Between carting your baby around to their ever-expanding social life and trying to fit in some tiny bit of time for your seemingly disappearing one, you probably don’t have a ton of space in your brain to think about baby wipe storage. But since you are spending your money on them and we want to make sure that money is not going to waste, we’ve compiled five quick tips that will ensure your baby wipes stay effective and safe all the way to their expiration date.

1. Choose the right storage location. Finding a cool, dry spot to stash your wipes is crucial. The right location makes all the difference in keeping them fresh. You’ll want to pick a place that avoids direct sunlight and extreme temperatures—like on top of a dresser in the nursery or the drawer by the front door that has no discernible category. If you have to choose between a dark closet corner or a sunny windowsill, go for the former. Avoid the bathroom if you can; the humidity can turn your wipes moldy long before their expiration date. Ideally, the temperature should be between 68°F and 72°F wherever you store them–which is a great excuse to keep the AC nice and low in the summer. Extreme heat can cause the wipes to dry out or grow mold, and below-freezing temperatures can also compromise their quality. So whatever you do, don’t leave them in your backyard or store them in a box in your garage.
2. Keep the packaging sealed. The packaging of baby wipes is designed to keep them fresh, but it only works if you use it correctly. After every use, make sure the lid is clicked shut tightly. All of our packaging is easily resealable (and very fun for your baby to play with during changes, so as long as you remember to keep it shut when you’re not using your wipes, you should be golden. If you happen to take your wipes out of the packaging they came in and put them into a wipes dispenser that better matches your nursery decor, just make sure that the one you choose has a nice tight seal to lock in moisture and ensure that your wipes don’t dry up over time. Also, we know some parents love wipe warmers, but in general we advise against them due to the fact that they can encourage bacteria and mold growth. Obviously the choice is yours, and if the only way your baby will tolerate a middle-of-the-night diaper change is with a warm, soft wipe on their behind–we won’t judge. Just make sure to weigh the pros and cons before you spend your money on one.
3. Plan ahead when traveling. It’s not super difficult to keep your wipes in a temperature controlled environment when you’re at home in your normal routine. It all goes out the window, though, as soon as you pack up and go on a family trip. If it’s a short trip, don’t worry too much about it. Our packs of travel wipes can handle some in climate weather and shouldn’t dry up or grow mold after a few days on the road. If possible, though, try to plan ahead and come up with a plan when you’re traveling for an extended period of time–especially if you are going on a road trip. Leaving your travel packs in a hot car for a long time can cause just as much damage as leaving them outside in the sun. And especially when you’re traveling, you don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of wipes that you can’t use or easily replace.
4. Keep an eye on expiration dates. Just like any other baby product, baby wipes have a shelf life. Always check the expiration date on the package and use your oldest packs first. If you find a pack that’s been sitting around for too long, it’s better to toss it than risk it.A quick inventory of your supplies every few months can help make sure that you’re not using any old product or running low on anything important. This can be as easy as checking your diaper bag before a trip or giving your changing station a once-over when you notice the wipes are getting low. If you’re a planner, you might want to create a simple checklist to hang up inside the nursery closet so that you know exactly how long all your products are good for.
5. Stock up strategically. In addition to making sure you have enough wipes on hand, you’ll also want to check that you have them strategically stored in the places you need them most. Consider keeping a couple of packs in different locations: one in the diaper bag, one in the car console, and another in the bottom of the stroller. That way, you’ll always have wipes within arm’s reach, no matter where you are. Plus, if you keep a pack in every bag you own, you won’t be caught off guard when what you thought would be a casual dinner with friends devolves into a 15-wipe emergency.If you find yourself running low frequently, it might be a good idea to set up a wipe subscription. You can always postpone your deliveries or change how often you receive them, but it’s one less thing to actively think about and prepare for. And we’re all for being strategic about where you spend your energy–especially when you have a baby in diapers.

Despite the exhaustive guidance above, storing baby wipes shouldn’t be complicated. If you take nothing else away from this article, just remember to keep your baby wipes out of the heat and check expiration dates on your packaging every once in a while. If you choose Coterie wipes, you can be confident that because they’re made with high-quality materials along with mild food-grade preservatives, they will stay fresh for a full year after opening.