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Are Reusable Wipes Better for Your Baby?

18 January 2024  |  Admin

When it comes to caring for your baby, every parent wants the best. But sometimes it's difficult to know what's best for you until you have tried it and it hasn't worked how you wanted.

Something that falls into this category is the choice between disposable and reusable wipes. Many new parents are unaware that cloth wipes are an easy alternative to chemical laden disposable baby wipes.

Sure parents may understand that the NICE Clinical Excellence Guidelines that midwives follow in the UK recommend using water to cleanse their baby, or alcohol, fragrance free and unscented baby wipes.

But it may not be until their baby develops a rash that they understand that the preservatives in all disposable wet wipes may not be best for their baby's delicate skin.

I've suffered from eczema since I was 5 years old and never grew out of it like my GP said I would. So when my eldest son was born 19 years ago, I was in the midst eczema flare up on my hands. They were cracked and sore and I found that ALL baby wipes really irritated my skin.

I set off on a mission to find an alternative and as I was using reusable nappies anyway, it made sense to try using cloth wipes.

Over time I developed a system that worked to make reusable wipes just as easy to use as disposable wipes...and 4 years later the Cheeky Wipes all-in-one kit was launched, back in 2008.

Hundreds of thousands of parents have now used our reusable wipes, so we can confidently answer 'yes, reusable wipes are better for your baby'.

In this post, we'll explore the reasons why reusable wipes are better for your baby:

  • no contact with harsh chemicals
  • softer and more comfortable on skin
  • more effective clean with little rubbing or pulling

"I’m really pleased with the wipes. They’re soft and have washed well. Much better than normal single use wipes and gentle on my babie’s sensitive skin" Trustpilot Review

No Contact with Harsh Chemicals

Disposable wipes are convenient, but the preservatives and fragrances they contain can sometimes lead to irritation and discomfort for your baby.

Reusable cloth wipes, on the other hand, can be used with just water or essential oils, meaning you are minimizing the risk of skin sensitivity. And of course water is naturally ph balanced too!

By choosing reusable wipes, you ensure that your baby's skin comes in contact with only the gentlest materials, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions and rashes.

Softer and More Comfortable on Skin

Babies have sensitive skin that deserves the utmost care. Washable wipes are typically made from soft materials that are gentle on your baby's delicate skin. The plush texture of these wipes can provide a more comfortable and soothing experience during nappy changes.

Bamboo wipes can be especially beneficial for babies with skin conditions or those prone to nappy rash.

More Effective Clean

When it comes to cleaning, reusable wipes are WAY better than their disposable counterparts.

In fact, we like to say 'just use one for a nice clean bum'.

Our organic cotton wipes are BRILLIANT for nappy changes. They have enough texture to deal with poo quickly and easily. Not so much of an issue with a newborn, but super important when you have a wriggly toddler!

And of course the benefits of reusable wipes are even if you do use more than one wipe (poonami anyone) it doesn't matter as you simply pop them into the washing machine and reuse anyway!

The textured surface of many reusable wipes allows for a more effective clean, ensuring that no residue is left behind.

This thorough cleaning can be instrumental in preventing nappy rash and other skin irritations. Parents who have made the switch to reusable wipes often report fewer instances of skin issues, highlighting the effectiveness of these eco-friendly alternatives.

"Less waste and more savings are just a few of the reasons why reusable wipes are becoming increasingly popular among parents.Our family loves cheeky wipes. We discovered them when our first child was born and we've just had our second and added more rainbow wipes to our collection. Not only are they a sustainable choice, but they're soft and help prevent diaper rash because there are no harsh chemicals or strong odors. Everyone has a happy tushy in our family." Christina, Trustpilot

Better for the Environment = Better for Baby’s Long-Term Health

Beyond the immediate benefits for your baby's skin, choosing reusable wipes helps reduce your environmental impact.

Disposable wipes contribute significantly to environmental pollution, as dirty wipes end up in landfills, taking years to decompose. Opting for reusable eco friendly baby wipes reduces your eco footprint, contributing to a healthier planet for your child's future.

By embracing sustainable practices, you not only prioritise your baby's well-being but also play a role in creating a cleaner, greener world for generations to come.

What are the safest baby wipes to use?

The safest baby wipes are those which can be used with just ONE ingredient, water. That's why reusable wipes are the choice of parents looking to know exactly what they're using on their baby's delicate skin.

In conclusion, the choice between disposable and reusable wipes goes beyond mere convenience. Reusable wipes offer a host of benefits, from avoiding harsh chemicals to providing a more effective clean, all while being environmentally friendly. Making the switch to reusable wipes can be a small yet impactful step towards a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for both you and your baby.

It's worth pointing out that reusable wipes aren't just better for baby skin too. We've used them as a toilet paper alternative here at Cheeky HQ for about 8 years now! Customers love them too:

"I’d never heard of this company until I discovered that certain toilet paper can give me a rash! Yep you heard me right a rash. As a sufferer of A-topic eczema and years of suffering, there are times that I have developed sensitivities to certain substances/materials. After days of research and ways of looking on how to reduce my contact with toilet paper (not for every toilet visit I may add) I came across Cheeky Wipes. I chose Cheeky Wipes as they are an independent company and I really liked the ethos of the companies ethics. So after browsing the website I purchased the intimate wipes or family cloth as they may be referred to. After using these for a week or so now I have noticed that I’ve not had any rashes. They are very soft, absorbent and have a very cheeky design on them. Washing them is a breeze, they wash beautifully and you don’t have to separate the wash load, it’s just the same as washing your underwear.

I will most likely be looking at other products from Cheeky Wipes as I really want to cut done on using disposable products and use more reusable items. Not only for the environment but also for my health, because who knows what process and chemicals are being used in disposable items."

Got questions or aren't sure where to start with reusable wipes? We can help! Try our 'wipes questionnaire' for tailored advice on which wipes will suit you best. Alternatively, drop us a line, the team chat pee, poo and periods all day long and will be happy to help!

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About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. Several years later their range of 'Simple Reusables' expanded to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.