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!