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When we’re at home, I prefer to use washable towels or dry wipes and water with a tiny drop of baby wash for my little one’s diaper changes. It’s much more earth friendly, and isn’t much of an inconvenience. These wipes are made from 100% plant-based materials. They are free from dyes, parabens, phthalates and are not tested on animals. They are flushable and safe to use for well-maintained sewers and septics. Pros Confused? Compostable means being able to be broken down to make compost. Meanwhile, the term biodegradable means that an item can be broken down into increasingly smaller pieces. This isn’t helpful with regard to biodegradable plastics for example. A biodegradable plastic bag will break down into smaller pieces, and hence biodegrade. However, those smaller pieces of plastic become microplastics, which in turn pose a much bigger environmental problem.
In 2019, researchers tested 51 brands of baby wipes for formaldehyde release. The researchers noted none of the wipes had self-declared formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives on their ingredients list. And yet they found 12 of the wipes brands (24%) released formaldehyde. Whether you want the convenience of wet wipes or want to go down the completely plastic-free route of dry wipes, you can keep your baby clean, whilst helping the planet.Below, I’ve gone into the details about how to identify non toxic baby wipes and eco friendly baby wipes, and recommended some brands I think are doing it right.
In addition the base sheet, there’s the formulation: a combination of water, chemical, and natural ingredients that together make the baby wipe function.They have developed a new set of guidelines called GD4 which is a seven-part test that all flushable wipes must pass to be considered flushable. Those wipes that pass this test do not pose any threat to our sewer systems. An international standard for products designed to be flushed down the toilet is expected to be completed by the end of 2016. The standard will outline the tests that can be used to define if a product is able to be flushed, as well as the appropriate labelling requirements. It's designed to replace the EDANA/INDA guidelines currently used by many in the industry.
They are also unscented and sourced from plant-based fibers making them flushable and sustainable. They are sewer and septic safe, 100% biodegradable and free of alcohol, paraben, and fragrance. I like Eco Pea because the wipes are 100% biodegradable, they use friendlier ingredients than many big brands, and they’re completely transparent about their ingredients. While the new wipes did break apart under agitation much more readily and rapidly than the previous generation wipes, they broke apart much more slowly and to a much smaller degree than sample 2 (toilet paper).My top choice is Healthy Nest, but beyond that, my top choices are those that are a bit earth friendlier, using biodegradable materials for the base sheet and well-rated ingredients for the formulation. Those include: Natracare baby wipes are free from harsh chemicals and parabens. They contain organic plant-based ingredients and are EWG verified. If sodium benzoate has flown under your radar, I wouldn’t worry. If your baby doesn’t have an allergy to sodium benzoate, then these wipes shouldn’t be a problem. Sodium benzoate, despite the chemical name, is a naturally occurring substance found in fruits including cherries, cranberries and raspberries. It’s considered safe to use on babies, plus is permitted in organic health and beauty products by all organic certification bodies worldwide. A spokesperson for Coles, which produces a private label product, said their products were independently tested and had passed international standards. However, the spokesperson said Coles is constantly reviewing the range and is working on further improving the breakdown times of the product.
Something to note is that they do contain sodium benzoate – a commonly used preservative that helps to extend the shelf life of baby wipes. I know that some people with incredibly sensitive skin like to avoid this particular ingredient due to allergies. It's a step in the right direction in flushability for Kimberly Clark, but it's still a stretch to call these products flushable. For home compostable baby wipes, there are a number of issues when it comes to composting. In particular, if you plan on using your homemade compost in fruit or vegetable beds. This is because if you’ve been wiping a poopy baby bum, then you don’t want human faeces in your lovely compost. The other issue is that baby wipes tend to be impregnated with moisturising lotions, perfumes, or detergents. In short, chemicals that you probably don’t want in your compost.The formulation part typically contains a preservative, a surfactant, a pH buffer, and skin benefiting ingredients. I’m definitely aware that different families have different price points, and some of the best natural baby wipes can be pricey. I’m of the opinion parents can make up their own minds in terms of what’s best for their families, so I’ve tried to provide a wider range than some other lists out there. And therein lies the rub. Yup – commercial grapefruit seed extract isn’t typically “pure”– it contains chemical preservatives. I’m a huge fan of DYPER because of their biodegradable diapers (yes – really!) and composting service. The wipes make a great addition to the DYPER subscription service.
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