How to Use Baby Wipes the Right Way: A Complete Guide for Parents

Babies are delicate, and every little thing matters—including how we wipe their skin.

Using baby wipes the right way can prevent rashes, protect sensitive skin, and make daily care easier and safer for your baby.

Most parents use baby wipes¹ daily but don’t think much about the method. I didn’t either—until my baby developed a rash from what I thought were "harmless" wipes. That’s why I wrote this guide. It’s about more than just wiping—it's about wiping right.

What Are Baby Wipes Made Of?

We often trust the packaging, but do we know what’s inside these wipes?

Baby wipes are usually made from nonwoven fabric² soaked in a solution of water, cleansers, moisturizers³, and preservatives.

To make the right choice, we have to understand what we’re putting on our baby’s skin. Most wipes use spunlace nonwoven fabric. It’s soft, strong, and holds moisture well. The liquid part typically includes purified water, mild surfactants for cleansing, skin conditioners like glycerin, and preservatives to prevent microbial growth.

Some ingredients are beneficial; others may trigger irritation. Below is a breakdown:

The best practice is to choose wipes with short, understandable ingredient lists⁴. When in doubt, less is more.

Why Is Baby Skin So Sensitive?

Many parents are shocked at how easily their baby’s skin reacts.

Baby skin is thinner, more permeable, and has a weaker barrier function than adult skin⁵, making it more prone to irritation.

Baby skin is about 30% thinner than ours. The outermost layer—the stratum corneum—is still developing. This means harmful ingredients can penetrate more easily⁶. Also, babies don’t sweat the same way adults do, so their skin can’t regulate moisture or temperature as effectively.

According to Dr. Linda Miller, a pediatric dermatologist, "Parents should treat baby skin as a fragile ecosystem—it needs balance, protection, and very gentle care."

Understanding this helps explain why some wipes work better than others, and why even a seemingly small detail like rubbing instead of patting can make a huge difference.

When Should I Use Baby Wipes—and When Not To?

Not every mess calls for a wipe.

Use baby wipes for diaper changes⁷, feeding messes, and outdoor cleanup—but avoid them during rashes or eczema flare-ups⁸.

Here’s when I use wipes without worry: diaper changes, after meals, and when my child’s been crawling around the garden. These wipes are lifesavers for quick cleanups.

But there are moments to hold back. When my baby had a rash, wipes only made things worse. In those cases, I switched to warm water and a soft cloth until the skin healed. For eczema-prone skin, even fragrance-free wipes can sometimes sting. Always observe your baby’s skin reaction and adjust.

How Do I Apply Baby Wipes Correctly?

It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about protecting.

Wipe gently from front to back using a fresh wipe each time; never rub hard, and pat dry afterward.

I used to think one wipe did the job. Not always. A clean diaper change often takes 2–3 wipes—sometimes more. The front-to-back direction is critical, especially for girls, to prevent infections. Always use a fresh section of the wipe for each pass.

Here’s a general routine I follow:

1. Open the wipe and fold it to get a clean side.
2. Gently wipe front to back⁹.
3. Discard and use a fresh wipe¹⁰ for another pass if needed.
4. Pat the skin dry using a clean towel or cotton pad.
5. Apply a barrier cream¹¹ if needed.

Moisturizing isn’t always necessary, but if the skin feels dry, a thin layer of baby lotion can help.

Are There Different Wipes for Different Situations?

Not all wipes are created equal.

Choose wipes based on the need: thick ones for big messes, sensitive formulas for daily use, and eco-friendly for sustainability.

I keep multiple types of wipes at home. For daily diaper changes, I use sensitive skin wipes¹² with minimal ingredients. When we travel, I switch to extra-thick wipes¹³ that can handle heavier messes. Some parents swear by flushable wipes for older toddlers, but those should never go in the toilet if you're using a septic system.

Reusable cloth wipes are also worth considering if you’re eco-conscious. They require more effort but reduce waste dramatically.

What Should I Look For in Baby Wipes?

Not all "baby-safe" wipes are truly safe.

Look for fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes¹⁴ with trusted certifications like EWG, OEKO-TEX¹⁵, or dermatologically tested¹⁶.

I used to fall for words like “natural” or “gentle” on packaging. Then I learned to read ingredient lists and look for third-party certifications. Here's a quick comparison table of five popular brands:

Certifications help confirm that the product meets safety standards. Always check packaging details—and when in doubt, go for the simpler option.

What Common Mistakes Do Parents Make?

It’s easy to get lazy with wipes—but bad habits¹⁷ lead to bad skin.

Avoid using scented wipes¹⁸, reusing wipes, or wiping too often or too hard—these habits can cause irritation.

I’ve made these mistakes myself. Once, I left an open wipe pack out overnight—by morning, it was dry and almost scratchy. Don’t do that. Always seal the pack shut. Other common slip-ups include:

• Thinking fragrance means cleaner
• Using one wipe for multiple areas
• Rubbing instead of patting
• Leaving wipes half-open in warmers

Keep wipes stored properly and treat them like a hygiene product¹⁹, not just a cleanup rag.

Conclusion

Using baby wipes the right way means choosing safe ingredients, wiping gently, and knowing when to switch or stop.

Elbert Zhao
Founder, Elbert Wipes Solutions
📧[email protected] | 🌐 www.elbertwipes.com

8 production lines | 22 processing lines | OEKO-TEX certified | Walmart-approved supplier