how to make a diaper out of a towel

by

How to Make a Diaper Out of a Towel

Babies go through a lot of diapers every day, which can be a significant expense for parents. Cloth diapers are an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable ones. They’re also safer and healthier for your baby’s skin since they don’t contain any chemicals or synthetic materials. Making cloth diapers out of towels is easy and a great way to reuse towels that are no longer in use. In this article, we’ll go over the steps to make a diaper out of a towel.

Introduction

Before explaining how to make a diaper out of a towel, let’s discuss why it’s important to know how to do it and the benefits of using cloth diapers.

Disposable diapers are harmful to the environment as they contribute significantly to landfill waste. Every year, over 20 billion disposable diapers end up in landfills in the US alone. It takes about 500 years for disposable diapers to decompose, leading to serious environmental problems such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

On the other hand, cloth diapers are reusable, reducing the amount of waste produced. They’re also more cost-effective in the long run since you can reuse them multiple times. According to estimates, you could save up to $1,000 or more per child by using cloth diapers compared to disposable ones.

Aside from being environmentally friendly and cost-effective, cloth diapers are also safer for your child’s skin. Disposable diapers may contain chemicals such as dioxins, sodium polyacrylate and fragrances used for absorbency that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in babies with sensitive skin.

Choosing the Right Towel

When making a diaper out of a towel, not all towels are created equal. Some fabrics are better than others when it comes to absorbency and durability.

Most cotton towels, particularly terry cloth, are ideal because they’re absorbent and soft. Avoid using towels made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or microfiber as they don’t absorb moisture well.

Another crucial factor to consider is the towel’s thickness. Thick towels are more absorbent, and since cloth diapers require a lot of absorption, this should be a priority. If you choose a thin towel, you can enhance its absorbency by layering it.

Recommended Towels

  • 100% cotton terry cloth
  • Flannel
  • Bamboo fleece
  • Hemp jersey

Steps for Making Cloth Diapers from Towels

Now that we’ve established the type of towel to use, let’s dive into the steps involved in making homemade cloth diapers out of towels.

Step 1: Prepping the Towel

Before using your towel as a diaper, it’s essential to prep it correctly. This involves washing and drying it several times to soften the fibers and enhance its absorbency.

Begin by washing the towel with hot water and an unscented detergent. Run the washer for at least three cycles without adding any clothes or other items. The extra rounds of washing will help remove any residues left over from the manufacturing process.

After washing, dry the towel completely before folding it into a diaper shape. Drying will help fluff up the fibers and enhance its absorbent properties.

Step 2: Folding the Towel

Folding a towel into a diaper shape can be tricky at first, but there are a few techniques that make it much easier.

Here is how to fold a basic diaper:

  1. Lay your towel out flat.
  2. Fold the top of the towel down to the center, creating a rectangular shape.
  3. Fold the bottom of the towel up to the center so that it overlaps with the top flap you just created.
  4. Tuck in each side of the towel so that it forms a snug “V” shape below your baby’s waist.
  5. Bring the bottom of the diaper up and over your baby’s midsection, to about their belly button height.
  6. Secure using safety pins or other types of fasteners.

Step 3: Securing the Diaper

Using safety pins, pin one side of the V-shape onto your baby’s onesie and repeat with the other side. You’ll want to make sure that each wing is secured tightly around your baby’s hips while remaining comfortable.

Another option is investing in specialized cloth diaper fasteners like Snappis or Boingos. These are more secure than pins and avoid any unwanted pokes or pricks.

Remember that safety pins can be dangerous if they’re not secured properly, so make sure you read directions carefully and take precautions.

Step 4: Adding Extra Absorbency

Depending on how absorbent your towel is, you may need to add extra layers for maximum efficiency. Here are some ideas to increase your diaper’s absorption abilities:

  • Add another layer of flannel or hemp cloth on top of your towel.
  • Try incorporating a prefolded layer inside your diaper for added absorbency, securely tucking it into place.
  • Incorporate an insert made of bamboo fleece or double-layered hemp jersey for extra absorption.

Remember, don’t overdo it; too much bulk may cause discomfort and make it difficult to fit your baby’s clothes.

Tips for Using Homemade Diapers

Now that you’ve made your own diaper out of a towel, here are some tips on how to use it correctly:

  • Change your baby’s diaper regularly, at least every two hours or as needed.
  • Wash cloth diapers in hot water with a mild detergent
  • Avoid using bleach or fabric softener to prevent damaging the fibers.
  • Keep wet diapers separate from dry ones when storing them before washing.
  • Consider using a diaper pail with a liner to keep odor under control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often do I have to change my baby’s diaper?

You should change your baby’s diaper every two hours or as soon as they become wet or soiled. Keeping your baby clean and dry will help prevent rashes and irritation.

How many diapers should I make in advance?

This depends on how frequently you’d like to do laundry. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need six to eight cloth diapers per day for newborns, including newborn sizes and preemie sizes if necessary.

Once your baby grows bigger and their diaper size changes, you’ll require fewer diapers per day. At this point, having about eighteen to twenty cloth diapers is sufficient.

Conclusion

Making your own cloth diaper out of a towel is easy and budget-friendly. By following the steps we’ve outlined in this article, you can create an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable diapers.

Remember that it takes time to get used to using cloth diapers, but they’re worth the effort. Cloth diapers are better for the environment, your baby’s skin, and your bank account in the long run. With careful usage, you can not only save money but also protect the planet for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Make a Diaper Out of a Towel

1. What type of towel should be used?

The best towel to use is a thick and absorbent one, preferably made of cotton. A bath towel is ideal since it has the right size and thickness.

2. How do I fold the towel into a diaper?

  • Lay the towel flat on a surface with the shorter side facing you.
  • Fold the top edge down to about 1/4th of its original length, forming a flap that will go in between the legs of the baby.
  • Gently curve both sides of the towel inwards and fold them towards the center, creating two pockets that will hold the legs.
  • Flip the whole towel over and place it on a changing mat or any clean surface.

3. Do I need any additional materials?

No, you don’t need anything else except for the towel itself. However, if you want extra security, you can use diaper pins or safety pins to fasten it around your baby’s waist.

4. Can I reuse the towel diaper?

Yes, you can wash and reuse the diaper as many times as you want until it gets worn out or damaged. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly before using it again.

5. How often should I change my baby’s homemade diaper?

You should change your baby’s diaper every time it gets soiled or wet. Since a homemade diaper may not be as absorbent as a store-bought one, you may need to change it more frequently to avoid leaks.

6. How do I know the diaper fits correctly?

  • The diaper should fit snugly around your baby’s waist, but not too tight that it causes discomfort or leaves marks on the skin.
  • The bottom flap should be tucked in between the legs and go up to the belly button level.
  • The two pockets should be adjusted to fit comfortably around the thighs without gaping open.

7. Are there any precautions I need to take when using a homemade diaper?

Yes, always keep an eye on your baby when they are wearing a homemade diaper and check for signs of irritation or discomfort. It’s also important to wash the diaper thoroughly after every use to avoid bacterial growth and prevent infections.

keys takeaways

How to Make a Diaper out of a Towel: 4 Key Takeaways

  1. Gather the Necessary Materials: You’ll need a bath towel, safety pins, and a diaper liner (optional).
  2. Create the Base of the Diaper: Start by folding the towel in half, then fold it in half again to create a square. Fold the corners towards the center to create a diamond shape.
  3. Add Leg and Waist Closures: Pin the sides of the diaper at your baby’s waist, making sure it’s snug but not too tight. Then pin the corners of the diamond at their thighs to create leg openings.
  4. Double Check for Comfort and Absorbency: Ensure that the towel is not too thick or bulky, and that it will absorb any urine or feces. Double check for snugness around their waist and legs to prevent leaks.

With these four key takeaways in mind, you can create an effective diaper out of an ordinary towel in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re in a bind or looking for a sustainable alternative to traditional diapers, this trick is worth trying.