Make your own cloth diaper wipes and homemade wipe solution

When you are using cloth diapers it is actually easier to use cloth wipes as well.  That way everything dirty gets thrown into the same place.   You can buy cloth diaper wipes and solution but I've never tried either.  They are both easy and super cheap to make.

DIY Cloth Diaper Wipes

First thing I did was go to the thrift store and buy a bunch of super soft flannel baby blankets.  I brought them home and gave them a good wash on sterilize mode.

Cut up your baby blankets into squares.  Cut the squares to whatever size wipes you think would work well for you.  I did mostly 8x8 inch squares and also some that were 4x8 inches.

Place two of the squares together, pattern side facing out.  Do a tight zig-zag stitch around the entire border (I don't sew so I may not be using the right terms here!)

Ta-da!  A diaper wipe.  Simple right?   The first couple times you wash them you will get a little bit of a fringe.  Just trim that off and you are good to go.

I did 20 of the 8 x8 size and 10 of the 4 x 8.  I like having both sizes.  The large ones are great when you need a lot of coverage and the small ones are good for details and pee-only changes.

To wet the wipes I keep a small bowl and an old french press by my changing table and then just wet one or two in the bowl as needed.  The french press is insulated so if I fill it with hot water it will stay warm for a long time (no need for an electric wipe warmer over here.)

When Sadie was exclusively breastfed I wiped with just plain warm water and that worked great.  Around 6 months, when she started eating solids, I began making this wipe solution.

Homemade Wipe Solution
1/2 tablespoon safflower oil
1/2 tablespoon castile soap*
5 drops lavender essential oil
topped off with 16 oz hot tap water

*be sure to use unscented/baby castile soap

I put everything into the french press and push the plunger down so that it all gets mixed up.  The oil will tend to sink to the bottom so if it's been sitting around for a while I give it a shake or plunge the plunger to get it mixed again.  Don't want to use a french press?  You can also put it in a large plastic squeeze bottle or any other type of container that will work well for you.

What about cloth diaper changes on the go?  Originally I tried using cloth wipes but I prefer to just use disposables when I'm out and about.  I throw them into the wet bag with the dirty diaper and put it into the wash.  The disposable wipes will go through the wash and dryer fine.  Once they are dry I just throw them away or use them for something else.  They come out just as clean as your diapers, so why not?  One good use I've found is putting a stack of them into a ziploc bag with a little witchhazel water.  It makes great wipes for dirty hands when you are out and about.

Combating Acne

I've always struggled with occasional breakouts (usually one monster zit right around the time of my period.)  But for the last couple weeks it's been much worse.   I've had breakouts all around my mouth, chin and jawline.  According to the internet breaking out in those areas is usually caused by hormones.  Maybe my hormones are all mixed up due to breastfeeding?  Whatever the cause, it's been very embarrassing.  Especially since I work in a store that specializes in skin care!  So I came up with a plan of action and it's been working very well so I thought I would share.

The plan:  HERBAL STEAM (every day) + CLAY MASK (3 x a week)

Herbal Steam
1.) Throw a few handfuls of herbs and water into a pot on the stove.  Bring to a boil.  I used Comfrey Root & Lavender buds.  Both are indicated for their astringent properties and they also stimulate the skin and normalize the sebaceous glands.
2.) Pour the steaming herbal water into a glass or ceramic bowl or container.  I use a large glass measuring cup because it's easier to pour when I'm straining out the herbs.  At this step I usually add in a drop or two of Organic Tea Tree essential oil for it's anti-bacterial properties.
3.) Tent a towel over your head and lean your face in over the steam.  In the beginning when it's really hot keep your face at least 8 inches away from the water.  As it starts to cool down you can lower your face and blow into the water to try to shoot the steam towards problem areas.  Stay like this for 5-10 minutes.
4.) Strain out the herbs and reserve the herbal water for use in the facial mask

A few times a week I follow my facial steam with a clay mask to draw out toxins.  Post-steam is the perfect time for a mask because all of your pores are open wide.  I don't do the mask every day because it can be drying.  Even the oiliest of skin should be toned and lightly moisturized after a mask.

Clay Facial Mask
1.) Into a small bowl add a tablespoon of dry clay.  I have been using red clay because it pulls very tightly.  French Green clay would be another great option for all skin types.  Spoon small amounts of the herbal water and mix with the clay until it it makes a light paste consistency.
2.) Apply to dry or only slightly damp skin.  You can apply either to your whole face or just to problem areas.
3.) Wait 10-15 minutes until mask has completely dried.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water followed by a splash of cold water.
4.) Tone and moisturize.

Since I've started this routine my skin has been clearing up nicely and has had a wonderful glow.   I believe I will continue this routine even after my acne clears up.  The herbal steam is a great start to the day and allows me 10 minutes of meditation to clear my head and focus on my breathing.  I will probably only do the facial mask only once a week because, as I mentioned, it can be drying.

Homemade Teething Oil

Sadie has been taking her time in the teething department.  A couple weeks ago at 14 months she had four teeth on the top and only two on the bottom.  But now all of a sudden,  all four molars have decided to break through at the same time.  We have found much relief using this teething oil that I put together.

Sadie's Teething Oil Recipe
1/2 oz Grapeseed Oil (or any other carrier that your child has proven non-reactive to)
1 drop Clove Essential Oil
1 drop Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
1 drop Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
(Do not add more essential oils then recommended!)

Store in a glass dropper bottle.  Rub one drop onto the gums using a clean finger or cotton swab.  Apply as needed.