What Are the Differences Between Baby Wipes and Antibacterial Wipes?

Here’s the scoop: Baby wipes are free from harsh chemicals and designed to be gentle on delicate skin, while antibacterial wipes contain harsh chemicals and are designed for disinfecting hard surfaces. 

Understanding the Difference: Baby Wipes vs. Antibacterial Wipes 

Juice spills, sticky fingers, and the constant battle against daycare germs are all too familiar to parents. There’s no shortage of messy moments in the first few years of life, and wipes are bound to become your new best friend.  

However, amidst all the chaos, you’ll want to be sure you’re using the right wipes for the right situations for your little one’s well-being. So, let’s unpack the difference between baby wipes and antibacterial wipes to help you make the best choices.  

Baby Wipes: Soft and Gentle on Tender Skin  

When it's time to clean up adorable spaghetti faces and sticky berryfingers, baby wipes are our go-to. While you can’t use baby wipes to kill germs on the skin, you can use baby wipes to handle dirty diapers, wipe sticky hands and faces and small spills, and wipe away urine. Baby wipes are created specifically to be used on the skin, but some wipes can still contain alcohol and chemicals that would be fine on normal adult skin but harsh on sensitive baby skin, so it’s important to check out the ingredients on a baby wipe brand before using them.   

The best baby wipes are hypoallergenic, made of 99% water with additional skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile extract. While these ingredients still have some natural antibacterial properties, they’re better known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. So, you can have peace of mind that baby’s skin is feeling soothed and comfortable.  

Antibacterial Wipes: Tough Love for Dirty Surfaces 

When it comes to tackling germs and bacteria on hard surfaces like counter tops and highchairs, antibacterial wipes will get the job done. With harsh chemicals, you want to avoid using these wipes on sensitive baby skin.  They aren’t great for adult skin, either!  

Antibacterial wipes contain chemicals like alcohol, bleach, and ammonium compounds which can cause dryness, irritation, allergic reactions, and burns. Additionally, using antibacterial wipes on your baby's skin can strip away natural oils, disrupt the skin's pH balance, and increase the risk of skin rashes. 

 A Few Handy Tips for Keeping Baby Cozy and Clean 

Preventing the spread of germs in your baby's environment doesn't require drastic measures. Simple yet effective practices can safeguard your little one's health, like: 

• Wash your and baby’s hands before and after meals and diaper changes, making it a fun activity with songs or games. 
• Ensure everyone interacting with your baby washes their hands first. 
• Regularly wash baby's sheets with baby-friendly detergent and wipe down eating and playing surfaces with antibacterial spray/wipes. 

While it’s tempting to strive for a germ-free environment, remember that a little dirt isn’t always a bad thing and is even necessary for building up a strong microbiome and immune system. Babies are naturally curious and love to explore, so let them do their thing while practicing regular hygiene routines.