Does Your Baby Struggle With Sensitive Skin? Washable Baby Wipes Could Help

A brand new baby has super sensitive skin which is why, in the UK, midwives recommend using just water to gently cleanse them during the first 6 weeks of their life. (NICE Clinical Excellence guidelines.)

However using 'just water' can be inconvenient, meaning water has to be fetched from the tap each time the baby needs a nappy or diaper change. Given that a newborn baby can poo up to 10 times a day, this can quickly grow tiresome.

Disposable baby wipes are the readily available alternative. They are moist and ready to use, however contain preservatives and chemicals which can cause irritation on some baby's - even the sensitive skin formulations.


Is there another option??

Washable cloth baby wipes are available through many retailers and range from all-in-one kits offering everything needed to use washable wipes at home or when out and about, to simple washcloths.

They come in a variety of fabrics, from cotton terry towelling and bamboo viscose on the 'natural' side, to manmade fibres like fleece or minkee. All these fabrics have their own unique properties which should be taken into consideration, like softness, drying time, wiping traction etc. This means that some fabrics are best for wiping poo, and others are better for hands and faces etc. It's worthwhile to take a little time to investigate which fabric will suit you best.

How are washable wipes best used?

Using washable wipes is very simple, although there are a range of methods of use which will again vary from person to person:

Wet upon use

In this method, the cloths are stored dry and ready for use, when they are simply made wet enough to use for that occasion. The easiest way of doing this is to run them under the tap, however it is also possible to keep a soaking solution in a spray bottle in order to wet the cloths. The advantage of this method is that the dry wipes can be transported easily out and about, however the disadvantage is that water or a soaking solution will need to be carried also. The wipes also have to be dried for storage after washing which could be a chore.

Pre-soak at home

This is probably the most convenient way to use washable wipes. The wipes are soaked in a container at home in a soaking solution which means that they are always ready to use and convenient. Soaking solutions include:

Baby Bath/Soap and Baby Oil

A combination of branded baby bath, baby oil and water give an emulsified soaking solution which is popular. However it seems a shame to use washable wipes and then use chemicals in the soaking solutions which is why many parents instead opt for more natural solutions.

Store-cupboard solution

One store-cupboard soaking solution which smells great involves soaking the clean wipes in a solution of chamomile tea and honey. Chamomile is very soothing and honey has natural anti-bacterial qualities, so this is a fantastic solution for any baby suffering from nappy rash.

Essential oil solutions

Many essential oils offer fantastic therapeutic benefits which make them perfect for soaking washable wipes. It is worth checking though, as not all essential oils are suitable for use on babies and children. Popular essential oils include lavender, chamomile, mandarin and rose which all have the added benefit of smelling beautiful also.

Once the wipes have been soaked, they can be used to cleanse as any disposable wipe, then washed and reused, which reduces our environmental impact also.

In summary, using washable baby wipes offers the opportunity to tailor skincare suitable for each individual baby, save money and help the environment. A winning result all round.