Baby wipes contain alcohol, synthetic fragrances and sometimes even toxic nasties like 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-DIOL (or Bronopol) all combined into an unnecessarily irritating and risky concoction. When purchasing diaper wipes, look for unscented (“fragrance free”), chlorine-free wipes made with natural oils instead. Or, try making your own! Some moms simply keep paper towels or reusable cloths and a spray bottle next to their changing table as a safe & non-toxic baby wipe solution.
You can also try one of these recipes to make your own safe & eco-friendly baby wipes:
Homemade Baby Wipes – basic
- Roll of paper towels (cut in half to make short rolls)
- 1/8-1/4 cup castile soap
- 1/8-1/4 cup vegetable oil (e.g. olive, almond, apricot, etc)
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 1 plastic container that the roll will fit in
Directions: Cut roll in half and remove center cardboard. In container, mix liquid ingredients, and place half of roll in container, cut side down. Place on lid, seal tightly and tip upside down. To use, pull out from center.
Natural Herbal Healing Wipes
(from Pennie Mills, LMT)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups distilled water
- 1/4 cup Aloe Vera gel
- 1 tablespoon Calendula oil
- 2 teaspoon castile soap 2 to 3 drops tea tree oil
- 2 to 3 drops lavender oil
Mix solution together and repeat the steps for the “basic” baby wipes.
Calendula – Calendula is moisturizing and is known to help heal rashes, burns, scrapes and other skin irritations.
Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera gel is used for treating burns and rashes as well as moisturizing.
Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and is also a wonderful antiseptic oil.
Lavender – The aroma of lavender can help relax and ease tensions. It also helps promote healing of the skin.
Notes:
· Please use essential oils only on babies 6 months or older.
· A few studies on lavender and tea tree oils have found endocrine disrupting effects on boys. The effects disappeared as soon as the exposures stopped, there were no permanent effects, and not all people respond to the oils this way. It almost seems like an allergy. This issue is the same as the soy issue. They are natural endocrine disruptors. Boys can be more susceptible to the effects of lavender and girls can be more susceptible to soy.
· Simply because something is natural does not mean it is safe – natural materials are just usually safe for the general populace. With any product whether it is organic or homemade, always do a small skin patch test and watch for any reactions. Also watch your child for any more general reactions like sniffles or irritability after trying a new product. Everyone reacts differently.
· If you are not comfortable with using lavender oil on your son, you can also try lemongrass oil or thyme oil, both of which have proven antibacterial qualities. Also, feel free to skip the essential oils altogether.
+ Sources
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