There’s a super easy zero waste alternative to baby wipes – simply using water instead of baby wipes.
When you’re out and about, it’s not always easy to have a pack of baby wipes on hand. And sometimes, using water is just as effective – if not more so – than using baby wipes.
We’ve been there, done that so let’s discuss how to use water as a substitute for baby wipes when you’re on the go.
We’ll also provide some tips for keeping your little one clean and fresh when you can’t rely on baby wipes!
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In This Guide:
How Do I Wash My Baby’s Bottom With Water?
Looking to ditch wipes of all kinds completely? It can absolutely be done!
After a pee, use a peri bottle or similar spray bottle with sterilized water to gently clean and irrigate.
Then simply let baby’s bottom to dry off using a hair dryer on the cool, low setting or allowing to air dry.
What About Poopy Diapers?
For a poop, you can use the same method as above or – our personal favorite – the dunk and swish.
To do this, you simply fill up your sink or a small basin with a few inches of water (enough to cover baby’s bottom) and a squirt of baby soap.
Then, start by wiping as much poop as possible off with the inside top (or the cleanest portion) of the diaper.
Next, undress your baby and lower them into the water – using one hand to hold onto their chest/shoulders.
Use your other hand to loosen any solid matter from baby’s bottom.
Once everything is nice and clean, lift baby out of the water (supporting their head and neck) and, if needed, given them a final rinse with an angled peri bottle. Then hold baby close to your body as you dry them off using a soft towel or allow them to air dry.
With a little practice, using water instead of baby wipes can be just as quick and easy – not to mention, much better for the environment!
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Using Water Instead of Baby Wipes at Home
With a few of the proper supplies, you can set up your own baby-bidet station at home for using water instead of baby wipes.
Here are a few of the items you’ll need:
- Mild baby body soap. For a good rinsing on the especially dirty diapers.
- Small basin. For the infamous ‘dunk and rinse’ (see above!).
- Peri bottles. Make sure to have both the regular and angled versions so you can get into all the necessary nooks and crannies.
- Quiet hair dryer. Make sure it has a cool setting, for drying off baby after cleaning.
- Lots of soft towels. For cuddling and making sure baby is dry before reapplying the diaper.
- A good hand soap. Because, let’s be honest, you’ll be getting your hands very dirty.
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What Can You Use if You Run Out of Baby Wipes on the Go?
All of these ‘zero waste alternative’ to baby wipes business of simply using water instead of baby wipes might be easy at home. But what if you’re on the go?
If you’re out and about without any baby wipes, don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways to keep your little one clean.
Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
- If you’re at a friend’s house, ask to use their bathroom and wash baby’s bottom in the sink using plain old soap and water.
- Hold baby over an sink and use your handy peri bottle to rinse and clean.
- Make sure your travel changing pad is waterproof.
- Keep a portable fan in your diaper bag to help with drying baby’s bottom on the go.
- Carry a travel-sized deodorizing spray since you’ll undoubtedly leave some smells behind.
Tips for Using Water Instead of Baby Wipes
If you’re using water instead of baby wipes, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
– Use warm water: This will help to loosen up any messes and make cleanup easier.
– Be gentle: Remember that tender baby skin is no match for harsh spraying. Use a light touch when cleaning your little one.
– The importance of drying: Make sure your baby is thoroughly dried before reapplying their diaper or clothing to prevent rash or fungal infection (this is critical!). On the positive, babies often LOVE the blow dryer and it tends to quiet them right away!
– Keep things clean: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using water to clean your baby’s bottom.
Wrapping up Creating a Zero Waste Alternative to Baby Wipes
If you have any additional tips or tricks for using water instead of baby wipes, please share them with us in the comments below!
We hope you found this post helpful in creating a zero waste alternative to baby wipes – using water instead of baby wipes!
