Many parents look for alternatives to store-bought baby wipes -- to save money, to be kinder to the environment or to protect baby's tender body from harsh chemicals. You can even make your own! Combine the following ingredients in a spray bottle or wipes container:

• 2 tablespoons natural baby wash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups water

If you use a spray bottle, wet your wipe with warm water then spray the solution directly onto the wipe. If you're not near a sink, you may want to fill a second container with water so all of your changing supplies are handy. Or you can recycle a commercial wipes container by adding the solution directly to the box and swishing the wipes around. Your wipes will be ready to go whenever you need them. Just be sure to use or change the wipes daily to keep them fresh. You can use paper towels or washable cloth baby wipes with this homemade solution. Paper towels can be tossed in the trash while cloth wipes can be laundered with baby's other dirty clothes. Unless your baby's diaper is really soiled, you don't need more than a bit of warm water to wipe her bottom. There are dozens of homemade baby wipe recipes on the Internet -- some include tea tree oil or aloe vera. Try it! Read more:

• Recipes for homemade diaper supplies
• Baby's skin conditions
• Baby on a budget