making a bum job better

Mum of two (soon to be three), Helen Blaber has created a great alternative to disposable nappy wipes - the washable cheeky wipe, after four years experience of nappy changes. She says that using these soft cotton cloths instead of disposable wipes, which can contain chemicals such as benzoic acid, parabens and phenoxyethanol, could save over £200 during the baby's lifetime in nappies. 

Every nappy wipe that is thrown away ends up in landfill but these little beauties require only water and possibly a few drops of essential oil to soak. They come in an airtight container with 25 towelling wipes, mesh bags for when out and about and 2 different essential oil blends. A kit costs £29.95 and holds everything you need for one baby.

Of course, you could just do as Helen did to start with and cut up an old towel into small squares and soak in water to use as wipes. There are plenty of recipes for baby wipe soaking solutions if you fancy making your own. I like a combination of chamomile tea bags, steeped in a cup of hot water, mixed with 50ml of organic sweet almond oil. Place cut up flannels or towels (preferably organic) in an ice-cream tub and pour the solution over. Top up with water and use as needed. Great as a facial cleanser before bed too!