When we bring little ones into the world we want to give them only the best care, right? But did you know that some common baby care products are full of harmful ingredients?
Store-bought baby wipes are one such product full of ingredients that aren’t suitable for baby’s delicate skin. Let’s look at ingredients we want to avoid in baby care – especially on the baby’s delicate diaper area.
Ingredients to avoid in baby care
DMD hydantoin – A preservative used in many commercial baby wipes. DMD hydantoin releases formaldehyde as it breaks down.
Bronopol – Another preservative used in many commercial baby wipes that is also known as 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol. Bronopol is a known irritant and, like DMD hydantoin, is also known to release formaldehyde as it breaks down.
Fragrance – When you see fragrance on a list of ingredients, you can never be sure exactly what that fragrance is made up of. Companies are not required to list the individual ingredients in their fragrances, so it can really be full of just about anything – including irritants, neurotoxins, and endocrine gland disruptors.
A note on “fragrance-free” products – Be wary of commercial “fragrance-free” products as these aren’t always as free of fragrances as they claim to be. Product labeling laws do not require manufacturers to list fragrances when the fragrance is used to cover an odor occurring from other ingredients in the product. That said, your “fragrance-free” product could be chock full of fragrance ingredients that aren’t on the label.
Parabens – Parabens are a group of preservatives commonly used in commercial manufacturing. Generally, on a label, you’ll see words such as propyl or butyl followed by the word paraben. Parabens have long been suspected of disrupting the body’s endocrine system leading to hormonal imbalance.
Luckily, we have safe, natural alternatives for baby wipes. Continue reading on for natural options and a recipe to make your own baby wipe solution.
3 Easy Steps to Making Homemade Baby Wipes:
- Find or buy a re-usable baby wipe dispenser (this is the one I bought)
2. Choose reusable or disposable baby wipes
3. Make your solution and add it to the wipes
Homemade, reusable baby wipes
Reusable baby wipes are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. There is, of course, cleaning and laundering involved, but you’ll also never have to worry about running out of wipes since you can use these ones again and again. There are several options for reusable baby wipes such as cotton, bamboo, flannel, and other types of fabrics.
Homemade, disposable baby wipes (these are what I bought)
Homemade, disposable wipes are great because you’re still going to save money and won’t have any clean up involved, making them incredibly convenient. After use, just toss like you would with store-bought baby wipes.
Homemade Baby Wipes Solution
- 16 oz distilled water
- 2 tbsp Aloe Vera Liquid or Gel
- 2 tbsp Witch Hazel distillate (make sure its witch hazel WITHOUT alcohol preservative)
- 2 tbsp Dr. Bronner’s Baby Castile Soap
- 1 tsp Vitamin E oil
- 1 tsp Hemp Seed Oil (or Sweet Almond)
- 4 drops Chamomile essential oil
- 4 drops Lavender essential oil
Once you’ve made your solution and added it to your wipes, simply close your wipes container and you’re good to go. It’s best to let these wipes sit in the solution for a while before using them so the solution has a chance to fully absorb.
Prefer to watch the Homemade Baby Wipes Tutorial on our Youtube Channel?
Homemade Baby Wipe Solution Ingredients
Beyond staying away from the harmful ingredients in commercial baby wipes, the ingredients in our Homemade Baby Wipes Solution offer their own benefits.
Aloe Vera – Aloe is known for being soothing to the skin and for being anti-inflammatory, which means it can help prevent and/or treat diaper rash.
Witch Hazel – Is an astringent for the skin, can prevent inflammation, and is very soothing to the skin.
Dr. Bronner’s Baby Castile Soap – gentle in its cleansing action and safe for sensitive skin. Castile soap is naturally hydrating and can prevent and/or soothe irritated skin.
Vitamin E Oil – Helps nourish and soften the skin, also acts as an antioxidant.
Hemp Seed Oil – Moisturizes the skin without clogging pores – clogged pores can lead to skin irritations and rashes.
Chamomile and Lavender Essential Oils – These oils are very soothing and are the safest for the baby’s delicate skin. They can help prevent and/or treat diaper rash as well as promote a sense of calm for the baby.
How to Make Homemade Baby Wipes
These homemade baby wipes are soothing & healing!
Materials
- 16 oz distilled water
- 2 tbsp Aloe Vera Liquid or Gel
- 2 tbsp Witch Hazel distillate (make sure its witch hazel WITHOUT alcohol preservative)
- 2 tbsp Dr. Bronner’s Baby Castile Soap
- 1 tsp Vitamin E oil
- 1 tsp Hemp Seed Oil (or Sweet Almond)
- 4 drops Chamomile essential oil
- 4 drops Lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Once you’ve made your solution and added it to your wipes, simply close your wipes container and you’re good to go.
- It’s best to let these wipes sit in the solution for a while before using them so the solution has a chance to fully absorb.
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