Cloth baby wipes are another area of the cloth diapering culture that parents may want to explore. These natural baby wipes are easy to use and work perfectly with all kinds of cloth diapers, including pocket diapers, fitted diapers and prefold diapers.
Using cloth baby wipes may appeal to parents who:
- Already use cloth diapers
- Want to explore reducing paper waste
- Want to avoid using chemicals in disposable wipes
- Are considering using cloth diapers.
- Are handy with scissors or a sewing machine
Natural Baby Wipes
Parents who are concerned about the environment may find that cloth wipes are a good choice for them. Avoiding paper disposable wipes reduces paper trash and plastic boxes. There is no waste with cloth baby wipes. In fact, these wipes can reuse and recycle other household fabrics (with the exception of microfiber towels, which must not be used against skin). Old flannel shirts, sweatshirts, towels and baby washcloths can all be used to make baby wipes.
Cut Your Own Cloth Baby Wipes
Making some homemade cloth baby wipes is as simple as cutting them with a pinking shear to prevent fraying. Make sure the cloth wipe is cut slightly bigger than an adult’s hand to allow sufficient surface area to do the job.
Sew Cloth Baby Wipes
For fabrics that can unravel, pin two scraps with right sides facing each other. Sew almost all the way around, leaving a hole to turn inside out. After turning, sew the hole closed. It is not necessary to use the same material for both sides. Some parents prefer a smooth flannel side and a textured towel or sweatshirt side.
WAHM Options
For cloth diapering parents who want a more sophisticated option, there are work-at-home moms (WAHMs) who make cloth baby wipes and WAHM cloth diapers. These WAHMs often use higher-quality fabrics, such as bamboo, flannelette, knit terry, sherpa, suede or velour. Quilter’s Nappies and Jolly Bums are popular brand of wipes. Quilter’s Nappies regularly stocks new wipes and offers custom made choices. Other WAHMs may offer wipes as part of a cloth diaper package.
Using Cloth Baby Wipes
There are a couple ways to moisten cloth baby wipes prior to using. Some parents choose to wet the wipes in the bathroom sink with warm water prior to changing the baby. This is a great option for newborns who don’t tolerate diaper changes very well.
For older children, a spray bottle with water at the changing station next to a basket of wipes works well. Spray the cloth wipe, and then wipe the child. Water in a spray bottle should be changed at least daily to maintain freshness. To prolong freshness, parents can add a drop or two of tea tree oil, which is available in the vitamin section of the drugstore. Another option is to add Baby Bits to the spray bottle. Baby Bits add an antibacterial and antifungal to the water.
Using cloth wipes makes sense for parents using cloth diapers. Cloth baby wipes reduce trash, reuse other fabrics and work well with all types of cloth baby diapers. Parents who want luxury wipes should look to WAHM cloth diaper makers for custom-made wipes.
Genna Cockerham - Genna Cockerham has been writing online since November 2008. She served as Marriage Feature Writer from December 2008 to February ...
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