Benefits and harms of wet wipes for newborns


Wet wipes have many uses, they are not limited to removing makeup or cleaning dusty surfaces and computer screens, but they are also considered an essential tool in baby bags, as many mothers rely on them as part of the necessary care tools for newborns. Mothers often prepare these wipes with diapers. Many companies have launched various brands of wet wipes, which are used for different purposes, and are characterized by ease and speed of use, in addition to their effectiveness in cleaning sensitive areas for children. In this article, through the Dalili Medical website, we will discuss the safety of using wet wipes for children.

**Do wet wipes harm the face?**

 

No, if they are chosen and used correctly to suit the nature of sensitive children's skin, they will not harm the face. However, it is preferable to avoid the frequent use of wet wipes on the face, and when using them, the skin should be gently massaged without pressure.

**What are wet wipes for?**

 

Wet wipes have several benefits that make them part of the daily routine of many people around the world, including:

- Ease of use, as they can be carried anywhere.

- No need to worry about cleaning them, as they are designed for single use only.

- Removes dust and dirt, and can be used to remove makeup.

- Leaves the skin clean, healthy and refreshed.

- Contains natural ingredients that moisturize the skin.

- Can be used to clean the face, hands and entire body.

- Fast-acting, as it cleans impurities that may be difficult to remove with plain water.

- Suitable for all skin types, and there are special products for sensitive skin.

- Cleans various surfaces without scratching them, including glass.

- Can be used for minor wounds and sterilizing scratches.

**What are the components of wet wipes?**

 

Many mothers use wet wipes that have become popular recently, and these wipes consist of three main components:

1. **The cloth**: This is the part used for wiping, and it varies in thickness, degree of absorption, and softness.

2. **Active ingredients**: Wipes contain several materials, the most important of which is water, which must be pure and free of impurities. They also contain preservatives that protect the wipes from contamination, as these materials are chosen based on their solubility in water and their effective concentration.

3. **Ph**: The pH of the wipes should match that of the infant's skin, as it is neutral at birth and then becomes acidic later. The pH is adjusted to avoid skin irritation and reduce bacterial growth.

4. **Alcohol-free**: Most wet wipes for babies are free of alcohol, which may cause skin irritation. It is important to look for alcohol-free brands, as determined by the US Food and Drug Administration.

**Uses of baby wipes**

Baby wipes are essential supplies that mothers cannot do without, due to the many benefits they provide to their children, the most prominent of which are:

- Cleaning the baby's skin before and after changing the diaper.

- Moisturizing the skin and giving it a fresh and beautiful scent.

- Protecting the baby's skin from inflammation and redness thanks to its softness and gentleness.

- An easy alternative to cotton pads or cloth.

- Sterilizing minor wounds.

- Removing sweat deposits and unpleasant odors.

- Cleaning the face and hands after eating or in cases of reflux and vomiting.

**What are the ingredients of good wet wipes?**

 

If you are wondering about the beneficial ingredients in wet wipes, here are the most important ingredients that they should contain:

- **Moisturizing materials**: such as natural oils that nourish the skin and rebuild the lipid layer, such as sweet almond oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil. These oils are also used in cosmetics for children with sensitive skin.

- **Plant extracts**: such as extracts of chamomile flowers, marigold flowers, aloe vera leaves, cotton seeds, and olive leaves, which have been confirmed to be safe through long-term use.

- **Strong moisturizing materials**: such as glycerin, silk protein hydrolysate, milk protein hydrolysates, and oats, in addition to materials that have a rejuvenating and soothing effect such as allantoin, panthenol, and bisabolol.

- **Surfactants**: These are materials that have a gentle effect on the skin, such as sugar derivatives and amino acid derivatives.

- **Preservatives**: The liquids used to soak the wipes should contain preservatives to avoid microbiological infections, such as benzoic acid and its salts, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, in addition to a mixture of phenoxyethanol with ethylhexylglycerin.

- **Non-woven wipes**: Non-woven wipes should be of the appropriate size, thickness, softness, tear-resistant, and preferably biodegradable.

**The correct way to use wet wipes for children**

 

The baby's diaper changing routine includes the use of wet wipes, and if you are unsure of how to use them correctly, here are the steps:

1. **For females**: After removing the dirty diaper, gently wipe the genital area from front to back with a wet wipe, and avoid wiping from back to front to avoid bacteria entering the urinary tract. Then wipe the area between the thighs and buttocks with a new wet wipe.

2. **For males**: When changing a baby's diaper, start by cleaning the penis first, then wipe the area under the testicles and the creases between the thighs to reduce the chances of infection, then wipe the buttocks. After finishing, let the area air dry or dry it with a cloth, then apply some diaper ointment before putting on a new diaper.

**What are the harms of wet wipes?**

 

Despite the many benefits of wet wipes, they have some disadvantages that may not be suitable for everyone. The most prominent of these areDisadvantages:

- Some wet wipes contain chemicals that may cause allergies in some children, according to certain studies.

- They can irritate the skin and cause skin rashes in children with sensitive skin.

- It is preferable to avoid using them in the first days after birth, and replace them with water and soap.

**Do wet wipes harm the face?**

 

This is a question that worries many due to the negative effects that may result from it. The answer appears in the following points:

- Wet wipes that contain alcohol and chemicals may harm the skin, as they remove beneficial natural oils.

- This prompts the skin to produce more oils to compensate for dryness, which may lead to the appearance of acne.

- It is preferable to search for the best wet wipes for children, as many products do not contain alcohol or harmful chemicals. Plain water and soap can also be used as an alternative.

**How ​​to Choose the Best Baby Wipes**

 

Although baby wipes may look similar, there are significant differences between them, such as moisture level and texture. Therefore, it is important to choose wipes carefully to avoid any harm to the baby's skin. Here are some factors to consider:

- **Ingredients:** It is preferable to choose wet wipes that contain fewer ingredients, as they reduce the possibility of side effects such as skin irritation. It is preferable to choose wipes without fragrance.

- **Packaging:** Wipe packages vary in size, and it is best to choose packages that fit the mother's bag, as large packages may be more expensive. Large packages can be purchased and stored in plastic containers designated for use when needed.

- **Thickness:** Some doctors indicate that thick wipes are best, as they reduce the number of wipes used and contact with the skin, which reduces skin irritation. The baby will also be more comfortable.

- **Cost:** Cost is an important factor when choosing wipes, so wipes should be purchased in line with income and the price of the package. Larger packs can be purchased if they are less expensive and stored as mentioned above.

**Best Baby Wipes**

 

1. **Pampers Sensitive Wipes**

Pampers wipes are a favorite choice for many mothers, as they are free of alcohol and fragrances, making them safe for sensitive baby skin. These wipes are thick, providing deep cleansing for baby's skin.

2. **Pendulin Wipes**

Pendulin wipes are used to clean baby's skin and diaper area. They are rich in vitamin E and contain moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, and allantoin, which help moisturize and soothe the skin and protect it from irritation. They also contain calendula extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable for babies from day one. They are soft and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for all skin types.

3. **Eva Clinic Baby Wipes**

Eva Clinic wipes contain natural oils such as tea tree oil that soothes the skin and reduces irritation, in addition to chamomile. They also contain vitamin B5 that helps in regenerating skin cells and zinc oxide that protects against diaper rash by forming a waterproof layer.

4. **Aveeno Wet Wipes for Sensitive Skin**

Aveeno wipes are characterized by oat extract, aloe vera and glycerin, and are free of fragrances, parabens and alcohol, making them perfectly suitable for sensitive skin for children. They can be used daily to cleanse the face and body, and are ideal for dry and sensitive skin.

5. **Sanosan Wet Wipes**

Sanosan wipes contain a lotion made of olive oil and milk protein, which helps moisturize the skin and keep it soft. They are free of parabens, paraffin oil and silicone, making them gentle on the baby's skin and do not cause irritation.

6. **Mustela Wet Wipes**

Mustela wipes are made of 98% natural ingredients, made of cotton, aloe vera extract and glycerin, and are free of plastic, perfumes and parabens. They leave baby's skin soft, moisturized and refreshed.

7. **Sebamed Baby Oil Wipes**

Sebamed wipes contain wheat germ oil extract, which protects baby's skin from irritation, in addition to panthenol, which deeply moisturizes the skin. They are suitable for dry and sensitive skin and safe for newborns.

8. **Johnson's Wet Wipes**

Johnson's wipes are characterized by their fragrant scent of jasmine flowers, and are designed to clean the entire body and face of the baby without causing tears. Their formula is free of alcohol, dyes and parabens, making them gentle on the skin and does not affect the natural pH balance.

**Easy Care Wipes for Babies**

 

Easy Care wipes contain zinc oxide lotion to moisturize baby's skin and protect it from diaper rash. They are free of alcohol and parabens, leaving skin soft and clean.