CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Can I Use Baby Wipes on My Newborn?

I've heard that newborns' skin is too sensitive for baby wipes, is this true? What should I use? And in general, what kind of baby wipe is best?
save article
profile picture of Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP
By Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician
Updated May 16, 2017
Hero Image

According to pediatrician Jennifer Shu, diaper wipes are just fine for newborns. The only exception is if baby develops redness or a rash (other than diaper rash), which is indicative of sensative skin. In that case, use cotton balls or squares (they’ll probably give you some at the hospital) dipped in warm water. When baby is ready for regular wipes, choose ones that are alcohol-free and unscented to prevent irritation. If you do notice any irritation besides diaper rash, switch brands until you find one that doesn’t cause a reaction. Talk with your pediatrician about any irritations that seem severe or don’t seem to improve.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mom and dad changing baby's diaper at home
The 7 Best Diapers, Put to the Ultimate Test: Real Babies
By Margeaux Baulch Klein
Advertisement
cropped image of baby in diaper
4 Questions to Ask When Diaper Shopping
By Sarah Fine
Advertisement
smiling baby laying down
4 Reasons Why Diaper Softness Actually Matters
By Sarah Fine
ADVERTISEMENT
mother putting diaper rash cream on baby
The Best Diaper Rash Creams, Tested and Reviewed by Moms and Babies
By Elizabeth Nelson
best-diaper-bags-HERO
15 Best Diaper Bags for New Parents
By Lynsey Eidell
Advertisement
mother changing baby's diaper
Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Change a Diaper
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
Paris Hilton and Carter Reum attend the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Paris Hilton Learned How to Change Diaper a Month After Son's Arrival
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
best cloth diapers for babies
9 Best Cloth Diapers to Keep Baby Covered
By Korin Miller
sleeping and smiling newborn baby wearing a diaper
The Best Overnight Diapers for Babies and Toddlers
By Martina Garvey
Baby Wipe Warmers Hero
The Best Baby Wipe Warmers to Keep Baby’s Bum Cozy and Toasty
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Diaper Bags For Dads-Hero
15 Best Men’s Diaper Bags for Dads on the Go
By Christine Carpenter
mother holding baby while sitting on bench outside
Diaper Bag Checklist: What to Pack in a Diaper Bag
By Joanne Chen
father using baby wipes to change baby's diaper
11 Best Baby Wipes to Keep Tiny Tushies Clean and Happy
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
babyganics pootraits campaign
Your "Pootrait" Could Win You a Year’s Supply of Diapers
By Wyndi Kappes
win free huggies for a year sweepstakes 2022
How to Win a Year’s Worth of Free Huggies
By Wyndi Kappes
huggies diapers on shelf in store
How Your Next Diaper Run Could Help Parents in Need
By Wyndi Kappes
changing table drawer full of baby diapers
How Many Newborn Diapers Do I Need?
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
goop diapér
Goop Launches Fake $120 Gem-Set Diapers to Protest Luxury Diaper Tax
By Wyndi Kappes
Close-up view of hands changing a baby's diaper.
This Seattle Mom Was Shamed on Her Flight for Disposing a Dirty Diaper
By Nehal Aggarwal
Best Diapers: Pampers Swaddlers
Best Diapers: Pampers Swaddlers
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List