Nappies & Wipes

Nappies and wipes at FlipBuy UK — baby wipes in bulk packs, for the product you'll get through faster than anything else.

How to choose wipes for newborn skin

Newborn skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, and reacts more readily.

• Fragrance-free is the first thing to look for. Perfume is the most common irritant in wipes.
• Alcohol-free. Alcohol dries the skin and stings on anything broken or sore.
• High water content. The gentlest wipes are largely water with minimal additives.
• Test a small pack first. Reactions vary between babies, and buying a case of something that doesn't suit yours is an expensive mistake.
• For the first few weeks, many midwives suggest cotton wool and warm water for newborns, moving to wipes once the skin has settled.

How to deal with nappy rash

Almost every baby gets it at some point, and most cases clear with simple measures.

• Change nappies frequently, as soon as they're wet or soiled — contact time is the main cause
• Clean gently with water or a fragrance-free wipe, and pat rather than rub
• Let the skin air. Nappy-free time on a towel is the single most effective thing you can do
• Dry thoroughly in the creases before putting a fresh nappy on
• A thin layer of barrier cream at each change protects the skin

See a GP, health visitor or pharmacist if the rash is severe, has spots, blisters or broken skin, spreads beyond the nappy area, doesn't improve after a few days, or if the baby seems unwell. Some rashes are thrush or bacterial infection and need specific treatment rather than barrier cream.

How much you'll actually use

Newborns need changing 10-12 times a day, easing to around 6-8 by six months. That works out at roughly 2,000-2,500 nappies in the first year, and wipes in proportion. Buying in bulk is the practical response — most parents underestimate the quantity considerably in the early weeks.

Wipes and the environment

Most conventional wipes contain plastic and don't break down. If that matters to you, look for plastic-free or biodegradable versions — but note that no wipe should be flushed, including those labelled flushable. Wipes are a leading cause of blockages in UK sewers and household drains, and water companies are consistent in advising that only pee, poo and paper go down the toilet. Bin them, and keep a lidded bin by the changing area.

How to set up a changing station

• Everything within arm's reach before you start. Never leave a baby unattended on a raised surface, even for a second — rolling happens earlier than parents expect
• A changing mat on a chest of drawers works as well as a dedicated table, and the drawers stay useful for years
• A second station downstairs saves a lot of stairs in the first months, even if it's just a mat and a basket
• Lidded bin nearby, emptied often

Common questions

Are these wipes suitable for newborns?

Check the product page for fragrance-free and alcohol-free labelling. Many midwives suggest cotton wool and water for the first few weeks.

Can I flush baby wipes?

No — not even those labelled flushable. They cause blockages in drains and sewers. Bin them.

How many wipes will I need?

Considerably more than you expect. Newborns are changed 10-12 times daily, so bulk buying is generally the sensible approach once you've found a brand that suits.

When should I see someone about nappy rash?

If it's severe, blistered, broken, spreading beyond the nappy area, not improving after a few days, or if the baby seems unwell.

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