Keeping your baby happy and healthy comes with a lot of responsibilities. Making sure their skin stays fresh and clean is one of them.
The best way to keep their tushies clean is by using baby wipes, preferably made with natural ingredients. You can also make your own baby wipes solution!
Today we will be taking a look at several great homemade cloth wipes solutions that are not only safe, but cost-effective as well.
Is It Safe to Use a Homemade Cloth Wipe Solution?
The answer is yes. Homemade wipe solutions are generally safe, as they don't contain any chemical additives that can harm your baby’s skin.
However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with homemade wipes. Some ingredients can pose health risks if they come into contact with children’s skin or eyes. For example, if you use eucalyptus or undiluted essential oils, alcohol, or vinegar as an ingredient in your wipes, they can be too strong for some babies’ skin. So use a new solution sparingly at first until you know how your baby will react.
How Long Does a Homemade Baby Wipe Solution Last?
If kept in proper condition, one homemade wipe solution can last a couple of weeks. You can store homemade baby wipe solutions in the refrigerator or dry spot to keep them fresh longer. Keep them in an airtight container away from excess moisture, light, and heat.
Is Making Your Own Baby Wipe Solution More Economical?
Yes, they are. Homemade cloth wipes solutions are a great alternative to store-bought wipes. Most baby wipe solutions use simple basic ingredients that are readily available at your home, such as water, baby wash, oils, etc. They’re a great way to save not only money but also the environment.
If you're making your own cloth diaper wipe solution, it's easy to customize the scent according to your baby's preferences or needs. By adding a few drops of baby-safe essential oils such as chamomile or lavender, you can create a calming and soothing effect which can even help during those fussy times. Remember to always dilute essential oils and use them sparingly, especially with babies.
In 2020, approximately 1.54 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of baby wipes were sold. Most parents spend about 2 to 6 cents per wipe, $10-$50 per month, and $120-$547 per year on baby wipes. Imagine the waste and its impact on our environment!
Organic baby products, such as reusable diapers,reusable baby wipes, etc., are made from biodegradable, sustainable fabrics and can be reused multiple times. This makes them much more environmentally friendly than disposable ones.
Furthermore, making your own DIY baby wipe solution means that you can cut down on the chemicals used in commercial products. You will also know exactly what goes into them, which means it’s more likely to be safe for your baby’s sensitive skin. You can reduce your baby's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals that can be found in many commercial baby wipes. Many store-bought wipes contain chemicals like phenoxyethanol, parabens, and sodium benzoate, which can cause irritation and other adverse reactions in some babies. When you create your own solution, you control exactly what's touching your baby's skin.
In a nutshell, the cost of making homemade baby wipe solutions is minimal, and the benefits are many.
DIY Baby Wipes Solution Recipes for Cloth Diapers
Making homemade baby wipes solution is a cinch. All you need are a few ingredients and the willingness to make it. Below are our favorite recipes for a DIY baby wipe solution:
The Best Liquid Baby Soap + Water Solution for Cloth Wipes
This homemade cloth diaper wipe solution is the most common and safe baby wipe option, and it’s easy to find ingredients in your home!To make this basic baby wipe solution, you just need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of liquid baby soap
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix the water and baby soap. Then, pour this mixture into a spray bottle that has been sterilized or washed with bleach water. You can also use a pump bottle for this. When ready to use, spray the cloth wipe solution onreusable baby wipes or paper towels and wipe your baby's bottom with them.
Let's not forget that cloth wipes can be used for more than just diaper changes. They can be used for cleaning sticky fingers and faces after meal times, wiping down toys for highchairs, or even as a washcloth during bath time. By having a variety of homemade baby wipes solutions on hand, you can ensure you're prepared for any messy situation that arises.
2. An Organic Coconut Oil + Water Solution for Your Cloth Wipes
You've seen all of the wonderful things that coconut oil can do. You know its health and skin benefits (a tablespoon of it can replace many beauty products you're using). But did you also know that coconut oil makes a great solution for homemade baby wipes?
To make this moisturizing baby wipe solution, you need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm distilled water
-
2 tablespoons of coconut oil (preferably in liquid form)
Directions:
Pour the coconut oil into a small bowl. Add the warm water and mix well. Make sure that there are no lumps or clumps left in the bowl, because this will make your baby wipe solution turn out streaky or unevenly colored. Once all ingredients are mixed, transfer them into a spray bottle.
Note: Sometimes, this ultra-moisturizing oil can lead to stains in your cloth wipes or diapers. However, these are easy to correct by pretreating your diapers and inserts before sending them through the wash.
3. A Nourishing Coconut Oil + Baby Wash + Water Solution for Cloth Wipes
Since babies’ bottoms are especially delicate, baby wash and coconut oil is the perfect gentle solution to clean baby bums. Also, coconut oil has soothing, moisturizing, and anti-bacterial properties, making it an excellent natural alternative to disposable wipes.
To make this baby wipe solution, you need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm distilled water
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (preferably in liquid form)
- 1 tablespoon of baby wash
Directions:
Pour the warm water into a container and add the coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Now, add the baby wash and stir until it is combined. This homemade wipe solution is ready to use!
4. A Baby Wash + Baby Oil + Water Solution for Fresh Cloth Diapers
This is a simple solution for cleaning your baby's bottom, hands, and face. The solution is not only easy to make, but also has no strong smells or chemicals, making it safe for your baby's skin.
To make this baby wipe solution, you need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of baby shampoo
- 1 tablespoon of baby oil
Directions:
Simply put water, baby oil, and shampoo in the bottle and shake it up! Then you can use this homemade baby wipes solution as needed on your baby's bum or hands to clean them up after dirty diapers.
Note:You may need to add more or less baby wash depending on how you want for this recipe. But remember, too much baby wash can cause dryness and may irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. So, moderation is key!
5. A Soothing Baby Wash + Essential Oils + Olive Oil + Water Solution for Cloth Diapers
The use of essential oils on children is a controversial topic that has been hotly debated by the medical community. However, most doctors agree that it’s safe to use essential oils in small diluted amounts on babies.
According to studies, lavender, Mandarin, and Roman chamomile are the ONLY essential oils that are safe for babies younger than three months. Chamomile, dill, and lemon essential oils are all safe for babies between three to six months. However, a doctor’s opinion is always the safest option.
Moreover, it is important to remember to always dilute your essential oil before applying it to your baby’s skin. In addition, use only 100% pure essential oils or blends made for topical use by a brand you trust.
To make this baby wipe solution, you need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of baby wash
- 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil
Directions:
Pour the warm water into a container and add the olive oil and your favorite essential oil. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Now, add the baby wash and stir until it is combined. Once all ingredients are mixed, transfer the cloth wipes solution into a spray or squirt bottle.
6. A Gentle Baby Castile Soap + Water Solution for Your Cloth Wipes
Castile soap is a great option for your cloth diaper wipes solution. It’s a vegetable oil-based soap. Usually, it’s an all-natural, mild blend of 100% olive oil, lye, and fragrance. Babies with sensitive or easily irritated skin benefit greatly from this natural and effective wipes solution. It’s perfect for reusable diapering parents.
To make this baby wipe solution, you need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of liquid castile soap
Directions:
Simply put water and liquid castile soap in the bottle and shake it up! This DIY baby wipe solution works best when castile soap is warm, so use a bottle or wipe warmer.
7. An Extra-Soothing Baby Castile Soap + Water + Aloe Vera Gel Solution for Cloth Wipes
Aloe vera can be a perfect alternative if you’re not fond of using oils in your baby wipes. Aloe vera gel has soothing, moisturizing, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial properties, making it an excellent natural alternative to oils.
The Scientific World Journal published a study showing that topical aloe vera was effective at relieving diaper rash in infants. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is safe for most babies over 3 months old. But you should always check with your pediatrician before using it.
To make this baby wipe solution, you need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of liquid castile soap
- 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Directions:
Pour the warm water into a bowl and add the aloe vera gel. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Now, add the liquid castile soap and stir until it is combined. Once all ingredients are mixed, transfer the cloth diaper wipe solution into a spray or squirt bottle.
Wrapping Up: The Power of Homemade Cloth Wipes Solutions
Homemade cloth diaper wipe solutions are an excellent option for changing diapers, wiping down a baby’s bum, and cleaning up messes in between diaper changes. They are also great for keeping your child clean and dry when playing outside at the park or beach with Mom and Dad!