Families commonly use one of three ways to clean a newborn at change time: disposable wipes sold for newborns, dry wipes or cotton with warm water, or soft cloth wipes. Each one needs a slightly different setup at the changing station. This guide compares them so you can plan before the birth, and lists questions to ask your midwife, nurse or doctor.
Three common options
Here is what each option asks of you at the changing station.
| Option | What you need at the station | Think about |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable wipes sold for newborns | A pack of wipes and a lidded bin | Ongoing buying, plus disposal in the garbage |
| Dry wipes or cotton with warm water | Dry wipes or cotton squares, and a way to have warm water ready | A little more setup at each change |
| Soft cloth wipes | A stack of soft cloths, a wet bag and a detergent | Extra laundry |
Disposable wipes sold for newborns
These are the grab-and-go choice. Some listings name newborns in the title, such as WaterWipes Sensitive+ Newborn & Baby Wipes, Unscented, 720 Count (12 Packs). A newborn label tells you who the maker aimed the wipe at. It is not a promise about any one baby's skin, so read the pack for any age guidance, and ask your midwife if you are unsure.
If you prefer an unscented or fragrance-free wipe, look for that wording in the title or description. Used wipes go in the garbage, not the toilet.
Dry wipes or cotton with warm water
Dry wipes are sold dry and you dampen them at each change. Cotton squares work in a similar way. One listing is KidEasy 100% Cotton Baby Dry Wipes, Unscented, 600 Count (6 Packs), which names its fabric and its count in the title.
Set up a small clean bowl, or whatever container you prefer, and check the water temperature on the inside of your wrist before you use it. Warm is comfortable, hot is not. Use fresh water and a clean container each time, and keep the dry wipes dry until you need them. Your midwife or nurse can show you how they like it done.
Soft cloth wipes
Cloth wipes are soft washable squares. You dampen one at the change, use it, and put it in a wet bag until laundry day. Soft cloths you already own can do the job, and some families buy a set for the purpose.
You will need somewhere to keep used cloths until wash day, and a laundry detergent. Both kinds of product are listed in the Cloth Diaper Accessories collection, which includes wet bags and detergents such as Tru Earth Baby Laundry Detergent Eco-Strips, Fragrance Free, 64 Count. Read the product page before you buy to check it suits your washing machine.
Which option fits which household
There is no winner, only a better fit for how you live.
- Short on time and energy in the early weeks: disposable wipes keep the routine simple, since you pull one out and bin it.
- Happy to keep it plain and have a minute to spare: dry wipes or cotton with warm water need a little preparation but very little else.
- Comfortable adding to the laundry: cloth wipes cut down on garbage, as long as you have a wet bag, a detergent and a regular wash day.
You can change your mind after a few weeks. Starting with one pack or one small set of cloths means little goes to waste if the first choice does not suit.
Questions to ask your midwife, nurse or doctor
This guide cannot replace their advice. Bring a short list to your next visit and write down the answers:
- What do they suggest for cleaning at change time in the first weeks, plain water or wipes?
- Is anything different for areas that are still healing?
- Should you avoid fragranced products at first?
- Which skin changes should prompt a call, and who should you call?
Setting up the station for the first weeks at home
Put everything within arm's reach before you start. Keep one hand on your baby whenever they are on a raised surface, which is why the setup matters.
- Your chosen wipes, or dry wipes with warm water already prepared.
- A lidded bin, lined with a bag.
- A soft towel or cloth for drying.
- A spare change of clothes within reach.
If you will change the baby in more than one room, a second small setup saves carrying things back and forth.
What to pack in the hospital bag
Ask your hospital or birth centre what they supply before you pack. If you want to bring your own, a small pack of the wipes you plan to use, or a few cotton squares in a zip bag, is plenty. There is no need to bring a large supply. Browse the Baby Wipes collection for options.
Shop this guide
- Dr. Brown's Pacifier and Bottle Wipes, Unscented, 3 Pack (ships via Amazon)
- Spray Pal Splatter Shield for Cloth Diaper Sprayers (ships via Amazon)
- MUKIN Baby Muslin Washcloths, 10-Pack, 12 x 12 in, Multicoloured (ships via Amazon)
- Caboo Tree Free Flushable Wipes, 180 Count (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Baby Wipes
- See all: Cloth Diaper Accessories
- See all: Baby Bath & Skin Care
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Do I need wipes made for newborns?
Check the pack for who the maker designed it for and for any age guidance. If you are unsure, ask your midwife, nurse or pharmacist what they recommend.
Can I mix the three options?
Yes. Some families use water and cotton at home and disposable wipes when out. If your baby has any area that is healing, ask your midwife or nurse first.
Can cloth wipes go in with the rest of the laundry?
Follow the care label on the cloths and the directions on your detergent. Some families who use cloth diapers wash the wipes in the same load as the diapers.
What if my baby's skin looks red?
Check with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Do not wait for it to clear by itself if you are worried.
If you would like help setting up a changing station, contact us and we will talk through the options with you.