Homemade Baby Wipes

Considering the number of medications that are administered via the skin, I became alarmed at the number of chemicals in baby products. FDA notwithstanding, it seems that most of these things can be absorbed by my baby's skin. So, I recently began making my own baby wipes, after reading the ideas on this site. My own input would be these following items:

I, too, like the Viva Towels, in the Select-a-Size roll. I tear them off, then fold them in half with the more textured side out. Then, I fold them to fit in the box (I really like Huggies boxes, as they have a rubber finger-type grip at the top that really holds the next wipe), and as I fold them, I put the next one in the fold of the previous one, so that when I pull on one, it naturally pulls the next one up with it. PRESTO--pop up wipes.

I use a little bit (1 teaspoon) of vodka to dilute and disperse the essential oils--I like ONE drop of lavender (only one, because it's very strong), one capsule of oregano oil, cut open and squeezed in (for antibacterial properties), 6 drops of rose hip seed oil (moisturizer), 6 drops of jasmine oil (smells great), and about 1 teaspoon of grape seed oil (moisturizer). I mix this, then add about 1 cup of aloe vera juice (available from Sam's Club for about $5.00 per gallon) and 1 cup of colloidal silver made with distilled water. If you aren't familiar with this item, google it--it's great. A natural, safe anti bacterial. If you buy your own silver generator, you can make all you need for the price of batteries and distilled water.

Mix all together, making sure to put the oils in the vodka FIRST and mix, then add other items. That way you don't have big drops of oils on the top wipe and none on the others. Pour over the wipes, pull the first one up, and you're done. These wipes have been known to eliminate diaper rash with one use. They don't have all of the chemicals in them that store bought wipes do, they smell divine, work awesome, and I also use them to clean my face.

Also, if you go to the VIVA website, you can print out coupons for the paper towels. If you like, all the ingredients can be obtained in organic form, and they really do work.

By Gina J. from Colorado

Answers:

Homemade Baby Wipes

I think it's definitely worth making baby wipes for 2 reasons: avoid all the chemicals (hence I'd be inclined to use a combo of witch hazel, tea tree and rose water instead of soap and baby oil) and to do our bit for the earth (good idea to use flannel) after all 'we didn't inherit the earth from our ancestors we're borrowing it from our children' x (07/24/2008)

By justine.

NO MORE FOLDING

Oh guys, stop folding the wipes! You're going to burn yourself out! Just cut the roll into thirds using a knife or an electric knife so it fits into an old commercial wipe container and pull out the center cardboard and voila! You have pop up wipes!! Seriously it makes it so much easier than folding all those! I usually cut up 3 rolls or so into thirds at a time and store them dry so I don't have to cut them often. Then just add the mixture over the top and in 5 minutes you have pop up wipes! (09/11/2008)

By Kelly

Homemade Baby Wipes

I started making my own baby wipes with paper towels (VIVA) when my daughter got a severe diaper rash. I like the idea of making my own baby wipes and knowing what goes into them (most wipes contain alcohol along with a lot of other chemicals)! After getting tired of the cut and fold thing I started using her old baby washcloths. I read about a lot of people making them out of fabric and terry cloth and sewing up the edges but that seemed even more time consuming (unless you have a sewing machine--which I don't). The washcloths worked way better than the paper towels (which I still use on the go because it is easier to just dispose of them than to try to keep it around til we get home).

I just went to the dollar store and bought a few packs of them since I only had like 20. Then I started buying them whenever I would catch them on sale at Wal-Mart. The ones that don't have the extra fabric around the edges work better for me. I just wash them separately in their own small load since I haven't gotten into the cloth diapers thing.

I use this recipe:

-3 Cups Distilled water (otherwise you have to boil the water)
-1/8 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil which is easiest to get since they carry it at most supermarkets(Or another type of "NATURAL" oil such as Jojoba, Almond, or Sunflower--any "NATURAL" oil will you can get them at health food stores do I don't recommend using baby oil or mineral oil they clog pores and aren't absorbed well into the skin)

-2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil (Inhibits the growth of bacteria and also is a powerhouse of healing)
-1 drop of Roman Chamomile (This is very expensive and can be left out if you can't afford it but it is very good for the skin and it heals as well)
-6-8 drops of Lavender oil (Has calming effects and also inhibits the growth of bacteria)

-Make sure you are using pure essential oils for the Tea Tree, Roman Chamomile, and Lavender Oils!

-1 Tbs. Natural baby wash (Avoid SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate) Try to get a good natural one without words you can't pronounce or use a mild Pure Liquid Castile Soap like Dr. Bronners unscented baby mild I use California baby or Dr.Bronners whichever I have on hand You can find them at the health food stores or at Target

-1 Tsp. Pure Vegetable Glycerin (You can find this pretty much anywhere it helps to keep the oils from separating and it is also a great moisturizer this is another reason why it is important to not use a chemical baby wash because it makes the skin more absorbent!)

-Mix all of the ingredients and pour over whatever you are using for wipes or store it in a spray bottle and spray it as needed onto the wipes or directly onto the babies bottom. (01/06/2009)

By Sarah