Wipes contain cleansers and preservatives. Some cleansers are relatively mild (like grapefruit seed extract and trace benzalkonium chloride) while others can be harsh to baby’s delicate skin.
Some green-minded parents figure out alternatives to store-bought
baby wipes for financial or environmental reasons. One popular solution is cloth wipes made with water or homemade solutions.
Baby wipes are an invaluable tool during diaper changes, wiping sticky fingers after snacks or meals and even cleaning off a messy high chair. They can also be used to quickly clean a face, hands or neck, and to clean surfaces such as a stove top or refrigerator handles.
To make a disposable wet wipe, raw ingredients such as cotton, polyester, viscose, polypropylene and bamboo fibers are combined through an industrial process to form a non-woven fabric. These fibers are then saturated with wet ingredients, folded and packaged aseptically.
Most baby wipes contain some type of mild surfactant, which is like a liquid soap that dissolves oil and dirt on contact. Some of the most common surfactants found in baby wipes are lufenuron sulfonate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, lauryl glucoside and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). In addition to surfactants, many baby wipe brands include preservatives that protect the contents from bacteria, mildew or mold. Typical preservatives are grapefruit seed extract and benzalkonium chloride, though some baby wipes use more gentle preservatives such as glycerin or methylchloroisothiazolinone.
Moisturize
Wet wipes are loaded with a thick moisturizing lotion. The lotion is saturated with water, oil, glycerin, and many other ingredients. Most wipes also contain plant extracts to nourish and soothe the baby’s skin, and improve the quality of the skin with each use.
The lotion helps the baby wipes pick up and dissolve sticky messes that stick to the baby’s bottom. It can also help to remove any remaining urine residue or dried diaper residue.
In addition, the lotion can help maintain a low buffering pH system to support and preserve the baby’s natural skin barrier. These factors are important in preventing irritation from fecal matter and irritants. Baby moisturizing wet wipes are extra soft and absorbent, leaving the baby’s skin smooth with an immediate feeling of well-being. Especially suitable for atopic skin. Dermatologically tested.
Disinfect
When baby wipes are used repeatedly, they can build up and leave a wet residue on surfaces. This can be a bit of a pain to clean off, but it’s worth it to prevent mold or mildew growth. Leaving the wipes open to air-dry between uses will also help.
Most baby wipes are saturated with at least 95% water. The lotion is then infused with oils and moisturizing agents to help remove soil, add softness, and prevent the wipes from drying out too easily. Common baby wipe oil and moisturizing agents include glycerin, vegetable oils (like olive or jojoba), castor oil, safflower oil, and shea butter.
The lotion also contains a bit of cleaning agent that’s safe on babies’ sensitive skin, as well as some mild preservatives like grapefruit seed extract and trace benzalkonium chloride. Most importantly, the entire formula is tested on human volunteers to ensure it doesn’t irritate skin or cause allergic reactions.
Cool Down
Wipe warmers are a great way to keep baby wipes moist, but they can overheat and scald baby’s sensitive skin. If you want to avoid the risk of this, try storing your baby wipes in the refrigerator. This will also help to extend the life of your wipes.
Besides using baby wipes for diaper changes, they are a must-have on hand for quick cleanups. They’re perfect for cleaning up smears from hair dye, tidying up a messy mani or pedi, and even removing self-tanner mistakes.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make homemade hemorrhoid wipes, start with a package of baby wipes that contain aloe and add a few drops of witch hazel to the container. This will give you a cheaper alternative to store-bought hemorrhoid wipes.