The Natural Life: Wipe Solution Recipes

    I have never believed in the "one size fits all" myth, and that goes for wipe solutions as well. Some parents will prefer to just use water, while others will prefer more bells and whistles. I suggest trying out a few and seeing what you like best. I'll be adding to this list as I find more recipes, and I would love to hear yours if you have them! These solutions are cloth safe and even better, face and finger safe!

Common Cloth Wipe Solution Recipe Ingredients:
    Most of the recipes below, as well as others you'll find, will contain many of the same or even similar ingredients. Before you decide to make your own solution, it's best to know why you're using these things, so here are some common ones:

Oil:  Helps the wipe glide across baby's skin and keeps skin soft
Soap:  Cleanses by removing all traces of urine and feces
Essential Oil:  Added for antibacterial and/or aromatherapy purposes.
Water:  The main ingredient in each recipe, cleanses the diaper area and dilutes the other ingredients

    Each ingredient is going to add it's own "personality" to the solution and each can come with pros and cons. I'm a fan of using a single solution for at least a few days without using any others, this way SHOULD your child have an allergy to an ingredient, it's much easier to understand which one. Even though most of these options are chemical free or close to it, there can still be allergens in them. For people like me, Essential Oils can be a BIG problem! And for others it could be an oil ingredient or something else. So try not to mix them until you know that there is no reaction...

**I wish I didn't have to say this, but please keep all wipe solution ingredients away from your child. You may not think that these everyday products can be dangerous, but some infants have suffered respiratory problems after aspirating baby oil. And remember, it takes less than a Table Spoon of water to drown an infant... So be safe, not sorry!

    When it comes to actually creating your solution, I prefer to start with water and add from there. Otherwise your bowl/bottle and tools can become coated in oil or soap and less will actually end up in your final solution.

I suggest using bottled water and not tap, although tap will work. The reason here is because tap water can contain all kinds of things from softeners to high levels of Chlorine, which will settle as it sits. Also, you'll want to make small batches - maybe once a week - to avoid mildew or mustiness.

Cloth Wipe Solution Recipes

Almond 'n' Chamomile
 *2 chamomile tea bags
 *2 teaspoons almond oil
 *2 cups hot water
Steep the tea bags in the hot water then add the oil.

Anti-Fungal
 *1/4 cup white vinegar *1 tablespoon calendula oil
 *A few drops lavender oil
 *A few drops tea tree oil
 *1/4 cup 100% aloe vera gel
 *1 cup water
Omit vinegar if baby has a raw rash.

Anti-Fungal Too
Similar to the other anti-fungal recipe, but less vinegar and water.
 *1 teaspoon white vinegar
 *1 tablespoon calendula oil
 *A few drops lavender oil
 *A few drops tea tree oil
 *1/4 cup 100% aloe vera gel
 *1/2 cup water
 
Basic Wipe Solution
This basic recipe can be adapted by changing the type of soap or oil.
 *1/2 cup baby oil
 *1/2 cup baby wash
 *2 cups water

Castile Solution
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap comes in several yummy scents!
 *1 tablespoon almond, apricot, or other oil
 *1 tablespoon Dr Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap
 *2 drops tea tree oil
 *1 drop lavender oil
 *1 cup water

Chamomile 'n' Honey
 *1 chamomile tea bag
 *1 teaspoon honey
 *1 cup boiling water
Brew the tea, add the honey, and drink any leftovers!

Easy Peasy
 *2 tablespoons oil
 *2 tablespoons baby wash
 *1 1/2 cups water

Eight is Great
Similar ingredients as other recipes, but in different amounts.
 *1/8 cup vegetable oil
 *1/8 cup baby wash
 *8 drops lavender oil
 *4 drops tea tree oil
 *2 cups water

Essential Oil Solution
With three different EOs contributing their unique properties...
 *4 cups water warmed in microwave
 *2-4 drops Tea Tree Oil
 *2-4 drops Lavender Essential Oi1
 *1 Tablespoon Grapeseed Oil
 *1 Tablespoon Calendula Oil
 *2 Tablespoon Baby Wash

Fruit 'n' Veggie
 *1 teaspoon fruit-based oil (apricot, olive, grapeseed, etc)
 *1 tablespoon vegetable-based soap (like Dr. Bronner's liquid castile)
 *1 teaspoon 100% aloe vera gel
 *1 cup water

Just One
 *1 chamomile tea bag
 *1 teaspoon oil
 *1 teaspoon baby bath or shampoo
 *1 drop lavender oil
 *1 cup hot water

Lavender 'n' Tea Tree
Very Popular
 *1/8 cup olive oil
 *1 tablespoon baby shampoo
 *4 drops tea tree oil
 *8 drops lavender oil
 *3 cups water

No Measuring
Don't measure for this one, just estimate amounts.
 *2 squirts baby oil
 *2 squirts baby wash
 *1 drop Essential Oil of your choice
 *1 cup water (about)

Olive 'n' Tea Tree
 *1/4 cup olive oil
 *1/8 cup gentle baby bath
 *A few drops tea tree oil
 *4 cups water

Soapless
 *1-2 drops tea tree oil
 *1-2 drops lavender oil
 *1 cup water
**Use caution with this recipe as we've been told some children may develop a rash since the essential oils aren't dissolved in a carrier oil.

Witch Hazel Solution
 *1 cup witch hazel
 *1/2 cup aloe vera juice
 *1 tablespoon olive oil
 *1 teaspoon white vinegar
 
Zany Apricot Solution
 *1 tablespoon apricot oil
 *1 tablespoon unscented baby wash
 *3 cups water

Zany Lavender Solution
 *1 tablespoon baby oil
 *1 tablespoon lavender scented baby wash
 *2-3 drops lavender oil
 *3 cups water

 More Notes!
    If you're trying to go natural or chemical free, you will want to make sure that you are NOT using the regular Baby Soaps, Shampoos, Body Oils or Washes. Many of these contain Mineral Oil, which is a Bi-Product of Petroleum. Look for Natural or Organic baby options on Amazon, Natural Parenting Shops or Whole Foods Companies. 

     Dr. Bronner's Soap can be found on and off line through natural product shops, Amazon or Whole Foods...