Using Washable Wipes

Packet wipes are very convenient but also quite expensive and some have additives that you may not want to put on your baby's skin. They cost between £2 - £4 for a pack that would last about a week for one baby (not newborns!). If you are using washable nappies it makes sense to use washable wipes too as they can simply be washed with your nappies for no extra effort. They also allow you to decide what you use on your baby's skin, from plain warm water, to a solution containing your favourite essential oils for cleansing. For full-time use you would need 30 wipes (cost about £15) so after a few weeks you would be saving lots of money.


What to use to moisten the wipes

Water:
Plain, warm water is kindest on newborn bottoms and works really well straight from the tap! If you don't change your baby next to a tap you will need to either use a bowl or a spray bottle to moisten the wipes.

Wipes solution:
Adding things to the water will enhance the cleansing and antibacterial qualities of the wipes. You can make up a solution to put in a spray bottle or use a Tupperware box to soak and store the wipes.

Our favourite recipe is a cup of Camomile tea (made in a Tupperware box) with a splash of baby oil to make the wipes glide on the skin (non-petroleum based, edible oils such as Almond or Sunflower are generally best for use with babies), then a couple of drops of Lavender oil which is gentle, yet an effective cleanser and has anti-fungal properties. Once you have made up the solution, squash as many wipes into the box as you can so that all of the liquid is soaked up. Then pop the lid on and throw in the change bag!

Whatever you experiment with, make sure the quantities are suitable for a baby's delicate skin and test on a small area first. Most solutions will keep for a couple of days as they will not contain the preservatives of packet wipes.