Part 2 of The gDiaperies: Making Homemade Wipes

Lesson #2: Homemade wipes are as equally cost efficient and easy to use as cloth diapers. True story!

My Homemade Cloth Wipes

I love my homemade cloths wipes. They are a revelation, seriously. I was a little hesitant to use cloth wipes at first but once I got on the gwagon, I realized something. Cloth wipes and cloth inserts go hand in hand. It so lovely to know that I don't have to go out and buy store wipes once a month. All I have to do is put mine through the wash once or twice a week and I'm set. The first question you might be wondering is "How do you make your own wipes?" It's simple. All you need is a bunch of old fleece blankets that are worn or you don't use. Cut them into the desired size you'd like. Double them up (below), sew around the edges and you're done!

How do I prep my cloth wipes?

Once I pull my wipes out of the dryer, I stack them in a pile and then begin to fold my wipes over. I start by laying one out flat and then folding another wipe over it at the half way mark (above). I fold the first wipe over the second and I repeat the pattern. Once I'm finished, I have a stack of wipes that can easily be transferred into my wipes container and will pull out one at a time (below).

Making your own Wipe Solution:

I have check out numerous websites and blog pages on how to make your own solution. Some use oils, others soaps, or both. What I have found worked best for me was to use whatever I had on hand. I use products that I know my baby's skin can tolerate. I use Baby Oil and Burt's Bee's Baby Wash (below). The solution recipe that I use is 2 tbsp of oil and 2 tbsp of wash mixed with a cup or 2 of hot water. I give the bottle a good shake and let it sit.  

The first thing I do when I am making homemade wipes is run my stack under hot water (below). 

I let the wipes soak for a few seconds to absorb all moisture. After that, I remove the wipes from the container, drain it, and ring out the wipes in the sink (below). I transfer the wipes back into the wipes container.

Now that my solution has been sitting for a while, I am ready to add my wash to the wipes (below). I make sure the solution has distributed evenly. Give the box a little shake, drain any extra solution from the bottom of wipes container. Close the lid, thread a wipe through and POOF! You have yourself some homemade wipes. Enjoy!

Part 1 of The gDiaperies: Your Change Station 101

Welcome to my latest blog entitled The gDiaperies. My objective in this series is to explore and share the wonders of cloth diapering with gDiapers. It is my hope that you will find each chapter helpful and perhaps even insightful as you too navigate the uncharted waters of the cloth.

Part 1- Your Change Table 101

Lesson #1: Having a clean and organized diaper area is the key to an enjoyable cloth diapering experience. One of the first things I hear new gMum's ask when getting started with gDiapers is "But don't you find it too much work?" The answer I would say is "You decided!" I believe that if you have an organized change station, you are one step closer to an awesome gexperience.

My Diaper Station (above)

Call me weird but I love organization. I find that when I am organized, I am less stressed. When I know where things are and where I can find them, life is good. It's no different with my change table. Everything has a place which makes diaper changing a breeze.

On my top shelf (above) from left to right I have my homemade wipes, my basket of loaded gDiapers, and disposable wipes. On my bottom shelf (below) from left to right I have my wetbags and extra cloths, snap-in liners, and disposable diapers including flushies.

I keep a Diaper Genie next to my diaper station for overnight disposable changes or when friends pop in and need somewhere to pitch their poop (above). All my extras (disposables, wipes, coupons, and different size pants) are stored in my daughter's bedroom closet (below). It makes for a quick grab and once again, everything has a place. It makes for a harmonious house when my husband and I both know where to look for diaper stuff and find it every time.

So I challenge you to create a diaper station that's all your own. Enjoy and be creative. That's the end of this chapter. Happy Diaper Days, y'all!

The Power of Prunes

6 months old. Oh my word. Seriously, time is a cruel mistress. I mean, I just found out last week I was pregnant and now my little girl's sitting up on her own, attempting to sing (or squawk), and eating people food. No words really. Watching her grow is like watching a rocket launch. Slow at lift off but once it gains momentum, its off.

Now that my daughter is at that age when "real" food can be explored, I have discovered a harsh reality. It does not always come out the other end like you thought it would. 3, 4 days went by without a single BM. I would turn to my husband and say "where's it all going" or "I don't want to be on the receiving end when that digestive shipment comes in". But I found hope, a lovely laxative for my sweet little lady in one word: PRUNES!  I thought I would shy away from prunes. It reminded me too much of my grandma's house, always sitting out on the kitchen table in a bowl. You know, old people food. But after hearing Mommy after Mommy praising the power of prunes, I had to give it a whorl and wow, does it work.

Now any time I am concerned about my daughter's digestion, I reach for a jar of organic prunes and know I am going to get results. Try it!