Baby Wipes vs Water: The Gentler Way to Clean Your Baby
Disposable baby wipes are everywhere — in every nappy bag, at every change table. But is wiping really the best way to clean your baby? Here's how water compares.
Your baby goes through a lot of wipes
The average baby uses more than 7,000 disposable wipes each year — and most wipes are made of plastic. They're convenient, but at every change they also rub delicate skin, and wiping causes friction that can contribute to nappy rash.
Baby wipes vs a gentle stream of water
| Baby Bum Shower | Wipes only | |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle, friction-free clean | ✓ | ✕ |
| You choose what touches skin | ✓ | ✕ |
| Each fill replaces 10+ wipes | ✓ | ✕ |
| Cleans hands & feet too | ✓ | ✕ |
| Nothing scented near sore skin | ✓ | Varies |
Why water wins for newborn skin
Friction-free
A soft stream of water rinses your baby clean — no rubbing, no scrubbing, no friction on irritated skin.
You control the ingredients
Water alone, or water with your own choice of gentle, unscented wash. Nothing else goes near your baby's skin unless you put it there.
Fewer wipes, less waste
Each fill replaces 10+ disposable wipes — adding up to over 2,000 wipes saved per baby, per year.
Using water at every change takes 10 seconds
1. Fill
Fill with lukewarm water, and your choice of gentle soap if you like.
2. Secure
Pop the lids on and it's sealed and ready in your nappy bag.
3. Squeeze
Squeeze gently for a soft stream of water that rinses baby clean.
Hands, feet and faces too
The same gentle stream cleans sticky hands and feet after a change — and the older kids when you're out and about. Compact enough to live in the nappy bag, the car or the change table, the Baby Bum Shower goes wherever your baby goes.
Quick answers
Are baby wipes bad for newborns?
Wipes are convenient, but newborn skin is delicate and wiping causes friction. For everyday changes, water-only cleaning is the gentlest option — and the Baby Bum Shower makes it easy at home or out.
Do I need soap, or is water enough?
Water is enough for most changes. If you prefer soap, we recommend a gentle, unscented, pH-neutral emollient-based wash. Avoid scented or alcohol-based products, especially on sore skin.
Are baby wipes flushable?
No. Even wipes marketed as flushable shouldn't go down the toilet — most disposable wipes are made with plastic and can block pipes. Pop them in the bin instead.
How many wipes will the Baby Bum Shower replace?
Each fill can replace 10+ disposable wipes, which adds up to over 2,000 wipes saved per baby, per year.
Make water part of every change. 💧
The Baby Bum Shower is $39 with flat rate shipping — $15 Australia-wide, $20 international. GST included.
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