DIY Bamboo Wet Wipes: Eco-Friendly and Skin-Safe
Wet wipes are one of those everyday baby essentials that disappear faster than you expect. While convenient, many commercial wipes contain fragrances, preservatives, and plastics that aren’t ideal for sensitive skin - or the environment.
Making your own bamboo wet wipes is a simple, practical alternative. They’re gentle, reusable, and easy to adapt to your baby’s needs, without unnecessary ingredients.
Why Choose Bamboo for Wet Wipes?
Bamboo fabric is well suited to baby care because it is:
- Soft and gentle on delicate skin
- Highly absorbent, so fewer wipes are needed
- Naturally antibacterial
- Reusable and long-lasting
Unlike disposable wipes, bamboo wipes can be washed and reused hundreds of times, significantly reducing waste.
Are DIY Wet Wipes Safe for Newborns?
Yes - when made correctly and kept simple.
The key is using minimal, skin-safe ingredients and preparing small batches regularly. Babies, especially newborns, don’t need complex formulas. Often, less is better.
Many parents find DIY wipes particularly helpful for babies prone to nappy rash, eczema, or chemical sensitivities.
What You’ll Need
To make DIY bamboo wet wipes, you’ll need:
- Bamboo nappy liners
- Clean water (boiled and cooled for newborns)
- A clean container with a lid
Optional additions (use sparingly):
- A few drops of organic coconut oil or olive oil (for moisture)
- A few drops of gentle, baby-safe cleanser
- A small amount of aloe vera gel (pure and fragrance-free)
Avoid essential oils for babies under six months unless advised by a qualified professional.
How to Make DIY Bamboo Wet Wipes
-
Prepare your solution
Mix water with any optional ingredients in a clean bowl or jug. -
Soak the wipes
Place bamboo wipes into your container and pour the solution over them until damp, not dripping. -
Store safely
Keep wipes in a sealed container and use within 2–3 days.
For convenience, many families store dry wipes and simply wet them as needed.
How to Store and Use Them Safely
- Make small batches to reduce the risk of bacterial growth
- Keep wipes cool and sealed
- Wash wipes regularly at 40–60°C
- Avoid adding preservatives or fragrances
If wipes develop a smell or feel slimy, discard and start fresh.
DIY Wipes vs Disposable Wipes
DIY bamboo wipes:
- Reusable and washable
- Lower ongoing cost
- No hidden ingredients
- Minimal environmental impact
Disposable wipes:
- Convenient for travel
- Single-use plastic waste
- Often contain preservatives and fragrances
Many families use DIY wipes at home and keep disposables for outings — a flexible, realistic balance.
A Simple Swap That Makes Sense
DIY bamboo wet wipes aren’t about doing everything perfectly. They’re about making one everyday choice a little gentler - on your baby’s skin and on the planet.
They’re easy to make, affordable, and adaptable to your routine, which is why so many parents stick with them once they try.
Sources
- Raising Children Network Australia – Baby skin care and nappy hygiene
- NHS UK – Nappy rash prevention
- Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) – Single-use wipes and waste
- Eczema Association of Australasia – Gentle skin care recommendations