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New babies will bring many changes to your life, and there’s no escaping the number of ahead. While wipe warmers are not an absolute essential, many parents find them to be a sanity-saving innovation. Wipe warmers can make those diaper changes more comfortable for your baby—which means they’re easier for you. These electrical gadgets keep the baby wipes at a set temperature, not too hot and not too cold before they touch your baby’s bum.
“Some babies like them, and some don't,” pediatrician Anh Le, M.D., tells . “I've had many babies who do just fine with room-temperature wipes. There is no medical requirement that a warm wipe be used.” And it’s true, many of us do fine without them. But for anyone caring for babies who scream at the touch of a cold wipe on a winter morning, we’ve got you.
When purchasing a wipe warmer, look for one that’s affordable (they usually range from $25-50), easy to clean, and doesn’t dry out the wipes, rendering them useless. Besides a warming function, some warmers have night-lights for late-night , hands-free features, and various storage capacities. Wipe warmers can either warm from the top or the bottom, and there are benefits to both styles. No matter what type of wipe warmer you choose, always follow the safety guidelines and ensure you keep your warmer clean.
To determine the best wipe warmers on the market, we spoke to experts and fellow parents and searched to find the most affordable, available products that users love.
Best Overall:
Best Affordable:
Best Splurge:
Best Portable:
Best Durable:
Best With Night-Light:
Best for Cloth Wipes:
Best Hands-Free:
Why We Like It: The night-light automatically shuts off after 10 minutes.
But Take Note: Wipe capacity is not listed, though users say a full pack of wipes will fit in the warmers.
Affordable, compact, and easy to use, this highly rated wipe warmer boasts many features that make it our top pick to place right next to that . The compact gadget warms from the top, which ensures that each new wipe is warm and also purportedly doesn’t dry out the wipes. A silicone lid also keeps everything completely sealed to help contain moisture.
When those inevitable nighttime diaper changes happen, use this warmer’s night-light to help see that cute baby bum. Simply turn on the light with a push of a button and it stays on for 10 minutes before automatically shutting off—one less thing tired parents need to worry about. While the brand doesn’t list the exact capacity of wipes, the container has a viewing window, so you’ll never be surprised when you’ve only got one wipe left.
Price at time of publication: $40
The Details:
Size: 10.5 x 7.5 x 5 inchesWipe capacity: Not listedTop or bottom warming: Top
Why We Like It: This affordable option has an on/off switch.
But Take Note: The wipes get room temperature but not super warm.
If you’re not sure if your baby will appreciate a wipe warmer, you probably don’t want to invest a lot of money in one. Though its list price is $40, the Tiny Bums is usually on sale for less than $25, and it has many nice-to-have features. While the exact capacity is not listed, this gadget can store many wipes, and the front window allows an easy view of your wipes.
Unlike some other options, this choice features an on/off switch on the base of the warmer. While it’s safe to leave on, some families may prefer this option for added peace of mind, energy, and cost savings. A helpful LED night-light is outfitted on the base of the warmer with another on/off button. Some parents complain that this device doesn’t get wipes very warm, but this may be by design in order not to burn babies or dry out the wipes.
Price at time of publication: $22
The Details:
Size: 9.5 x 6.5 x 4.5Wipe capacity: Not listedTop or bottom warming: Top
Why We Like It: The pillow inserts claim to keep wipes warm without drying.
But Take Note: You’ll need to refill the water chamber once a week, and the night-light is automatic.
Though it’s the most expensive wipe warmer on our list, this Prince Lionheart warmer really works to heat up those wipes without turning them brown and dry—a common issue with wipe warmers. The heat warms from the bottom of the wipe stack, and the pillow insert and water reservoir keep the wipes moist. But this also requires a bit of work on your part: You need to add water to the chamber once a week and replace the pillow insert regularly to keep it functional and clean.
The electric warmer stays plugged in, and an automatic glowing light comes on in the dark. While it’s just bright enough to help change a diaper, there’s no on/off switch, so if you think your babe will be bothered by the faint light constantly being on, maybe this isn’t the right pick.
Price at time of publication: $35
The Details:
Size: 10 x 7 x 4 inchesWipe capacity: 80 to 100 wipesTop or bottom warming: Bottom
Why We Like It: It comes with two power adapters: a standard wall plug and one for the car.
But Take Note: Limited capacity means constant refills are required for warmed wipes.
If life on the go requires a wipe warmer, this Prince Lionheart compact option is a thoughtful pick. The small gadget easily fits in a diaper bag, travel tote, or car. Just remember, the smaller size means a limited wipe capacity—this warmer can hold about 20 to 30 wipes, so if you’re out for a long day, you’ll need to refill the warmer with more wipes and wait for them to heat up.
This isn’t battery powered, but it comes with two types of power adapters, one wall plug and one car adapter, and the top-down heating gadget warms the wipes in about five minutes. (We also wish it included a USB-style cord, but that’s not an option yet.) When it’s not plugged in, it’s just a great way to keep wipes sealed up to prevent drying.
Price at time of publication: $27
The Details:
Size: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1.8 inchesWipe capacity: 20 to 30 wipesTop or bottom warming: Top
Why We Like It: There are three heat settings and an LCD display for temperature.
But Take Note: There’s no night-light.
Backed by a five-year warranty, this trusty wipe warmer may outlive your diapering needs. That will come in handy, as many wipe warmers have a reputation for wiping out within a year. This warmer boasts three heat settings, ranging from 104 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. A push button makes it easy to toggle between temperatures, and the LCD display will showcase which temperature you’ve landed on. A flip-top lid makes for easy one-handed dispensing. It also has a moistening sponge to prevent drying. While we love the three temperature options, this pick has no night-light.
Price at time of publication: $40
The Details:
Size: 10 x 8 x 5 inches Wipe capacity: 80 wipesTop or bottom warming: Not listed
Why We Like It: The night-light automatically shuts off after 10 minutes.
But Take Note: A dim light is constantly on; the nightlight is one step brighter.
This top-down wipe warmer can hold up to 100 wipes, keeping them warm and moist for your baby’s little bum. This one is constantly aglow, as the name implies, and it’s great for those in the market for a night-light option. Whenever it’s plugged in, this warmer features a dim light that’s always on. Then to activate night-light, simply tap on the light, and it gets incrementally brighter. The night-light turns off after 10 minutes or can be turned off sooner with the on/off switch.
Beyond the light features, there’s a flip-top lid for quick access to the wipes. The brand recommends pouring half a cup of water over the top of the wipes every time you add a new stack to the container. This helps keep them moist, especially if you plan to leave the warmer on constantly.
Price at time of publication: $32
The Details:
Size: 7.5 x 10 x 5 inchesWipe capacity: 100 wipesTop or bottom warming: Top
Why We Like It: This pick works for cloth wipes but can also be used with disposable wipes.
But Take Note: The set comes with four rayon/bamboo wipes.
Whether you’ve fully embraced cloth diapers and cloth wipes as a green family or you would just like some options, this innovative wipe warmer can be used with either cloth wipes or disposable wipes. The set comes with four bamboo/rayon cloth wipes (more sold separately), but the warmer can hold up to 18 thinner cotton wipes. If you choose to swap back and forth, no problem; just add your stack of disposable wipes, and it will work the same way. For middle-of-the-night changes, the built-in night-light is a handy feature.
This bottom-warming gadget heats from the bottom and benefits from the power of rising heat. Included with the warmer is an “ever-fresh” pillow that helps absorb and redistribute moisture into the body of the warmer, ensuring the wipes don’t brown and there’s no nasty mildew or mold growing. The pillows must be replaced every three months, so make sure you account for that added cost and time if you purchase this pick.
Price at time of publication: $40
The Details:
Size: 10.5 x 7.5 x 5.25 inchesWipe capacity: 18 reusable cloth wipes (depending on size) Top or bottom warming: Bottom
Why We Like It: Motion sensing lid opens with the wave of a hand.
But Take Note: This is tied with our list's most expensive option.
Your hands need to do a lot of work during diaper changes, especially if you’ve got a squirmy baby to keep safe. Free up your hands with this amazing high-tech wipe warmer. The motion-sensing lid opens just by waving your hand over the top. Once the lid flips open, simply take out a fully warmed wipe and keep that diaper change going. To close the lid, wave your hand over the top again. While it may seem trivial, parents love this extra help.
This electric wipe warmer can hold up to 100 wipes at a time. In addition to the touch-free features, this pick has a built-in night-light that also turns on by waving your hand over it. The light stays on for 15 minutes before automatically shutting off. The night-light also has an on/off switch to use whenever you prefer.
Price at time of publication: $50
The Details:
Size: 10 x 7.3 x 5 inchesWipe capacity: 100 wipesTop or bottom warming: Not listed
To find the best wipe warmers on the market, we extensively researched a wide range of wipe warmer options. We looked for highly rated, relatively affordable products that live up to their claims, are made of safe and durable materials, and are readily available at major retailers. We also got opinions and feedback from fellow parents and , M.D., a pediatrician at One Medical in Irvine, Calif., who is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Every wipe warmer can accommodate different quantities of wipes. Add too many, and you’ll likely be unable to close the gadget, and adding too few will mean you’ll constantly have to replenish the warmer with fresh wipes.
Since wipe warmers need to be powered by electricity, you must confirm that your diaper changing station or table has nearby access to an outlet with a cord that can be secured and placed in a safe area away from the baby.
Night-lights on your wipe warmer can be useful, providing some light for diaper changes in the middle of the night. Choose a light that is not overwhelmingly bright (no need to startle your baby fully awake) but does provide enough light to see what you’re doing. An automatic shut-off timer is also helpful, as it’s one last thing to remember.
Most wipe warmers are meant to be left on and will maintain the temperature of the wipes according to your available settings. The wipes will sometimes need plenty of time for the initial warming. The more wipes in the container, the longer it will take.
There are two styles of wipe warmers: top and bottom warming. One has a mechanism to warm the wipes top down while the other warms from the bottom up. Warming from the top will ensure the top wipes are always warm, but they may not reach all the way to the bottom of the pack. Warming from the bottom usually yields consistent warming but can dry out your wipes faster.
Since wipe warmers are warm, moist environments, they are natural breeding grounds for mold and mildew. To keep them clean, some warmers include antimicrobial materials or add in parts that help prevent mold. To be safe, regularly look inside your warmer to ensure no mold is growing. Regular cleaning with a spray cleaner will help as well. If you do have mold, throw away all the affected wipes and clean and thoroughly dry your wipe warmer before reusing.
When plugging in your wipe warmer, ensure the cord is safely tucked away and out of reach from cute, wandering hands. Some warmers can be left on 24/7, while others should be turned on and off. If you will be away or out of the house for extended periods of time, there is no reason to leave a wipe warmer plugged in while you are away.
Warm, wet environments are breeding grounds for mold. Avoid the risk of mold by regularly cleaning your wipes warmer, and if the product comes with an antimicrobial insert, always use that. Should your wipes get moldy, toss them in the trash, clean and dry your warmer, and try again.
A wipe warmer is a luxury, and while many parents love using them, just as many find them unnecessary, especially if you can get your baby used to cool wipes at an early age. As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shares about wipe warmers, “Realistically speaking, most babies are not afforded this luxury and get used to cool wipes right from the start.” As a seasoned mom of three kids, New Jersey-based mom Madeleine shared with us that she never used a wipe warmer and half joking said she believes it “builds character” to change a diaper without one.
Wipe warmers are made to be left on all day. If you are traveling or out of the house for an extended time, you should unplug the warmer like any other appliance. Dr. Le advises always checking to “make sure that the warmer is intact with no cracks or breaks in the structure. There was a recall some years ago for a wipe warmer where a crack in the structure led to water seeping into the electric circuitry, causing electric shocks.” This can pose a safety risk to your child and your home.
Some warmers recommend pouring a small amount of water over the wipes while they are being warmed to maintain moisture. Start with smaller amounts because adding too much water can lead to leakage and mold. Overpacking your wipe warmer beyond capacity is another surefire way to lead to dry wipes.
is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 13-year-old son, a 10-year-old son, and a 6-year-old daughter. While she has changed hundreds, if not thousands, of diapers in her day, she never used a wipe warmer for her three kids.
