It's a well-known fact that us parents go through packet after packet of baby wipes in those first few years, but by investing in some of the best reusable baby wipes, you can save some pennies and do your bit for the planet at the same time. Sounds good right?
You may have already tried biodegradable baby wipes, but the next step is reusable. This eco-friendly switch is not only beneficial for your purse but for your baby too, as reusable wipes contain less chemicals than normal wet wipes and are often much more gentle on their delicate skin.
Editor's choice:
•Best for a multipack: Little Gubbins Baby Wipes with Laundry Bag - Buy now from Amazon
•Best for bulk: Little Stories Reusable Wipes Kit: Buy now from Boots
•Best for luxury: GinasSoftClothShop Organic Cotton Cloth Wipes: Buy now from Etsy
•Best for gifting: Little Gubbins Reusable Baby Wipes Essentials Kit - Buy now from Amazon
It's not always easy to know which reusable wipes are worth investing in, so we've done the research for you and have compiled a list of the ones that are definitely worth using.
The best reusable baby wipes 2023
Best for small ones
www.etsy.com
Available in a range of pack sizes, these 2-ply wipes are a must-have whether you have kids or not. They're very practical and are built for those messes that aren't very big.
One reviewer said: "I absolutely love these! I’ve had a batch for nearly 2 years and wanted to top up so I don’t run out as quickly. Using these instead of makeup wipes has saved me a lot of money and waste."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Quite small but they do have larger options available
Best for a multipack
Colour-coded for convenience, these wipes are perfect for all your clean-up needs. Perhaps you could use the purple ones for a nappy change, the blue ones to wash their face, the pink ones for their hands and the yellow ones for general tidying, for example.
One reviewer said: "I work in an outdoor nursery and try to think of ways to reduce the amount of waste we add to landfill. Now that I'm starting my own family I was just as keen to find ways to reduce the amount of wet wipes I put in the bin. I came across the Little Gubbins reusable wet wipes. I was very impressed - they are a lot bigger than normal wipes and this means I usually get away with shying one per nappy change. They are so soft and feel like a quality brand. More importantly, little one hasn’t had any nappy rash!"
Pros
- AZO free
- Laundry bag for easy washing
Cons
- May go mouldy if you don't allow them to fully dry
Best for bulk
www.boots.com
If you're looking to stock up, this pack of 18 wipes should see you through many nappy changes. Gentle enough to use on newborns, it comes with both blue and white cloths and a convenient box to store them in.
One reviewer said: "As previously mentioned, the blue wipes did run for the first wash or two but not since so please wash with darks before using. I bought these before my son was born and have used nothing but these and Cheeky Wipes since, and he's 8 months old now. They have lasted well, no fraying, curling or thinning. I prefer them to cheeky wipes which are microfibres, these clean better."
Pros
- Two different colours
- Fully recyclable packaging
Cons
- May experience some colour running in a warm wash
Best for luxury
www.etsy.com
You can rely on these amazing organic wipes as they are so soft and durable. They may not be the cheapest, but they are made from the highest quality ingredients and you get fifty in a pack, which is more than enough for a big household.
One reviewer said: "We were looking for cotton wipes to go with our cloth diapers. These are great and exactly what we wanted! We love them—so much better than the fleece wipes we had till now. Super weave and beautifully sewn trim."
Pros
- Handmade
- Broad selection of edge colours
Cons
- Only 1-ply
Best for a budget
www.hollandandbarrett.com
An affordable pack like this this from TotsBots is perfect for those who are just starting out on their reusable wipe journey. Each one is double-sided and generously sized.
One reviewer said: "I ordered the reusable baby wipes and I am very happy with them. The design is simple and they are very effective. The delivery was quick and overall it was a positive experience."
Pros
- Free from chlorine and alcohol
- Oeko-Tex-certified
Cons
- Smaller pack compared to other brands
Best for gifting
A kit like this is a real life-saver for new parents as it comes with everything they'll need for tidying up their little one on the go, including a wet bag, laundry bags, a spray bottle, 10 microfibre wipes and 10 cotton squares.
One reviewer said: "A great product if you're looking to become more environmentally friendly as a parent. I bought this pack as a first step before getting cloth nappies and I'm glad I did as it helps you get into the routine of re-using items and has everything you need. Good quality cloths and really decent sized bags especially for when out and about. The cloths are colour coded for bum/face, as are the wash bags, which really helps with hygiene (which was the one thing I was concerned about before buying reusable baby items)."
Pros
- Cotton for bottoms, microfibre for hands/faces
- Great for burping and bathtime too
Cons
- Some users want them to be more durable
Best for a novelty design
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Bored of boring plain wipes? Why not brighten up your changing bag with these magical unicorn reusable wipes. One side is delicate cotton and the other side is super fluffy soft terry towelling that feels a bit like a dressing gown.
Pros
- Super soft
- Brilliant at mopping up spills
Cons
- Not many in a pack
How to use reusable baby wipes
To make your reusable wipes turn into wet wipes you may need to run them under the tap (preferably warm water) and then squeeze out any excess. When on the go, you could store your wet wipes in a wet bag to keep them damp or take a small pot of water with you for emergency clean-ups.
How do you clean reusable baby wipes?
Start by rinsing them off in the sink with some cold water and then place them in your washing machine on a warm, gentle cycle with some mild detergent. Once the cycle is complete, take them out and allow them to air dry either outdoors or on a clothes horse.
For smaller wipes, you may want to use a laundry bag so that they don't get lost amongst the piles of washing or stuck in the machine.
Things to consider when buying reusable baby wipes?
How to use reusable baby wipes
To make your reusable wipes turn into wet wipes you may need to run them under the tap (preferably warm water) and then squeeze out any excess. When on the go, you could store your wet wipes in a wet bag to keep them damp or take a small pot of water with you for emergency clean-ups. If you'd like to, you could add a couple of drops of essential oils to them.
Don't forget to put them into the nappy bin until they're ready to be washed and if you're not at home, bring a separate container with you to store the dirty ones in until you can wash them!
If you've only just made the switch, you may find it easier to only use them at home to begin with and carry a pack of disposable wipes with you when you're out.
How do you clean reusable baby wipes?
Start by rinsing them off in the sink with some cold water and then place them in your washing machine on a warm, gentle cycle with some mild detergent. Once the cycle is complete, take them out and allow them to air dry either outdoors or on a clothes horse.
For smaller wipes, you may want to use a laundry bag so that they don't get lost amongst the piles of washing or stuck in the machine.
Things to consider when buying reusable baby wipes?
•Budget - While some wipes cost more than others, this depends on both the quality and the quantity. While it does cost money to wash them, it's important to remember that you'll be saving a lot of money in the long run as you will only need to buy them a couple of times a year, instead of once a week like you'd need to with disposable options.**
•Material** - From cotton to microfibre and even soft terry cloth, there are plenty of options to choose from depending on your preferences and what you're using them for. Microfibre is ideal for cleaning the sides and tables and cotton is perfect for washing your face and your hands.
•Size - Again, the size depends on your needs. You need to think about when and where you're going to use them, as well as how you're going to store them.
•Instructions - Check the instructions before you use the wipes so that you know exactly what they can be used for, how to use them and how they should be washed and dried. If you put them on the wrong cycle, you could shrink them or the colours could run.
•Storage - A wet bag is the ideal place to keep your baby wipes when you're on the go, so that they're always ready to be taken out and used whenever needed. Plus, you'll need a bag to put the dirty ones in to.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.