
Choosing a baby wipe that will not sting, irritate, or leave a chemical smell on your newborn’s skin is harder than it should be. WaterWipes promises an ultra simple formula, but does it actually deliver in everyday use?
Overview
WaterWipes Baby Wipes are marketed as some of the purest wipes you can buy, with 99.9% water and just a trace of fruit extract. They are aimed squarely at parents who want to avoid fragrances, alcohol, and long chemical ingredient lists, especially during the delicate newborn months.
The wipes come in soft plastic packs with a flip top lid, in counts that typically range from 60 to 720 wipes depending on the box you choose. Each wipe is white, flat, and smooth, with no pattern or embossing, and they are fully unscented. The brand highlights that the wipes are suitable from birth, including for premature babies, and are safe for use on faces, hands, and bottoms.
Compared with standard big box store wipes, WaterWipes cost more per wipe, and you will usually find them in the premium section of the baby aisle. In return for the higher price, you are getting a very minimal formula that prioritizes gentle cleansing over added lotions or perfumes. This trade off makes sense for families dealing with sensitive skin or for those who simply want to keep baby care products as simple as possible.
Who it is for
WaterWipes are an excellent fit for newborns, premature babies, and any child with very reactive or easily irritated skin. If your baby has a history of diaper rash flares from fragranced products, or a pediatrician has suggested avoiding certain preservatives, the stripped back ingredient list here can be reassuring.
They also suit parents who want one wipe that can safely handle diaper changes as well as quick clean ups on faces, neck folds, and tiny fingers. Because there is no added scent or lotion, you do not have to worry about leaving a perfumed residue behind when you wipe around the eyes or mouth. Many parents also like that WaterWipes feel closer to using plain cotton and water, without the hassle of actually setting up a separate bowl or spray bottle at the changing table.
On the other hand, WaterWipes may not be ideal if your main goal is tackling very messy toddler diapers with as few wipes as possible, or if you strongly prefer a textured, heavily scented wipe. Budget conscious families may decide that these are best reserved for the first months, then switch to a more affordable option once their baby is older and less prone to irritation.
How it feels and performs
In the hand, each WaterWipes Baby Wipe feels soft, smooth, and pliable. The material is not as thick as some quilted or premium store brand wipes, but it is not flimsy either. The lack of embossing means the wipe glides across the skin easily, which is lovely for delicate newborn areas but can feel a bit too slippery when you are trying to grab onto dried messes.
These wipes are very wet compared with many competitors. When you pull one out of a fresh pack, you can sometimes see small droplets of water on the surface, and if you squeeze the wipe it will drip. The upside is that you rarely need to pre moisten them or scrub, since the moisture helps lift stool and urine residue quickly. The downside is that you may want to give a quick squeeze over the sink before using them on faces, or keep a dry cloth nearby to pat areas that feel too damp afterward.
On routine wet diapers, WaterWipes perform beautifully. One or two wipes are usually enough to clean the area completely without much pressure. For bigger messes, especially once your child is eating solids, you will probably use several wipes per change and may notice that it takes more passes to get everything off, simply because the wipes are smooth rather than grippy. Many parents get around this by folding a wipe over their fingers to create more structure or by pairing WaterWipes with a more textured option during the toddler years.
Since WaterWipes are fragrance free and contain no added plant oils or lotions, there is essentially no scent beyond a faint clean water smell. In day to day use many parents report fewer flare ups of diaper rash compared with heavily scented wipes. Of course every baby is different, but if your child reacts to ingredients like alcohol, parabens, or strong botanical extracts, the bare bones formula here lowers the number of possible triggers.
The dispensing experience is mostly good but not perfect. The flip top lid seals reasonably well, but it can be a little tricky to fish out the first wipe from a new pack because the cutout is snug and the wipes tend to stick together. Once you get going, they usually come out one at a time, although occasional clumps are not unusual. The last few wipes in a pack stay wet if the lid is always closed, which is important when you are paying premium prices.
Ingredients and safety
The headline feature of WaterWipes is the ingredient list: 99.9% purified water and 0.1% fruit extract. There are no added fragrances, alcohol, dyes, parabens, or phthalates. The small amount of fruit extract acts as a gentle preservative and helps the water clean more effectively without turning the wipe into a soapy product.
For parents, this simplicity makes it easier to troubleshoot skin issues. If a rash appears while you are using WaterWipes, you and your pediatrician have far fewer variables to consider from the wipes themselves, compared with a product that includes a long list of cleansing agents and perfumes. The wipes are also hypoallergenic and suitable for use on very young or medically fragile babies, which is why you will often see them recommended in sensitive skin discussions.
From an environmental standpoint, WaterWipes has shifted in many regions to a plant based, plastic free wipe material that is designed to break down more quickly than traditional polyester blends. Exact compostability rules vary by location, so you should follow local guidance and never flush baby wipes, including these. If sustainability is high on your priority list, it is reassuring that the brand has moved away from plastic fibers, even though the soft plastic outer packaging still needs to go in the trash in most areas.
How to use for best results
To make the most of each pack, store WaterWipes lying flat with the label facing down for the first day or two after opening. This helps distribute the moisture evenly so the top wipes are not noticeably drier than the bottom. When you are ready to change a diaper, warm a wipe between your hands for a few seconds so the initial contact on your baby’s skin is less of a shock, especially at night.
For standard diaper changes, most parents find that using two to three wipes covers everything, depending on the size of the baby. Start with a broad wipe front to back, then fold the wipe over to use a clean section for more detailed passes in the skin folds. For stubborn messes, it can help to lay a damp wipe over the area for ten to fifteen seconds to soften things up before you start wiping. Another option is to use a dry cotton pad or washcloth immediately after WaterWipes to remove excess moisture and any loosened residue without extra friction.
Outside the diaper area, WaterWipes work well as an on the go face and hand cleaner. Keep a pack in the diaper bag and reseal the lid firmly after every use to prevent evaporation. At home, some parents transfer a small stack into a reusable travel case for easier one handed dispensing during middle of the night changes. No matter where you keep them, try to use an opened pack within a month or so for the best texture and moisture level.
Pros and cons
Every baby product involves trade offs, and WaterWipes are no exception. Here is a quick look at the main advantages and drawbacks to consider before you commit to a bulk box.
Pros
- Extremely short ingredient list that minimizes potential irritants for sensitive skin.
- Fragrance free and alcohol free, so there is no lingering perfume or stinging sensation.
- Very wet wipes that clean effectively without a lot of scrubbing.
- Soft, smooth texture that feels gentle on newborn skin and healing diaper rash.
- Plant based wipe material in many regions, which is a step up from plastic fiber wipes.
Cons
- Noticeably more expensive per wipe than many store brand or mainstream options.
- Smooth, relatively thin texture can make very messy diapers slower to clean.
- Wipes are so wet that they can drip if you are not careful, especially in a fresh pack.
- Flip top opening and tightly packed wipes can make it awkward to grab just one wipe at times.
Final verdict
WaterWipes Baby Wipes are a strong choice for parents who want the simplest possible formula in a ready to use wipe. They deliver on their main promise: a soft, unscented, water heavy wipe that is gentle enough for newborns and babies with sensitive or eczema prone skin. If you have ever looked at the back of a standard wipe package and felt uneasy about the long list of additives, switching to WaterWipes feels refreshingly straightforward.
The main question is whether the higher price and very wet, smooth texture fit your family and your budget. If you are still in the early months, dealing with frequent changes and learning what does and does not irritate your baby’s skin, WaterWipes are often worth the premium, even if you only use them for that stage. Later on you might choose to reserve them for rashes, travel, or face and hand cleanups while relying on a more affordable wipe for everyday toddler messes. Used thoughtfully, they can be both a comfort to worried parents and a practical tool in a baby care routine.
See also
If you enjoy detailed, real world appliance reviews alongside baby gear, you might like our Ninja SP300C Foodi review.
- Read our in depth look at the compact espresso machine in this Delonghi Rivelia review.
- For sparkling water fans, our hands on SodaStream Terra review covers performance and ease of use.
- Coffee lovers may appreciate the comparison points in our Breville Barista Express review.
- If you are curious about premium scalp care, see our Kerastase Bain Divalent review for details.
FAQ
Are WaterWipes actually better for newborns than regular baby wipes?
They can be a better fit for many newborns because the formula is so simple. With 99.9% water and a small amount of fruit extract, there are fewer potential irritants compared with wipes that include fragrances, alcohol, and multiple cleansing agents. That does not guarantee every baby will tolerate them, but it does lower the odds of a reaction caused by the wipe ingredients themselves.
Can I use WaterWipes on my baby’s face and hands every day?
Yes, WaterWipes are designed to be safe for use on the whole body, including the face and hands. Since there is no added fragrance or soap, they are gentle enough for wiping around the mouth after feedings or cleaning sticky fingers in the stroller. As with any wipe, if you notice dryness or redness after frequent use in one area, you can follow up with a plain moisturizer or reduce how often you use them there.
Do WaterWipes help with diaper rash or eczema?
WaterWipes are not a treatment for diaper rash or eczema, but they can support healing by avoiding added irritants. Many parents find that switching from heavily scented wipes to WaterWipes reduces stinging during changes and prevents existing rashes from getting worse. For eczema elsewhere on the body, using a gentle wipe instead of a fragranced one lowers the overall ingredient load on sensitive skin.
How long does an opened pack of WaterWipes last before drying out?
If you close the flip top lid firmly after every use and store the pack flat, most families find that WaterWipes stay nicely moist for several weeks. For best results, try to use an opened pack within a month or so, especially in hot or very dry climates. If the top wipes feel a bit drier than the rest, flipping the pack over for a day can help redistribute the moisture.
Are WaterWipes environmentally friendly compared with other baby wipes?
WaterWipes are moving toward more eco conscious materials, with plant based, plastic free fibers in many markets, which is an improvement over traditional plastic based wipes. However, they still come in soft plastic packaging and should always be thrown in the trash, not flushed. If sustainability is a top priority, you might combine WaterWipes for the most delicate stages with reusable cloth wipes at home to reduce overall waste.
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