Why Pediatricians Recommend Water for Diaper Changes
As a mom of two, I’ve had my fair share of diaper change disasters—sticky poops, rashy bums, the works. I’m Lora, founder of Bonobo Baby, and I used to rely solely on wipes for every change. But then I learned that pediatricians, like those at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend using water alongside wipes for diaper changes—and it’s been a total game-changer. Water is gentler, safer, and better for your baby’s delicate skin. Here’s why pediatricians swear by it, and how my Bonobo Baby Bidet makes it super easy to add water to your routine, even on the go.
1: Water Reduces Friction and Avoids Irritants
Wipes are a diaper change essential, but they can sometimes irritate sensitive baby skin—especially during a diaper rash flare-up—if they contain alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives. The AAP recommends adding a squirt of water to your wiping routine because it cleans with less friction and skips the harsh chemicals (HealthyChildren.org). The Mayo Clinic agrees, noting that water is the gentlest way to clean the diaper area, reducing the risk of further irritation (Mayo Clinic). You can spritz with water, then wipe as usual—less rubbing, less stinging, just a clean, happy bum.
Section 2: It’s Gentler on Sensitive Skin
Did you know baby skin is 40% more sensitive than ours? It’s true—studies show infant skin is thinner and more reactive, making it prone to irritation (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017; Pediatric Dermatology, 2019). That’s why 80% of babies get diaper rash at some point—it doesn’t take much to set it off! Water is a natural, gentle way to clean without adding to the problem. It keeps the skin’s pH balanced and avoids the chemicals that can make rashes worse. I noticed a huge difference with my own kids—less redness, less fussing during changes.
3: Bonobo Baby Bidet Makes Water Portable
Here’s the thing: pediatricians are right about using water, but who has room for a spray bottle in their diaper bag? I sure didn’t! That’s why I created the Bonobo Baby Bidet—it fits right onto ANY wipe pack (Huggies, Pampers, WaterWipes, you name it) and spritzes a gentle mist of water (less than 5 mL) to clean your baby’s bum. It’s pediatrician-recommended because it follows the AAP’s advice, making your wipes even gentler. I love how it reaches those tricky spots—especially for my baby girl—and wipes away cleanly with my regular wipes. No soaking, no hassle, just a gentle clean that soothes rashy bums. Moms in our community say they use fewer wipes and their babies’ rashes are gone—same for me!