Babies bring out the gentle in us. That soft skin just begs to be handled with care. It’s only natural to want to guard it against unnecessary chemicals or toxins. Taking responsibility for raising this vulnerable little person is often a powerful motivator for changing our own personal care habits too.  Non-toxic, eco-friendly solutions for you and your baby don’t have to be expensive or complicated. You can make many of them with simple household staples you already have on hand. When you do, you’ll be washing fewer chemicals down the drain, limiting your family’s exposure, purchasing less packaging, AND saving lots of money.

Best for baby, best for you, best for your wallet, best for Mother Earth.

Natural Diaper Wipes for Baby

You can whip up a batch of these so easily whenever you need. No more midnight runs to Shoppers Drug Mart! No plastic packaging, and you’ll save a bundle. Best of all, you’ll know exactly what’s next to your baby’s tender tush.

Blend all ingredients. Cut a roll of heavy paper towels in half with a serrated bread knife. Pour mixture over roll of half roll of paper towels. Pull out the paper roll in the centre and the last wipe will pop up. Store in a ziploc bag or resealable container of your choice.

• 1 cup water
• 1 Tablespoon baby wash
• 1 Tablespoon oil, such as extra virgin olive oil or raw sesame oil

This recipe can also be used as a diaper spray. Just pour it into a small spray bottle, give baby’s bottom a spritz and wipe off with tissue or a soft, damp facecloth.

Gentle Deodorant for You

I fell in love with a natural deodorant paste that I paid a pretty penny for at the health food store. Then I realized how easy it is to make my own. But I hear the skeptics – does it actually work? Yes it does. How do I know? Last summer I was teaching a dozen or more yoga classes a week, sometimes 5 classes a day, including biking around town between them. My pits smelled fresh as a flower. My husband would have told me for sure if I was getting funky!

• 1 Tablespoon cocoa butter or shea butter
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 Tablespoon baking soda
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1 Tablespoon grated beeswax
• 2-5 drops of your favourite essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender (optional)

In a double boiler (aka a stainless steel or ceramic bowl over a simmering pan of water), melt the cocoa/shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax. Mix in the cornstarch/arrowroot powder, baking soda and essential oil if using. Use a spatula to transfer to a small jar. To use, just dig out a pea-sized amount, rub between your fingers to soften and spread on your sweet pits. The cocoa butter does have a bit of a scent, which I do love, but if you prefer a scent-free product, use the shea butter.