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Top 5 Baby Wipe Alternatives (Organic & Sustainable)
The delicate job of diaper duty rarely comes up when people talk about the joys of parenting. Thank the stars for baby wipes, the diaper bag essential that helps moms and dads deal with a seemingly endless torrent of cleanups.
But there is a catch. Many conventional wipes contain plastic fibers that break down into microplastics and end up in our waterways, ecosystems and food chain. Some also contain fragrance, alcohol or preservatives that can irritate your little one's sensitive skin.
If you are looking for more sustainable (and gentler) solutions, here are five baby wipe alternatives that pamper your baby while shaping a greener planet for them to grow up in.
Key Takeaways
- About 11 billion wet wipes are used in the UK each year, and around 90% of them contain plastic (Water UK).
- Wipes make up over 90% of the material in sewer fatbergs. Never flush baby wipes, even ones labeled flushable.
- Best low-waste swaps: a French liniment-style lotion with reusable cloths, plain water and washcloths, or plastic-free wipes.
- The AAP recommends choosing wipes that are free of alcohol and fragrance to help prevent diaper rash.
What Is Wrong With Conventional Baby Wipes?
Every parent has a diaper disaster story they try to forget, and while baby wipes are a lifeline for busy parents, many are far from natural.
According to Water UK, around 11 billion wet wipes are used in the UK every year, and about 90% of them contain plastic. That is a micro problem on a macro scale, in a country with less than 1% of the world's population.
Flushed down toilets or dumped in landfills, those plastic fibers break down into microplastics that find their way into rivers, oceans and even the food chain, where they can persist for generations.
Microplastics are not the only problem. Flushed wipes mix with grease in sewers to form enormous "fatbergs" that clog sewers around the world. If you have never seen a fatberg, you might want to keep it that way, especially after eating.
Thankfully, more and more parents are looking for baby wipe alternatives that are better for the planet and for their children. Here are five that will leave your little one fresher than a daisy. Until the next feed, anyway.
Which Baby Wipe Alternative Is Right for You?
| Option | Waste | Convenience | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liniment lotion + cloth or pad | Very low | High (pump bottle) | Cleaning and protecting in one step |
| Cloth wipes + water | Lowest | Medium (extra laundry) | Home changes on a budget |
| Water-based wipes | Medium | Very high | Newborns and travel |
| Homemade wipes | Low | Low (prep time) | DIY parents |
| Plastic-free wipes | Medium | Very high | An easy first swap |
1) La Petite Crème: Organic French Diapering Lotion
La Petite Crème is one of our favorite baby wipe alternatives when you want to take special care of your little one and cut wipes out of your daily diaper routine.
It is based on liniment oléo-calcaire, the classic French diapering lotion used in maternity wards for generations. Made with just six ingredients, it cleans and moisturizes in one step, acting as both wipe solution and diaper lotion, and leaves a light protective layer on the skin.
Made in the USA from an original French recipe, here is what each ingredient does:
- Water to clean
- Organic olive oil to protect
- Limewater (calcium hydroxide) to balance and cleanse
- Vitamin E to nourish
- Organic glycerin to moisturize
- Organic beeswax to soothe
We also love the one-handed pump. A couple of squirts onto a dry pad or reusable cloth and you are ready to clean. An 8 oz bottle lasts about 2 to 4 weeks of diaper changes.
Layering on the oh là là , La Petite Crème is USDA-certified organic, EWG Verified and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. It is hard to beat the convenience of baby wipes, but this all-natural alternative comes close, with a touch of French flair that is better for baby and the planet.
Shop La Petite Crème's baby wipe alternative
2) Are Cloth Baby Wipes Worth It?
A baby wipe alternative grandma would approve of is a simple damp cloth. The headline benefit is that cloth wipes are reusable, which is always a win for the environment.
Keep a stack of soft washcloths so you have enough between wash cycles. Wet a cloth with warm water to clean, pat dry, then apply a barrier cream or lotion to protect against diaper rash.
The drawback? Your washing machine will be busier, especially after a dreaded blowout, and cloths are less handy when you are out and about. But the absence of irritating ingredients and the cost savings benefit your little one (and their college fund). Zero microplastics is another bonus your kids might thank you for.
3) Are Water-Based Wipes a Good Alternative?
Water-based wipes such as WaterWipes are popular with parents who want the convenience of disposable wipes with as few ingredients as possible.
WaterWipes contain 99.9% water plus a drop of grapefruit seed extract, along with a very small amount of benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. They are marketed as suitable for newborns, are vegan and not tested on animals, and the company says its wipes are now plastic-free and biodegradable.
While there are cheaper options, water-based wipes are an easy swap for your diaper bag. Remember that "biodegradable" still means trash bin, not toilet.
4) Should You Make Homemade Baby Wipes?
If you want a job done well, do it yourself. There are countless online guides for DIY baby wipes, usually soft paper towels or cloths soaked in water with a little mild, fragrance-free baby wash or a few drops of olive oil.
The appeal is full control over what touches your baby's skin. Keep the recipe simple: skip essential oils and fragrances, which can irritate young skin, make small batches, and store them in a clean, closed container for no more than a few days to avoid mold and bacteria.
5) What About Biodegradable or Plastic-Free Wipes?
Our final suggestion is a PSA about the growing range of plastic-free wipes. Typically made from plant fibers such as bamboo, viscose or cotton, they come without plastic and are often free from alcohol and parabens.
They usually cost a little more, but they do the same job. Check the label for independent certifications, and note that "biodegradable" and "compostable" are not the same: only some wipes are certified for industrial composting, and used diaper wipes should not go in your home compost. Either way, they will not linger as plastic in landfills when your babies are grown up and changing diapers themselves.
What Is the Best Baby Wipe Alternative?
Baby wipe alternatives are an easy way to shrink your environmental footprint and give your baby gentler diaper care. You do not need to overhaul your routine: a liniment lotion like La Petite Crème checks the boxes for sustainability and convenience, and the other options here can fit your day just as well. Every one of them helps cut microplastics our kids should not have to grow up with.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your pediatrician. If a diaper rash does not improve within a few days, blisters, or comes with a fever, call your child's doctor.
Keep the eco-conscious care going with our organic cotton baby onesies, gentle on skin and better for the planet.
What Do Parents Ask About Baby Wipe Alternatives?
What can I use instead of baby wipes?
Warm water on a soft washcloth or cotton pad, a French liniment-style lotion on a reusable cloth, or plastic-free water-based wipes all work well.
Can I flush baby wipes?
No. Even wipes labeled flushable can contribute to sewer blockages and fatbergs. Put used wipes in the trash.
What ingredients should I avoid in baby wipes?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests choosing wipes free of alcohol and fragrance. Some babies also react to certain preservatives.
Are cloth wipes hygienic?
Yes, if you rinse soiled cloths, store them in a lidded pail, and wash them hot with your diaper laundry.
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