Make Natural Baby Wipes at Home

After failing (miserably) at cloth diapering, succeeding at making natural baby wipes at home was one of the best choices I made regarding our baby’s hygienic care. These wipes are more than a “wipe”, they are technically a mini wash at each change. (And tell me you wouldn’t want that if you had to wear a diaper full of urine nearly 24 hours a day.) Sure, while we’re out and about, I’ve got a pack of commercial wipes in my bag, but after using, I never feel she is really clean. I researched how to come up with some sort of system and didn’t find much out there, so sharing this fool-proof method with you will make this a no brainer. Along with peace of mind that baby is as clean as they possibly can be, you also get to enjoy the modest cost savings associated with minimal extra work!

FAQ About Home Wipes

Where do you put the dirty wipes?
There are many options, but the easiest for us is a 2 gallon jar with a produce bag, saved from the grocery store, as a liner.

Does it smell?
Rest assured, this does not cause the room to smell. As long as you do laundry at least once a week. Through 6 months, I did laundry every other to every 3rd day.

How do you wash the wipes?
Do a separate load for the dirty wipes. Set washer for a small load, hot water, second rinse. Use whatever detergent you typically use with bleach. Add the recommended amount of detergent and bleach needed for your washer’s small load size.

Will I ever need to use commercial wipes?
Up until we introduced food at 6 months, there was no need for a commercial wipe to be in our dresser drawer at home (but I always had a backup pack just in case). After that, using one regular wipe is recommended with poopy messes to get most of it off first so the room won’t start to smell. Then that beautiful booty can be washed nice and clean.

Helpful Tip
Diaper rash is often caused from moisture trapped inside the diaper. Keep some dry cloths separate to dry your baby after wiping with wet cloth, also dry before applying any diaper ointment to prevent any rash.

What You Will Need

1. Wipe Warmer. Our Prince Lionheart Wipe Warmer has treated us well for the first year of my baby’s life. It works fantastic and keeps the wipes at the perfect temperature and holds a good amount of “wipes”, about 15-20 (dependent on if I throw them in, or fold them nicely). If I had to do all over again I would get the Prince Lionheart Warmies Wipes Warmer only because there is only one opening, as opposed to my duel opening that I never use. I know many believe a wipe warmer is totally unnecessary, but next winter morning, take off your pants and wipe yourself with a cold wet wipe and see how you like it! You will see this is an easy solution to help comfort your baby.

2. Wipes, or washcloths, really. Get the cheap, thin kind. Nothing expensive, please! Cloths that are too thick will not work. You will find yourself having to refill more often and ideally, you will only need to refill your wipe warmer every other day for younger babies and less often as they get older. You will need about 60. A great buy is Luvable Friends Washcloths, Blue, 24 Count.

3. Dr. Bronner’s Baby-mild Liquid Soap 32 Oz. If you have never heard of this soap, be prepared to fall in love. The only ingredient is oil. In this case, unscented oil that is saponified (re-arranging it’s molecular structure) with potassium. YES, it lathers, quite well in fact. YES, it rinses clean. YES, you can feel safe using it daily on your baby and entire family. On another note, try using the Lavender scent as a body wash (you’ll be surprised at the long mystery ingredient list in your current body wash), Dr. Bronner’s Organic Castile Liquid Soap Lavender 32 oz.

4. Aura Cacia Natural Skin Care Oil, Rejuvenating Apricot Kernel with Vitamin E, 16 Fluid Ounce. Apricot kernel oil is a smooth, fast-absorbing, mild nourishment for the skin. The blend of this oil with the above soap and water makes the perfect solution for wipes.

5. A jar of some sort to hold the dirty wipes. Save your produce bags to use as a liner. A good option would be Anchor Hocking Montana 2-1/2-Gallon Jar, Brushed Metal Lid.