Low Waste Baby Wipes Recipe
Our life has been baby-crazy for the last 3 years and we're right back at the beginning once again, for one final experience. So there are a few things I've learned along the way but as any parent will tell you, you never stop learning.
I could tell you we have used reuseable nappies and wipes with every child from day 1 but that would be a complete lie and I have so much respect for parents who can achieve that. For us, we have figured out what works for us.
This recipe has saved us a bucket load of cash, never mind the packaging involved with buying multiple packets of wipes every week.
We still have a packet of regular wipes for emergencies but homemade are our preferred option at home every time.
Here's why I love them:
- They are bigger than store bought wipes - essential for little and bigger bums and bigger wipes means you use less.
- You can adjust the moisture to whatever you prefer - a dry wipe is the worst!
- Pure ingredients - you know EXACTLY what you are putting in there. No nasties to irritate sensitive skin and you can adjust the ingredients to help with things like nappy rash.
- Super cheap compared to store-bought wipes and they take about 3 minutes to make.
- Available at all supermarkets - no more running around looking for specific brands of wipes that suit your child
Don't be intimidated by a good DIY recipe. Just try them once and you'll realise they are a game-changer.
Recipe:
- 1 roll of quality kitchen towel - I prefer Tuffy or Viva brands. Both available from Woolworths.
- 2 tbsp liquid coconut oil
- 5-10 drops of pure essential oil - we use doTERRA
- 300ml purified water - boiled and cooled
You will also need a container to put the wipes in. Glass or metal are preferrable because the oils can break down plastic. A tall glass container which is the height of the kitchen roll is ideal
Method:
1. Depending on the size of your container - Start rolling your kitchen roll so you end up with 2 rolls of kitchen towel. One roll will have the cardboard centre still in it and the other won't.
2. Put one half inside your container and save the other half for when you need more wipes.
3. Mix the water, coconut oil and essential oils in a jug or bowl. They won't mix completely because oil and water don't mix but give them a swirl and then pour slowly over the top of the wipes.
4. Pop the lid on the wipes. After 5 minutes tip them over to ensure the liquid is absorbed through all the paper.
5. Remove the centre cardboard if you are using that half and gently pull out the wipes from the middle when using.
You can also cut your roll of wipe in half using a bread knife. This will create a shorter roll of wipes. It just depends on the container you are using.
Essential oils that I like to use:
Tea tree - antibacterial
Lavender - antibacterial, skin soothing (great for nappy rash)
Geranium - antibacterial, astringent, skin soothing
Frankincense - skin supporting
Chamomile - Skin calming
I'd love to hear if you try this recipe. It's an absolute staple in our house and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
Jen
xx