Easy Non-Toxic Baby Wipes Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 roll of paper towels
  • The thicker, the better! The thin ones will rip. Years ago, we only had one size of paper towel – full-size. Now we can choose whole sheets, split sheets, tear-a-square, pick-a-size, etc… I like split sheets, but any will work.
• 2 cups of distilled water
  • Distilled water has gone through the process of distillation to remove impurities. This process removes contaminants like bacteria, viruses, protozoa like giardia, and chemicals like lead and sulfate. You don’t have to use distilled water, but the wipes will last longer.
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil
  • You want your baby wipes to glide across your little one’s sensitive skin, minimizing irritation and preventing the skin from drying out. If you don’t have almond oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or olive oil are good options. Some like to use fractionated coconut oil, but it can cause dryness for certain skin types. Some like to use baby oil, but that is mineral oil, which is a byproduct of the gasoline industry and not all-natural.
• 1 teaspoon of Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap Unscented (optional)
  • Castile soap is an all-natural soap that offers soft cleaning power. You can leave it out or use less than a teaspoon. You could make two batches – one for when you need extra cleaning power and one for those easy diaper changes.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pull apart the paper towels and place them into a sealable container. Some great options would be a large mason jar, a silicone bag, an empty coffee can with the lid, a used baby wipe container (BPA-free), or a Tupperware container with a snap lid (BPA-free).
2. Combine the distilled water, oil, and castile soap (optional) in a bowl. Gently stir.
3. Pour the mixture over paper towels and let it soak for 5 minutes. Secure the lid. Flip the container and let it soak for another 5 minutes.
4. Your non-toxic baby wipes are ready to use!

These wipes will stay fresh for a week. Make a new batch each week to prevent mold. To cut down on waste, try to estimate how many wipes you might need each week and make that amount. You can use any leftovers to clean things around the home, such as wiping down shoes or shoe trays, cleaning the range top, wiping trash cans, cleaning the car, dusting, etc…

If you prefer scented baby wipes, avoid using fragrances. They are synthetic and may be harmful. If you add castile soap to your wipes, that will provide a slight scent, but Dr. Bronner’s makes scented castile soaps: peppermint, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, etc… I would not recommend the peppermint as it may or may not cause sensitivities, and to me, the risk is not worth it.

You may add 10-12 drops of essential oils to help scent the wipes. Organic oils are the best. The following essential oils are soothing and calming to the skin, have antimicrobial properties, and are baby-safe when properly diluted. Never, ever, ever, use essential oils undiluted on a baby’s skin.

• Melaleuca (tea tree): antifungal and helpful for fighting yeast rashes. 
• Lavender: Calming to both skin and mind – great for fussy babies! Antibacterial, helps with rashes, cuts, scrapes, and itchy skin.
• Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory, helps with sores and wounds, calming.
• Geranium: Used for wounds, eczema, burns, and dermatitis. 
• Cedarwood: Antiseptic, soothes nervous tension and anxiety.