Reusable wipes are one of those baby items that sound either brilliant or insane depending on who you ask. Bumkins, a brand long known for cloth bibs and waterproof gear, makes a reusable cloth wipe aimed at parents who want to cut waste and cost. Here's an honest look at whether they're worth it — and who they're genuinely not for.
What they are
Bumkins reusable wipes are soft, washable cloth wipes (the brand uses easy-clean fabrics in line with its bib and gear lineup) meant to replace disposable wipes. You wet them with water (or a gentle homemade or store-bought wipe solution), use them like any wipe, then toss them in a wet bag or pail and launder them with your other baby laundry. They come in multi-packs, so the per-wipe cost is a one-time purchase that lasts.
The genuine pros
- Cost over time. This is the strongest case. A pack of reusable wipes used for months or years can cost far less than the steady stream of disposable packs. If you're already cloth diapering, you're doing the laundry anyway — adding wipes is nearly free effort.
- Less waste. Far fewer disposables in the landfill. This is a real, tangible environmental benefit — and an honest one, unlike vague "biodegradable" claims on disposables, which the FTC's Green Guides caution must be specifically substantiated. (FTC – Green Guides) A reusable cloth you actually reuse is unambiguously lower-waste.
- Gentle, minimal ingredients. Used with plain water, there's no fragrance, alcohol, or preservatives touching baby's skin — a plus for sensitive skin, consistent with general pediatric guidance on avoiding diaper-area irritants. (AAP – HealthyChildren.org)
- Softness and control. Many parents find a damp cloth gentler and more effective than a thin disposable, especially with water alone.
The honest cons
- The laundry and the "ick." You're storing soiled cloths and washing them. For poop diapers, that means rinsing/dunking before the wash. Some parents are completely fine with this; others will never make peace with it. Be honest with yourself.
- Less convenient on the go. A wet bag of used cloths in the diaper bag is more hassle than tossing a disposable in the trash. Many cloth-wipe users keep disposables for outings.
- Upfront effort and setup. You need a wetting system (a spray bottle or a soak container) and a wet bag/pail. It's a small routine to build.
- Wash care matters. Fabric softener can reduce absorbency over time; follow the care instructions to keep them working.
How to actually use them
1. Wet just before use with water or a gentle solution — don't pre-soak a whole stack for days. 2. Use, then store in a wet bag or lidded pail. 3. For BMs, remove solids into the toilet first. 4. Wash with your baby laundry; skip heavy fabric softener. 5. Keep a small disposable stash for outings and the worst blowouts — a hybrid approach is the realistic norm.
Who they're for
- Cloth-diapering families — the natural fit; you're already washing.
- Cost-conscious and waste-conscious parents willing to do a bit more laundry.
- Sensitive-skin babies who do best with water and cloth.
Who should skip them
- Parents who already feel maxed out on laundry and "systems."
- Those who are mostly out of the house and want grab-and-go convenience.
- Anyone who knows the soiled-cloth handling will be a daily source of dread — that's a valid reason to pass.
Honest verdict
Bumkins reusable wipes are a solid, well-made entry into cloth wiping, and the case for them — real cost savings, genuinely lower waste, gentle on skin — is strong if the laundry routine fits your life. They shine for cloth-diapering and home-based families and stumble on convenience for the on-the-go crowd. The smartest setup for most people is hybrid: reusable at home, a small disposable stash for outings. Buy one multi-pack and try it for a couple of weeks before deciding whether to go all in.
Frequently asked questions
Are reusable wipes hygienic?
Yes, when washed properly — remove solids first and launder on a warm/hot cycle with your baby laundry. The hygiene concern is manageable; the bigger question is whether the routine fits your life.
Do I need a special solution, or is water enough?
Plain water is enough for most changes and is the gentlest option for sensitive skin. Some parents use a mild homemade or store-bought wipe solution. Avoid heavy fragrances.
Are they really cheaper than disposables?
Over months of use, almost always — a one-time pack replaces a steady stream of disposable packs. The trade-off you're "paying" is the extra laundry and handling, not money.