Wet wipes are indispensable in the first year of a baby's life and also during toddlerhood. They are available in various shapes and sizes and are especially practical when on the go. Unfortunately, conventional wet wipes are neither particularly environmentally friendly nor always gentle on the skin. Many contain questionable ingredients, such as unnecessary fragrances, and produce a lot of waste.
We will show you an environmentally friendly and skin-friendly alternative that also saves you money and is particularly suitable for use at home.
What's in conventional wet wipes?
Conventional wet wipes often consist of plastic fibers and contain preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. These are used to extend shelf life, which is important for wet wipes to protect them from bacteria and mold. However, preservatives can have an increased potential for irritation and allergies. Especially sensitive baby skin can react to them.
In addition, disposable wet wipes generate a lot of waste. Their packaging usually consists of plastic, and many wipes themselves are not biodegradable. This means that they not only burden your wallet but also our environment.
What alternatives to classic wet wipes are there?
The good news: You can easily make your own wet wipes!
Natural and gentle alternatives are:
- Almond oil: Particularly mild, moisturizing, skin-soothing, and anti-inflammatory – ideal for sensitive baby skin.
- Coconut oil: Has antimicrobial effects, moisturizes, and supports the healing of minor skin irritations.
When purchasing, always look for cold-pressed, high-quality organic oils of natural origin, without dyes or mineral oils.
DIY Guide: Make your own sustainable wet wipes
You will need:
- Soft cloth wipes (e.g., muslin cloths, disposable washcloths, or recyclable/compostable paper towels)
- A sealable wet wipe dispenser (e.g., made of stainless steel, glass, or a clean plastic box – please clean thoroughly before use)
- Approx. 2 tablespoons of almond oil (or other high-quality, natural organic oil)
- Approx. 200 to 300 ml of boiled water (for older children, warm tap water is also fine)
How to:
Place the cut cloth materials in the wet wipe dispenser and pour the water-oil mixture over them until the cloths are well soaked – Done!
Shelf life & Storage:
Homemade wet wipes naturally contain no preservatives, so they should be used within 2-3 days at the latest. For infants, it is best to make fresh wet wipes daily. If the wipes no longer smell good, you should discard them. The container must also be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
If you are unsure about the shelf life and only use the wipes at home anyway, you can instead place our pump dispenser with almond oil at the changing table. For changing, simply put a few drops directly onto a cleaning cloth or mix the oil with some boiled water in a bowl beforehand. Please do not use dry paper towels without pre-soaking, as they can be too coarse and irritate sensitive skin.
O U R E X P E R T
Charlotte I Midwife B.Sc.
