Making your own baby wipe solution is a fantastic way to keep your little one’s skin clean and hydrated without relying on harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly alternative that saves you money and reduces waste. The key to a great homemade solution is to balance moisture with gentleness. In the following we will talk about how to store and use the wipes, how to make a simple but healthy solution (to be precise, it is not a solution because fat is not soluble in water. Emulsion would be the right word here), as well as the characteristics of the different carrier oils.
Instead of storing the wipes in a wet solution, it is best to store them dry and use a spray bottle for the solution. Below we briefly describe why dry storing is better than wet.
Why it is better to store wipes in a dry environment
Prevents mold and bacteria growth. When cloth wipes are stored wet or damp for extended periods, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, or mildew. This is particularly true if you’re storing a batch of wipes in a closed container. A wet environment encourages these harmful microorganisms to thrive, potentially irritating your baby’s skin or causing infections. On the contrary, a spray bottle is more hygienic because it reduces exposure to contaminants. Wet wipes stored in a container may be exposed to air every time they’re accessed, which can introduce germs. A spray bottle limits the number of times the solution is exposed to the air, keeping it cleaner.
Maintains Freshness and Flexibility. Storing wipes while they’re wet can cause them to become overly saturated, resulting in less effective cleaning and an uncomfortable experience for your baby. Using a spray bottle lets you control the amount of solution applied, keeping the wipes moist without making them too soggy. In addition, you can adjust the amount of solution on each wipe based on your baby’s needs.
Simple but effective receipt for a baby wipe solution
Here’s a simple recipe to create a natural, baby-safe wipe solution that’s both effective and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.
Ingredients:
- Clean spray bottle
- 100 ml boiled water
- At least 10 drops or 1/2 teaspoon of a carrier oil
- Eventually an extra bowl
Of course, you can also add more or less oil to the water. Below we describe a number of sensitive carrier oils that are suitable for babies. Please remember to test the oil on a small area of skin before using it for the first time.
Make the baby wipe solution:
- In a spray bottle, combine the boiled water and carrier oil (e.g., almond oil or argan oil). The oil won’t fully mix with water, so you may need to stir or shake it before each use.
- If you are using a solid oil (such as coconut oil), dissolve it in warm water in a separate bowl and pour the solution into the spray bottle.
- Store the solution in a cool place.
Instructions for using the baby wipes:
- Prepare the wipes and optionally toilet paper:
- Stack your dry reusable baby wipes in a clean box accessible on the changing table. You may also want to consider putting regular toilet paper next to the wipes. If your baby has pooped, you can wipe up most of it with the toilet paper before using the wipes, so less faeces end up in the wet bag.
- Use the spray bottle:
- When you’re ready to use a wipe, spray the solution directly onto the cloth wipe until it’s damp (not soaking wet). Wipe your baby as needed and discard the used wipe for washing. You can also spray the baby wipe solution directly on the baby’s skin.
- Store and clean the wipes:
- After each use, toss the wipes in the wet bag together with the cloth nappy inserts. Wash them with a regular but mild detergent in the washing machine at 60°C.
Carrier oils and their effect on sensitive skin
Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is rich in fatty acids (particularly oleic acid), which help to keep the skin hydrated and soft. It forms a barrier on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss, making it especially useful for babies with dry or sensitive skin. Sweet almond oil further contains compounds such as linoleic acid that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. This helps to soothe irritated skin and conditions like eczema. It can be helpful in treating diaper rash or other mild skin conditions. Furthermore, Vitamin E, a key component of almond oil, is known for its wound-healing properties and its ability to minimize scarring.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil, particularly virgin or organic coconut oil, is widely known for its multiple benefits for skin care, and it is often used for babies due to its natural, gentle, and nourishing properties. The oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (like lauric acid) that help to deeply hydrate the skin. It forms a barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture, preventing dehydration and dryness. Coconut oil is considered hypoallergenic, meaning it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, but testing is recommended for first-time users.
Calendula oil
Calendula oil, derived from the marigold flower, is renowned for its calming and healing effects on the skin. It is particularly well-suited for sensitive skin due to its gentle nature. Calendula has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating skin conditions such as eczema and rashes. The oil can help accelerate the healing of damaged skin and provide relief from irritation, redness, and itching. Calendula oil is a mild and safe option for most individuals, even those with highly sensitive skin, but as with any natural product, a test is recommended to avoid potential allergic reactions, especially if you have a sensitivity to plants in the daisy family.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a well-known natural oil that has been used for centuries for its moisturizing and healing properties. Its high content of fatty acids makes it an excellent emollient, providing deep hydration and helping to lock in moisture. Olive oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for soothing irritated or inflamed skin. While generally safe for most people, those with sensitive skin should conduct a test to ensure it does not cause irritation.
Olive oil is probably the cheapest option and and an ingredient that is present in most kitchens.
Argan oil
Argan oil is a natural oil derived from the nuts of the Argania spinosa tree, native to Morocco. It is a highly suitable option for baby skincare due to its gentle, nourishing properties. It is mild and hypoallergenic, which makes it less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions on a baby’s sensitive skin.
The oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which help hydrate and lock in moisture. Baby skin, being more delicate and prone to dryness, benefits from argan oil’s ability to provide deep hydration without feeling greasy. This is essential for preventing dry, flaky skin or discomfort. Additionally, vitamin E and antioxidants in argan oil help protect the skin from environmental stressors, such as cold air or irritation, and promote healing of minor skin issues like diaper rash.
A fine selection to make your own baby wipes
At Jovoh we have a small but fine selection of all the things you need to prepare your own baby wipes at home: Carrier oils (sweet almond oil, argan oil, and coconut oil) suitable for baby’s sensitive skin, a handy spray bottle and lovely gentle baby wipes made from organic cotton.
Sources:
Blaak, J., Staib, P. (2022): An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 44, 1–9. doi: 10.1111/ics.12758
Lin T.-K., Zhong L., Santiago J. L. (2018): Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 19, p. 70. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010070
Salama, P., Gliksberg, A., Cohen, M., Tzafrir, I., and Ziklo, N. (2021): Why Are Wet Wipes So Difficult to Preserve? Understanding the Intrinsic Causes. Cosmetics 8 (3), 73. doi: 10.3390/cosmetics8030073
Umate, N., Kuchewar, V., and Parwe, S. (2022): A narrative review on use of virgin coconut oil in dermatology, Journal of Indian System of Medicine, 10, 86-89. doi: 10.4103/jism.jism_34_22
Varma, S., O Sivaprakasam, T., Arumugam, I., Dilip, N., Raghutaman, M., Pavan., K.B., Rafiq, M., Pramesh, R. (2018): In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil. Journal of Traditional Complement Medicine, 9 (1), pp. 5-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.06.012