Going Green and Natural with Your Baby?

Here is recipe for homemade baby wipes, adapted from one my sister gave me. Brand new babies have such sensitive skin, and when DB had diaper rash this was a godsend. Just reading the list of chemicals in most baby wipes sends me running for the hills.

1 roll of heavy-duty paper towels

1 1/2 cup boiling water

Cut the roll of paper towels in half, right through the cardboard tube, so you have two short rolls. Combine all the other ingredients with a whisk. Place roll in an airtight, water-proof container (like an airtight food canister or a recycled baby wipes container) and pour the liquid mixture over the paper towels. Put the lid back on the container and turn it upside down so the solution is absorbed overnight. Remove the cardboard tubes, and the wipes will pull out from the middle!

ou can substitute the ingredients listed with any neutral oil, and any gentle baby soap. The vinegar keeps the wipes from mildewing, and prevents yeast infections for the baby, but can be omitted.

Cleaning Products

I've replaced most cleaners in my house with a 50-percent white vinegar solution. It cleans everything and is non-toxic. This idea is also gleaned from the Super Baby Food book, which has a whole chapter on natural cleaning. For more elbow grease, I use wet baking soda, or for the big guns and stain removal, Magic Eraser sponges (which are full of chemicals but at least don't spray into the air).