10 Nasties That Your Baby Wipes Should Not Have

10 Nasties That Your Baby Wipes Should Not Have

9 Jun 2022 | 4 min Read

Sayani Basu

Author | 607 Articles

Mums need baby wipes for diaper changes, messy fingers and mouths, sticky surfaces, pacifiers and toys. Baby wipes have become an important part of daily life for mums. 

That’s because baby wipes are convenient to use. All you need to do is just take out a wipe and get the job done whether at home or on the go.

Baby wipes can be used to clean almost everything besides using it to clean your baby.

However, while opting for a baby wipe, you must check the label as it should be devoid of some ingredients because of their adverse effects on the little one’s skin. 

Read on to know more about all the nasties that baby wipes should not have.

Nasties That Your Baby Wipes Should Not Have

Your baby wipes should be free from certain ingredients. Here’s a list of the same:

  1. Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative that has been linked to eczema, allergic reactions like hives, skin irritations and some other negative impacts on the nervous system and should not be present in your baby’s wipe as it can be harmful to the little one.
Baby wipes should be devoid of paraben as it can lead to acute and chronic side effects. | Image Source: pexels

  1. Paraben Preservatives: The presence of paraben in baby wipes can lead to acute and chronic side effects. It can also cause allergic reactions, hormone disruption, along with developmental and reproductive toxicity.

This ingredient is not only harmful for the little ones but also for adults due to the numerous hazards it can cause.

  1. Phthalate: Phthalates are artificial fragrance additives that are used in several creams, lotions and baby wipes. Phthalates migrate to the substance’s surface and finally into the little one’s body.

Numerous studies have linked exposure to phthalates to a wide variety of health issues in babies and adults, including sex hormone disruption, reduced sperm count, and reproductive organ malformation.

  1. Synthetic fragrances: Mums should avoid baby wipes that contain synthetic fragrances as these might disrupt your child’s hormonal system when absorbed in the skin.

Synthetic fragrances contain hormone-disrupting phthalates and can also lead to uneven breathing and asthma in babies.

  1. Mineral oil: Mineral oil is a cheap petroleum by-product that is used in several diaper creams, baby wipes, oils and lotions.

Unfortunately, mineral oil acts as a coating on the little one’s skin and blocks the pores and the skin’s natural breathing process.

  1. Sulphate: Sulphates like sodium lauryl and sodium laureth can irritate your little one’s skin.

They can also cause irritation in the eyes and respiratory problems.

  1. Sodium Benzoate: Sodium benzoate is a preservative that is added to personal care products including baby wipes to prolong shelf life.

However, research shows that such an ingredient can also cause cancer.

  1. TCC: TCC stands for triclocarban. It is a chemical that is used in antibacterial soaps and baby wipes. However, research shows that the presence of TCC can have adverse effects for babies.

Some studies also show that exposure to TCC can reduce the lifespan of babies.

It is advisable to not use adult soaps for your little one as it can deplete their pH level. | Image Source: pexels

  1. Soap: Since a baby’s skin is delicate and ultra-sensitive, it is advisable to not use adult soaps as it can deplete the pH level of the little one’s skin (5.5).

Hence, mums should not opt for baby wipes that have soap as an ingredient.

  1. Alcohol: Baby wipes should not contain alcohol as it can cause dryness and irritate the skin.

It can also increase permeability of the skin, making way for the unwanted impurities to be absorbed.

So, the next time you buy baby wipes, check out for these ingredients and get a step ahead in assuring your baby a safe environment!

You also choose bamboo wipes that are soft to touch and are gentle for the baby’s skin too. It prevents irritation to the skin. Moreover, bamboo wipes are free from harmful chemicals like chlorine and bamboo fibres are also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial in nature. They are antiseptic and make for a safer choice.

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