Natural Homemade Baby Wipes

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I’ve done my fair share of cloth diaper changes over the years. Like any concerned mom I opted for baby wipes I thought were safe and healthy for little ones. It turns out many baby wipes aren’t what they seem. So instead I came up with these DIY baby wipes with natural ingredients (plus they’re much cheaper!).

What’s Wrong With Diaper Wipes?

Ever checked the ingredients on your baby wipes? Yeah, I hadn’t either. Terms like “Fresh Scent,” “natural”,” and “sensitive skin” made me think I was choosing a healthy option. Instead many of these wipes are hiding ingredients like artificial fragrances (yep, even the unscented wipes). Then there are the harsh preservatives and parabens that can cause diaper rash on baby’s skin.

Even my favorite Huggies Cucumber and Green Tea wipes weren’t much better. At the time their ingredients were linked with issues including cancer risk, allergies, and developmental problems. I used these wipes for years, figuring that if they were made for a baby’s bum, they must be safe. Apparently not!

Since then many brands, including the big players have come a long way in cleaning up their ingredient lists. But there are still plenty of baby wipes out there with sketchy ingredients.

Non-Toxic Baby Wipes

After finding out what was actually in baby wipes I searched for healthier alternatives. There are some good ones, especially with the growing demand for better, healthier products. A lot of these options are more expensive than the typical baby wipes though.

If you’re too busy to make your own baby wipes, thankfully there’s a growing list of good options! Here are some different brands that meet my healthy mama standards.

Make Homemade Baby Wipes

I stumbled on some recipes for homemade baby wipes, but they suggested baby oil, baby shampoo, and baby lotion. Baby oil may sound gentle, but it’s mineral oil, a byproduct of the gasoline industry. Baby wash and the other ingredients in these products have their own health concerns.

I figured if you could make your own with those ingredients, you could make a healthy version too!

Homemade Baby Wipes Recipe

After much trial and error (mainly error), I finally have a great baby wipes solution recipe. After using it on several kids for years, I haven’t had any issues with skin irritation.

A side benefit to my wipe making experiment is that homemade wipes are much cheaper. When I buy ingredients in bulk, the wipes end up costing way less. This saved us a ton when I had several in diapers. Healthier and cheaper- I’ll take it!

There are several ways to make your own homemade baby wipes. When I first started I used a plastic storage container and paper towels. Later on, I switched to cloth wipes for a reusable wipes version. The homemade wipes solution works with either option. It just depends on what you have and what you want to use.

I’ve included directions for the healthy (but less eco-friendly) version below too in case you want disposable wipes.

Reusable DIY Baby Wipes

There are several different reusable wipe options – no sewing required! You can cut up old receiving blankets and t-shirts into 9×9 (or larger) squares. Old baby washcloths work too. Fold them into an old baby wipes container and pour the wipes mixture onto them. You can also spray it on each wipe with a spray bottle before using.

If you want to buy premade fabric wipes, there are lots of options on Amazon and online. These organic flannel wipes are super soft.

Double Duty Wipes

This has been one of my most fun homemade discoveries. These wipes are definitely kid approved. My kids loved smelling them whenever I pulled them out to clean the baby. And then they’d try to steal one and use it to clean things. Guess I’ve instilled this a little too well. We’ve discovered these wipes also clean tile, counters, leather, and flooring. They leave a residue on stainless steel though.

I also make a lavender essential oil or tea tree oil version. These are great for all-purpose disinfecting when we’re traveling and as reusable makeup removal wipes for me.

This tutorial takes very little time and is a great alternative to store-bought wipes.

Homemade Baby Wipe Ingredients and Materials

I use either distilled water or water that’s been boiled and then cooled in these. Tap water will work, but it can quickly grow microbes. If you use your wipes within several days then boiled and cooled regular water can work.

A plastic container works well to store the wipes. My preferred option was the red Rubbermaid round container, but you can also use an old plastic coffee container or gallon ice cream bucket. When I first made these I used paper towels and the round, plastic containers fit them best. Since then we’ve switched away from using plastic.

If you’re using reusable cloth wipes, then a repurposed diaper wipes container or silicone bag does the job. These are nice for storing a few wipes at a time in the diaper bag for quick clean-up jobs. And if you’re using the spray bottle and cloth wipes option, then you can just keep the wipes in a basket on the changing table.

homemade baby wipes
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3.50 from 8 votes

Natural Homemade Baby Wipes

This easy homemade wipes solution gently cleans and soothes baby's skin. Use it on disposable wipes or reusable cloth wipes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Making Disposable Wipes15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Yield: 15 ounces
Author: Katie Wells

Equipment

Materials

For Disposable Baby Wipes

  • 1 roll Paper towels (use a quality brand that won't fall apart)
  • Large plastic container
  • Serrated knife (a bread knife works)

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a pint size mason jar and shake well to combine. If using a spray bottle, then put all of the ingredients in your spray bottle instead.
  • Place reusable cloth wipes in your container of choice and pour the wipes solution on them. Or just use the spray bottle to wet one as needed.

For Disposable Baby Wipes

  • Cut the roll of paper towels in half using a sharp knife.
  • If using an old wipes container, accordion fold the wipes into the container. If using a large round or square container, place the wipes cut side down in the container.
  • Shake the wipe solution and pour over the paper towels in your container. Let the liquid absorb for about 5-10 minutes.
  • Flip the container over to make sure the wipes are well soaked.
  • If using a square/round container, pull the cardboard tube out from the inside. This should also pull the innermost wipe out and start them for you. Depending on the brand of paper towels you use, you might have to experiment with the amount of water to get the right amount.

Notes

  • If your child has very sensitive skin, you may need to leave out the essential oils.
  • You can also replace some of the water with soothing calendula or chamomile hydrosol. 

Are you willing to try homemade baby wipes? What scents will you use? Leave a comment and let me know!

These homemade baby wipes are better for baby and save you money. Homemade wipes work really well on sensitive skin and they smell great!

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

640 responses to “Natural Homemade Baby Wipes”

  1. Laura Jessup Avatar
    Laura Jessup

    I’m pretty simple and this seems like a lot of work!!! I prefer the simple tea tree oil, carrier oil of choice (coconut, olive, almond, sunflower, vit e or grapeseed) and water. And I use cloth wipes as disposible is such a waste 🙁

    1. Mary Avatar

      It’s not a lot of work at all! I whip up a triple batch every week or so. I put the kettle on while I’m fixing dinner and by the time dinner dishes are washed, the water has cooled. I purchased several dozen organic wipes and wash them with the diapers. No waste and super easy!

  2. Samantha Carver Avatar
    Samantha Carver

    This sounds like an awesome recipe for wipes!! I can’t wait to try it. The only thing I would warn about is that lavender oil (although awesome for its many medicinal qualities) is not recommended for use on boys under the age of puberty because of its hormonal side effects. So for mamas of boys I would recommend using a different essential oil or just going without. Its not worth the risk. Here is a link on WebMD that explains the side effects .

  3. nikki Avatar

    I was just wondering if there is something I could use in place of the grapefruit seed oil that has antifungal properties. My sister can’t eat grapefruit for health reasons, I’m not sure if it would affect her if it absorbed through the skin, but I don’t want to find out if she babysits!

    1. Kate Avatar

      Grapeseed oil is not from grapefruit. It is actually Rape Seed oil but for obvious marketing purposes the name was changed to grapeseed. No grapefruit to be found in grapeseed oil (not even any grape seeds 🙂

      1. Janet Avatar

        One correction: Grapeseed oil is from grape seeds. Canola oil is rape seed oil in other countries. But you’re right, neither one has any grapefruit in it!

    2. Nell Avatar

      Not sure how old these post are, but thought I’d respond anyway. It is my understanding that grapefruit seed extract and grape seed extract are two different things. Grapefruit seed extract is made from the pulp and rind of the grapefruit. Not sure about the grape seed extract. They are both sometimes referred to as GSE but most of the time this means Grapefruit Seed Extract. They are both anti viral, anti-fungal, etc and can, most of the time I believe, be used interchangeably. I contacted Nutri Biotic, who makes GSE and they said that the natural chemical that people who cannot eat in grapefruit for health reasons (other than allergy) was not included in the extract and therefore could be used by these people. We use GSE a lot at our house, both internally and externally. It works great. We haven’t tried Grape Seed Extract yet so I can’t speak to it. Hope this helps.

  4. Tilly Avatar

    Hi there mama! Thank you for this post! I love that I can make natural(ish) wipes that are disposable. It’s a necessary evil for someone like me with coin-op laundry in an apartment.

    I wanted to mention– I am using Up and Up paper towels from Target. I’m sure Bounty is better, but it *is* possible to use generic. My daughter is fully potty learned, so we are mainly using them after she uses the potty. When our new baby comes (due Sept.) I’m not sure how these will stand up to that kind of beating! But I wanted to mention!

    I love this blog!

  5. Angela Tschida Avatar
    Angela Tschida

    I know most of these comments are quite old, but I found that the plastic 1 lb Folgers coffee containers fit a half roll of paper towels PERFECTLY! Just thought I’d share in the hopes someone else doesn’t pull their hair out trying to find a rubbermaid container! Thanks for the wonderful recipe and amazing website… my daughter is terribly sensitive to ANY store bought wipes, and I’ve never had a problem with these.

  6. Jo Avatar

    Is this recipe cloth diaper safe? The castile soap wouldnt cause any buildup right?

  7. Betsy Faircloth Avatar
    Betsy Faircloth

    I tried to find the answer already in the comments but it seems it was only asked once and never answered. Can aloe Vera juice be used? I also have aloe Vera plants but not sure how to use them for this, I don’t want my daughter to get sticky

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      I’m not sure… haven’t tried it myself. I would think that it could, but let me know if you try it!

  8. Cori Oliver Crews Avatar
    Cori Oliver Crews

    I love this recipe! I’ve been using it and making our own wipes for my son for a few months now with great results. In fact, we unexpectedly ran out and had to use a baby shower box of commercial brand wipes that day and my son got a rash on his bottom. Natural is certainly better! Thanks so much!

  9. Amanda Stanley Avatar
    Amanda Stanley

    can u please tell me how long this solution can be kept? im going to use cloths so reusable but want to know if this solution will spoil or start to smell if i make a decent sized batch? thanks

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      I twill keep for a few weeks, but I prefer just to make it as I go…

  10. Tunie Avatar

    Where do you get the giant jugs of the ingredients?
    Also, do you use Young Living Oils? They are the only theraputic grade oils and are the only ones that won’t just smell good, they will be good for your child’s health and well being (and yours as well!) If you would like to learn more or how to sign up, just send reply and let me know.

  11. Marta Syvertsen Avatar
    Marta Syvertsen

    Hi, I just tried this recipe (word for word), and I don’t know if I did something wrong, but the wipes came out REALLY soapy. REALLY. I have to wash the residue off with water. I don’t know if I’d be comfortable using this and having all these suds left on my baby’s bottom… Any advice or suggestions on how to avoid this?

  12. Leah Avatar

    These are amazing. I use baby wipes to take off my makeup, but switched to these now that I’m pregnant and my skin breaks out at the slightest provocation. They are a dream! Thank you!

  13. Emily Brechbill Avatar
    Emily Brechbill

    What other EO would you suggest? I want to stay away from Lavender and Tea Tree.

    1. Meg Avatar

      I used lavender AND tea tree in my first batch lol but I also use lemon. It smells so good! Lemon is my favorite for an uplifting bright happy smell 😉

  14. Elysia Avatar

    I don’t have babies of my own yet but I have little nieces and nephews that I love very much & I try to help my busy mom friends as much as I can by making stuff like this. You can imagine how much they appreciate it! And it brings me so much joy to do it, so it’s a win win! 🙂
    With these wipes, you’re not rinsing your baby’s skin off after using, right? So the small amount of soap that’s left on their skin is not irritating or anything? It’s probably a silly question but I wasn’t sure so I wanted to ask. Thanks!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      Yep… it is fine. You are such a wonderful aunt and as a mom I ca say that aunts like you are a huge blessing!

      1. Elysia Avatar

        Aw thanks! It’s definitely one of the best jobs in the world! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to post all of these wonderful tips and recipes. Such a gift!

  15. Jessica Sikorski Avatar
    Jessica Sikorski

    I have another question. The grapefruit seed extract that I found has 67% vegetable glycerine and 33% grapefruit seed extract for the ingredient list. Is this the right thing to get for the wipes.

  16. Jessica Sikorski Avatar
    Jessica Sikorski

    I found some Aloe Vera Gel at our local health food store and ingredients include Carrageenan (thickening agent) Citric Acid (ph stabilizer) and Potassium Sorbate (mold inhibitor) wondering if these ingredients are safe for my little guys buns. It also sayos n the front of the bottle “Inner Fillet” Thank you

  17. Leah Avatar

    We are using Charlie banana reusable diapers. Do you think using this mixture with reusable wipes would damage them if washed together?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      I’ve washed wipes with the mix with my cloth diapers and haven’t had a problem….

  18. Amanda Marcella Avatar
    Amanda Marcella

    I love using homemade wipes, but I have also found an amazing natural wipes brand called Water Wipes. They are over 99% water with some fruit extract and that’s it!!! I buy them in bulk on Amazon and love them so much. No chemicals or crud and my baby’s sensitive skin doesn’t react. I use them along with homemade wipes just depending on where we are. Just thought I’d pass it on to other mamas since it took me so long to find something without chemicals.

  19. Amanda Jurosco Avatar
    Amanda Jurosco

    What is the benefit of using grapefruit seed extract? I see you have it as optional. I’m new to all this! I want to try making some homemade wipes!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      It is a preservative and antibacterial. Not really needed, just helps extend the life if you aren’t using them within a week or two

  20. Ray Avatar

    Would Thayer’s Witch Hazel work, its ingredient also includes aloe vera and grape seed extract.

3.50 from 8 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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