Baby & kids
Plastic-based baby wipes → cloth wipes
Many wet wipes are plastic fabric. Cotton cloths and warm water do the same job for pennies.
Swap Priority
67/100
High priority
Swap Priority 67 out of 100: High priority- Plastic avoided
- ≈ 2.0 kg a year
- Typical cost
- £8 – £20
- Swap from
- Wet wipes made with polyester or polypropylene
- Last reviewed
- 26 September 2026
How strong is the evidence?
How the dials work- Exposure evidenceHow strong is the evidence that the plastic version exposes you to microplastics or plastic chemicals?
- Weak · 1/4
- Environmental evidenceHow strong is the evidence that this swap cuts environmental harm over the product's whole life?
- Moderate · 3/4
- Claim verificationHow well has the alternative's plastic-free claim been verified?
- No product yet
Why swap
Many wet wipes are made with polyester or polypropylene fibres, used on skin many times a day and often flushed, where they help cause sewer blockages.
What to look for
- Soft cotton or bamboo-viscose cloths
- Wipes that state 100% plant fibre (viscose, cotton) with no plastic
- A lidded tub for used cloths
Watch out for
- "Flushable" does not mean plastic-free
- Check the fibre, not just the packaging claim
More swaps in baby & kids
Baby & kids73/100Swap Priority 73 out of 100: High priority
Plastic and "bamboo" kids' tableware → stainless steel
"Bamboo" kids' tableware is usually melamine plastic. Steel is unbreakable and safe with hot food.
High priority · about 200 g of plastic a year
Baby & kids72/100Swap Priority 72 out of 100: High priority
Polypropylene baby bottles → glass or steel
Preparing formula with hot water in plastic bottles releases particles. Glass bottles avoid it.
High priority · about 300 g of plastic a year