Diaper wipes are stored in airtight containers in order to keep them in an optimum level of moisture for effective cleaning. But this makes the wipes quite cold to touch, especially in winter months.
Imagine what your baby will feel if the ice-cold wipe touches his bare bottom during diaper changing process on those cold winter night!
Wiping the bum with cold wipes can cause chilling sensation in your baby’s delicate skin. In fact, being wiped with a chilly wipe is not the most positive experience for them.
So, how to keep baby wipes warm in winter?
Fortunately, warmer for baby wipes is a great way to avoid these unpleasant moments.
Wondering what is baby wipe warmer? Warmer for baby wipes is a small but magical baby gear that warm up wipe before you use it. It is a warming device that includes a heating element to gently warm up the wipes within. Depending on the design, this heating element may be placed in the lid or at the bottom of the unit.
There are a few different types of wipe warmer, but the end result is always the same – a nice, warm wipe that won’t shock your baby when it makes contact.
Some models come with a sponge inside the container, while others include a reservoir. They come in different sizes and shapes, and you can use them both at home and while on the go.
In this blog post, we will discuss more about this appliance with its benefits, and disadvantages. Additionally, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about baby wipe warmers.
So read on to learn everything you need to know about this handy little appliance!
Types of Baby Wipe Warmers
Plugged-in or electric wipe warmer are common. But, battery-operated or cordless wipe warmers are also available.
Some units need to be refilled with water regularly. Most models work well with both cloth wipes and disposable wipes.
Top warming Vs. Bottom Warming Wipe Warmer
Some models heat wipes from the top of the reservoir, while others heat from the bottom.
Top warming will usually only warm the first few wipes in a pack, which is sufficient for most changes. Bottom warming unit heats the whole batch of wipes at once.
However, if you need a lot of wipes per changing session, a bottom warming model is right for you.
What do wipe warmers do?
Advantages of using a baby wipe warmer
• First of all, keeping this tiny gear on hand is a great idea, not just for the cold winters, but for any time of the year.
• It makes the wet and cold wipes warm, fresh and pleasant. It can be especially helpful during cold and flu season. So, your little one won’t be bothered by the cold of traditional wet wipes.
• If you use warm wipe, it helps to make the skin pores of your baby’s bottom open, making the bottom perfectly clean.
• This warming device helps to keep wipes free from bacteria, which can help reduce the development of diaper rashes.
• It also helps to prevents the wet wipes from sticking together, making it easy to take.
Disadvantages of using a baby wipe warmer
Honestly speaking, there is no major drawbacks of this appliance. However, if your model features sponge pad, you may need to replace it on a regular basis which may add cost in the long run.
How Does a Baby Wipe Warmer Work?
This appliance looks like a small box or container with a lid. You need to open the lid to refill the container with wipes.
There is also a smaller lid within the lid. When you press the button, the smaller lid opens. The small opening lets you pull the wipe within the small opening.
The silicone or plastic flap system allows to pull only one wipe at a time and it keeps ready the next wipe.
As mentioned above, the heating element warms up the wipes within the container.
Some units have pad at the bottom of the container. You need to remove and moisten the pad regularly to ensure the wipes don’t dry out.
On the other hands, some units include small water reservoir that you need to refill. This way the wet wipes in the warmer stay moist.
Toss some baby wipes into the unit and leave it overnight. That’s it!
Does My Baby Need a Wipe Warmer?
Warmer for baby wipes is not a must-have registry item. Every parents may not need one. But it is a nice-to-have item.
But some babies make wiping their bottom difficult as they find it difficult to tolerate the cold sensations of wet wipe.
If your little ones struggles to tolerate cold touch of wipes in general, you may want to consider using a wipe warmer instead. A warm wipe will keep your baby calmer and comfortable during changes. It’ll also be a game-changer that can help tired caregivers and parents.
Again, if your baby is prone to getting sick due to cold, you should add a wipe warmer in your soothing arsenal.
Lastly, it’ll improve the quality of your life (and therefore of your baby).
More about Baby Wipe Warmer
Still you may have some questions about this baby gear. I’d answer some of them below.
When was the baby wipe warmer invented?
This appliance was invented in 1983. However, it first available in the market in 1988.
Is it safe to use a baby warmer at home?
Generally, baby warmers are safe to use as long as you take the requisite safety precautions. These precautions include checking the cord regularly to make sure it’s not damaged and ensuring that your child isn’t too close to the open flame.
Can you leave a wipe warmer on all day?
Yes, you can leave the unit on all day without any problems. This appliance is specifically designed to operate at relatively little electricity.
Plus, most of the models come equipped with an automatic shutoff timer, and smart temperature control system. So, when it reach to a certain temperature, the heating options automatically turn off. Thus it prevents overheating.
Do wipe warmers create bacteria?
Yes, wipe warmers do create bacteria. But, baby wipes are usually treated with ultraviolet light and other chemicals to prevent germs and bacteria growth. So, while it is important to clean it regularly, the odds of getting sick from using a wipe warmer are usually pretty low.
How often should I clean the wipe warmer?
It depends. If your selected model has pillow at the bottom to hold moisture, you should clean it every three weeks. Disinfecting your wipe warming device every few weeks will help ensure that the chamber stays clean, reducing the chance of bacteria growth.
Can you turn off the light on a wipe warmer?
Most warmers for baby wipes have a light on them so that you can see the temperature of the wipes while they’re being heated up. The light is usually there for convenience purposes.
Do wipe warmers grow mold?
Yes, wipe warmers can indeed grow mold if they are not kept clean. It is important to take your warmer apart and clean all the parts thoroughly every time you use it.
If you notice any signs of fungus or mold on the wipe warmer, don’t hesitate to clean it right away. However, make sure to keep it in a dry place and clean it regularly to minimize the chances of it growing mold.
Does a wipe warmer dry wipes out?
This handy appliance does not typically dry out wipes. But sometime it may happen in top-warming wipe warmer if you don’t use the wipes regularly.
Depending on the design, the unit may have a sponge at the bottom of the container. You need to remove and moisten the sponge regularly to ensure the wipes won’t dry out.
Some units include a small reservoir for water that you have to refill to avoid dry out of the wipes.
How long does it take for a warmer to heat up?
It depends on the model. However, it may take from 3 minutes to 3 hours depending on the design. Heating up time varies, but most unit keep the wipes warm 24/7 once switched on.
Can wipe warmer cause diaper rash?
There is no evidence that supports wipe warmers cause diaper rash. However, in some forums, you may find that parents are speculating wipe warmer develops rash and other infections. But these are only their opinion.
Conclusion on What is Baby Wipe Warmer
So, what do you think of the new twist in warming up baby wipes?
I hope, after reading through this post, you must have got to know how handy a wipe warmer can be.
If you have been using any other method, add this amazing gear to your baby care arsenal and see for yourself how convenient it can be! The best baby wipe warmer will make your life easier and baby’s life better.
Get ready for some pleasant surprises!