On average, 4400 baby wipes are used per year. Not only does this figure harm the environment if the wipes are not biodegradable, but often, they also contain many chemicals such as perfume, chlorine, synthetic preservatives and dioxins. To avoid having to throw wipes in the toilet or elsewhere and to eliminate the use of chemicals, you can create your own washable or disposable wipes using a few simple ingredients.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Reusable Wipes
Step 1. Decide which solution you want to use
Water is quite common. For a more cleaning wipe, use 2 teaspoons of baby shampoo, 2 teaspoons of oil and 2 cups of water. Another recipe is to include ingredients such as aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar, essential oils and soap. Experiment freely to figure out which solution works best for your child's skin.
Step 2. In a measuring cup or jar with a lid, mix the ingredients of your choice
Step 3. Stir until dissolved
Step 4. Pour the mix onto 15-20 patches, 5x5 squares of flannel or other fabric suitable for children's skin and place it in a towel dispenser or other container
Or you can simply pour the solution into a spray bottle and use it individually on each piece of fabric as needed. Once the container is empty, wash it and repeat!
Method 2 of 2: Disposable Wipes
Step 1. Take a roll of blotting paper (or other premium paper) and cut it in half with a sharp knife (being careful)
Step 2. Get an ice cream tub
Step 3. Fill it one quarter full with warm water (or washcloth solution)
Step 4. Place half of the roll in the tray
Remove the cardboard tube once the paper is soaked.
Step 5. Cut an 'X' into the lid
Starting from the center of the roll, thread a sheet of paper through the 'X' slot.
Step 6. Here are your ecological wipes
Advice
- By creating your own wipes, you will prevent the baby's skin from absorbing unwanted chemicals.
- Reusable wipes allow you to save money and reduce waste.
- Wash used wipes with cloth diapers in a bowl of water and vinegar with baking soda before putting them in the washing machine.
Warnings
- Essential oils are very concentrated and should be used very little on children. It would be best to avoid them altogether, but a little bit of that of chamomile or lavender will do. Avoid artificial flavors.
- Some children are sensitive to essential oils: use tea tree oil carefully. If irritation develops, discontinue use immediately.
