce the chance of nappy rash.
Plastic-free
100% compostable in three months in home compost
Contains 99.4% purified water
Hypoallergenic
When you buy in bulk the box is made from recycled FSC-certified cardboard.
Cruelty-free and vegan
The company carbon offset their shipping.
12. canny mum dry baby wipes
Award-winning dry cloths that you can add warm water and essential oils to.
They can be useful as they can’t dry out like ordinary wipes
Made from sustainable and biodegradable bamboo.
13. Cheeky Wipes reusable baby wipes kit
In the kit you’ll find:
25 quick-drying cotton terry cloth baby wipes
a container for fresh wipes and a container for mucky wipes with a mesh bag insert
one 10ml bottle of Fresh Essential Oil Blend, one 10ml bottle of Mucky essential oil blend
a mucky wipes travel bag and fresh wipes travel bag
How to use:
add water to the fresh box and then a few drops of the Fresh essential oil
soak the wipes then tip out the excess water
add water and a few drops of the Mucky essential oil to the mucky box
after using the wipes from the fresh box, leave them to soak in the mucky box
once the box is full, take out the mesh insert and place in the washing machine
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