There are a lot of options when it comes to using cloth wipes with your little one. The best method I’ve found is to store the wipes dry and then spray them as needed with a homemade wipe solution. This way, I avoid odors or mold that can occur when wipes sit in water. Spray bottles for the wipe solution are inexpensive and can be found in a variety of sizes perfect for changing tables and diaper bags.
Wipe solutions can be as simple or complex as you’d like to make them. I happen to have a little guy with sensitive skin so I like to keep it pretty simple. By combining witch hazel and coconut oil I have an easy cloth wipe solution that is gentle and non-irritating to my baby’s bottom. It has a light yet pleasant scent and the water alone does a great job cleaning up messes without the need for soap or baby wash.
You may recognize witch hazel as a remedy for acne, but it can also help reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin. The coconut oil on the other hand provides natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. It too is a great way to moisturize your baby’s skin from one diaper change to the next.
When purchasing your witch hazel, try to find a product that doesn’t contain alcohol. Although this wipe solution is mixed with water, alcohol can cause over-drying and potentially sting the delicate skin on your child’s bottom.
How to Make Cloth Baby Wipe Solution
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup alcohol-free witch hazel (I use Thayer Alcohol-Free Cucumber Witch Hazel for a light scent)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
Directions:
1. If your coconut oil is solid/semi solid, melt it in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes liquid.
2. Combine the water and coconut oil in a small measuring glass and give it a good stir.
3. Add the witch hazel.
4. Pour the wipe solution into a spray bottle.
5. Give the solution a few final shakes to ensure that all the ingredients have mixed well.
6. Spray the solution onto your cloth wipes with each diaper change.
This recipe for DIY Cloth Baby Wipe Solution fills a 12 oz. spray bottle. If you notice the coconut oil solidifying over time, just run your spray bottle under warm water for a few minutes and give it a couple good shakes.
More Natural Baby Articles
How to Lanolize Wool Diaper Covers
How to Make Wool Baby Pants from an Old Sweater
How to Make Reusable Cloth Baby Wipes
Cloth Diapering: What You Need to Know to Get Started
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katy says
once the mixture is made, how long till it turns bad, if at all? or will it last for quite a while?
Denise says
Can you use fractionated coconut oil, or does it need to be regular coconut oil?