The Ins and Outs of Cloth Wipes

Before we invested in cloth diapers, we asked around for the best advice our cloth diapering friends could give. One piece of wisdom that kept cropping up over and over was to use cloth wipes along with our diapers. If you think about it, cloth wipes make a lot of sense. Why throw a cloth diaper into your pail or wet bag and then have to find a separate trash can for a disposable wipes? It made sense logically, but logistically it seemed to pose some problems. Should we keep the wipes wet all the time? What about a wipes warmer? How do you take reusable wipes out of the house with you? Do you really need premade wipes solution?

In the end, we decided to keep it simple. I made my own wipes out of 7” by 7” flannel squares that I zig-zag stitched on my sewing machine. Then, I bought 1 spray bottle (the type used by hair stylists to hold water) and 1 travel size spritz bottle. I made my own wipes solution by mixing 1 cup of water with ½ tsp lavender Dr.Bonner’s soap and ½ tsp baby oil. I put the homemade solution into the spray bottle to use at home and into the spritz bottle to put in the diaper bag. To use the wipes, just simply spray the wipe before right before wiping baby then put the used wipe into the wet bag or pail with the diaper. 

Not the crafty type? There are plenty of readymade wipes and wipe solution out there to try. In general, fleece wipes are going to be softer and flannel wipes are going to be thinner to get in all the nooks and crannies. There are also cotton and hemp options out there for families looking for natural fibers. Some families also choose to soak their wipes in solution or water so they’re always ready to be used. Wet wipes can be stored in a wipes pouch, like the ones made by Planet Wise, or can be kept warm in a warmer. 

Just like with diapers, every family is going to have their own preferences.  Whatever you choose, cloth wipes are worth the investment. They’re also great for sticky fingers, snotty noses, and little spills, so they’ll be useful for years to come.

Guest blogger, Heather, is a work-at-home violin and piano teacher, but she considers her full-time job chasing around her two sons, ages 3-1/2 and 4 months. She lives in Great Falls, Montana and loves getting outside and enjoying her incredible surroundings.