Wipes and Wipe Solution

I researched quite a bit about cloth wipes when I decided to cloth diaper. If I was already going to wash the diapers why not give reusable wipes a shot too. I knew I didn't want to make wipes from paper towels, just as much waste and more work. I purchased one package of twelve from Amazon, Bumkins brand, but made the rest myself out of remnants I purchased from JoAnn Fabrics and an old t-shirt. I've read that other parents use anything from baby washcloths to old receiving blankets to fleece. If you don't have a sewing machine fleece would work great because it doesn't fray. I have three different sizes/sets of wipes. The Bumkins flannel, long ones with one side micro fleece and the other side terry cloth and small ones with one side old t-shirt and the other side terry cloth. The old t-shirt is so very soft and it cleans very nicely. You might be surprised that you already have supplies to make your own.

                                     

Generally I use the terry cloth side for poop and the other sides for pee or light clean up. That system has worked for us for a year, although I do grab a disposable wipe sometimes when I'm feeling lazy, when my solution bottle is empty or when Kai had a disposable diaper on. I honestly feel the longer ones are a bit too long and the Bumkins flannel ones are wider than I'd like. The midsize wipe is perfect  but their sizes don't stop me from using them. Another note is that the terry needs to be pretty wet to slide across Kai's skin. When it's not wet enough it doesn't clean as well. I stack all my wipes in a pile next to my solution on our changing table. 

                                     

As for my solution I use baby wash, coconut oil and water. I have read a large number of wipe solution "recipes" on the Internet that include some kind of oil, different soaps, essential oils and more. When I first made it I just wanted to use products I already had on hand. I don't really measure anything because I'm still trying to find a good amount of each. Generally I put a little soap, a little oil and fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake it up. I have found the products below go well together. Aveno Baby Wash in place of the Johnson and Johnson wash smells awful! I've also tried the lavender scented Target brand wash and that works well. If you don't like the coconut smell, refined coconut oil or baby oil can be used. The bottle I use is a Windex Touch Up bottle. It works phenomenally! I just dumped the cleaner into another bottle and washed it up good and made my solution. (I found the idea from another great cloth diapering momma, but I can't find the blog post now! If anyone knows where it is let me know. I'd love to credit her.)

       

Do you use cloth wipes and homemade solution? What have you found that works? Thanks for reading!
    

Our Start in Cloth Diapering

Cloth diapering can be for everyone, but it certainly doesn't have to be! I'm in it to save money, to reduce what chemicals come in contact with Kai's skin and because he's just so cute wearing his fluff. We have been cloth diapering for about 4.5 months. We are still not cloth diapering full time and I'm not sure if we ever will. He wears one disposable every night. I've tried cloth at night but he always wakes up soaked and that's no fun for anyone. I've been reading up and I could buy different inserts to try, but I don't really know if I want to invest anymore at this time, especially without the assurance it will work for him. I like this blog post talking about different types of cloth diapering mommas. At first I was definitely The Newbie, but have since graduated to The Minimalist, secretly wishing I could be The Stasher. I did so much research and talked to every friend that cloth diapers, but I still think it's trial and error.  My cousin absolutely LOVES her Fuzzibunz and they worked great for her two boys, but the BumGenius have worked much better for Kai.  I hope I end up cloth diapering all the kids we're blessed with, mostly because I want the money we invested to go as far as possible. I'm just going to give a quick list of what we've used and are currently using because I'll write more detailed posts in the coming weeks.  Details on everything is just too much for one post!

What We Have Used:
Lil' Joeys Rumperoos - We were lucky to borrow these from a friend!  They were the first dipe that fit the little guy. 
Fuzzibunz Small - Kai wore these until about two weeks ago.  They weren't my favorite because if I didn't get to changing him quick enough (or didn't notice) right after he peed or pooped we were in for wet/dirty clothing.

WAHM Infant Pockets and AI2s (found incredibly cheap on Craigslist and they were great!)

What We're Currently Using:

Fuzzibunz Medium
BumGenius 4.0s and Freetimes - Snaps -  LOVE both of these :)
Flip Covers and Stay Dry Inserts - Snaps and Aplix - This is an incredible offer on a limited budget. 

Some Randoms I Don't Regularly Reach For:

Gro-Via Shell - Use with disposible inserts.  I got it on Craigslist. I wish I had one of their inserts, but they're expensive in my book.   

Charlie Banana Shell (Never Used) - Craigslist. I have no idea why this didn't have an insert with it. That's probably part of the reason I never reach for it. 

Kawaii (Never Used) - Got for free from Kelly's Closet.  It's too big for Kai still.

Wet Bags: I love all my wetbags!

Kanga Care (large in Blue, loving their new Charlie print!)
Bumkins (small in Croc)
Charlie Banana (small in Construction)

Wipes:
Homemade
Bumkins Flannel Wipes
Homemade Wipe Solution

Keep an eye out for the detailed posts coming soon!  Thanks for stopping by!  Feel free to leave a comment about what you love best in your stash or any questions you might have!