With a 2 year old (who is in the process of potty training, but we aren't finished yet) and a newborn, I'm always looking for ways to save on baby supplies. One area where I've been able to save is on baby wipes. It might not be a huge amount of savings but, hey, every little bit helps right?

The best way to save on baby wipes (obviously) is to not use them at all. Many thrify moms use a simple wet washcloth to clean up their babies. This would definitely be the cheapest option but depending on how many children (in diapers) you have at the moment and how many diapers you have to change a day, this could increase your laundry a good bit. I've heard that some moms who use this method simply wash out the washcloth as they go (unless it's a dirty diaper, of course) and then reuse the same washcloth a few times.

But if you want disposable wipes, I have 2 suggestions for you that will save you a few pennies.

1) Purchase the cheap wipes at Walmart --> In my Walmart, there is an isle in the baby/toddler section that has baby wipes and baby bath supplies. Most people assume that this is the only (or main) place to get these supplies and that this isle must have the full selection of what the store offers. Well, this isn't true. In my Walmart, the toiletry section (way on the other side of the store, as far as our layout goes) there is an isle close to the toothpaste isle that has several more wipes selections, along with another selection of baby bath supplies. Some of the bath supplies are the same as what you find in the baby/toddler section but some are only found there. For the wipes, there are several "cheap" brands. I've reviewed them all and determined that the best "cheap" brand (based on how many wipes per package for the money spent) is the White Cloud Cotton Soft Cloths. These are in a purple package and come with 80 wipes per pack. I think I pay $1.25 per pack, which is significantly less than the bigger name brands like Huggies (about half the cost).

2) Make your own --> You can easily make your own baby wipes. A quick search on the internet will show you that this idea is pretty popular. I even came across this "recipe" in a book I was reading The Duggars: 20 and Counting. Simply get a roll of paper towels (most seem to suggest that Bounty is the best brand) and cut it in half with a knife (the Duggars suggest using an electric knife to make this step easier). Then, mix together 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons baby oil, 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol and a tablespoon of baby bath. In a plastic container with lid (the Duggars suggest a 1-gallon icecream bucket; other sites suggest a rubbermaid container that is a sufficient size w/ lid) insert one half of the paper towels in the container vertically (think of those quick wipes that Lysol, Windex, Armor All, etc. make). Put the other half of the roll to the side for another container or to use next time. Pour the liquid mixture over the paper towel half and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Once soaked, remove the cardboard insert. Cut an X in the container top and then put the top on the container. Pull wipes through by starting from the inside of the roll (again, think of those quick wipes they have now).

There you go!