In a perfect world, all parents would use cloth diapers and reusable baby wipes to greatly reduce the footprint their baby’s bottom leaves on the planet during the diapering stage. But in reality, one-time-use baby wipes are a staple in every parent’s bag of tricks. Used for wiping up messy tushies at home, and to thwart or contain many a childhood catastrophe on the go, there are millions of baby wipes being used across the land, that get tossed out within moments of their use. Read on for some top tips on how to reduce your impact when using baby wipes, and to learn about three biodegradable baby wipes options that will get the dirty work done without leaving the planet a mess.

Some things to consider when purchasing baby wipes: first, seriously consider using reusable wipes. Bottoms-up offers a great all-in-one starter kit. If you’re set on going the disposable route, once you buy your first plastic pop-up tub of wipes, keep the container for life. There’s no need to fill your home and landfills with plastic tubs when you can buy refill packs of baby wipes for less of the cost and pop them into your reusable plastic bin.

Incorporate one of these three biodegradable baby wipe options into your diapering routine – they’ll help save the earth while saving your baby’s bottom from harsh chemicals.

Nature Babycare Wipes

Nature Babycare baby wipes are fragrance free, chlorine free, alcohol and perfume free and their packaging is free of plastic, made of natural and renewable materials, and 100 percent compostable. Their cloth-like feel and absorbency make these wipes less moisture-prone than say a mainstream ‘wet wipe,’ but I really like the subtle scent they emit, perhaps from their aloe vera component (even though they are technically unscented). They also come in a lightly scented variety. You can get 10 packages with 70 wipes in each package for $49.99.

gWipes from gDiapers

gDiapers recently added gWipes to their eco collection of diapering accouterments. These hypoallergenic wipes are designed especially for baby’s sensitive skin and contain aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and protect baby’s bottom. These biodegradable wipes may be composted when wet, and because they are made of cellulose pulp and regenerated cellulose, they break down much faster than mainstream baby wipes. You can get 12 70-count packages of gWipes for $45.

Elements Baby Wipes

Elements baby wipes are 100 percent natural, compostable, and they are also free of chlorine and fragrances. Developed by a mom, Elements baby wipes are made from Ingeoâ„¢ Fibers, the world’s first man-made fiber from 100 percent natural renewable resources. Ingeoâ„¢ fibers are free of chemical additives and surface treatments, and production requires 68 percent fewer fossil fuel resources than traditional oil-based materials. These wipes are also larger in size than most baby wipes on the market, which equates to less use of additional wipes to get the job done. Priced at $5.99 for a package of 80 count wipes.

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