When I began cloth diapering, I didn't start using cloth wipes. My husband thought it would be easier to just use disposable wipes and throw them out as we cleaned up a dirty bottom. As time past, I started thinking about how much money I could save with cloth wipes. I was paying just under $0.02 for each individual disposable wipe. I thought about this with each wipe I threw away. I'm sure we could have gotten them a little cheaper, but I really liked the thickness of particular brand and my little one would often get a rash with other brands.
So eventually I broke down and bought some Thirsties wipes. I was drawn to the softness and fun colors. One 6-pack of Thirsties cloth wipes cost $10.75; that works out to be about $1.80 per wipe. That's a little less than I paid per package of disposable wipes. I was using about 4/5 packages of wipes a month. So my purchase of 3 packs of cloth wipes paid for themselves in a little over 3 months. Definitely a wise money saving addition to our cloth diaper stash.
It took me a while to get a routine down with the cloth wipes so I thought I'd share my routine and tips with you.
I have a little table next to the changing table. On the table is a basket with the wipes, wipe solution, and facial tissues (my glider is on the other side so this is purely for my own convenience). When I get ready to change a diaper I get a couple wipes ready by spraying them down with solution.
When this picture was taken I was trying out Pumkin Baby Foaming Solution, but now I have found my favorite wipe solutions are either homemade or the Thirsties Booty Luster. The Thirsties Booty Luster smells amazing and comes in a great 4 oz. size to throw in the diaper bag or an 8 oz. size for home. It's also non-toxic and has worked extremely well with my son's sensitive skin!
Making your own wipe solution isn't hard, it just takes a little time. After I make up the solution (see recipe below), I store it in a spray bottle I purchased at a local discount store. Another option is to store the wipes in a wipe warmer. To do this you must first roll or fold the cloth wipes and pile into the warmer. Then poor the wipe solution over the wipes until all wipes are moist. When using the wipe warmer you will need to add wipes and solution to it daily.
Here's my favorite wipe solution recipe ~
3 cups water
1/8 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon baby shampoo
4 drops tea tree oil
8 drops lavender oil
So go ahead, take the plunge, invest a little time and money into cloth wipes. They are definitely worth the investment!
Just to help you get started we will have the Thirsties cloth wipes discounted until June 15th.
Carissa ~ www.weewilliewinks.com ~ Cloth Diapers, Cloth Diapering Accessories, and More!
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I like using cloth wipes because I can throw the dirty wipes into the diaper and then the whole thing into the pail. I don't have to get up and pick the wipes out of the diaper to throw into the trash.
ReplyDeleteAfter 7 months of cloth diapering, I finally made the switch to cloth wipes. I am a crafty mama so I cut up all my sons receiving blankets (useless things become useful!) and sew'd them together. TA-DA! FLANNEL WIPES WITH CUTE PATTERNS! all for free (because I was given all those blankets at my baby shower lol)
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