DIY Baby Wipes

Steps

1. Warm 2 cups of water to lukewarm (not hot).
2. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and stir until dissolved.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of unscented castile soap and stir gently to combine without creating excessive suds.
4. Pour solution into a clean spray bottle or a sealed container.
5. To use: spray directly onto baby’s skin and wipe with a clean cloth, or dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe.
6. Toss used cloths into a wet bag or diaper pail and launder with baby’s laundry.

Why It Works

Castile soap is a mild, plant-based surfactant that lifts waste and residue without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Coconut oil provides a light moisture barrier and has antimicrobial properties from its lauric acid content. Together they replicate what commercial wipes do — clean and protect — without the preservatives, fragrances, and chemical moisturizers found in store-bought wipes.

The Cost Comparison

A typical household uses 50-70 disposable wipes per day for a newborn, which works out to roughly $30-50 per month. This solution costs under $1 per batch and lasts 2-3 days. The reusable cloths (flannel squares, cut-up receiving blankets, or cheap washcloths from a discount store) cost a one-time $10-20 for a set of 30-40 and last through multiple children. Over two years of diapering, the savings add up to $600-1,000.

Tips

• Cut old receiving blankets or flannel sheets into 8×8 inch squares for free wipe cloths. Serge or zigzag the edges if you have a sewing machine, or leave them raw — flannel frays minimally.
• For outings, pre-dampen 6-8 cloths, roll them up, and store in a ziplock bag or small wet bag.
• If you prefer pre-soaked wipes at the changing station, stack dry cloths in a container and pour solution over them. Use within 2 days.
• Wash wipe cloths in hot water with your regular baby laundry. No fabric softener — it reduces absorbency.
• If coconut oil is solid in cooler weather, microwave the water for 30 seconds before mixing to help it dissolve.