In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Diaper changes require using some type of cleaning cloth, and for most parents, disposable baby wipes are still the most popular choice. Keeping tushies clean helps avoid rashes and infections, and since babies can go through several diaper changes a day, you'll be using wipes a lot.
We considered more than 28 potential disposable baby wipes before purchasing and testing 10 for this review. We tested each wipe during day-to-day living with babies and toddlers. We also ran testing in our lab, comparing each wipe side-by-side for ingredients, eco-health features, size, durability, and more.
The healthiest ingredient list wipe is the Healthy Baby Wipes. We love the transparent ingredient list, which is gentler on babies' skin, so there's less to be concerned about when using them multiple times a day. We also love the thoughtful packaging, with a sturdy flip-top that helps keep wipes moist.
If your budget is a little tighter, Hello Bello Extra Gentle is a solid pick. It strikes a good balance between cost and performance, which is important because when you're using wipes all day, every day, the cost can quickly add up.
Diapering isn't just about wipes. Gearing up with the best diapering supplies can help you reduce the mess and create a hassle-free routine. Our diaper gear list has everything you need to build a trusty diaper changing station, including our favorite diaper rash cream, the best diapers, and a diaper pail to control stink.
Healthy Baby Wipes are the top of the pack, and we love them for several reasons. First up, they contain nine Environmental Working Group (EWG)-verified ingredients, including organic aloe, chamomile, and calendula, which are generally known for being gentle on skin. These wipes are plastic-free, biodegradable, and made from FSC-certified wood pulp. To top that off, they're Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF), which we applaud! In action, these wipes have decent thickness and didn't tear during use, and the moisture level made it easy to wipe without dragging on skin. They're also fragrance-free, yet have a mild, pleasant scent that we didn't mind. As one tester said, “No other wipe in the group offers the same level of standards. I think it's a well-rounded, healthier wipe that makes me feel good about using them.”
Healthy Baby Wipes are pricier than some other options, so if you're burning through wipes quickly, the cost could add up. One tester said, “I know it is a premium wipe, but it feels like a lot of money for something I use on poop.” For a more budget-friendly alternative, Honest Baby Wipes are worth considering. They also feature EWG-verified ingredients and are nearly identical to Healthy Baby in size and texture. However, for those less concerned about cost, we love what Healthy Baby offers. This is the first option we'd recommend to family and friends, plus we think eco-conscious parents will find them extra appealing.
With top ratings in our tests, Healthy Baby Wipes set new standards for parents who expect nothing less than the best.
Honest Baby Wipes aren't just a basic wipe; they bring more to the changing table. Unlike some contenders, Honest is transparent about what's inside. They use seven ingredients, 99% water being the main one, and the cloth itself is made from plant-based fibers. They're also free of alcohol, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and skip chlorine processing, a detail that sets them apart from many wipes we tested. The textured wipe helps grip the mess instead of smearing it around, making cleanup more effective. Want to know something we didn't expect to love? The flip-top lid. It has a smooth, thumb-friendly groove, making it more comfortable to lift. One tester said, “After testing all the wipes, I really noticed this subtle design choice, and it's one I've come to appreciate more and more with each use.”
When you pull out a wipe, sometimes another one follows. This might mean you end up using more than you need, or you'll have to tuck the extra back in. It's a minor hiccup, but worth noting. As one tester remarked, “Sometimes I end up wasting a few wipes because I can't stop them from coming out of the pack.” Also, though they're labeled fragrance-free, some testers picked up a faint scent that wasn't their favorite. If you're looking for a lower-scent option, Healthy Baby Wipes has little to no scent. Plus, when it comes to eco-health, they take it one step further with being Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF). Still, for everyday use, we think Honest Baby Wipes is a solid pick.
Honest performed well in our testing and quickly became one of our favorites. It's a wipe you can feel good about using.
The Hello Bello Extra Gentle wipes get the job done without breaking the bank. They are made with nine ingredients, 99% of which is water. The remaining 1% includes a blend of aloe and chamomile (known for skin-soothing properties), a mild plant-based cleanser, and a few common preservatives to keep the wipes fresh. The cloth itself has a textured surface that's effective at cleaning, and we found the packaging sturdy, especially after being stashed and tossed around in a bag. Bonus perk? Wipes usually come out one at a time, so no wasted extras. One tester said, “I liked being able to pull out just the number of wipes I needed.” If you're looking to save a little without skimping on performance, Hello Bello is one of the better budget-friendly options we've tested.
Hello Bello is slightly smaller than some of the other options we tested. As one tester said, “They're decent for everyday use, but I wish they were a little bigger for some messes.” And while no fragrance is added, a few testers noticed a scent, but it didn't linger or interfere with use. If you're looking for another option in the same price range, Mama Bear 99% Water is one to consider. It strikes a nice balance between performance and cost, and while it ranked below Hello Bello in overall scoring, it's not far behind. Minor drawbacks aside, we still think Hello Bello is a solid option for those in need of a budget-friendly wipe for diaper duty.
Hello Bello is an affordable option that checks most of the boxes we look for in a baby wipe.
Coterie Unscented Wipes combines luxury and durability for an overall satisfying choice. Made with six EWG-verified ingredients, including purified water, these wipes are free of parabens, dyes, and fragrances. The plant-based wipe is soft on babies' skin, offering a gentle yet effective clean. As one tester noted, “After I did a quick glance at the competition, it's clear. Coterie is noticeably larger and sturdier than the rest.” Plus, we thought the moisture level is spot-on. Not too wet, yet not too dry.
The cost per wipe for Coterie is higher compared to other contenders in this review. While you're getting a premium wipe, this price point may not fit every family's budget. As one tester lamented, “While I think they are some of the best, it is hard for me to justify the higher cost.” For families looking for a more affordable option, you might want to consider Honest Baby Wipes. The cloth material isn't as thick, but they still deliver on ingredients. With that said, if you are willing to invest in a premium product, Coterie offers luxe softness and dependable performance. They're gentle on sensitive skin, and their larger size makes handling bigger messes easier. Overall, Coterie stands out as a premium choice.
Coterie delivers luxury, high-quality wipes that are soft and effective.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Healthy
Coterie Unscented
Honest
Water
Hello Bello Extra Gentle
Mama Bear 99% Water
Pampers Sensitive
Kirkland Signature
Pampers Aqua Pure
Huggies Natural Care Unscented
Awards
Best Overall Baby Wipe
Premium Baby Wipe
Next-Best for Everyday Cleanups
Best for Budget-Friendly Wipes
GearLab Dimensions
8.0" x 7.0"
8.3" x 7.5"
7.0" x 9.0"
6.5" x 7.5"
6.7" x 7.5"
6.5" x 9.0"
6.5" x 7.75"
7.1" x 8.0"
6.5" x 8.0"
7.75" x 6.7"
Wipe Material Composition
Plastic-free, biodegradable
100% plant-derived, biodegradable fibers
Compostable, plant-based viscose
100% viscose
100% plant-based cloth
100% plant-based fibers
Polypropylene, Regenerated Cellulose
Tencel (made from sustainably sourced wood pulp)
Polyester, Regenerated Cellulose, Cotton
Plant-base, but doesn't specify
GearLab pH Results
5
5
5
8
5
6
5.5
5
4.5-5
6
EWG Verified Label
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
A look at the lineup of baby wipes we tested. We put each one through the same testing process to help parents find what's best for their family and budget.
Credit: Molly Bradac
How We Tested
After researching popular and up-and-coming baby wipe options, we selected each contender based on several key factors. We tested them in real homes, looking at things like ingredients, materials, size, durability, and more, such as how easy they are to dispense. We used each wipe in various clean-up situations in addition to babies. This gave us a clear picture of how each wipe performs in everyday use. Real moms in the trenches of motherhood used each wipe in this review, including Wendy Schmitz, mom of two boys, and a Senior Review Editor at BabyGearLab since 2014. Molly Bradac rounds out the team. With her years of professional nanny experience and early childhood development expertise, Molly brings a keen eye and attention to detail to the review.
Our testing of baby wipes is divided into three rating metrics:
Ingredients (45% overall score weighting)
Size (20% of weighting)
Texture/Durability (35% of weighting)
We measured each option, including Kirkland and Coterie, and compared their sizes to see how they stack up against each other.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Why Trust GearLab
With years of hands-on testing since 2012, BabyGearLab knows what it takes to evaluate products in the real world, and baby wipes are no exception. Our “buy and use” testing process gives us an in-depth look at each wipe, putting them through a myriad of tests. We have been conducting hands-on testing of baby wipes since 2020.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested each baby wipe based on ingredients, size, durability, and pH balance, comparing them to one another to see how they measure up. To minimize the chance of skin irritation, we preferred wipes with healthier ingredients and no fragrance.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Baby wipes are a diapering must-have, and when you're changing multiple diapers a day, you'll go through a lot. That's why striking the right balance between cost and performance matters. The easiest way to save? Buy in bulk. Bigger packs usually mean a lower cost per wipe, and if you opt into a subscription, you can save more in the long run.
We think Hello Bello stands out as a budget-friendly favorite. These wipes strike a good balance between affordability, performance, and eco-health. Made from 100% plant-based cloth and 99% water, they're infused with soothing aloe and chamomile. While not the largest wipes in the review, they hold up well when cleaning, thanks to their thickness and texture. Plus, the packaging is one of the best we tested. The flip-top lid is sturdy and easy to operate. It usually dispenses just one wipe at a time, saving you from shoving extras back into the pack. At the end of the day, though, it's about what matters most to you, whether that's saving money, choosing the highest quality ingredients, or landing somewhere in between.
Label transparency, like the difference between Pampers and Coterie packaging, is an important factor in our ingredient assessment.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Ingredients
Since you'll be using baby wipes a lot, it's worth selecting ones that are gentle on your baby's skin. The last thing you want is a wipe that causes a rash or irritation in such a delicate area.
When scoring ingredients, we leaned on the information from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database. This source reviews the health and safety concerns of ingredients in everyday products and whether it's something to be cautious about. We understand that not every ingredient is fully studied, but we consider this database to be both extensive and insightful when navigating labels.
Coterie checks many preferred ingredient boxes in our tests.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Among the competition, top-ranking wipes in this metric are transparent about their ingredients and use natural materials instead of synthetic fibers. They use low-caution ingredients in their formulas and keep the list simple. Also, they are fragrance-free to reduce the chance of irritation.
Both Healthy Baby and Water Wipes offer fewer ingredients.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Honest Baby Wipes, Coterie Unscented Wipes, and Healthy Baby Wipes rank above others because they check all these boxes. Healthy Baby, however, scores even higher because they go the extra mile with their totally chlorine-free (TCF) wipes, a detail that sets them apart. TCF is considered the gold standard as they're made without chlorine bleaching at every stage of production, reducing chemical byproducts like dioxins. This not only makes them better for the environment, but it's also considered healthier, especially for babies with sensitive skin. Healthy Baby is a Certified B Corporation. These corporations are certified as better for employees, communities, and the environment.
Honest wipes also offer something unique with their chlorine-free processing. This means they avoid the use of chlorine during manufacturing, making them better for sensitive skin. While this process isn't as environmentally friendly or pure as TCF, it's a great step toward creating a cleaner, healthier option.
Take a look at the ingredients. Knowing what's in your baby wipes matters because transparency and quality can help reduce the potential for irritation and increase the likelihood they'll be gentle on your baby's skin.
Credit: Molly Bradac
The more ingredients a product contains, the higher the chance it may cause irritation, especially for babies with sensitive skin. Water Wipes are in a league of their own with an impressive 99.9% water (the highest in our lineup) and just 0.1% grapefruit seed extract. With only two ingredients, they're one of the simplest available. They're also soft, scent-free, and leave no residue. In contrast, Mama Bear 99% Water contains 99% water, but the remaining 1% includes 14 other ingredients. While we didn't experience issues during testing, this option might be less appealing for parents looking to avoid potential irritants or minimize additives.
A closer look at the ingredient list for Huggies shows what's inside and how it compares. While it provides reliable performance, we lean toward other options in our review with fewer preservatives for a more natural choice.
Credit: Molly Bradac
A few options, like Pampers Sensitive, Pampers Aqua Pure, and Huggies Natural Care Unscented scored lower thanks to the use of synthetic materials and preservatives. Both Pampers options have ingredients like PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and Sodium Benzoate. These are used to improve texture and extend shelf life, but they can sometimes cause irritation for babies with sensitive skin. HUGGIES wipes contain a silicone-based ingredient, PEG-4 PG-Amodimethicone, which, while generally safe, can build up on the skin and increase the potential for irritation, especially for babies with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. For parents looking for a gentler option, these contenders may not be the best choice.
Fragrance-Free vs. Unscented
When a product claims to be fragrance-free, it means that no additional fragrance has been added to the formulation. It does not mean the wipe is unscented. Most ingredients have some scent, and creating a scent-free wipe typically includes chemicals to combat other ingredients' smells. It is typical for a fragrance-free wipe to have an odor. An unscented wipe, however, should not.
A side-by-side look at the competition so you can see the difference in sizes.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Size
The right size can prevent reaching for an extra baby wipe when a few should do the trick. To help score the competition, we measured each wipe's dimensions and compared their surface area. Some differences stood out.
Among the competition, Water Wipes (6.5"x7.5"), Hello Bello (6.7"x7.5"), and Pampers Sensitive (6.5"x7.75") were on the smaller side. This might leave you grabbing a few more to handle a bigger mess. Some of the largest wipes include Coterie (8.3"x7.5") and Honest (7"x9"), offering more surface area to potentially get the job done with fewer wipes. Kirkland Signature Wipes (7.1"x8") comes close to the larger category, with a slightly more rectangular shape that feels efficient.
Coterie stands out for its durability and thickness. While others perform well, this one is a step above.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Texture/Durability
You probably haven't given much thought to durability until your hand tears through one during a messy blowout. That's when you realize not all wipes are created equal. Sure, any wipe can handle a quick cleanup after a wet diaper, but the real test comes with those first sticky meconium diapers or a full-on prune explosion.
We completed several tests, including tugging, stretching, and scrubbing, to see how well they held up to real-world messes. Thin wipes aren't necessarily bad, but they lack the heft to handle tougher messes, so you end up reaching for more. Some even clump up, which slows things down. We also flagged any wipes that were loosely woven or prone to shredding.
The Coterie wipes off impressive texture and durability, holding up to extreme mess clean up in our tests.
Credit: Molly Bradac
The most durable wipes can stretch, resist tearing, and hold up under pressure, and Coterie checks these boxes. It's a thick and textured wipe that grips well, making cleanup faster and easier. Pampers Sensitive performs reliably for most cleanups in our durability tests. Its material makeup, which includes some plastic fibers, adds stretch and flexibility, helping it resist tearing under pressure.
The quality of the Kirkland brand wipes wasn't what we have seen in the past, indicating perhaps a change of design or manufacturer.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Water Wipes are relatively thin, but they have some stretch to them. That said, they will eventually tear under pressure. Kirkland Signature Wipes aren't as tightly woven, and sometimes a fingernail or a pinch pulled the fibers loose. They still work, but the quality isn't as strong as some others.
This video compares Pampers Sensitive and Pampers Aqua and highlights the difference in their closures and how it affects ease of use.
Credit: Molly Bradac
We also took a look at closures. Most baby wipes use either a sturdy plastic flip-lid or an adhesive sticker. A flip-lid is typically more durable and reliable, whereas some adhesive closures can be thin and flimsy, and if the packaging wrinkles while sealing it, small gaps can lead to dried-out wipes, which we experienced with Pampers Sensitive. Even a sturdier adhesive closure, such as what's seen on Water Wipes, would be an improvement. From our testing experience, plastic flip-tops are the most reliable, fuss-free option, and they tend to keep wipes moist until the pack is empty.
With 99.9% water in its ingredients, Water Wipes are one of the moistest options among the group.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Moisture can impact how effectively a baby wipe cleans. The right amount allows the wipe to glide smoothly over the skin, reduces friction, and helps you get a thorough clean, especially when dealing with sticky or dried messes. Too little moisture, and you're left scrubbing. In our testing, Healthy Baby, Coterie, and Water Wipes stood out for striking that ideal balance. They're wet enough to clean efficiently without dripping, making diaper changes quicker, gentler, and more effective. On the other hand, we were disappointed that Huggies wipes felt dry, making cleanup more difficult.
We tested the pH of each baby wipe to see how they compare.
Credit: Molly Bradac
GearLab pH Testing
Since pH can possibly impact your baby's sensitive skin, we ran a pH strip test on each one to compare the competition. We pressed a clean pH test strip onto a freshly opened wipe and waited a few seconds for the color to change. Then, we matched the strip to a standard pH color chart to find its approximate level.
Water Wipes turned the pH strip a greenish color, indicating a pH of around 8, which is neutral. Mama Bear showed more of a yellow hue on the strip, pointing to a pH closer to 6, which is slightly acidic.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Most of the wipes we tested had a pH between 5 and 5.5, which aligns with the pH of babies' skin (about 5.5). One exception was Water Wipes, which had a pH of 8 in our tests. Since Water Wipes are 99.9% water, this result is close to the pH of water itself, which is 7. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing (after all, you bathe your baby in water), it's something to consider if your child has very sensitive skin. Overall, because the results were largely the same and not a differentiating factor, the pH results weren't part of our scoring. However, we included them as a spec for readers who might be curious.
Our lineup has something for every parent, whether you’re focused on budget, quality, or eco-health. We’ve tested the options, and in this review, we’re sharing the ones that top the list so you can make an informed choice.
Credit: Molly Bradac
How to Pick the Best Baby Wipes
Despite the outward appearance, not all baby wipes are the same. While each is disposable and moist, they differ in ingredients, materials, size, and durability.
Check Ingredients
Depending on your goals or your baby's skin sensitivity, the first consideration is ingredients. We lean toward fewer ingredients as better to help avoid or prevent irritation to sensitive skin. Several options have only a few ingredients to help create moisture and prevent bacteria or mold growth. Others have more than 12 ingredients. This product is meant to help you clean things up, so you don't want it to leave behind potential irritants that could cause a rash. We also prefer fragrance-free wipes because fragrances can be overpowering, and the very label of “Fragrance” means it could contain thousands of ingredients they don't need to include on the label.
Budget
Wipes are something you will use multiple times a day, and while typically only a few cents per wipe, it does add up. Factors like ingredient quality, sustainability efforts, and even how many wipes come in a pack can all impact cost. Some are pricier due to their ingredients and sustainability efforts, while others might skimp on durability or require using more per change. Finding the right balance between cost, ingredients, and performance depends on what matters most for your family.
Since you'll be using baby wipes every day, multiple times, picking the right one can impact both ease of use and your baby's skin health.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Conclusion
Baby wipes all seem alike at first glance, and with many options available, it can be tough to figure out what sets them apart. We believe the best wipes are capable of cleaning the messiest of blowouts while keeping their shape, not tearing, and avoiding unnecessary chemicals. Wipes should be gentle on a baby's skin, leaving no residue and causing no irritation. We favor wipes with fewer ingredients that are soft and gentle on the skin and retain their shape and integrity. We believe this review has a potential wipe for every family looking for a disposable wipe, no matter your wipe needs and goals. We've also tested cloth wipes if you think they might be the right fit for your family goals.
Meet Your Review Team
Wendy Schmitz Senior Review Editor Wendy is a mother of two who has been a leading member of BabyGearLab's Review team since 2014. She brings a combination of skills and talent to the team that translates into well written, thought-provoking, easy to understand reviews that provide the parents with the information necessary to make a well-informed decision regarding products for their children, as well as, entertain and encourage readers to read more articles on the site. Wendy has a BA in Biology and brings a scientific and... read more
Molly Bradac Senior Review Editor Senior Review Editor, Molly Bradac, is a core member of the GearLab Baby product review team. With over 14 years of experience as a Nanny and Newborn Care Specialist, Molly has changed more diapers than most parents would in four lifetimes. She is the literal Mary Poppins of GearLab. Her extensive experience includes helping children establish sleeping routines, creating calming environments for sleep, and overnight care for newborns, managing feeds and diaper changes by the glow of a night... read more
