As a mother, you’re likely aware of how expensive baby wipes are. Not only can they burn a hole in your wallet (nearly $200 per year!), but many brands contain harsh ingredients for your baby’s sensitive parts. Corn oil, fragrance, benzyl alcohol, citric acid, and polysorbate 20 are just some ingredients that are found in many commercial baby wipes. According to Wellness Mama, wipes might contribute to allergies, immunotoxicity, and even organ system toxicity. Other potential side effects can include cellular changes and endocrine disruption. Instead of opting for store bought wipes, why not make your own? Here are some tips for making your own natural baby wipes, courtesy of Green Child Magazine:

Make Your Own Natural Baby Wipes with Cloth Wipes

Some moms prefer cloth wipes. If this is you, then you’ll want to look around your home for any fine washcloths, Jersey-knit sheets or T-shirts. Babee Green Softie Cloth Wipes are a great example! Follow these steps to DIY:

• Wash the materials on a hot cycle to ensure that they’re pre-shrunken and clean
• Measure out and cut the fabric into uniform sizes and ensure that they fit into a wipe container

Gather these ingredients to make the baby wipe solution:

• 4 cups of boiled and cooled water
• 3 teaspoons pure aloe vera
• 3 tablespoons organic olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pure Castile soap

Here’s how you’ll make the baby wipe solution:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a large jar
• Measure out into an old shampoo or dish detergent bottle as needed
• Squeeze onto cloth wipes when cleaning your baby’s bottom
• Don’t forget to shake up the bottle when the olive oil rises to the top

Make Your Own Natural Baby Wipes with Disposable Wipes

Many moms prefer disposable wipes for their convenience. Making them at home cuts back on extra packaging use. Here are the materials you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
• 2 cups of boiled and cooled water
• 2 tablespoons pure Castile soap
• 1 sealable container that’s large enough to fit half of a paper towel roll

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Cut a paper towel roll in half crosswise and place in a container
• Mix the water, Castile soap and olive oil in a medium-sized bowl
• Once combined, pour it over the paper towels and close the container
• Shake the box holding the paper towels until the liquid is completely absorbed
• Wait 30 minutes before opening the container and removing the inner cardboard tube
• Pull the first wipe from the inside of the roll

According to Wellness Mama, homemade baby wipes can also be used to clean leather, flooring and tile. If you’re interested in making wipes that have a different scent, you can try adding a drop of lavender or tea tree essential oil to your wipes.

Have you tried this DIY? What do you think?