When it comes to our babies, we want the absolute best. But have you ever flipped over a baby product label and couldn’t even pronounce half the ingredients?
Yeah, same here.
Many commercial baby products are filled with chemicals, artificial fragrances, and preservatives that you wouldn’t even want near your own skin, let alone your baby’s.
However, you don’t need a chemistry degree or a massive budget to give your baby the gentle, organic care they deserve. You can actually make safe, simple, and affordable organic baby products right at home.
And no, it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, once you get the hang of it, it’s fun and empowering.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make organic baby products at home – natural baby wipes, homemade baby lotion, and more. Not only will you be giving your little one the best care, but you’ll also be reducing your environmental footprint.
Honestly, a win-win!
Why Choose Homemade Organic Baby Products?
Let’s break this down. Here are the real reasons why more parents are ditching store-bought baby products for DIY organic alternatives:
1. Baby Skin is Super Sensitive:
Your baby’s skin is much thinner and more sensitive than yours.
Harsh chemicals can irritate it easily and may even cause long-term issues like allergies or eczema.
2. No Nasty Chemicals:
Homemade organic baby products are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and dyes.
These are common irritants in commercial products. You control exactly what goes into your recipe.
3. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable:
Making your own products means less plastic, less waste, and more control. You’re not just caring for your baby, you’re caring for the planet.
4. Cost-Effective:
Let’s be real, baby products are expensive.
DIY solutions using natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and castile soap can save you a lot of money in the long run.
5. You Know What’s Inside:
Transparency is key. When you make it yourself, you know every single ingredient and its purpose. No guessing.
6. Customizable for Your Baby’s Needs:
Every baby is different.
You can tailor homemade products for dry skin, diaper rashes, or even sensitivity to certain ingredients.
Safety Guidelines Before Making DIY Baby Products
Before we get into the recipes, let’s talk about safety.
Because while going natural is good, natural doesn’t always mean safe for babies.
1. Always Patch Test First:
Apply a small amount of your homemade product on a tiny area of your baby’s skin. Wait 24 hours.
If there’s no redness or irritation, you’re good to go.
2. Choose Baby-Safe Essential Oils (or Skip Them):
Many essential oils are too strong for infants. For babies under 3 months, skip essential oils entirely.
For older babies, stick to safe options like lavender or chamomile and use extremely diluted amounts.
Avoid: Eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree (for infants under 6 months), cinnamon, rosemary.
More info from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
3. Sterilize Containers and Tools:
Use hot water or rubbing alcohol to clean everything that will come in contact with your products.
4. Proper Storage is Key:
Store your DIY products in airtight glass containers. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
Most homemade products don’t have preservatives, so use within 2-3 weeks unless refrigerated.
Organic Baby Products You Can Make at Home
Let’s dive into the fun part.
Here are the top organic baby products you can easily make at home using ingredients that are safe, affordable, and often already in your kitchen.
1. Natural Baby Wipes:
– Why Make It?
Homemade baby wipes are one of the simplest ways to go natural while avoiding store-bought chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
– Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp organic coconut oil
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel (soothing and moisturizing)
- 1–2 drops chamomile or lavender essential oil (optional)
- Reusable cloth wipes or half a roll of thick paper towel
– How to Make:
- Mix all liquid ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour into a clean airtight container.
- Soak your cloth or paper towels in the mixture.
To use, gently wipe your baby during diaper changes or cleanups.
👉 Tip: Store in a cool place and use within 5–7 days.
2. Gentle Baby Lotion:
– Why Make It?
Baby skin is sensitive and deserves only the most natural care. This lotion hydrates without clogging pores or irritating delicate skin.
– Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp sweet almond or olive oil
- Optional: a few drops of vitamin E oil
– How to Make:
- Melt the oils and butter together in a double boiler.
- Let cool slightly, then whip with a fork or hand blender until creamy.
- Store in a clean jar with a lid.
To use, apply after bath or whenever the baby’s skin feels dry.
👉 Bonus: It’s gentle enough for mom’s hands too!
3. DIY Diaper Rash Cream:
– Why Make It?
Diaper rash can happen even with the best care. This cream soothes irritated skin and forms a natural barrier against moisture.
– Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp zinc oxide powder or arrowroot powder
- Optional: 1 tbsp calendula-infused oil
– How to Make:
- Melt coconut oil and shea butter.
- Remove from heat, add zinc oxide or arrowroot.
- Stir well and pour into a container.
To use this diaper rash cream, apply a thin layer at every diaper change or when redness appears.
👉 Caution: Avoid zinc oxide if you’re using cloth diapers as it may affect absorbency.
4. Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash:
– Why Make It?
This 2-in-1 solution keeps bath time simple and safe. No tears, no toxins.
– Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unscented liquid Castile soap
- 1 tbsp almond oil or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp coconut milk (optional for softness)
- A drop of lavender or chamomile essential oil (optional)
– How to Make:
- Combine all ingredients in a foaming dispenser.
- Shake before each use.
Use: Lather a small amount onto wet skin or hair, rinse thoroughly.
👉 For newborns, skip essential oils entirely!
5. Natural Baby Powder:
– Why Make It?
This talc-free baby powder keeps your little one fresh and dry, naturally.
– Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 1 tbsp kaolin clay (optional, for extra absorbency)
- A pinch of finely ground calendula or chamomile (optional)
– How to Make:
- Mix powders in a clean bowl.
- Store in a shaker bottle or wide jar with a lid.
To use, sprinkle lightly on baby’s bum or skin folds after cleaning and drying.
👉 Tip: Avoid use around the face or nose to prevent inhalation.
6. Soothing Baby Massage Oil:
– Why Make It?
Baby massage is a great way to bond and calm your little one. A homemade oil is safer and more nourishing than mineral oil-based store brands.
– Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold-pressed sweet almond oil or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp calendula-infused oil (optional for extra soothing)
- Optional: 1 drop lavender essential oil (for babies 6 months+)
– How to Make:
- Mix all oils in a sterilized glass bottle.
- Shake gently before each use.
Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins A and E, while calendula helps reduce inflammation. Always warm the oil between your palms before applying.
7. Natural Teething Relief Gel:
– Why Make It?
Teething can be tough. Many commercial gels contain numbing agents not safe for infants. This natural version helps soothe gums gently.
– Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp organic coconut oil (solid but soft)
- 1/2 tsp clove tea (mildly brewed and cooled)
- 1/4 tsp chamomile tea
– How to Make:
- Brew the clove and chamomile tea lightly and let it cool.
- Mix small amounts of the tea into coconut oil until it forms a soft gel.
- Store in a clean container and use within a week.
Apply a small amount to your baby’s gums with clean fingers. For older babies only. Always consult your pediatrician first.
8. Homemade Baby Laundry Detergent:
– Why Make It?
Baby clothes are in constant contact with your baby’s sensitive skin. Regular detergents often contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances.
– Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 bar pure castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)
– How to Make:
- Grate the castile soap.
- Mix with washing soda and baking soda.
- Store in an airtight container.
Use 1 tablespoon per load. This is cloth diaper-safe too!
9. DIY Baby Toy & Surface Cleaner:
– Why Make It?
Babies put everything in their mouths. A safe, natural cleaner is essential for wiping toys and surfaces they touch.
– Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 5 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil (for babies over 6 months)
– How to Make:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake before use.
This solution is great for high chairs, toys, and changing tables. For babies under 6 months, skip essential oils altogether.
Simple Organic Remedies for Common Baby Issues
– Cradle Cap:
Massage a small amount of coconut oil into the scalp.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently brush off flakes with a soft baby brush and rinse with warm water.
– Baby Eczema:
Apply whipped shea butter or calendula-infused oil to soothe inflamed patches. Avoid scented products.
– Baby Congestion:
Steam with a bowl of hot water and a tiny bit of eucalyptus leaves in the room (not directly near baby).
Never apply eucalyptus oil directly to the baby.
Final Thoughts
Homemade organic baby products don’t need to be complicated. Even making one or two items can dramatically improve your baby’s skin health and reduce toxic exposure.
The more you try, the more confident you’ll become.
And don’t stress about perfection. The goal isn’t to DIY everything at once, it’s to make informed, conscious choices. If all you do is switch to natural baby wipes or homemade diaper cream, that’s already a big win.
As a parent, you already have the most powerful ingredient of all: love. Everything else is just the cherry on top.