Caregiving

Adult Wipes vs. Baby & Wet Wipes: Best Option for Seniors


Baby Wipes vs. Adult Wipes vs. Wet Wipes: Which is Better for Senior Care?

Choosing the right wipe for babies is simple. However, for adults with incontinence, it can get a bit trickier to know which type of wipe is best: adult wipes, wet wipes, or baby wipes? Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wipes for adult use.

Understanding the Types of Wipes

If you’re a caregiver, choosing the right wipe is essential for maintaining hygiene and skin health, especially for sensitive individuals. With various options available, it’s important to know which is best for your needs. Here's a breakdown to help you decide.

Adult Wipes

These types of wipes are designed specifically for adult bathing and to minimize odors and skin irritation following a diaper change.

Ingredients

Adult wipes are made with a variety of ingredients, including water, glycerin, aloe, or other ingredients to help moisturize the skin (like Vitamin E, chamomile, or Lanolin). Often made of wood pulp, cellulosic fibers, or polyester blends, they are typically treated with softeners, perfume, or lotions.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Most adult wipes are alcohol-free, making them gentle on skin while they clean up messes effectively. They’re also portable, easy to use, and focus on hygiene with their ability to mask odor. 

  • Cons: Although some claim to be “flushable wipes,” they can block up sewage and contribute to waste. For some varieties, harsh ingredients can irritate sensitive skin.

Baby Wipes

Designed specifically for a baby’s skin, baby wipes are gentle, water-based cleansing wipes that have mild cleansing agents to not irritate the softness of a baby’s skin.

Ingredients

Baby wipes contain water, gentle cleansing agents that are soft enough for a baby’s skin, preservatives to prevent bacterial growth, fragrance, pH balanced ingredients, skin-conditioning agents like aloe, Vitamin E, or chamomile, and non-woven fabric made from cotton, rayon, polyester, or wood pulp.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Baby wipes are best suitable for delicate skin, and gently cleanse the area. They’re portable, convenient, and easy to find in stores. 

  • Cons: Baby wipes are specifically designed for much younger skin, so they may not be as effective for hygiene and thorough cleaning that’s needed for an adult. Most baby wipes also go straight into the trash, so they do have a significant environmental impact.

Wet Wipes

This popular wipe is relied on for cleaning up messes, specifically for spills, sticky messes, and cleaning off hands. However, because of the ingredients that are typically added, wet wipes are not a great option for cleaning the sensitive areas of people.

Ingredients

Wet wipes often contain fragrance, water, alcohol, anti-bacterial cleaning agents, moisturizers, softeners, and aloe, chamomile, or Vitamin E. Compared to baby wipes and adult wipes, they tend to have harsh chemicals that focus on cleanliness.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Wet wipes are a great, portable solution for cleaning up messes and cleaning surfaces. 

  • Cons: Wet wipes are not suitable for sensitive skin, and could cause adult skin irritation or even an allergic reaction. Like the other wipes, they’re also not the most environmentally friendly.

Which Type of Wipe is Best For Senior Care?

You may be wondering, “what is the best wipe for personal hygiene, comfort, and skin care for seniors?” Here, we break it down so you can understand what’s best for you or your loved one.

Gentleness and Sensitivity

While baby wipes seem great because they’re so gentle on the skin, adult wipes have several hypoallergenic and unscented options that are designed specifically for sensitive and dry skin. Plus, adult wipes offer a more thorough cleaning that adults need.

Effectiveness

While baby wipes are effective for babies, adult wipes are superior for adult bodies. They ensure better hygiene and cleanliness, where baby wipes fall short. And although wet wipes are highly effective for other types of cleaning, they can cause skin irritation due to their harsher ingredients.

Convenience and Practicality

All three types of wipes are convenient and practical with their portable packaging that you can take anywhere. Adult wipes come in a variety of sizes and packaging options, offering flexibility.

Cost and Value

Since baby wipes often come in bulk, they offer strong value. However, depending where you purchase them, adult wipes can be cost-effective too.

Recommendations for Senior Care

When it comes to senior care and adult incontinence, adult wipes take the lead. They’re designed for adult needs and have more aggressive cleaning agents than baby wipes do. This will help you or your loved one feel more confident, secure, and clean. Many brands also offer options for sensitive skin. In a pinch, baby wipes are a suitable short-term alternative, but it’s best to choose adult wipes. 

What To Look for in the Right Wipe

When shopping for adult wipes that offer gentleness, thorough hygiene, and skin protection, here’s what to look out for:

  • Gentle, hypoallergenic ingredients: These are soft on the skin to minimize irritation.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Steer clear of wipes with alcohol and fragrances that may cause skin irritation.

  • Skin-soothing agents: Look for ingredients like aloe, Vitamin E, or chamomile to calm and nourish the skin.

  • Strength and durability: Ensure the wipes are strong enough to handle dirt, grime, and bodily fluids effectively.

  • Textured surfaces or cleansing lotion: These additions help enhance cleaning for better hygiene.

  • Eco-friendly options: Choose brands endorsed by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to reduce environmental impact.

  • Convenient packaging: Opt for resealable packaging to keep wipes fresh and portable.

  • Skin pH balance: Look for wipes that maintain the skin’s natural pH to avoid disrupting its protective barrier.

Find the Right Wipes at Parentgiving

At Parentgiving, we offer a large selection of top-rated incontinence products for senior care: from adult diapers and pads to liners to adult wipes. Join our community to learn more about empowered senior care and find the right adult wipes for your loved ones.

 

Articles Library