The decision to quit my job and become a stay-at-home mom was not an easy one for me and my husband. We spent a lot of time pouring over a budget, running scenarios and talking to people who already had kids. In the end the door opened…and a lot of other doors shut. However, even though I was making a teacher’s salary, my income was, and is still, missed. Therefore, I have made it my “job” to save money were possible. I have a grocery budget (that I do better with some months), we do without some of our more expensive hobbies, we buy secondhand often, we do cloth diapers, and I make my own wipes. I know none of these things will be getting us rich, but cutting corners and tightening the budget has brought me and my husband closer together and, I feel, led us to live a more simple, focused life.
And so, here is the simple how-to for making your own wipes. I got this “recipe” from my dear friend Dorothy. She uses these wipes exclusively and is very dedicated to cloth diapers too. (Ain’t she cool?) Also, and this is important, if you are hesitant I want you to know that my son has NEVER had a diaper rash of any note and we have used these wipes literally from day 1. These wipes are natural and very gentle on his little butt.
DIY Baby Wipes Recipe
Supplies:
- Roll of Paper towels (the kind with the smaller sheets are best)
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Natural Cleaning Solution Here is what I use
- Essential oils, Lavender and Ylang Ylang
- Container (I use an old ice cream pail with the lid)
Step 2: Mix up wipe solution. Here is the recipe:
- 1/2 cup Cleaning Solution, mixed with water 3:1
- 3 cups of water
- 4-6 drops of Lavender Oil
- 4-6 drops of Ylang Ylang Oil
Step 3: After an additional 15 minutes, pull out the center cardboard tube. Since it is soaked through, it will be easy to remove.
Step 4: Gently pull up the wipes from the middle and use!
I hope you consider making these DIY baby wipes. They are easy and one 1/2 paper towel roll will usually last me about 1.5 weeks.
If you are interested in other thrifty baby prep projects–check out these posts:
Thanks as always for being here,
This is a great recipe….I found this item to helpful https://omni-wipe.com/
We use baby wipes and it is just my husband and I I also go 1 step further . I seen on a show where this lady made her own Cotton bathroom potty wipes ” toilet paper” they are the size of a normal hand. You can use any color of terry cloth material I bought a yard and have been using the same ones for over a year now I have a clean basket next to the toilet and a dirty trash can towards the back I LOVE THEM ! When I go somewhere and have to use real toilet paper I cringe it’s so rough one suggestion I did sew a straight stitch around all 4 sides to keep it from UN raveling you can also cut a washcloth in half you know the ones that are starting to look rough. We figured it out it has saved us HUNDREDS of dollars I only use them when I potty . My husband is a trooper about making sure they are washed and I have a clean supply . Oh he does all the laundry whoo hoo for me the concept sounds weird but it’s no different then using a cloth diaper except mine don’t get SOAKED with urine and poop !
I was wondering if the essential oils you use are for scent preferences? I was thinking of using vanilla instead of ylang ylang. Would that still be ok?
I’m sure that would be fine. In fact, I ran out of ylang ylang awhile ago and have just been making my wipes without it..and it seem fine.
All my babies & grand babies are too old for diapers, mostly;-}. However I keep some in the bathroom for my own “baby butt”. They are perfect for a refresher when there is no time for a shower. This is a perfect idea!
I don’t have babies but I do keep baby wipes in my car. When there is a traffic jam or I have to wait for a train, I get them out and clean the dashboard. After leaving my window down during a flash storm, I realize that I also need to clean the steering wheel! I got muck all over my T-shirt and capris! I will cut a hole in the lid to pull the towel through. I am pinning this and sharing on facebook with the way I use it.
BTW I was whizzing through the instructions and had to back up. I thought I saw a wide bore drill tip — no, it was the wet tube coming out of the centre. Phew – no power tools required 🙂
Is the solution 1/2 a cup of the cleaning mixed with water? Then an additional 3 cups of water? Or 3 cups of water in total?
What a great idea!!
Thanks for partying with us @ Keep Calm & Link Up this week!
xo, Meredith @ http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com
Amazing and perfect!! I also stay at home after working full time and I’ve been thinking about making my own wipes for a while. Where do you get your oils and cleaning solution? I’m totally making these very soon, so happy I found your blog, new follower from the Live Laugh Linky 🙂
Blessings,
Jacy
http://www.artbyjacy.com
So happy for your interest! I have been very happy with these wipes.
this is where I get my cleaning solution: http://qo9x6.3gaeb.servertrust.com/product_p/hncs%20-1%20gallon%20concentrate.htm. and the oils can be found at lots of different on-line venders. Just google essential oils.
Good luck, and I’d love to know what you think of them when you’ve made them!
Nancy
I use natures best organic baby soap and organic coconut oil. They work great oh and select a size paper towels are the best
I use natures best organic baby soap and organic coconut oil. They work great oh and select a size paper towels are the best
Clever! I never would have thought to make my own wipes. Wish I would have known when my kiddos were small.
Rachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com
So you are implying that you don’t deal with diapers any more—very jealous! I am expecting another little one in a few weeks here, so I will be making (and using) wipes for a good long time into the future!