Wipes or cotton wool and water for a newborn?

[bsmirched]

I'm currently 31+2 with my first baby and went to an all-day antenatal class on Saturday. The MWs said that they only recommend cotton wool and water for cleaning baby bottoms as wipes have so many chemicals and can cause problems.

If that's really true, I'm more than happy to stock up on cotton wool, but would love to hear what all you 'normal' mums think. Are wipes really that bad? Even, for example, ones like Pampers sensitive?

All views appreciated!

Forgot to add must wipe I used the facial oval pads to wipe because they don't leave bits.

I (and DS)have very sensitive skin, but After half an hour in the hospital scaping away at a hysterical baby with smegging cotton wool, I gave up and used wipes. I find the Huggie Pure ones are really good, now use them to remove make up too and I have ridiculously sensitive skin.

Some of the other brands did bring me out in a rash though (and being ridiculously PFB I tried them out on me first! ).

I would second using olive oil only for the first few weeks, as water dried both my dcs delicate skin out. Then switch to washable wipes which save a fortune.

the baby ones (cotton pads) don*t leave (too many) cotton bits.

with ds I used cotton wool and water until he started nursery at 10 months. wipes only when out.
with dd I plan to do more or less the same, but I use wipes after a poo, but wash with cotton wool and water afterwards. wipes never seem to clean the stuff off very well.

I only wash the bottom mornings and evenings anyway, and after a poo of course.

I think I was advised to use water and cotton wool only for 6 weeks and then sensitive wipes only.

DD has got on fine with Pampers sensitive and I'm planning to use the same with DC2 once he gets to 6 weeks.

I used to put a little vaseline on the first few days so the meconium wiped off easily.