Earth Mama

I'm not all-organic, but there are a few green parenting things I'm trying. So far I'm liking homemade diaper wipes. They save a little money and seem nicer on the little bottom.

I used pinking shears (they reduce fraying) to cut small flannel squares about the size of my hand. These are the wipes and I keep them in the drawer by the diapers. I tried using paper towels, cut and folded like regular wipes, but they didn't hold up well and I always had little paper towel bits in the carpet.

In a small Tupperware-type container, I mix up the solution. My favorite so far is ~2 oz. hot water, 3 drops Grapefuit Seed Extract (for its antibacterial properties), and 5 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil (not necessary, but it makes things smell wonderful!). I bought these at the local natural foods store. Alternatively, you can use hot water and a couple squirts of baby wash, but I thought this left his bum slightly sticky.

It's nice to have the solution in a microwave safe container so you can heat it up if it gets too cold. I've heard of moms keeping the warm solution in a Thermos, but haven't tried it yet. Make sure to squeeze the wipe out well so the bum can dry well -- too wet leads to diaper irritation.

I keep a larger container on the changing table and discard the used wipes there until the next washing.

Happily diapered baby with Great-Grandma