Cotton wipes, disposable wipes or washable cloth wipes: pros and cons for changing diapers and nappies

Having a newborn baby is a huge change, made more difficult by the fact that there is so much information available. From feeding your baby to your sleeping habits, diaper and diaper changes, and the parenting debate between routine and attachment, it’s hard to know where to start.

Here we will look at just one element of your baby’s daily routine: diaper changing. Once you’ve decided whether to use cloth or disposable nappies or nappies, you can start considering what to use to clean up that poop.

cotton wool and water

In the UK, the NICE clinical excellence guidelines used by midwives recommend that only water (and cotton) be used for the first 6 weeks of a baby’s life. This is to protect their newborn skin, which is much more delicate than adult skin.

Pros: Cotton is very soft and cheap to buy. The water is readily available from the tap and is obviously completely chemical free, making it perfect for your baby’s skin. Cotton is also biodegradable, so it’s an environmental bonus.

Cons: There are only a couple of small disadvantages to using cotton. First of all you have to get the cotton wet every time you use it, just a minor nuisance, but irritating when you’ve sat down to change the baby and then realize you need to run to the sink. Also, the lint from the cotton can stick to the poop and make a bit of a mess. Lastly, when you are out and about with the baby, you may not have easy access to water or a faucet, so it can be a bit inconvenient.

Disposable Wipes

Disposable wipes range from the big name brands to the more boutique ‘natural’ eco-disposables. They range in price up to $5 per pack, depending on where they are purchased.

Pros: There is no question that disposable wipes are convenient. They can be used and thrown away with disposable diapers, whether at home or on the go.

Cons: The cost of using disposable wipes can really add up. Even if you buy a supermarket private label, buying just one pack a week could add up to $500 over two years. Then there’s the environmental cost to consider, since you’re contributing to the landfill with all those dirty wipes. Lastly, disposable wipes tend to make a mess of poop, and because they are quite thin, it’s easy to find yourself with a poop-covered hand. Gross.

Washable Wipes

Washable wipes can range from old cotton washcloths to luxurious bamboo or minkee washcloths. They range in price from a few dollars for single wipes to $60 for a washable wipe kit that includes soaker boxes and bags for use on the go.

Pros: Using washable wipes is inexpensive compared to the cost of disposable wipes. They are also environmentally friendly as they are washed and reused. They are chemical free, use just water or water and baby essential oils to clean your baby’s bottom. Due to the nature of the fabric, cotton and bamboo wipes are quick and easy to use and remove poop with minimal fuss. Wipes need to be washed, but do not need to be dried and do not require separate washing. They can also be used when out and about by popping out wet wipes in a wet bag for ease of use.

Cons: Wipes obviously need to be washed, so they require a little more effort than disposable wipes or cotton.

Whichever method (or methods) you decide on, good luck with your new baby!