When it comes to caring for a new baby, many parents quickly become ingredient detectives—scanning labels, researching product safety, and trying to navigate the often-confusing world of baby care products. While there are plenty of safer, natural options on the market today, there’s something special about making your own baby care products at home. It gives you full control over what touches your baby’s delicate skin, and many DIY recipes are surprisingly simple.
When my children were babies, I leaned into making my own baby products—not just to save money, but to ensure that I was using the gentlest, most natural ingredients possible. Over time, these recipes have become my go-to gifts for friends who are expecting. If you’re curious about trying your hand at homemade baby care, here are eight tried-and-true recipes that really work.
1. Cloth-Diaper Safe Diaper Rash Cream
Cloth diapering came into my life with my third child, and it was a game-changer—more affordable, more natural, and far easier than I anticipated. That said, even the best cloth diaper routine occasionally leads to diaper rash. The challenge? Most conventional diaper rash creams contain ingredients that aren’t cloth-diaper friendly, like petroleum jelly, which can create build-up and reduce absorbency.
After much trial and error, I developed a gentle, effective diaper rash cream safe for cloth diapers. Coconut oil serves as a nourishing base, and you can infuse it with skin-soothing herbs like calendula and chamomile for added benefits. This cream not only soothes irritated skin but also supports healing.
2. Herbal Baby Oil
Typical baby oil is often petroleum-based and laced with artificial fragrances—both of which I prefer to avoid. Instead, I like to make an herbal-infused baby oil. Calendula and chamomile flowers are the stars here, offering natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties.
Simply infuse olive oil (or apricot kernel oil for a lighter option) with these herbs using either a long, cool infusion or a quicker stovetop method. Strain the herbs, and you have a gentle, nourishing oil perfect for baby massage, dry patches, or even mild eczema flare-ups.
3. Gentle Baby Powder
For years, talc-based baby powders were a nursery staple—until concerns about asbestos contamination came to light. Many brands have since switched to cornstarch, but even those can contain unnecessary fillers and synthetic fragrances.
Making your own baby powder is wonderfully simple and customizable. Arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, and finely ground calendula or chamomile make a soothing blend that helps keep baby’s skin dry and calm. You can skip essential oils altogether or add a tiny amount of lavender for a gentle scent.
4. Homemade Baby Wipes
Store-bought baby wipes can get pricey—and if you’re like most parents, you go through them at lightning speed. When my first was born nearly two decades ago, I started making my own baby wipes to save money and avoid harsh chemicals.
Using cloth wipes alongside cloth diapers is especially convenient, but you can also create disposable wipes using high-quality paper towels and a simple wipe solution. The solution typically includes water, a bit of gentle soap, nourishing oil, and soothing aloe vera or witch hazel.
5. Nourishing Baby Lotion and Lotion Bars
Baby skin is naturally soft and requires minimal products, but sometimes extra moisture is needed—especially in dry weather or for babies with eczema. My homemade lotion combines shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E for a rich, gentle cream.
For even more convenience, I also make lotion bars. These solid moisturizers are less messy, last longer, and can be infused with herbs like calendula or lavender for additional skin benefits. They’re particularly great for spot-treating rough patches and are easy for older kids to apply themselves.
6. Mild Baby Shampoo & Wash
Truth be told, babies don’t need much soap—water usually does the trick for most messes. Still, for bigger cleanups, a gentle cleanser can be helpful. I often use Dr. Bronner’s unscented castile soap diluted with water for a simple, safe option.
For a homemade version, I mix a gentle foaming wash using castile soap, distilled water, and a few drops of baby-safe essential oils (if any). This mild soap works beautifully as both shampoo and body wash, preserving the skin’s natural protective oils.
7. Natural Teething and Pain Relief
Teething can be a tough season for babies and parents alike. While many turn to over-the-counter medications, I’ve always preferred gentler remedies. My go-to solution is chamomile tincture. Chamomile’s calming properties help soothe teething discomfort, colic, and even minor digestive troubles.
I typically apply a diluted chamomile tincture externally on the jawline for little ones or administer a small, age-appropriate dose internally for older children dealing with sleep disturbances or tummy troubles.
8. Safe Baby Vapor Rub
Colds and stuffy noses are inevitable, but many vapor rubs contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for babies, like menthol or camphor. Fortunately, you can make a baby-safe version at home using ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and baby-safe essential oils such as eucalyptus radiata (in small amounts), lavender, and chamomile.
This homemade rub helps clear congestion and soothes irritated airways while avoiding potentially harmful petroleum-based ingredients.
Why Go Homemade?
While commercial baby care products have certainly come a long way, homemade recipes offer a simple, customizable, and cost-effective alternative. They allow you to avoid unnecessary additives, reduce exposure to synthetic ingredients, and tailor your baby’s skincare to their unique needs.
Even though my children have grown beyond the baby stage, I still enjoy whipping up these recipes for friends who are new parents. It’s a small, meaningful way to offer comfort and care during such a special season of life.
Have you tried making your own baby care products? Share your favorite recipes or tips below—I’d love to hear what works for you!
If you’d like, I can also draft a few headline/title options for this article depending on where you plan to publish it (blog, newsletter, etc). Shall I?
