How to Make Your Own Natural Baby Wipes

Changing a baby’s bottom is an integral part of parenting. If you change your baby an average of 10 times in a 24 hour period, that is 3650 changes per year! A common part of the changing regime is the use of  disposable baby wipes but there is a growing awareness that these wipes may have possible negative effects on our little ones.

Research has shown that the majority of commercial baby wipes contain unnatural ingredients and synthetic fragrances. A survey on the brands commonly available found that most contain more than 10 chemicals which can cause health problems from rashes to organ damage.

There are some good disposable brands out there such as Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Baby Wipes and these can be very handy when going out. Yet it is also very easy to make your own baby wipe solution that can be sprayed on reusable cloth wipes. Making and using your own baby wipes is perfect for baby’s bottom, great for the environment and also saves you money.

I have a small 75ml spray bottle which I fill almost to the top with water and then add the following ingredients:

1. Half a teaspoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil.
2. A couple of drops of liquid soap. This should be a mild and natural formula that is especially formulated for babies and ecologically friendly. In Dominica I buy my liquid soap from Natural Botanicals. Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Baby Soap available elsewhere is also a good one to use.
3. A drop of lavender or chamomile essential oil. This is an optional extra which adds a natural aroma. It is important that you use pure essential oils and not synthetic fragrances. Unfortunately these oils are not widely available in Dominica and usually need to be ordered.

My Baby Wipe Liquid Solution

Because it is free from preservatives, it is best to make this mixture in small batches when needed rather than store it up. I spray this mixture on small 100% cotton cloths and, hey presto, I have a homemade, natural, baby safe and eco friendly bottom wipe!

After you use the wipe, dry baby’s bottom and use a natural oil such as olive oil or sweet almond oil. I have only used these oils and baby has never has any rashes or skin complaints. So here it is…the perfect solution to keeping your baby’s bottom ‘as soft as a baby’s bottom’!