Why Use Cloth Wipes?
Cloth Wipes, like cloth diapers, are also Chemical Free! Disposable wipes have lots of unpronouncable ingredients in them - like Methylisothiazolinone and Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate and Gods only know what else... I figure it this way, if I can't say it, it shouldn't be something I soak my baby's bottom in.
As if the cost, waste level and lack of chemicals weren't enough, cloth simply cleans better! If there is a parent out there who enjoys fishing for another wipe with one hand while a poop covered baby is trying to roll off the table, I can see why using less wouldn't be a plus. But for the rest of us who simply want to get our kid cleaned and covered, cloth wipes soak up the moisture and collect the "solids" much better than any disposable wipe I've ever tried!
Buying or Making Cloth Wipes
You have two options when it comes to cloth wipes. You have the option to buy them or you can make them. Which ever you choose to I recommend having between two and three dozen on hand.
Buying wipes:
Obviously buying wipes takes less work, more money, but less work. There are lots of brands that sell Cloth Wipes
for around $1 or so each. You can also buy home made versions from places like Etsy or other home made sites. You can also go the route of just buying baby wash clothes and using those. Making wipes:
If you decide to make your own wipes, it's really really easy! Choose your fabric, cut to size, sew... With this option you will have even more control over what types of cloth are used, how big they are and the overall look of the wipe.
Some common fabric choices for cloth wipes include:
- Flannel wipes: Old flannel sheets or stained receiving blankets can have a new life as wipes.
- Terry cloth: Some crafty mamas turn old towels into cloth wipes. Others use a soft fabric called “baby terry,” available at fabric stores.
- Cotton or Bamboo Velour
- Cotton or Bamboo Fleece
- Mixed fabric: Terry cloth on one side; flannel on the other.
How to Use Cloth Wipes
Disposable wipes always come pre-moistened in a sealed container. Just open the package, pull one out and wipe. But cloth wipes obviously aren't pre-wet. So lots of parents have questions about how to use them. Well, you have options - once again. You can keep them wet like disposables, or you can leave them dry til it's time to use...
Dry Wipes:
I prefer to keep them dry til I use them when I'm packing them togo. It's just easier. But even at home you can use this method. Dry wipes are going to be a little easier to store because you can simply toss them in the drawer with the baby clothes or diapers or on a shelf in the bathroom. As long as they are within reach when it's time to change, it really doesn't matter how or where you store them.
If you keep them dry, you'll also want to keep a spray or peri bottle on hand with a "cleaning solution" near by. (Peri bottles are the ones they give you in the hospital to keep yourself clean.) Other options are a "sport top" bottle or even a small screw top bottle. From the parents I have spoken with it seems like Peri bottles are the most popular. But honestly, I like to have both peri bottle (for poops) and a "body spray" style bottle for times when I don't need so much moisture (wets or face wipes). But since bottles tend to either be free (like the ones they give you or left over from your spray) or very cheap (if you buy them at a dollar store) I say give a few options a try til you find what works best for you! Whichever bottle you decide you like best, you can either went the baby or the cloth. To me, if you're using a peri or sports bottle, wetting the wipe is less messy. BUT, if you're using a spray bottle spraying the bottle seems to work best. Wet Wipes:
Should you choose to keep the wipes pre-wet I suggest only wetting a day or so in advance. This will keep them from getting "funky" and help to keep them from drying up. If you have a disposable wipes box around, those are great for keeping your new cloth ones in. If not, any seal-able water tight container will work... I like old wipe boxes because they are the easiest to get in to. Just make sure whatever you choose, that you can both seal it up so it doesn't leak or dry and that you can open it easily. A screw top might not be a good option when your baby is freaking out and you have one arm free...
But what do you wet them with? Well once again, we have some options... Some parents prefer to just use water, others prefer a "solution." If you decide on a solution, you can buy or make your own. I'll be posting some "solution" recommendations and recipes in a later post, but here are some suggestions of things you could simply add to water (a few drops) and use without any real "recipe." I find it better to make your own, again, this gives you COMPLETE control over what is going on your babies skin. And allows you to catch any allergies your baby may have. But one thing to keep in mind is to make sure you're using a solution which won't harm your diapers (if you use cloth).
Things you may choose to add to water:- Baby soap (Be sure to use something that is chemically safe like Burt's Bees, California Baby, Earth Mama Angel Baby, etc.)
- Essential oil (such as lavender essential oil)
- Tea tree oil (helps with diaper rash, but also said to be bad for little boys and CAN BE an allergen)
- Olive oil
- Baby oil, such as Burt’s Bees apricot baby oil
- Grapefruit seed extract
Washing Cloth Wipes
Most parents who use cloth wipes use cloth diapers. If you’re in that boat, cleanup is a breeze – just wrap the dirty wipe up in the dirty cloth diaper, and toss it all in the wash together
However, you can use cloth wipes even if you use disposable diapers. You’ll want a wet bag or separate diaper trashcan just for the wipes. Then toss a load of wipes in the washer with your regular baby detergent.
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