Many of us have come to rely on the convenience of baby wipes. It’s so easy to use them for quick clean-ups and disposals that we barely stop and think of the waste that’s being created when we do so.
Making the change to eco-friendly wipes is an easy zero waste swap that we can all do – and it’s easier than ever. Not only are these earth friendly baby wipes better for the environment, but they can also contain ingredients that are more beneficial for your baby’s delicate skin.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorites, to suit every need and every baby. From reusable washcloths to biodegradable baby wipes, there’s an option to suit every bum!
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Why should I buy eco-friendly wipes?
Baby wipes are causing a massive problem in our sewers and oceans. They’re just so easy to use, that many of us hardly realize how many we’ve gone through. Add to that the deceptive claims some manufacturers use around the contents, and it’s a perfect storm.
Most traditional baby wipes also contain plastic. This plastic breaks down incredibly slowly, clogging up landfills, or staying in the environment for years. As it does degrade, it releases microplastics that can end up in our waterways causing damage to marine life and delicate eco-systems.
Add in the preservatives and fragrances found in most commercial wipes, and you’ll soon realise they’re not something you should be wiping the most delicate areas of a baby’s body with.
Can I flush a baby wipe?
You should never flush a baby wipe, and that includes all the ones that call themselves ‘flushable’. Even the biodegradable baby wipes should not be flushed. No matter how biodegradable a baby wipe may claim to be, it won’t break down fast enough to not clog up your town’s sewer system.
When floating through our sewer system, wipes have a habit of bunching together. This forms something of a wall or net, trapping other waste and rubbish. Eventually, this leads to fatbergs – congealed trash piles that cause blockages.
Best Eco-Friendly Wet Wipes
If the above has you in despair, don’t worry! It’s not all doom and gloom. There are several options available to you for eco-friendly diapering. Let’s look at the most environmentally friendly wet wipes.
ImseVimse Organic Cotton Washable Reusable Cloth Wipes
One of the biggest problems with baby wipes is that they’re single use. Every time a baby wipe is used it becomes waste immediately. This is an issue no matter how quickly that waste breaks down.
By buying washable cloths you remove yourself from that waste cycle. These can be quickly rinsed after a spot clean or washed after cleaning up big messes. In the long run, you save money and save yourself from creating a huge amount of waste.
These ImseVimse eco wipes are made from 100% organic cotton, and measure 9 inches x 9inches. The thick cloth holds up well to repeated washing, while remaining soft enough for the baby’s delicate skin. You can even soak these in water and baby oil and have natural organic baby wipes on the go!
Eco Beginnings Pure Bamboo Dry Cleansing Cloths
The ingredients list for the Eco beginnings wipe is reassuringly short: 100% bamboo. These sustainable baby wipes are plastic-free, bleach-free, and chlorine-free. Bamboo is a great choice for the environment as it’s biodegradable (if disposed of correctly), produces more oxygen than trees, and needs less water than cotton.
Dry wipes are hugely versatile, because you can use them with any of your favorite (environmentally-friendly) cleaning products.
The bamboo is silky on the skin, while still being surprisingly strong. These earth-friendly baby wipes don’t rip easily, which means they can be hand washed and reused. However, it’s best to only reuse them for small spills and cleans.
The Eco Beginnings bamboo wipes are packaged in a recyclable paper box.
The Honest Company Organic Cotton Dry Wipes
You only need to add water to these dry cotton wipes for a thorough clean. Made from 100% organic and sustainably sourced cotton, they’re soft and strong for quick clean-ups.
The cotton softness makes these biodegradable baby wipes ideal for sensitive skin. Especially as you can use them with whatever baby wash you know works best – or just water. Containing no alcohol, chlorine, bleach, or fragrances, these eco-friendly dry wipes are adaptable to suit the needs of your baby.
Mum & You Biodegradable Baby Wipes
Mum & You biodegradable baby wipes are as gentle as cotton and water, so they can be used straight from birth. And not just for diaper clean-ups, these wipes are suitable for face and hands as well.
100% natural, they can be composted as well – they break down in just 4-6 weeks. Even the cute packaging is biodegradable and recyclable!
Containing 99.4% water, the Mum & You eco baby wipes are super kind to the most sensitive skin of newborn babies. Mom’s can feel safe using these, and the baby can feel happy with a soft and gentle cleaning.
Made from 100% renewable plant-based material, these Eco by Naty sensitive baby wipes are thick for thorough cleaning. Naty also understands that you only want the best ingredients for your baby, that’s why their wipes are hypoallergenic and vegan. Perfect for sensitive skin.
Naty also does an aloe vera wipe, that’s chlorine-free and non-toxic. Infused with aloe vera and chamomile, these wipes are soothing and calming for all skin. For any babies who experience nappy rash, these wet wipes without chemicals are gentle for regular use.
And what’s more, these eco-friendly wipes come in packaging that can be sent back to EarthHero for recycling.
Esembly Reusable Cloth Baby Wipes
Esembly are a member of 1% for the planet, donating a percentage of their profits to sustainability.
Cloth baby wipes let you do your own bit for sustainability. Large-sized and thick enough to withstand regular washing, these wipes are among the most eco-friendly choices for true zero waste baby wipes.
Made from 100% organic cotton, these are the safest baby wipes for use on delicate skin. Simply dip in water, or apply an eco-friendly baby oil solution, and you’re good to go.
Natracare Organic Cotton Baby Wipes
These plant-based wipes are made of organic cotton that’s both biodegradable and compostable. Scented with organic chamomile, apricot, and sweet almond oil, they’re a delight to use while leaving the skin soft and clean.
The chemical-free wet wipes are delicate while remaining strong, so they won’t damage your baby’s skin, but do stand up to a thorough clean.
The Amazon link is for a multipack (as baby wipes always seem to disappear faster than you think). But you can buy a single pack from Earth Hero as well if you’d like to try them out before buying in bulk.
Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo Baby Wipes
Panda friendly bamboo is a renewable and safe alternative to trees. Caboo uses it as the base of their wipes that are 99.3% naturally derived. These eco-friendly wet wipes are convenient and quick clean-ups, but contain no alcohol, chlorine, or other harsh chemicals. They’re non-toxic and fragrance free, which makes them perfect for babies.
Caboo is a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning a portion of their profits goes towards non-profit organizations supporting sustainability.
The only downside of these eco wipes is their packaging which contains unnecessary plastic.
Kinder by Nature Plant Based Baby Wipes
Made of 0% plastic and 100% plant-based, the Kinder by Nature earth friendly baby wipes decompose in just 60 days. So you can feel reassured knowing your waste won’t hang around for long. The 100% organic wood pulp cloth is soaked in a mixture of organic vegetable and plant extracts for smooth and eco-friendly baby wiping.
The natural cleaning solution contains aloe vera, ylang-ylang, tea tee, chamomile, almond oil, and more. They’re all-natural and designed to soften and smooth skin. What they don’t contain is any alcohol, parabens, or other dangerous chemicals.
What eco-friendly baby wipes should I buy?
The best wipes to buy are reusable cloths, such as Esembly and ImseVimse. They can be washed over and over, so you aren’t creating excess waste.
Plus, they’re adaptable to be used wet and dry, with whatever formula works for your baby. Keep some damp in a stainless steel container, and you have zero waste wet wipes on the go.
However, we understand that reusable wipes require a time commitment not every mom has. When buying disposable wipes make sure they’re plastic-free and made from sustainable materials. We like bamboo, but organic cotton and wood pulp are good choices as well.
Avoid fragranced wipes, as these typically contain harmful chemicals. Dry wipes are perfect for babies with sensitive skin, as they can be used with water. Wet wipes work best for quick clean-ups, and when you’re on the go.