I thought the choice between cloth and disposable diapers was all I had to worry about to cover baby’s bum. But when we got our little one home from the hospital, I realized I had overlooked a major element in the land of diapering. What to do about wipes? Most wipes on the market contain ingredients that could be harmful to baby’s health – causing anything from allergies to developmental and reproductive problems. And because it turns out that you’ll be spending a lot of time wiping (day and, yes, night), you’ll want to think about a natural alternative.

Some moms just prefer a bit of warm water on non-bleached baby washcloths or flannel fabric for their wiping needs. This works well if you’re cloth diapering because you can just throw the used washcloths in with the diapers on laundry day. If you prefer a washed baby bum after each dirty diaper, you can also try your hand at a homemade solution on washcloths or on non-bleached paper towels.

Here’s a sample recipe for a homemade solution:

• Boiled water, cooled down to warm
• 1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil (avocado or olive oil works too)
• 2 Tablespoons baby soap/wash or Liquid Castille Soap
• 1 Tablespoon Pure Aloe Vera
• 10 drops essential oil (Lavender or Chamomile)

Mix all these ingredients together in a large bowl or bottle with lid.

Using a peri bottle (like the one the hospital may have given you), squirt on non-bleach cloths before each diaper change. Or soak on roll of non-bleach paper towels (cut in half or thirds) and place into a plastic tub for use at each change. Solution and wipes last for 1-2 weeks.