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[DCJenn]

OK, I could have sworn that I posted this last night- but maybe it disappeared into cyberspace-

Does anyone remember the recipe for homemade baby wipes? Thu Van, I think you posted it originally??

Jenn

Piece of cake, Jenn!

Start with a good roll of paper towels like Bounty. I've used cheaper brands but they really don't wipe as well in addition to being too rough on baby skin. You will also need a cylindrical, 10 cup Tupperware container with lid, baby oil, baby shampoo, and warm water.

1) Slice roll of paper towels in half across it's middle using a bread knife or other large serrated knife. You can cut it right through the plastic wrapping too to keep the other half clean until you use it. Remove inner cardboard core. You will probably need to cut the cardboard with a pair of scissors to help you do this.

2) Place into tupperware container cut side down. It should fit just about perfectly.

3) In a large glass, squeeze 2 Tablespoons of baby shampoo (feel free to use nice scented stuff) and 1 Tablespoon baby oil. Fill glass with warm water and mix well. You can add more water if you'd like - I always preferred mine a bit wetter than store bought wipes.

4) Pour into container and soak wipes well. Cover when not in use.

To use, pull the wipes out from the inner core first.

Happy wiping!

A bulk package of Bounty paper towels cost about $8, I think, for 16 rolls. Since each roll is really 2 sets of wipes because you're cutting it in half, a set of 80 wipes costs you 25 cents! Cuts down on the amount of packaging you have to toss in the trash, too.

[SueC]

I have a question--should you use distilled water or have you found it works OK when you don't? One time I made these and they had something growing in them a week or so later. My dh thought maybe I should have used distilled water. I did it again with distilled and had no problem. I might have done something else wrong, though.
I have to admit, Thu Van, the first time you posted this recipe I didn't read it very thoroughly and I spent a very long time tearing out each paper towel and then tri-folding it to get it to fit into a baby wipe container. It took me forever! The second time I did it I cut the whole roll in half and couldn't believe how quick the wipes were ready. I might just have to try this again now that I'm going through wipes like crazy trying to keep the little pooping machine's bottom dry!

Sue, I've never had a problem with any type of growth in mine but I can't imagine anything wrong with using distilled water. But I know some store bought wipes have alcohol in it, probably to prevent this problem. But I didn't want to mess with adding alcohol as it is rough on skin and since I hadn't encountered any mold or anything. And tearing the paper towels off one by one! You probably thought this was the worse idea you've ever come across!

[fluffhead]

We bought about 40-50 cheap washcloths, and we'd use a formula of distilled water with a few drops of tea tree oil and lavender. Never had a growth problem with distilled water. Used an old disposable wipes container. Washed the used washcloths on HOT, no bleach.