If you've spent any time scrolling through parenting TikTok lately, you've probably noticed that French parenting habits seem to have a bit of a cult following.
French babies sleep differently.
French children eat differently.
But did you know that French moms do diaper changes differently, too?
One of the biggest surprises for many American parents is that baby wipes aren't nearly as common in France as they are in the United States.
In fact, many French parents skip wipes altogether.
So what do they use instead?
A cleansing lotion (called liniment in French!)
And once you understand the reasoning behind it, it makes a whole lot of sense.
The French approach to diaper changes
French skincare has long been built around a simple philosophy: protect the skin barrier whenever possible.
Rather than aggressively cleaning the skin and then trying to repair irritation later, the goal is to prevent that irritation from happening in the first place.
That mindset extends to babies, too.
Instead of reaching for a disposable wipe at every diaper change, many French parents use a cleansing lotion applied with a cotton pad or reusable cloth.
The lotion gently lifts away urine and stool while helping to reduce the friction that comes from repeated wiping.
It's a routine that has been passed down through generations of French families and one that inspired our own Organic Diapering Lotion.
Why some parents are rethinking baby wipes
Let's be clear: baby wipes are incredibly convenient.
We've all been grateful for them during a diaper blowout in a parking lot.
But convenience and being the best option aren't always the same thing.
Even the softest wipe still relies on a certain amount of rubbing to clean the skin and can be very drying (there is no brand of wipe that leaves protection behind). When you multiply that by eight, ten, or twelve diaper changes a day, that's a lot of friction on one of the most delicate areas of your baby's body.
For babies with sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, or recurring diaper rash, that friction can become part of the problem.
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that reducing irritation and protecting the skin barrier are important parts of preventing diaper rash. While wipes can be used safely, gentler cleansing methods may be helpful for babies with particularly sensitive skin.
The French solution isn't necessarily about doing more, it's about doing it more gently (and dare we say, smarter?)
What French moms use instead
A typical French-style diaper change is surprisingly simple.
You apply a small amount of diapering lotion to a cotton pad, reusable cloth wipe, or soft tissue.
You gently clean the diaper area.
That's it.
No rinsing.
The lotion cleanses while leaving behind a light protective layer on the skin.
Many parents find that baby's skin feels softer, looks calmer, and experiences less irritation over time.
This is the exact philosophy behind La Petite Crème.
Our lotion contains just six ingredients and was designed to simplify diaper changes while helping parents move away from the constant wipe-and-rub cycle.
Does this mean French babies never get diaper rash?
Well, we wouldn't go as far as to say that - but diaper rash really isn't a thing in France.
Babies, of course, are still babies.
There are teething poops, long car rides, summer heat, sensitive skin, and all the other surprises that come with raising small humans.
But French parents tend to focus heavily on prevention rather than waiting until irritation appears.
When redness does appear, many parents reach for a light barrier product like our Organic Diapering Balm, which contains just five ingredients and helps protect and nourish delicate skin.
It's not about being French
Here's the thing.
You don't need to live in Paris.
You don't need a beret.
And you definitely don't need to start serving your toddler escargot.
What many parents love about the French diapering approach is that it feels simpler.
Just a gentle cleansing routine that works with the skin instead of against it.
A softer way to diaper
The reason we started La Petite Crème was because we wanted to bring the French way of diapering to US moms.
Not because it was trendy, but because it makes so much sense.
Babies have delicate skin.
Delicate skin deserves gentle care.
Sometimes the best parenting ideas aren't the newest ones, they're the ones that have worked for generations.