Works For Me (Round 2)

Okay, you've known that I use cloth diapers.

You may have even known that I use cloth wipes.

But what you may NOT have known is that I make my own wipes solution.

I mean, you've got to have SOMETHING to put ON those cloth wipes, after all. Yes, you can clean with plain water. But if you know AN-ee-thing about diapering babies, you know that SOMEtimes more is required. I like this solution so much, that I use it almost exclusively. It's also very easy to make. An 8 oz. bottle lasts me approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on how much wiping is going on around here. It definitely saves me money, as it's mostly water. And, combined with the use of reusable cloth wipes, well, I'm practically getting PAID to use it! (Okay, that may be going a bit too far...) And the other part is, there are no synthetic ingredients being absorbed by my baby's skin that will later enter his system.

On a side note, I read this article back when I first had Gabriel, and I have found that, with the exception of a yeast overgrowth, it is true. I have learned that if I am merely changing a wet diaper, it is best to just let the baby air out for a few seconds and then put on a nice, dry diaper without wiping at all. The only exceptions to that are, quite obviously, when baby is dirty OR if baby has been sitting in an increasingly soaked diaper for far too long, like first thing in the morning after sleeping in the same diaper all night. Anyway, in case you don't feel like clicking the link above, it's all about pH levels of skin and how wiping a baby multiple times each day disturbs the healthy pH balance naturally built in to baby's skin for its protection. Wiping too much can actually CAUSE rashes to occur. (And just so you know, if your baby ever gets a rash that is a yeast infection, DO NOT use commercial baby wipes. Yeast FEEDS OFF the ingredients in them! Yeah, I'm thinking I may need to do another blog post on yeast...)

Ahem.

And now. Without further ado...

Baby Wipe Solution

In a small bowl, mix together:

1 t. extra-virgin olive oil

1 t. aloe vera gel

Stir well until aloe vera has "declumped."

Then add:

1 T. Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap

Again, mix well and set aside.

Fill squirt bottle with 8 oz. plain water.

Then funnel in the soap mixture.

Now you're all ready for wiping!

Just squirt this sweet smelling stuff on your cloth wipe (folded in half), squeeze so that the wipe absorbs the liquid throughout, and then wipe away your troubles!!

(This is the best step-by-step method I have found. If you put the soap mixture in first and then add the water, it will bubble up like crazy, and you won't be able to fit all 8 oz. of water in the bottle. And if you don't stir the aloe vera into the olive oil, it never will incorporate itself.)

Why olive oil? Heals skin and relieves itching, stinging, and burning.

Why aloe vera? Heals burns, soothes irritated skin, prevents mold (in the solution), and kills bacteria, funguses, and viruses.

There are many different recipes out there, but this one does not include baby wash or baby shampoo as an ingredient. And that is good, because it can be difficult to find baby wash/shampoo that does not include harsh chemicals, parabens, preservatives, etc. I find it's easier to use the castile soap as my main cleansing agent. Also, these are ingredients that are readily available in my home.

This is the first recipe I ever tried, and I loved it so much I never tried another. It smells divine, too. Dr. Bronner's castile soap comes in many different scents (non-synthetic scents; the smell comes from the different essential oils, extracts, and natural fragrances used). My absolute favorite is "Almond." But they also make an "Unscented Baby Mild" one. I've not had any trouble with the scent used with my babies; in fact, I find it sort of lifts my spirits when I smell it. And that's always a plus when you're about to open a diaper!!!

Can I get an Amen?

Happy Mommy, Happy Baby
Today's theme for Works For Me Wednesday is Meal Planning. Lest you be misled, MY post does not fall into that category, but they were nice enough to let me join up anyhows. Be sure and stop by!