When you embark on your journey as a new parent, you want only the best for your baby. In the U.S., parents may find they have to do a little extra legwork to find clean, eco-conscious solutions for their babies. Why? Because many baby products, like wipes–aren’t strictly regulated.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for diaper wipes for sensitive skin or a straightforward wipe that gets the job done. Some baby wipes contain ingredients that don’t do much in the way of minimizing the likelihood of irritation and diaper rashes.

In this wet wipes buying guide, we’ll dive into exactly what you need (and what you don’t) from your baby wipes. Safe baby wipes are free of harmful chemicals, plant-based, and endorsed by third-party research and certifications.

Guidelines for Safety

Before you determine the amount of wipes you need for a baby, it’s important to make sure you have the right wipes. While there are currently not necessarily strict standards or regulations for baby wipes in the U.S., some organizations, like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have established their own guidelines for what constitutes a safe personal care product. You can use their tools to help guide you through ingredients and look for their certifications to choose a product that’s right for you.

What to look for when choosing a wipe

Fragrance-Free

Look for a wipe that is free of fragrance—chemicals used to make scented wipes can potentially cause irritation for some babies with sensitive skin. If you want to err on the side of caution, fragrance is one of those things that can be omitted from your wipes’ ingredient list.

Plant-Based

In addition to what’s good for your baby, it’s important to choose a wipe that’s also better for the earth. After all, your little one needs a world as bright as them to truly shine.

Wipes made with plant-based fibers can break down and help reduce waste in landfills, minimizing long-term negative environmental impact.

Free of Potentially Harmful Chemicals

When purchasing baby wipes, you might want to look out for chemicals such as:

• Parabens
• Dyes
• Fragrance
• Alcohol
• Phthalates
• Phenoxyethanol

Some chemicals on this list are organic compounds, so even brands dubbed 'all-natural' and 'organic' can actually contain chemicals on this list.

Certifications and Accolades

Choosing a brand that is certified or approved by third party organizations can help guide you to a wipe that’s right for you.

You can look for brands that are EWG and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified if you’d like to have an outside organization checking the ingredients and sourcing of your wipe.

Clean, Quality Baby Wipes

The Wipe by Coterie’s formula has been reviewed by the EWG and has met all of the criteria to be an EWG verified brand, as well as FSC certified due to using plant-based fibers that have been responsibly sourced from sustainably-managed forests.

Coterie also publishes its Safety Reports, and has also been endorsed with the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance for wipes that are safe for newborn and eczema-prone skin. The Wipe is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and pediatrician approved, and cruelty free.

Coterie’s baby wipes are free of more than 200 potentially harmful chemicals, including:

• Alcohol
• Fragrance
• Dyes
• Parabens
• Phthalates

The Wipe is made of 100% plant-based, plastic-free fibers. This wipe feels soft for you and your baby—it’s clear why this baby wipe is a top choice.