Newborn skin needs the gentlest care, especially during diaper changes.
Whether you’re dealing with your baby’s first days at home or soothing a sensitive bottom, finding the best baby wipes for newborns can make all the difference. In this guide, I’m sharing the top wipes we’ve tested and researched—ones that real parents trust and that meet pediatric skin safety standards.
💡 Curious about the safety of baby wipes for newborns? For a deep dive into ingredients, what pediatric dermatologists recommend, and how to avoid irritants, check out our article: Are Baby Wipes Safe for Newborns?
How We Chose These Wipes
This list isn’t sponsored—we personally reviewed over 20 popular wipes and focused on:
- Ingredients: Free of fragrances, alcohol, and harsh preservatives
- Water content: 99%+ water-based formulas preferred
- Thickness & softness: Strong yet gentle on newborn skin
- Dermatologist-tested: Hypoallergenic and pH-balanced
- Parent feedback: What real moms and dads love (or don’t)
- Eco-consciousness: Plant-based or biodegradable options highlighted
Best Baby Wipes for Newborns in 2025
🥇 Best Overall: WaterWipes Original Baby Wipes
If you want the purest baby wipe on the market, WaterWipes Original is it. These wipes are made with 99.9% purified water and just a drop of fruit extract—nothing else. Trusted in many NICUs throughout the US and favored by countless parents, they’re a gold standard for newborns and preemies.
Quick Specs:
- 99.9% water + fruit extract only
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association of America and dermatologically approved
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
- Safe for newborns and premature babies
❤️ Why We Love It:
WaterWipes are often called the cleanest baby wipes available—and we agree. They’re a top recommendation from pediatricians and even used in neonatal intensive care units, which speaks volumes about their safety. Parents we’ve spoken to rave about how gentle they are on delicate, rash-prone skin, making them ideal for the early weeks when babies are extra sensitive. Since there are no hidden chemicals or fragrances, these wipes are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
While they’re thinner and smoother than some textured wipes, their moisture level and softness make them a go-to for everyday use. Yes, they’re a bit pricier, but many parents say it’s worth it for peace of mind during those crucial newborn days.
👉 Perfect for: Parents who want the cleanest, safest wipe for their newborn—especially if they have sensitive or easily irritated skin.
🥈 Best Drugstore Pick: Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes
Gentle, affordable, and easy to find, Pampers Sensitive wipes are a reliable go-to for many families. They’re clinically proven mild and accepted by the Skin Health Alliance.
Quick Specs:
❤️ Why We Love It:
These wipes are gentle on baby’s skin and kind on your wallet. They clean effectively without being overly wet, and many parents love their smooth texture. While the packaging isn’t as sturdy or premium as some higher-end brands, it’s still functional and convenient for everyday use and quick outings. Not biodegradable, but the balance of cost, quality, and availability makes them a standout.
👉 Perfect for: Families who want safe wipes at an affordable price, without running to specialty stores.
🥉Best Plant-Based Option: Hello Bello Baby Wipes
Eco-conscious and gentle, Hello Bello wipes are made with 99%+ water and biodegradable, plant-based cloth. They’re a safe, effective choice for newborns—and a win for the planet.
Quick Specs:
❤️ Why We Love It:
Hello Bello wipes offer the best of both worlds: softness and strength in an eco-friendly format. Parents praise how well they clean without irritation, even for rash-prone skin. The simple, water-based formula avoids harsh chemicals, while the cloth feels sturdy but smooth. They’re easy to find, more affordable than many organic brands, and kind to the environment. The lid closure isn’t perfect, but the overall value is excellent, especially for families who care about safety and sustainability.
👉 Perfect for: Eco-conscious parents who want gentle, planet-friendly wipes that actually work.
💰 Best Budget-Friendly Wipes: Mama Bear Gentle Fragrance-Free Wipes (Amazon Brand)
When you’re going through dozens of wipes a day, affordability matters—but so does safety. Mama Bear Gentle Fragrance-Free Wipes offer a wallet-friendly option without compromising on what newborn skin needs: softness, purity, and reliability.
Quick Specs:
❤️ Why We Love It:
These wipes are a standout in the budget category for one simple reason: they actually feel safe enough to use on a newborn. Parents consistently praise their thick, cloth-like texture and gentle formulation, which holds up surprisingly well even during those first messy weeks. Unlike many cheaper brands, Mama Bear’s wipes are dermatologist-tested and designed specifically to be non-irritating, giving peace of mind when cleaning delicate newborn skin.
Another bonus? They’re made in the U.S., with quality controls that many parents trust more than store brands. While they’re not biodegradable, they’re a practical, reliable choice for most families starting out.
👉 Perfect for: Parents who want to save without compromising on safety.
Best Premium Organic Wipes for Newborns: Coterie Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin
If you’re looking for a truly gentle, ultra-pure option for your newborn, Coterie Baby Wipes are among the very best. These wipes are EWG-verified and made from 100% biodegradable, plant-based fibers, making them safe for even the most sensitive newborn skin—and better for the planet, too.
Quick Specs:
❤️ Why We Love It:
Parents consistently praise how incredibly soft these wipes feel, like cotton soaked in silk. Coterie didn’t just remove the harsh stuff; they started fresh with a formula built around clean, thoughtful ingredients. The wipes are made without common irritants like fragrances, dyes, parabens, or phthalates, making them an excellent choice for babies with eczema, rashes, or extra-sensitive skin.
One of the first things you’ll notice is their larger size, which means you’ll often use fewer per diaper change, especially helpful during messy blowouts. While they are more expensive than typical wipes, the generous size and premium quality help justify the price, especially since you may go through packs more slowly.
They’re also compostable in commercial facilities, making them one of the most eco-conscious choices on the market. While they’re more expensive than standard wipes, their ingredient quality and larger size may make them a worthwhile splurge if you’re looking for something extra gentle and eco-friendly.
👉 Perfect for: Parents who want the purest, eco-friendly wipes for delicate newborn skin.
Best Dry Wipes for Newborns with Ultra-Sensitive Skin: Whoopsie 100% Pure Cotton Dry Wipes
Some newborns, especially preemies or those with highly reactive skin, need a truly blank-slate approach. Whoopsie 100% Pure Cotton Dry Wipes offer the gentlest possible start, giving you full control over what touches your baby’s skin. No added ingredients, no preservatives—just soft, durable cotton you can moisten with warm water at home.
Quick Specs:
❤️ Why We Love It:
While modern wet wipes are safe for most newborns, some pediatricians and NICU nurses still recommend dry cotton wipes for the earliest days, especially for babies born prematurely or with existing skin sensitivities. Whoopsie wipes are a favorite among parents who want total peace of mind. You can dampen them with sterile or warm tap water, creating a truly hypoallergenic wipe that minimizes risk of irritation. Parents love the clean feel, pillowy softness, and how well they hold up during diaper changes or face cleaning. Many keep using them beyond the newborn phase for nose wipes, spit-ups, or even makeup removal.
👉 Perfect for: Newborns with ultra-sensitive, allergy-prone, or preemie skin and parents who want complete ingredient control from day one.
Best Pre-Moistened Wipes for Preemies & Sensitive Skin: Burt’s Bees Sensitive Baby Wipes
For parents who want extra-gentle wipes but prefer the convenience of pre-moistened cloths, Burt’s Bees Sensitive Baby Wipes are a trusted favorite. Infused with soothing aloe and vitamin E, they offer a calming clean that’s ideal for delicate newborn skin. Many parents find them especially helpful for babies prone to rashes or irritation.
Quick Specs:
❤️ Why We Love It:
Not every newborn wipe suits extra-sensitive skin, but these come very close. Many parents of preemies or eczema-prone babies say Burt’s Bees Sensitive Wipes are one of the only options that don’t cause redness, stinging, or flare-ups. The cloth is soft and gentle, though a bit smaller than standard wipes, which is often preferred for tiny newborn bottoms. They’re thoughtfully formulated to avoid known irritants and deliver a soothing clean without harshness. They’re also easy to stash in a diaper bag or nursery, offering more convenience than dry wipes, especially during nighttime changes.
👉 Perfect for: Parents who want a super-gentle, pre-moistened wipe that’s safe for preemies, eczema, or extremely sensitive skin.
Best Everyday Wipes for Newborns: Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Wipes
Trusted by millions of parents, Huggies Natural Care wipes offer a gentle, reliable clean for delicate newborn skin, without breaking the bank.
Quick Specs:
❤️ Why We Love It:
These are the kind of wipes that just work—soft, simple, and sensitive-skin friendly. Many parents turn to Huggies early on because they’re widely available, dermatologist-tested, and free from harsh ingredients. The plant-based cloth is sturdy enough to handle big messes without tearing, and the soothing formula is gentle on newborn skin. We especially love the flip-top packaging, which makes one-handed diaper changes easier (a real bonus in the early weeks). While they’re not the greenest pick overall, they’re a practical, trusted choice that’s kind to babies and budgets.
👉 Perfect for: New parents looking for safe, no-fuss wipes they can count on every day.
Which baby wipes are best for newborns?
The best baby wipes for newborns are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and water-based, with minimal or no added ingredients. Newborn skin is extremely delicate, especially in the first weeks, and overly harsh wipes can lead to irritation, redness, or diaper rash.
💬 “Most pediatricians recommend avoiding wipes with added fragrances and alcohol for newborns,” says Dr. Emily Harris, a board‑certified pediatrician. This aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends avoiding harsh ingredients to help protect newborn skin.
Here’s what to look for in newborn-safe wipes:
- 99%+ water content
- No alcohol, parabens, or synthetic fragrances
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Soft, non-abrasive cloth material
For newborns with extra-sensitive or premature skin, dry wipes like Whoopsie 100% Cotton Dry Wipes or ultra-gentle options like Burt’s Bees Sensitive are ideal. And if you want the purest wet wipe with NICU-level trust, WaterWipes Original remains a gold standard.
Ultimately, the “best” wipe depends on your baby’s skin and your preferences. Some families prioritize eco-friendly, budget, or pre-moistened convenience, while others need ingredient control due to skin conditions like eczema.
FAQs
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Baby Wipes for Your Newborn
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to baby wipes, but for newborns, simpler is usually better. Whether you want a pure water wipe like WaterWipes, a budget-friendly option like Mama Bear, or an eco-conscious pick like Hello Bello, all of the wipes on this list are parent-approved and newborn-safe.
The truth is, most top-rated newborn wipes today are far gentler and safer than what parents had even a decade ago. That said, every baby is different. What works beautifully for one newborn might cause irritation in another. Don’t be discouraged, sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find the perfect match for your baby’s skin.
👶 If you notice redness, dryness, or diaper rash, it may be worth switching to a simpler formula or asking your pediatrician for guidance!
🍼 Want to learn more about what ingredients to avoid and what pediatricians recommend? Don’t miss our full guide: Are Baby Wipes Safe for Newborns?