When you embark on your journey as a new parent, you want only the best for your baby. In the U.S., parents have to do a little extra legwork to find the healthiest, most eco-friendly solutions for their bundle of joy. Why? Because cosmetic and personal care products–including baby wipes–are not required to be tested for safety before they are allowed on the market.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for diaper wipes for sensitive skin or a straightforward wipe that gets the job done. Some baby wipes contain harmful chemicals and composition that can increase irritation and diaper rashes or even cause long-term health effects.

In this wet wipes buying guide, we’ll dive into exactly what you need (and what you don’t) from your baby wipes. The safest baby wipes are free of harmful chemicals, plant-based, and endorsed by third-party research and certifications.

Guidelines for Safety

Before you determine the amount of wipes you need for a baby, it’s important to make sure you have the right wipes. While there are currently no set standards or regulations for baby wipes in the U.S., the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has established its own guidelines for what constitutes a safer personal care product.

When looking for baby wipes that meet the EWG seal of approval, look for these factors:

Fragrance-Free

Studies showOpens in a new tab. that the chemicals used to make scented wipes often emit volatile organic compounds and endocrine-disrupting phthalates. These chemicals, like polyethylene glycols, can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. These chemicals are associated with DNA damage, developmental, and reproductive effects.

Plant-Based

In addition to what’s good for your baby, it’s important to choose a wipe that’s also better for the earth. After all, your little one needs a world as bright as them to truly shine.

Plant-based wipes are more biodegradable than other conventional wipes. This helps reduce waste in landfills and minimizes a negative environmental impact.

Free From Harmful Chemicals

When purchasing baby wipes, avoid buying brands that use these chemicals:

• Formaldehyde
• Parabens
• Alcohol
• Sodium laureth sulfate
• Dehydroacetic acid
• Phenoxyethanol
• Triclosan
• Propylene glycol

Many of the chemicals on this list are organic compounds, so certain brands dubbed 'all-natural' and 'organic' can actually contain chemicals on this list. Read the ingredients carefully to avoid exposing your baby to potentially harmful chemicals linked with cancer, allergic reactions, and even hormonal problems.

Certification and Accolades

Choosing a brand that is certified or approved by third party organizations can help verify claims made by the company in question.

Look for brands that are EWG and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified to be sure you’re purchasing a safer and more eco-friendly option.

The Safest Baby Wipes

The Wipe by Coterie’s formula has been reviewed by EWG scientists and has met all of the criteria to be an EWG verified brand, as well as FSC certified due to using plant-based materials that have been responsibly sourced from sustainably-managed forests.

Coterie is also the only diaper brand to publish its Safety Reports, and has also been endorsed with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance for wipes that are safe for newborn and eczema-prone skin.

Our baby wipes are hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, pediatrician-approved, and cruelty-free. The Wipe is truly the baby wipe that you can feel good about–literally and figuratively.

Coterie’s baby wipes are free of more than 200 chemicals, including:

• Alcohol
• Fragrance
• Dyes
• Parabens
• Phthalates

The Wipe is made of 100% plant-based, plastic-free, biodegradable fibers. This wipe feels soft and soothing for you and your baby, and with a Safety Report readily available, it’s clear why this baby wipe should be any parent’s top choice.

Ready for a gentle, environmentally-friendly, high-quality baby wipe to keep you and your baby as happy and healthy as possible? Check out Coterie’s The Wipe today and see the difference for yourself!