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In partnership with Propre Baby. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
Bringing Up Bébé taught us that French parents excel at establishing clear boundaries for their kids, while French Kids Eat Everything revealed their secret to raising adventurous eaters (kids’ menu? What’s that?). But, did you know that in addition to raising polite, non-picky eaters, French parents also have another trick up their sleeve?
It all has to do with how—and what they use to—change diapers. I recently discovered Propre Baby’s French Diaper Care, created by two moms looking to bring the French way to change a diaper across the pond. Unlike the typical American approach to changing a diaper, French parents skip traditional baby wipes altogether. Like many parents who tore through boxes of baby wipes on the weekly, it’s hard to fathom changing a diaper without those pesky wipes that I always struggled to take out of the box one by one.
But take it from the French—not only is it doable, this French Diaper Changing method is gentler on your baby’s skin, reduces waste, and helps prevent rashes and irritation. American parents: it’s time to rethink diaper duty.
We like
+ Totally replaces baby wipes AND diaper cream
+ Only 6 natural ingredients
+ Dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested
+ Cotton is GOTS certified and French Diaper Care eco-cert organic
+ Multi-use for the whole family
We don't like
- No travel-sized version yet
- Not available at major retailers yet so must order online
How to Change Diapers, the French Way
The French Diaper Care method is an alternative to baby wipes and diaper creams (yes, it’s an effective multi-use product). French parents know this method as liniment where Propre Baby’s clinically-tested formula creates a barrier to not only clean baby’s bum, but to protect the pH levels of baby’s delicate skin, helping to prevent diaper rash as well.
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Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Apply 1-2 pumps on one of Propre Baby’s extra large organic cotton pad (think of this like a souped up version of the cotton pads used to take off makeup).
Step 2: Wipe your baby’s bottom like you normally would with a traditional baby wipe. Repeat as necessary.
Step 3: Affix the clean diaper.
Propre’s French Diaper care will clean your baby and leave behind a protective barrier to help prevent diaper rash. This French method will totally replace your need for baby wipes and diaper creams, leaving your baby clean, fresh and protected.
A Better Solution to Baby Wipes Filled with Chemicals
As parents, we obsessively research the ingredients in pouches, vitamins and even in our own beauty products. So, why shouldn’t we do the same for baby wipes? When I dug a bit deeper into baby wipe formulations, I was surprised to find that conventional diaper wipes are often filled with chemicals. In fact, read any ingredient list on many popular baby wipe brands and you’re bound to find names you can’t actually pronounce (phenoxyethanol…what?). In June 2024, Consumer Reports released a report after analyzing 15 brands of baby wipes and found that over half of those they tested included ingredients that have known or possible chemical risks. They recently followed up with an in-depth review of their French Diaper care and calls their line “a genuinely better product than traditional wipes.” *Add in Propre Consumer Report
This report clued me in that not all baby wipes are created equal (despite their smart marketing claims). Unlike traditional wipes, Propre’s French Diaper Care is made with just six natural ingredients such as organic olive oil (nourishes, soothes and protects), sunflower oil (helps to maintain skin’s natural barrier) and beeswax (helps lock in moisture and protect against irritation). Their hypoallergenic formula is free from chemicals and harsh ingredients, and dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested.
What’s more: Propre’s French Diaper Care is made in France and adheres to the European Union’s strict cosmetic regulations where over 1,300 chemicals are banned. Compare that to the U.S. where fewer than 15 are prohibited.
Benefits of a Wipe-Free Diaper Change
All-natural and safe for baby, Propre Baby’s French Diaper Care is equally effective in helping to prevent diaper rash and irritation for even the most sensitive skin. After wiping your baby (which btw, you can use French Diaper Care for every diaper change), you may notice a shiny layer on baby’s skin. This is the olive oil and sunflower oil, which moisturizes and protects. Think of it as a built-in diaper cream.
It’s Not Just for Baby
Whether it’s a high chair that adapts as my baby grows or a ‘grow with me’ tricycle, I am drawn to multi-use products that work hard for me. Because the last thing I need in my already-cluttered home is a one-and-done product that has a short shelf life. Fortunately, Propre Baby’s French Diaper Care can be used as a baby wipe replacement, diaper cream replacement and as a full body salve for dry skin or cradle cap. And, it can even remove makeup. While this product is made for babies, it’s versatile enough to benefit the whole family.
So, go ahead and say adieu to your auto delivery of baby wipes and bonjour to the French way of changing diapers.
