Infants need special care for their sensitive skin. Using a regular cloth with rough fabrics would irritate their skin. The best thing for them is baby wipes. You can use those to wipe the baby’s bottom and other sensitive areas without any worry. Some adults, too, prefer them to wet wipes. The only problem is that the regular ones aren’t biodegradable. Not only do they cause sewer blockages, but they also pose problems for marine life in the oceans. That is why it’s better to choose top biodegradable baby wipes that are eco-friendly and decompose fast. They are beneficial both for the environment and the skin, as they contain few additives.
Materials Used in Making Baby Wipes
Recyclable baby wipes are made from different types of materials. However, all of them are environment-friendly and found in nature. Many of them contain plant fibers that are 100% naturally derived. Others are made of 99% water and undergo a series of purification processes. They might also have grapefruit seed extract. Some companies also use unscented wipes that are suitable for children with eczema. Manufacturers might also use ingredients like sodium levulinate, aloe vera, glycerin, and sodium citrate. However, all of these break down easily in the environment. Their biodegradation period is 42 days on average.
You must know the following things while buying baby wipes:
1. Scented vs. Unscented
Some people prefer scented wipes, while others go with unscented ones. If your baby develops allergic reactions from scented wipes, avoid buying them in the future. Some of the signs of an allergic reaction are itching around the eyes, scaly skin, hives, and reddish skin. Even if you decide to use scented wipes, go with ones that have a weak fragrance.
2. Types of Material
Regardless of whether a baby wipe is biodegradable or not, different manufacturing materials are used in all of them. These include parabens, benzoates, glycerin, sorbates, and water. Eco-friendly ones also use natural materials like wood pulp, bamboo, viscose rayon, and organic cotton. The percentage of these will usually be mentioned by the company somewhere in the container or pack. It is better to go with those that have the highest rate.
3. Its Feel
You should also give due weightage to the texture of the baby wipe. Even though all wipes will be soft, some will feel smoother on the skin. In most cases, those made from organic cotton cloth will have a softer feel. You should also check if the wipe is alcohol-free or not.
4. Thickness
Some wipes are thicker than others. You should choose thicker ones since they are usually easier to clean the mess. They also last for a long time. Ultra-thick wipes will come in a large pack and can be easily identified.
5. Way to Dispose of Baby Wipes
You should always dispose of baby wipes correctly. Even if they are biodegradable, you should never flush them down the toilet. They might clog the pipes and the sewage system. The safest way is to place the wipes in a waste bin so that they decompose upon reaching the soil.
Try to remember as many points mentioned above while buying top biodegradable baby wipes as you can. They are incredibly beneficial both for your baby and the environment and serve their intended purpose quite effectively.
