By Jenna Mitby
Over the past few months I have noticed an interesting trend: adults reaching for baby wipes over toilet paper.
After confirming that I knew a good number of people that either use baby wipes or know of a close friend that uses baby wipes, I went to the place every question is always answered, Google.
To my surprise, that search was nothing new, and it actually came up first as you can see. What I don’t get is why now? Baby wipes have been around forever, what makes someone switch?
As I was recently ordering groceries on www.peapod.com, a new slew of products showed up: adult wipes, listed under the normal paper goods section. So what gives? Is this a secret most have hid and is suddenly “tipped” as Malcolm Gladwell would say?
Now, I’ve been paying far more attention to toilet paper commercials. I have not seen one for adult wipes, yet. However, if you examine toilet paper advertising, as I’m sure most don’t, the debate between softness has subsided, at least for now. Take a look at what Cottonelle is doing, www.cottonellerollpoll.com. Which way do you roll? But maybe, the question should be, do you roll?
So, I dug a little deeper to discover a bit about this trend. First, I learned that this isn’t exactly a new product, but the moist wipes have not taken hold as quickly in the United States. Cottonelle was the first to lunch a rolled moist cloth for adults in 2001. I also read hundreds of individuals commenting around the web about wipes over toilet paper. Here are my conclusions for choosing wipes over toilet paper:
- Wipes get you cleaner.
- Some say wipes are more refreshing. (Although I admit I’m not sure how your butt feels refreshed)
- Wipes are softer on sensitive skin.
- Some argue that using one wipe is more environmentally friendly than using a bunch of toilet paper.
- Many also use wipes in conjunction with toilet paper.
So, my question to Gen Y is: do you use wipes or toilet paper? Where do we stand on this trend?
Yes, but then you need a diaper genie. As a bicyclist I can tell you that wipes are also the perfect sanitary solution for when you can't take an immediate shower after a ride. Course, not sure what any of this has to do with Gen Y. Unless it becomes a new environmental trend started by your generation.
The cottonelle puppy kinda freaks me out. I don't get what a small dog has to do with toilet paper.
It's cute, yes. Most puppies are… but isn't it a reach for a brand to try to market toilet paper with small canines as its only defining point?
I'm not sure where I stand on moistened vs. regular toilet paper.
+1 for referencing Gladwell in a post about toilet paper.
Haha, what a brave conversation to start. I'm a Charmin girl. Can't stand that generic 1-ply crap!
As a father, I unknowingly found myself finished, sitting on the throne without any toilet paper in the house. with the obvious solution being the baby wipes under the sink, turning out to be a pleasant experience. It never occurred to me that they were superior, or even feasible prior to that juncture. I feel a bit skeezy potty talking … They do leave you clean, but be prepared to pucker if you haven't warmed them. I feel squeaky afterwords? anyone?
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