Using cloth wipes for your baby is a simple and eco-friendly alternative to disposable wipes. The process is straightforward and easily integrated into your cloth diapering routine.
Basic Steps for Using Cloth Wipes
How you use a cloth wipe depends primarily on what's in the diaper – pee or poop.
For Pee
If your baby has only peed, the cleanup is quick. You can use a cloth wipe that is either dry or damp to gently dry off your baby's skin before putting on a fresh diaper.
For Poop
When your baby has pooped, the process requires a couple of steps:
- Remove Bulk: When taking off the soiled diaper, use it to carefully wipe away as much of the poop as possible.
- Clean Thoroughly: Use a damp wipe or two to effectively clean your baby's bum, ensuring all residue is removed.
What to Do with Used Cloth Wipes
After using a cloth wipe, whether for pee or poop, it goes directly into your wet bag or diaper pail liner along with the soiled cloth diapers.
Important: Do not flush cloth wipes.
On your designated wash day, the used wipes are washed together with your cloth diapers. This simplifies the laundry routine and keeps everything clean and ready for the next use.
Getting Started with Cloth Wipes
To use cloth wipes, you'll need a supply of wipes (often 20-30 is a good starting point) and a way to dampen them. Many parents use a spray bottle filled with plain water, a wipe solution, or simply dip the wipes in water or solution stored in a container before use.
Here's a quick summary:
| Situation | How to Use Wipe | What to Do With Used Wipe |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Peed | Use dry or damp wipe to dry baby off. | Place in wet bag/diaper pail. |
| Baby Pooped | Use diaper to remove bulk, then damp wipe(s) to clean. | Place in wet bag/diaper pail. |
By following these steps, you can easily incorporate cloth wipes into your baby care routine, reducing waste and keeping your little one clean.
