Buying guide for Best wipe warmers
Changing a dirty diaper is not a favored task, and it can be an unpleasant experience for a baby, too. If the baby wipes are cold, discomfort, tears, and a tantrum may ensue. With a wipe warmer, though, you can help your child feel more comfortable and relaxed through every diaper change.
A wipe warmer is a compact tabletop appliance with a heating mechanism and the ability to hold a number of baby wipes. The heating element warms the wipes so they feel more comfortable on the child’s skin. Some wipe warmers use radiant heat; others use water to create steam heat.
If you want to keep your child happy through every diaper change, the right wipe warmer can help.
Key considerations
Type of wipes
There are two types of baby wipes that you can use to clean your child: disposable wipes and reusable cloth wipes. Nearly all wipe warmers are designed for use with disposable wipes. As such, you may not be able to use a wipe warmer with cloth wipes. If you prefer to use cloth wipes on your baby, make sure that any warmer you’re considering is compatible with your choice.
Expert tip
If a baby was in the NICU, their wipes were kept in the incubator with them, so they are used to warm wipes on their little bottoms and would probably appreciate a wipe warmer when they come home. This would make a great gift for a parent with a baby in the NICU because they might not have the time to purchase it for themselves.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
Heat mechanism and location
As mentioned, wipe warmers use either steam heat or radiant heat. If you opt for steam heat, you’ll need to fill a water reservoir periodically. If you opt for radiant heat, you just need to turn on the device to warm the wipes.
Steam heat devices usually provide a gentler heat, and the water from the steam keeps the wipes moist. Radiant heat devices can can get a little hotter, and as a result, the wipes are more likely to dry out before use.
In addition to heat type, pay attention to where the heating element is located. On many warmers, the heating element is at the bottom of the device, but some feature a heating element on top. With a heating element on top, the wipes at the top of the pile are more likely to be warm.
Capacity
The number of wipes a wipe warmer can hold is an important feature. A smaller, more compact model may only hold 30 to 50 wipes. This is a suitable option if you need to save space in your nursery or plan to travel with your wipe warmer. However, if space isn’t an issue, you may wish to consider a wipe warmer that holds up to 100 wipes at a time. This is ideal if you don’t want to have to refill the warmer too often.
Lid type
Some wipe warmers have a pop-up lid, which allows you to pluck a wipe out with one hand. Others have a lid you lift manually, which may require two hands.
Power type
A wipe warmer requires electricity to power its heating element. If you don’t want to have to place the warmer right next to an outlet, choose one with a long cord. Or, consider a cordless wipe warmer. Some of these have a rechargeable battery that you can charge using a USB cord. You can also find wipe warmers with a car charger. These options are ideal for families who travel often.
Lighting
Many wipe warmers feature lighting, which comes in handy if you’re changing your child at night. A warm glow from a wipe warmer may be preferable to the harsh light from an overhead lamp or tabletop lamp in the middle of the night.
Portability
Some wipe warmers are compact and lightweight. If you’ll be toting the wipe warmer back and forth often, consider one that weighs 2.5 pounds or less. Keep in mind, however, that portable wipe warmers typically don’t hold many baby wipes, so you’d have to refill it often.
Safety features
You’ll be using the wipe warmer around your baby, so of course you want it to be as safe as possible. Choose a model that’s made with BPA-free plastic to make sure no chemicals are passed on to your child. Many wipe warmers are also treated with antimicrobial additives to prevent bacteria from growing on the wipes.
Expert tip
Pull out more than one wipe before removing the baby’s diaper so that you are ready to go before your hands are tied up holding the baby’s feet.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
Wipe warmer prices
Wipe warmers vary in price depending on how many wipes they can hold and what special features they offer. They usually cost between $23 and $45.
Inexpensive
The most affordable wipe warmers are small devices that hold between 30 and 50 wipes and don’t offer many special features. They usually range from $23 to $29.
Mid-range
Mid-range wipe warmers usually hold between 50 and 80 wipes and offer some special features, such as a nightlight. These usually cost between $29 and $35.
Expensive
The priciest of wipe warmers usually hold between 80 and 100 wipes and have a variety of special features, such as a nightlight and a pop-up lid. These usually cost between $35 and $45.
Caution
Make sure that the power cord for your wipe warmer never gets wet. If you spill water on it when you’re filling the reservoir, unplug it immediately and wipe it dry before attempting to use the warmer again.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
-
If you leave your wipe warmer on for more than 24 hours, the wipes could dry out. It’s best to turn it off or unplug the warmer if you know you won’t be using it for a while.
-
Pay attention to the capacity of your wipe warmer, and don’t attempt to overfill it. If you add too many wipes, they could sit too close to the heating element and dry out quickly.
-
It’s important to keep your wipe warmer free of germs and bacteria, so you should clean it before each refill. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the warmer to avoid creating any scratches that might harbor dirt and bacteria.
Expert tip
Remember to always close the lid so that the wipes don’t dry out.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
FAQ
Q. Is a wipe warmer safe for my baby?
A. Wipe warmers use extremely low-voltage electricity to warm the wipes to a safe, comfortable temperature. These devices are designed to take the chill out of wipes — not to make them hot.
Expert tip
Wipe warmers are nice for toddlers too when they start gaining more independence.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
Q. How long does it usually take for a wipe warmer to warm up the wipes?
A. It varies from model to model, but most warmers are able to heat wipes to a comfortable temperature in two to three hours. Notably, some models only heat a portion of the wipes in the warmer, so if you need a large number of wipes in a short period, you may need to wait longer for them all to warm.
Q. Do I have to take disposable wipes out of their packaging before adding them to the warmer?
A. Most warmers require you to remove the wipes from their plastic container or packaging, but there are a few models that allow you to add the wipes to the warmer while they’re still in the package. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to learn the proper way to use your warmer.
