How to Choose Baby Wipes for Newborns: Ingredients to Look For

A newborn's skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult's, and it loses moisture faster. Since you'll use baby wipes several times a day for diaper changes, hands and face, what's in them matters. Here's how to read the label and pick wipes that are gentle enough for your little one.

Why ingredients matter for newborn skin

Every wipe leaves a thin layer of its liquid on the skin. In the diaper area, which is warm and damp and already exposed to urine and stool, irritating ingredients can make diaper rash worse. Gentle, simple formulas lower that risk.

What to look for in baby wipes

• High water content: wipes made mostly of purified water (for example 99%) clean gently with fewer added chemicals.
• Alcohol-free: alcohol dries out skin and can sting on irritated areas.
• Paraben-free: many parents prefer to avoid parabens on baby skin.
• pH balanced: a formula close to skin's natural pH helps protect the skin barrier.
• Soothing extras: aloe vera extract and vitamin E help soothe and moisturise.
• Dermatologically tested: a sign the formula has been checked for skin tolerance.
• Certification: in India, look for BIS certification under IS 17509:2021, the standard for baby wipes.
• Thick, soft fabric: a thicker wipe cleans in one go without tearing, so you rub less.

What to avoid

• Alcohol or "spirit" high up on the ingredient list
• Heavy or strong fragrances, especially for newborns with sensitive skin
• Wipes that feel sticky or leave a residue
• Thin wipes that tear easily

How to use baby wipes the right way

1. Wash and dry your hands first.
2. Wipe gently from front to back during diaper changes, especially for baby girls.
3. Use a fresh wipe for each pass instead of reusing one side.
4. Let the skin air-dry for a few seconds before putting on a fresh diaper.
5. Close the lid properly so the remaining wipes don't dry out.
6. Throw used wipes in the dustbin. Never flush them; they can block pipes.

Wipes or cotton and water?

Some doctors suggest plain water and soft cotton for the first few weeks, and many Indian families do this at home. Gentle, water-based wipes are a convenient option for outings, travel and night-time changes. If your baby develops a rash, pause wipes and check with your paediatrician.

Storage tips

• Keep the pack away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Store in a cool, dry place and always close the flip-top lid.
• Check the best-before date. Don't use wipes that have dried out or changed smell.

A gentle choice: AfterBirth Baby Wipes

AfterBirth Baby Wipes by Sheril Healthcare are made with 99% pure water, aloe vera extract and vitamin E. They are alcohol-free, paraben-free, pH balanced, dermatologically tested and BIS certified (IS 17509:2021), with a flip-top lid that keeps 72 extra-soft wipes moist. Explore more baby care essentials from AfterBirth.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If your baby has a persistent rash or skin condition, consult a paediatrician.