Frugal Baby Tips

Win a Diaper Product Contest (ALL)

2011-09-22T09:23:00.000-04:00

Post a diaper review on the Born to Love Diapering Resources page and get a chance to win a mystery cloth diapering product/nursing bra each week.

Enter as often as you wish! The more reviews we get each week, the higher the value of prize! (Maximum value $35 prize each week)

Ongoing weekly contest - end of each week's contest is Sunday 11:59 PM ET.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE CHANCES OF WINNING.

List of Prizes Available

List of Winners

See Official Rules

• This contest is sponsored by BorntoLove.com and Frugal-Freebies.com.

NOTE - Don't see the product or company you want to review?
Let me know and I will add it!

Click for more info
(Worldwide)

- This was posted by Catherine on September 22, 2011 -

Don't miss our Weekly Giveaway from Frugal Freebies - Enter to win!

Born to Love: All your cloth diapering needs, and much more - naturally! We are strong advocates of the personal, social & environmental benefits of natural parenting.

Frugal Baby Tips Updated on Born to Love

2011-05-02T18:08:00.001-04:00

It's been a long time coming, but I have started updating the BorntoLove.com website. This past few days, I have been updating the Frugal Baby Tips section:

Here are all of our Frugal Baby Tips articles on Born to Love:

• Frugal Baby Tips Index
• Frugal Diapering
• Frugal Diaper Washing
• Frugal Diaper Rash and Baby Wipe Tips
• Make Your Own Baby Bum Sweaters!
• Let Sleeping Babies Lie - please...
• Frugal Safety Tips
• Frugal Toys and Playthings Tips
• Frugal Baby and Mom Clothing Tips
• Frugal On the Go! Travel Tips
• Frugal Miscellaneous Tips
• Make Your Own Rebozo Sling
• Stacking Tactile Toys and Healing Post-partum Stitches
• Mosquito Bites Relief and Frugal Cloth Menstrual Pads
• Absorbent Cheap Diapers and Protect Your Computer!
• Bedwetter Pants and Soothing Breast Pads
• Breathable Diaper Covers and Reusable Tampons
• Frugal Tips From My Readers!

Come check them out!

◊ Born to Love: All your cloth diapering needs, and much more - naturally! We are strong advocates of the personal, social & environmental benefits of natural parenting.

◊ Check us out on Twitter and our Born to Love fan page on Facebook and join in the conversation!

Wagon for Two Giveaway

2009-08-07T14:29:00.003-04:00

Frugal-Freebies.com is having a great toy giveaway sponsored by All Children’s Furniture who carries everything from kids furniture to toys. Stop by before midnight Aug 21st EST to enter to win!

Today's giveaway is Step2 Company Wagon for Two, value $70 - sponsored by All Children’s Furniture.

Not only do they have an amazing selection of products, but they also have amazing prices and often many of these products are on sale. I found so many things there that I would love to buy!

Anyone with kids could use a wagon - trips to the park, outings to the zoo, walking to the store, and so much more! I had a wagon for Josh when I ran my small business from home. I used to pile it up with all the parcels to mail, strap Josh in and off we would go to the post office! I loved my little wagon - it gave me so much freedom!

Equip your young explorers with the perfect vehicle to help take them through their journeys. This smartly designed wagon offers great features, bright colors and a safe and durable frame to last throughout years of active play.

Open to US & Canadian entrants - ends August 21/09

To enter: frugal-freebies.com

Diapering_: Diaper Sprayer

2009-05-10T18:43:00.005-04:00

Thanks to Leann & Molly for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Leann said: A diaper sprayer is best for this kind of poop. I use my shower head which easily reaches the toilet, and I find it works best when set for hot water. It literally breaks up the poop and it drains into the toilet. I don't know if a hot setting is an option on a diaper sprayer connected to the toilet - probably not.

Molly said: We ended up getting a sprayer. I didn't want to spend the money on the expensive "diaper sprayers", so we got a power sprayer from Home Depot for only $17. It attaches to the shower (our shower is next to the toilet) and works great! We can use it to wash the dogs, clean the tub, etc. I think it's much more versatile than the diaper sprayers and cheaper, too!

DIY Tutorial: Make Your Own Diaper Sprayer
How To Make Your Own Diaper Sprayer
DIY - How To Make Your Own Diaper Sprayer

Recent Keyword Searches: wool soaker patterns, crochet, soaker, patterns, frugal baby, homemade baby wipes witch hazel, frugal baby toys

Baby Wipes_: Wipes recipes/sandalwood

2009-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture by lilcountrystore
Thanks to Tammy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I asked about the sandalwood, and I did try it, but I don't measure anymore....

1 squirt Almond Dr Bronner's, a few drops Weleda calendula baby oil, 2-3 drops sandalwood, and 1 drop rose oil. It is heavenly!

Here are a few more combos I like:
Almond Dr Bronners
tea tree oil- 1 drop
ylang-ylang 2-3 drops
sunflower baby oil

Baby mild Dr Bronners
Burt's Bees baby oil
aloe
geranium or bergamot oil 2-3
tea tree oil 1 drop
rose oil 1 drop

I keep the ratios the same and I make pretty small amounts every other day. I use a baby wipes container, put the ingredients in, top off with hot water, swish it around to mix it up and put my wipes in on top to soak it up. When I use the aloe, I mix it with a wand mixer... it gets pretty foamy, though. I haven't tried the ylang-ylang with the sandalwood, but I'm off to experiment now.

Recent Keyword Searches: crochet soaker, homemade toys for baby, free baby wipe sewing patterns, reusable wipes baby, frugal baby

Miscellaneous_: Natural Bug Spray

2009-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Wendy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I use the peppermint Dr Bronner's as a natural bug spray. I swear it works. If I find ants in the kitchen or something, I kill them and wash the area with Dr. B's and they *don't* come back.

I just squirt some on a sponge directly from the bottle and wipe the area and rinse it well. I *have* heard of people diluting it and putting it in a spray bottle and actually spraying with it, but I don't do that.

Recent Keyword Searches: frugal baby, sewing patterns for free for babies, crochet baby pants patterns, how to be frugal with a baby, baby sling knitted pattern

Baby Wipes_: Two Wipe Recipes

2009-05-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Julie for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Here is the recipe I use now:
2 1/2 cups warm water (distilled is best, but I'm lazy)
2 teaspoons castille soap or baby shampoo
1 tablespoon baby oil
2 drops tea tree oil
3-5 drops lavender oil

Here's another recipe:

2 1/2 cups warm water
2 teaspoons almond castille soap
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
2 drops tea tree oil
2-3 drops ylang ylang

I think the Tea Tree oil is still neccessary to keep in from getting funky.

Recent Keyword Searches: crocheted wool soaker patterns, homemade baby toys, free baby wipe sewing patterns, frugal baby, baby tips

Diaper Washing_: Clothesline

2009-05-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture by heysheaj
Thanks to Heather for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I bought my drying rack at Wal-mart for $7.99. If you can't use a clothes line because of neighborhood restrictions you might want to try what I did. I bought a retractable clothes line at ACE Hardware and hung it on my deck railing, I only have it extended when I am using it.

Plus nobody else can see my dipes because they hang below the deck railing.

Works great for me!

Recent Keyword Searches: frugal baby, homemade nipple ointment, breastfeeding, reusable wipes baby, crochet baby soakers, baby soaker patterns

Diaper Washing_: Vinegar Rinse

2009-04-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture by run4jc
Thanks to Ann for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I rinse my diapers in cider vinegar! I was using white, then I heard cider makes diapers softer. I switched and was absolutely amazed at how much softer they were! BIG difference.

My sister (who cloth diapered 3 kids) said, "doesn't everyone use cider vinegar?"

Recent Keyword Searches: how to make training pants, all purpose nipple cream, frugal baby, how to make a nursing bracelet, free crochet soaker patterns

Diaper Sewing_: Bedwetter Pants

2009-04-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

Picture by structuredgreen
Thanks to Amy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Well, after Sarah leaked out of a DISPOSABLE!! Friday night, I knew I could no longer put off making her fleece cover (I was going to wait till my mom arrives Tuesday). So I bought some elastic and snap tape (metal snaps), and yesterday afternoon started sewing. It went quickly,
and last night Sarah wore it. I did make it a bit large, and had to pin it closed, as it was too loose with just the snaps, but it still worked!

Yes, she had a HUGE diaper bum, but this morning, despite a thoroughly sopping diaper, the cover was DRY!! Which means so were our sheets!

I made the cover out of a single layer of 300wt polartec fleece. I just traced around one of her old covers, and enlarged it accordingly. Then I put elastic at the waist and legs, snap tape at the sides, and that was it. The cover will likely fit her till she is at least 70#, and hopefully by then she will be dry at night anyway. For a diaper, I used a flannel receiving blanket, folded in half, with two terry hand towels folded in fourths inside it. Pinned it on.

Poor kid slept with SIX pins last night! But the whole thing worked! We've had to wash our sheets four times in the last week, and we were really getting tired of that.

Recent Keyword Searches: free sewing patterns baby bloomers, all purpose nipple ointment, how to be frugal when you have a baby, prefold fitted conversion tutorial, make your own diaper sprayer

Miscellaneous_: Hot Days Treat

2009-04-23T11:08:00.003-04:00

Photo by dugalito
Thanks to Shelley for this Frugal Baby Tip!

When my eldest son was a baby, the weather got scorchingly hot, and my son decided that he would go between refusing to nurse, to wanting to nurse every 30-45 minutes. Out of desperation I had pumped off milk, and thrown it into the freezer.

The rest of us were all eating ice & slushies, and ice cream (and such frozen treats), my son was looking longingly at these frozen treats, so I pulled some of the frozen breast milk out of the freezer, put it trough my ice shaver, and viola - a frozen treat for my son.

He ate is up quite happily & practically lived on it for the rest of the hot spell. When I mentioned to my pediatrician, he thought I was quite bright for trying it.

Recent Keyword Searches: disinfect baby diapers, frugal baby, how to sew training pants, homemade all purpose nipple ointment , how to store reusable wipes

Diaper Sewing_: Crochet Soaker patterns

2009-04-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Jennostlund for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I also am a crocheter but no knitter. I haven't found a whole lot of patterns but have found a few, and I'm working on creating one myself. A good place to go is Ravelry.com. I just found this site last week and I'm completely in love with it! The wool soaker group on Yahoo does have a few patterns. Here are a couple others I found...

The first one is super easy!
Little Fire Crochet Soaker Pants - This pattern is written in four sizes:
http://withatangledskein.blogspot.com/2008/10/little-fire-crochet-pants.html

Tickle Turdle Wool Wraps allow you to select the closure method you prefer. A snappi works great! So do diaper pins! http://web.archive.org/web/20080204220413/http://www.tickleturdle.com/wrappattern.html

Rolled Edge Wool Soakers - Crochet it, put it on your baby and adore how cute it looks!
http://web.archive.org/web/20050416015053/http://www.angelfire.com/biz/mothershelpinghands/crochet.html

Recent Keyword Searches: frugalbaby, make training pants, homemade baby toys, buttoned wool soakers, free knitted diaper soaker patterns with buttons

Diaper Sewing_: Terrycloth Towels

2009-04-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

Picture by pipestonegraphics
Thanks to Christy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I cannot find good terry by the yard either. I use thick terry towels to make doublers, that I find on good sales. Like Mervyn's, Sam's (like Price Club or Cosco) Walmart, etc. This is the only way to go in my opinion... the other stuff is not absorbant enough!

My sister-in law asked someone that makes a business of it and she said to order true thick terry towelling by the yard you had to order something like 200 yards....ouch!

So I use towels. I end up not wasting a lot because the ends I use for cloth menstrual pads. You can always use older towels and buy yourself the new ones too! The older ones, unless showing signs of serious wear, will do fine and they're more absorbant because of more washings. Hope this helps!

Recent Keyword Searches: frugal baby, maalox diaper rash, reusable baby wipe solution, fitted prefold diaper converted, convert prefold to fitted,

Diapering_: Absorbancy

2009-04-17T15:15:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Amy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

As far as absorbency goes, you might try using two diapers at a time, to increase the absorbency, and then put a fleece liner between the diaper and his skin to keep the wetness away. This is what I do with my son. It makes a HUGE difference!

I just got some fleece from WalMart, cut it into rectangles (about 6"x16"), and I place one, fuzzy side up (it's one-sided fleece) next to his skin. It keeps him comfortable, while the double-diapering is absorbent enough. I use toddler-size chinese diaper service qualtiy prefolds - 4-8-4's.

Yes, this is bulky, but it works!

Recent Keyword Searches: homemade baby toys, potty pail canada, potty pail canada, frugal parenting - babies, cider vinegar diaper rash

Diaper Sewing_: Knit/Crochet patterns

2009-04-14T08:44:00.005-04:00

Thanks to Melanie for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I found these links on a local Moms' forum. All should be free patterns, and all should have crochet patterns on the page somewhere!

http://www.borntolove.com/pattern.html

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Shores/4536/diapercovers.htm
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/projects/may01.html (is an outfit but has a soaker included http://www.birdcrossstitch.com/soakers/pattern/index_printable.html

http://www.purlbee.com/baby-bloomers/

http://www.curlypurly.com/pdf/soaker.pdf

http://crunchywannabe.blogspot.com/2009/01/gabey-baby-diaper-cover-this-is-my.html

http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/organicwool/woolpants.html

http://diapersewing.wordpress.com/2006/12/07/soaker-pattern-knit-in-the-round/

http://shortly24.wordpress.com/2009/03/10/pattern-newborn-soaker-on-flat-needles/

http://web.archive.org/web/20051022105107/http://www.tohook.com/blog/?page_id=44

http://www.fullvid.com/wool/WSLinks.html (a whole list of patterns)

Recent Keyword Searches: baby tips, frugal baby wrap, infant wipes recipe, frugal baby, diy diaper sprayer reduce water pressure

Diapering_: Meconium Staining

2009-03-31T10:32:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Cheryl for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I haven't cloth diapered a newborn but a lot of people have mentioned that using a folded washcloth inside a cloth diaper is a good way to catch meconium (or diaper rash cream) and not stain your diapers. I think you can find them at discount places for a couple of bucks for a dozen.

Recent Keyword Searches: gerber diaper liners, frugal diaper pattern, how to make homemade diaper covers, make a nursing bracelet, potty pail

Diaper Sewing_: More Free Patterns

2009-02-19T14:35:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Shelly & Olga for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Shelley wrote: Here is a free one, it's pretty easy & quick knit up. http://www.ottobredesign.com/en/print/pdf/wool_diaper_cover_en.pdf

Olga wrote: I like the curly purly pattern.
http://www.curlypurly.com/pdf/soaker.pdf
Also you can join a wool_soaker yahoo group and ask any soaker related questions. There are many experienced knitters.

Recent Keyword Searches: frugal baby, cloth wipes solution recipe witch hazel, diaper pail alternatives, how to make a nursing bracelet, reusable baby wipes

Diaper Sewing_: Good Free Pattern

2009-02-18T12:32:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Rebecca for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I have been making mainly Poopockets but tried this free pattern and
loved it - wanted to share.

http://diapersewing.files.wordpress.com/2006/12/freediapersite.gif

Recent Keyword Searches: disinfecting diapers, baby cupboards, maxi pads training pants, frugal baby, converting prefold to fitted

Diaper Sewing_: Homemade Soaker

2009-02-17T13:01:00.002-05:00

Picture by cleaningoutclosets256
Thanks to Elissa for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Just wanted to share with someone who understands: tonight I made Benjy the cutest wool soaker out of a shrunken wool sweater vest. I got the vest at a thrift store for 1.99.

I washed it on hot to felt it even more. I used a pair of nylon pants as a pattern, and made the soaker in about an hour or less.

He's been wearing it all evening and I've changed several wet dipes, but the soaker isn't wet. The vest was a heather gray lambswool from Old Navy, so he's looking very fashionable right now! :o) I think I am going to make a bunch of these.

Recent Keyword Searches: frugal baby, make your own potty pail, sew cloth training pants, witch hazel baby wipe, frugal cheap all in one diaper,

Mom Clothering_: All Purpose Nipple Ointment

2009-02-06T10:54:00.002-05:00

Picture By Positivemom
Thanks to Emily for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I used Jack Newman's recipe for the homemade version of All Purpose Nipple Ointment, which one of the labor & delivery nurses gave to me after she saw all the blisters.

Equal parts Polysporin, Lotrimin, and cortisone. Mix in small batches and use after anywhere from 4 to all feedings in a day, remix every 3 to 4 days.

The Polysporin has to be brand name but the others can be generic. It was a lifesaver and no need to find a compounding pharmicist to mix it.

Recent Keyword Searches: alternative to diaper pail, baby tips, sewing nursing pads, reusable baby wipes in toronto, homemade baby toys

Child Safety_: CPR Poster

2009-02-03T14:13:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Veronica for this Frugal Baby Tip!

If you call the American Red Cross or Heart Association they will send you a poster (8X10) of CPR instructions, because even though I am CPR/first aid certified for my daycare licensing, when the time comes it is sooo easy to freak out and forget, the poster really is good to keep and use if that time comes. They will send it free or cheap if you call.

On The Go_: Emergency Bib & More

2009-02-01T13:17:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Cathy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I spied some sheet straps in the Dollar store and put them to Frugal Baby use!
I keep a couple in the diaper bag,

- to use with restaurant napkins to make an emergency bib

- to hold a receiving blanket in place over a stroller or carseat

I use another one to use to keep baby's shirt tucked in, fastening the shirt at front & back over a diaper.

Glade Air Freshener Giveaway

2009-01-27T18:53:00.001-05:00

This is Frugal Freebies 3rd weekly giveaway and today we are giving away Glade products. Other companies are welcome to provide products for giveaways, just let me know!

Today's Giveaway is a set of Glade scented products, in Clean Linen scent, with a retail value of $23.00! It includes the following:

☼ One The Wisp® Flameless Candle - The new Glade Wisp® Flameless Candle combines the warm, flickering glow of a candle with the continuous freshening of an air freshener. Glade Wisp® Flameless Candle is battery operated and portable, allowing you to take it into virtually any room in the house! And with its warm glow and decorative glass jar, you'd never know it wasn't a real candle!

☼ One Glade Plugins® Scented Gel - Turns your wall outlet into a source of fragrance and freshness for 30 days! Each unit gently warms a scented cartridge.

☼ Two Glade Candles - Infuse your home with light, warmth, and the unique blend of two fragrances that complement each other - there's nothing quite like it! Glade® Scented Candles have a way of boosting your spirits and putting your mind at ease.

Winning is easy!!
To enter to win one of these great Glade Scented products, simply follow these simple steps and leave a separate comment for each step completed. I will choose one random comment using the Random.org integer generator, so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win these great products! Only relevant comments will be accepted. Your Giveaway prize is always free, there is no entry fee, no shipping & handling fee.

1. Leave a comment about why you would love to win this giveaway. (1 entries)

2. Follow Frugal Freebies on Twitter and leave a comment that you did! (1 entries)

3. Steal our Frugal Freebies Giveaway button and leave a comment about where you put it! (1 entry)

4. Twitter this giveaway and leave a comment that you did! (1 entry)

5. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your blog post! (1 entry)

6. Follow the Frugal Baby Tips blog! (1 entry)

7. Follow the Frugal Freebies blog! (1 entry)

8. Stumble or Digg Frugal Freebies and leave a comment that you did! (1 entry)

Who is eligible:
You must have a Canadian or US mailing address. You don't have to be a blogger to win, just supply a valid e-mail address or sign up to Prizey.net, if not comfortable leaving your email on a public blog.

When the giveaway ends:
Two weeks from posting. This giveaway ends on February 9/09. I will e-mail the winner, and results are always posted here as well. If the winner doesn't respond within four business days, with contact details, a new winner will be drawn.

I am also submitting the winner info to PRIZEYWinners so, if you wish, you can check there to see if you've won your giveaway. This offers readers the opportunity to check there without the inconvenience or security risk of offering up personal emails in public blog comments.

Thank you to Sweeties Sweeps for listing my blog giveaway.

Thank you to the Bloggy Giveaways for listing my giveaway!

Next Week's Giveaway - Febreze freshener products

Smashies - Organic Squeezy Apple Sauces - Giveaway

2009-01-21T08:57:00.001-05:00

This is Frugal Freebies 2nd weekly giveaway and Smashies is our sponsor today. Other companies are welcome to offer giveaways, just let me know!

Today's Giveaway is three prizes of 3.2 fl. oz (90g) fruit filled pouches of Smashies: Organic Squeezy Apple Sauces for kids! Smashies are the first Organic, no added sugar or HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) squeezy apple sauce pouches for kids. Perfect for lunch boxes, sports practices, and little hands, Smashies fit right into an active family life.

When my grandson saw them sitting on my office desk, he tried to wheedle them out of me, telling me how much he loved applesauce and that he wanted to try them. The snack pouches remind me of astronaut food, making eating good food - fun!

Click here to hear what parent and kids are saying about the line. Smashies.

Winning is easy!!
To enter to win one of these great products from the Smashies, simply follow these simple steps and leave a separate comment for each step completed. I will choose one random comment using the Random.org integer generator, so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win these great products! Only relevant comments will be accepted. Your Giveaway prize is always free, there is no entry fee, no shipping & handling fee.

1. Leave a comment about why your kid(s) would love this snack.

2. Follow Frugal Freebies on Twitter and leave a comment that you did! (1 entries)

3. Steal our Frugal Freebies Giveaway button and leave a comment about where you put it! (1 entry)

4. Make a purchase from Smashies and leave a comment that you did. (10 entries)

5. Twitter this giveaway and leave a comment that you did! (1 entry)

6. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your blog post! (1 entry)

7. Follow the Frugal Baby Tips blog! (1 entry)

8. Follow the Frugal Freebies blog! (1 entry)

9. Stumble or Digg Frugal Freebies and leave a comment that you did! (1 entry)

Who is eligible:
You must have a Canadian or US mailing address. You don't have to be a blogger to win, just supply a valid e-mail address or sign up to Prizey.net, if not comfortable leaving your email on a public blog.

When the giveaway ends:
Two weeks from posting. This giveaway ends on February 3/09. I will e-mail the winner, and results are always posted here as well. If the winner doesn't respond within four business days, with contact details, a new winner will be drawn.

I am also submitting the winner info to PRIZEYWinners so, if you wish, you can check there to see if you've won your giveaway. This offers readers the opportunity to check there without the inconvenience or security risk of offering up personal emails in public blog comments.

Thank you to Sweeties Sweeps for listing my blog giveaway.

Next Week's Giveaway - Glade candle scent products!

Miscellaneous_: Cleaning Cupboards

2009-01-18T16:35:00.003-05:00

Photo by djvexd
Thanks to Cathy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

This one is not really a baby tip either, but anything that makes keeping the house clean quickly and easily is a good tip for me!

I find the job of wiping out the cupboard one that I tend to put off, but then I thought of buying hard plastic placemats from the Dollar Store - they only cost me two for $1.00. Because they were hard plastic, I was able to easily cut them to fit inside my cupboards. Now they are easy to wipe clean. Much prettier too!

Recent Keyword Searches: slow cooker for warming cloth baby wipes, frugal baby, how to make training pants from prefolds, frugal baby stuff, make your own wipes bacteria

Don't miss our Weekly Giveaway from Frugal Freebies - Enter to win!

Miscellaneous_: Winter Windshield Clean-up

2009-01-17T12:21:00.007-05:00

Thanks to Cathy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I guess this isn't really a baby tip, but when you have the kids already strapped into their carseats in the middle of winter, and the windshield is frosted over, anything that gets you moving quicker is a good idea!

What I did was fill a small spray bottle that I bought at the Dollar Store with windshield washer fluid good to 45 degrees below zero. We start the car, have the heat settings on defrost, high and hot and I spray the windshield quickly before strapping in the kids. Once I am done, the ice scrapper does a quick job of any remaining ice.

Another idea: Cover your windshield with an old bed sheet when snow or ice is in the forecast. Hold the sheet in place, by closing it in the door on each side. In the morning, just peel the sheet off the windshield.

Recent Keyword Searches: homemade witch hazel wipes, how to make a nursing necklace, frugal baby, baby tips, convert prefold fitted

Don't miss our Weekly Giveaway from Frugal Freebies - Enter to win!

Miscellaneous_: Keeping Clean Under Hi-Chairs

2009-01-15T10:39:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Cathy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

When my son started feeding himself, I got tired of cleaning up the sticky mess he left under his highchair. So I went to Walmart* and found they had rolls of heavy-duty clear plastic in two thicknesses, about 60" (152cm) wide. (from $1.99 - $4.99 depending on the thickness)

I bought a 60"x30" (152x76cm) piece and cut one to fit under his high-chair (30"x30") (76x76cm).You could use a tablecloth from the Dollar Store, but since it's on the floor, I found the heavy-duty plastic lasted longer and didn't tear.

I still had a second piece of plastic left, so I put that under his carseat in the car, to protect our seats from wet, muddy or snowy boots and any food or drink spills!

* If your Walmart doesn't sell fabric, you can also buy this plastic at any fabric store.

Recent Keyword Searches: how to frugally have a baby, homemade baby toys, turning prefolds to fitteds charge, frugal baby, reusable wipes

First Weekly Giveaway!

2009-01-13T15:55:00.001-05:00

Frugal Freebies has decided to have a weekly giveaway and Born to Love has offered to be our sponsor to start. Other companies are welcome to offer giveaways, just let me know!

Today's Giveaway is a set of two Jr. Scissors - one shaped like a clown, one shaped like a rabbit. These scissors are marked safe for children, but are not recommended for children under 3 years old. I've used these scissors myself, and they actually cut really well, better than the scissors I normally use (mine must need sharpening!)

Born to Love has been in the baby business since 1978 run by a work-at-home-mom of 3. Born to Love carries natural baby products, including cloth diapering supplies, that is currently selling off their inventory, so Frugal Freebies wants to help do so quickly. Stock is limited, but there still lots of product available. There is an on-going tax-free sale, as well as a 10% discount code (Giveaway) to help you save money while you shop for your little one(s).

Winning is easy!!
To enter to win these great products from the Born to Love line, simply follow these simple steps and leave a separate comment for each step completed. I will choose one random comment using the Random.org integer generator, so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win these great products! Only relevant comments will be accepted. Your Giveaway prize is always free, there is no entry fee, no shipping & handling fee.

1. Visit Born to Love and leave a comment about an item from the site that you would LOVE to have. (1 entry)
2. Follow Frugal Freebies on Twitter and leave a comment that you did! (1 entries)
3. Steal our Frugal Freebies Giveaway button and leave a comment about where you put it! (1 entry)
4. Make a purchase from Born to Love using coupon code Giveaway for 10% off your total order. (10 entries)
5. Twitter this giveaway and leave a comment that you did! (1 entry)
6. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your blog post! (1 entry)
7. Follow the Frugal Baby Tips blog! (1 entry)
8. Follow the Frugal Freebies blog! (1 entry)
9. Stumble or Digg Frugal Freebies and leave a comment that you did! (1 entry)

Who is eligible:
You must have a Canadian or US mailing address. You don't have to be a blogger to win, just supply a valid e-mail address.
When the giveaway ends:
One month from posting. This giveaway ends on February 12/09. I will e-mail the winner, and results are always posted here as well. If the winner doesn't respond within four business days, with contact details, a new winner will be drawn.

Diaper Washing_: Cutting Down On Detergent

2008-12-31T09:00:00.002-05:00

Photo by lusi
Thanks to Amy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

My husband made some more of our laundry soap last night, and I did some calculations. Over the last month, I've been experimenting, and discovered that I can use much less than I used to and still get great results. My recipe uses one bar of Fels Naptha, grated (about 2 cups), and 1 c. washing soda. The total yield is roughly 52 cups detergent. Since I only use 3/4 c. per load, I end up with nearly 70 loads. So, that means that each load contains roughly 2/3 teaspoon washing soda, and 1 1/3 t. soap.

Now, the reason for all this? I've been reading that washing soda causes pilling for many people, yet I haven't had a problem with that. Perhaps this is because I have hard water; I don't know. However, I also wonder if it is because of the tiny amount that I use in each load? I see people using anywhere from 2 Tbs. per load to 1/2 cup per load. And the same thing applies to the soap - I read of people using 1/4 c. grated per load, yet I get great results with just 1 1/3 t. soap. Now, Fels Naptha IS a concentrated soap, but I wonder if I'd get the same results if the soap were not pre-dissolved, together with the washing soda, as it is when I make my soap recipe. It may be that the soap does it's job better when first dissolved together with a boosting agent (the washing soda).

I wonder if it isn't so much the washing soda itself that causes problems, as the way it is used? Many of you may be familiar with Don Aslett - the cleaning guru? He talks of how many people misuse cleaning solutions, by using them in the wrong proportions, and not applying them correctly. There's the idea of "if a little bit works, a lot will work better," and Mr. Aslett disputes this, by explaining that the products are designed to work a certain way, and if we overuse them, they will either not do their job properly, or will even cause damage. I wonder if what actually causes diapers to pill is TOO MUCH washing soda?

By the way - I've been washing my dipes this way for 16 months now, and not one has any pilling. Maybe I've been lucky; maybe it's because of the hard water (although it isn't excessively hard); I really don't know. But I thought I'd throw these thoughts out there - anyone else have any input on this?

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Diapering_: Diaper Change Distraction

2008-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Carin
Thanks to all for this Frugal Baby Tip!

QUESTION: My almost 8 month old daughter is getting pure he** to put a diaper on. Suggestions??

Tereson said: I lay my son on the ground and lightly put one leg across his belly so that his hands are at the top. I change the diaper and let him go.

Rachel said: First thing - I don't always put on a cover. If we will be home around the house, it isn't worth the battle for me. We have special toys for outings - grocery store bag of toys, etc. or a "cookie" (AKA rice cake to the normal people) that will distract her. Also, you might consider a couple AIOs for outings.

Karen said: She will get better about diapering in a few weeks or months... But until then, you could probably get an all-in-one diaper on her, even in public. You can even get AIOs on reasonably easily while she is standing, holding onto something because there is nothing to slip around.

Tonya said: My son does this to me! Often, the only thing that works is to lay him down on the floor, put my ankles over his arms and change him as fast as I can! I try to save my Velcro diapers or AIO for outings.

Shannon said: I can sympathize!!! Right now I am able to distract Gavin with a prefold tossed on his face. With my older children, I have also done the holding of arms by my ankles.

Joyce said: I have also tried singing with some success even though I can't carry a tune!

Ann said: Have you tried tape? A 5 inch length of Scotch or masking tape kept my son very occupied. Also try giving the babe an extra diaper for a game of peek-a-boo.

Rachel said: The final advice is to have a kazoo. Mackenzie used to blow hers at every diaper change. And we'd sing a song (little rabbit foo foo, old macdonald, 5 green speckled frogs) during the change. I have to say, though, that the best distraction was when our bird landed on my head!

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Diapering_: Swim Diapers as Covers

2008-12-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by calvinandmommy
Thanks to Veronica for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I just had a quick suggestion, and would like to hear comments from any one else that may have tried this. I was in Target yesterday and found the Ecokids swim diapers and other brands to be clearanced because of end of summer.

Well, being in Southern California I figured I might as well get a bunch being they were marked down from $6.99 to only .51 cents!!!!!!

I picked up a bunch, 12 in total!!!! I figured for that price my baby can wear a different swim diaper everytime! Well, then last night it hit me, I put one on over lil CJ's prefold to wear at night... it worked!

Has any one else tried this??? Has it worked in the long run??? (I only used it last night so far)Also, if this works I would suggest all of you who are trying to save on $$$ to pick some up, as I said my Target had them marked down to .51 cents!

I got some barney print, gingham print, neon, polka dots, and tropical prints.... They are so cute!!! Most of them are made of spandex type material with a waterproof liner, and then I have three that are just cotton on the outside with a waterproof liner.

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Diaper Washing_: Stains on Prefolds

2008-12-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by AndyBuyBrand
Thanks to Elissa for this Frugal Baby Tip!

"Help! I have nasty greyish yellow stains on my prefold diapers..."

I suggest trying Goo Gone. This takes out almost any oily stain. Squirt it on, leave it for a few minutes and wash the diapers in hot water with detergent.

You may have to wash them a couple of times after using the Goo Gone to get rid of the citrus smell, but I think it will work.

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Diaper Rash Help_: Boiling diapers

2008-12-22T09:00:00.003-05:00

Photo by Shelby947
Thanks to Cindy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I found this post on 1 Income Living. It gives directions for boiling diapers to help with diaper rash.

If your son's tush is breaking out, your diapers need a boiling.

Take a large canning pot and half fill with hot water, bring it to a boil, and add about 12 to 18 clean diapers depending on size of pot and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Boil diapers about 1/2 hour stirring regularly. You will see scum come out of the diapers from old detergent and such.

Drain well and wash in washer as usual. Dry cloth diapers outside if possible or on high heat in dryer. My son had a sensitive tush and this worked wonders. We did it about once a month or more often if bum was sore. My daughter only had problems with disposable diapers.

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Baby Wipes_: Easy Recipes for Wipes

2008-12-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Photo by PhilHaney
Thanks to Kellina for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I have come up with my own "easy" recipe for wipes. I just use asqueeze bottle (or spay bottle) and mix 5 squirts of Johnson & Johnson Baby Bath (the kind that already has aloe vera and vitamin E in it) with 4 squirts of baby oil and warm water.... to fill up the bottle...

Then I just shake it up and it is ready to go... I use it so fast that I make a new batch every few days, so it is nice and fresh! The Baby Bath cleans well. Plus, their skin is already use to it.. and the oil moisturizes ...and it is cheap to make and great for their bums.

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Toys + Playthings_: Homemade baby Toys

2008-12-20T09:00:00.003-05:00

Photo by busybees1
Thanks to Sharon for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Baby Stacking Toys
Save any empty plastic lids like shaving foam and hair spray lids, wash well, and give to baby who can sit well, to practice stacking up, nesting inside each other, and banging together to make noise.

Baby Play Mats
Using an small blanket as your base, sew on brightly coloured fabric pieces in different textures and sizes to create a play mat. Attach short ribbon loops to the corners, and you could attach a teething toy or rattle or two for extra fun.

Baby Sock Balls
Simply roll a clean pair of socks into itself so baby can practice gripping and throwing.

Baby Lid Chains
Start saving plastic lids from milk bottle tops, soft drink bottles, etc. Look for different colours. Punch a small hole into the top of each with a nail, thread onto a length of cord, or ribbon to create a chain of lids that rattles.

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Miscellaneous_: Gift bags

2008-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by asap328
Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

One day I noticed that the paper gift bags were costing more than the cloth shopping bags that grocery stores are now offering! Since then I have made the gift bag part of the gift.

I either fill up the cloth bag with my gift and add tissue paper, or buy some cellophane bags (3/$1 at the dollar store)to put the gift in first, then place it in the cloth shopping bag. There are all kinds of cloth shopping bags available now, some even seasonal!

Since the stores in Toronto have decided to start charging 5 cents each for their plastic bags, I think people will appreciate my reusable "gift" bags more and more.

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Baby Clothing: Christmas Blanket Gifts

2008-12-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by yarnlover66
Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Here are some quick & easy baby gift ideas:

If you can crochet, you can either buy flannel, burp cloths or ready-made receiving blankets, and finish the edge with crochet:

Crochet Edge Receiving Blankets

Crochet Edge Burp Cloths

You can make a double layered receiving blanket just by sewing two together along the sedged edge. You can trim a receiving blanket with lace, ribbon, etc. for a beautiful finish!

How to Make a Receiving Blanket

Receiving Blanket with Matching Burp Cloth

You could even make a bear out of a receiving blanket!

Receiving Blanket Bear

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Toys + Playthings_: Christmas for Baby

2008-12-17T09:00:00.005-05:00

Picture by Catherine

Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Our first Christmas with Jason, when he was 14 months old, I didn't have any tree ornaments, and didn't want to put up anything breakable. So I made him some felt decorations - Santa, teddy bear, tin solder, angel and Christmas trees - out of felt fabric. It didn't cost me much for the felt squares, and a bottle of glue. I made four of each type.

It was a good thing too, because Jason pulled the tree down on himself three times that year! But not one broken ornament.

And these decorations have lasted wonderfully - they are now 32 years old, and as you can see from my picture above, still going strong. I can't let them go, too much sentiment, but one day they will grace Jason's tree at his own home.

Related articles:
How to Make Felt Christmas Ornaments

Easy Christmas ornaments

Christmas Ornaments

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Toys + Playthings_: Christmas Bears

2008-12-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

Photo by Catherine
Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Here's a simple holiday tradition of ours that might help keep your little ones happy during this busy season. We have 3 Magic Bears, one for each of my sons, that would appear in our house on December 1st. All through the holidays, these tiny teddy bears would move about, from place to place - but only if no-one was watching.

Sometimes the boys would try to catch the bears, but they never moved while the boys waited. Then, the minute the boys would wander off, the bears would run to a new hiding spot. Sometimes the bears would be easy to spot, and sometimes just a tiny ear would be poking out of their hiding space.

Whenever the boys would start getting too rowdy for inside play, or start to fight, I would call out, "Where are those bears now?" Off they would go, to hunt the bears down!

On Christmas morning , the bears could be found hanging on the Christmas tree, where they would stay for the rest of the holiday season.

NOTE: Our bears are simple teddy bear ornaments, you could use anything - angels, snowmen, sants clauses, etc.

Related Articles:
Online Christmas Games
Offline Christmas Games

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Toys + Playthings_: Play Kitchen

2008-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I have fallen in love with this, and will definitely be making one for little ones in our family.

From Forty-Two Roads: This little kitchen unit is built entirely from recycled (as in, salvaged from the dumpster) corrugated cardboard covered in contact paper. No glue, no nails, nothing but clever joining cuts make the kitchen entirely disassemblable so it can be packed flat for moving/storage.

You can buy the pattern/instructions here:
Build a Cardboard Play Kitchen
Also Build a Cardboard Play Washer and Dryer

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Miscellaneous_: Puzzle Sandwich

2008-12-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

Picture by DominicaSaleStuff
Thanks to Susan for this Frugal Baby Tip!

This tip is for bigger kids than babies, but I thought you might find it a good one. When you make a sandwich for your child, use a cookie cutter to cut a shape in the center.

Cut the surrounding bread from the cut-out shape to the edge, to create a puzzle.

Scrample up the pieces before serving and tel lthem to put the puzzle back together again.

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Diapering_: Meconium

2008-12-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Picture by FuzzyTuggers
Thanks to Amy & Kasandra for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Amy: I finally decided what to do about the meconium staining my baby's diapers (baby is due in December)! I've been planning on doing cloth from the start, but thought maybe I ought to do disposable diapers for the first few days, in order to avoid the meconium staining my diapers.

However, last night the solution came to me! I am going to get a dozen or so dark washcloths, and use them as diapers (pinned) for the first few days. Afterwards, I can just use the washcloths for wipes or doublers, or pretty much anything! Any input on this idea? Am I off my rocker to think this will work?

Kasandra: That is a great idea.... Another idea would be to cut up some old receiving blankets into liners. Then you put those inside your regular cloth dipes and toss them out (instead of washing and reusing them like regular cloth liners) when they get meconium on them.

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Toys + Playthings_: Pocket Play

2008-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Picture by TERESAJD
Thanks to Susan for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Babies like to put things in pockets and then find them again. Make a pocket play wall out of a 3ft square of canvas. Hem the edges, take a bunch of pockets off some old clothing, and sew then onto the canvas, leaving the tops of the pockets open.

Put grommets in the top two corners, and hang on the wall at baby's level from peel 'n stick hooks. Baby will love discovering which toys fit in which pockets!

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Diaper Sewing_: Recycled wool wrap

2008-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Picture by dccnatalie
Thanks to DeliRose for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Delirose asked: Is there a free pattern for making a recycled wool wrap? I would love to make a few of these for the new baby and would prefer a ready made pattern/directions instead of having to figure it out all on my own. Links?

Amberlina: Try the MamaBird pattern for the shape. she tells you how to do different steps, so you can take what you need from it, and its really easy to understand.

Wheezy: There's a free wrap download. It might can work with recycled wool.

Mamatomax: Here ya go http://www.boiseclothdiapers.com/sew_wool_wrap.htm

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On The Go_: Pureed Fruit

2008-12-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Picture by im_an_ugly_duckling
Thanks to Susan for this Frugal Baby Tip!

You can make pureed fruit on the go with just a spoon or fork for babies 8 month and up. Cut an apple, or pear in half. Simple scrape across the surface of the fruit several times with a spoon, and feed the resulting puree to baby. You could also mash an avocado, melon, papaya, kiwi or banana with a fork - instant "baby food"!

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Diaper Washing_: Smelly Diapers

2008-11-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Ann for this Frugal Baby Tips!

With my son, the smelly urine starts as much as two weeks before he shows signs of illness. And I think it is age related... He was over 2 when this became really noticable (although I did have diaper service for a long time, so maybe this was there before and I never realized). Maybe it has something to do with his immune system kicking in...

To neutralize the "extra powerful" urine, I throw vinegar into the wash cycle(s) too, and a lot of it (maybe as much as a cup) if the smell is really bad. I've had his urine smell SOOO bad that you could smell him in the next room right after he peed... and lots of vinegar really helps.

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Diaper Washing_: Diapers stiff after line drying

2008-11-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Carrie for this Frugal Baby Tip!

From what I understand, and have found out myself, line drying does cause the diapers to be stiff. After I line dry, I run them in the dryer for about 10 minutes to soften them up a bit.

I've only line dried my fitted diapers once as I don't have a clothesline (yet), I'm sure you will get more tips from the great women here!

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Miscellaneous_: Laundry Soap Recipe

2008-11-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Thanks to The Lewis Family for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Here is the laundry soap recipe I found. It looks great, but I haven't used it yet. I think I'll add some peppermint Dr. Bronner's to it, too just for the smell. I guess you could add some essential oils if you wanted.

FELS NAPTHA HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP

Recipe By : Annette Bowser
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/3 bar Fels Naptha Laundry Soap
1/2 cup Arm and Hammer super washing soda
1/2 cup Borax
3 pints Water

Grate the Fels Naptha Soap. Put in a pan with 3 pints of water, and heat until dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup Borax. Mix and heat until all ingredients are dissolved. Cook for 15 minutes. It will look similar to honey. Remove from heat.

In a large bucket (3 or 5 gallon), put 1 quart of hot water, then add the soap. Mix. Add 5 1/2 quarts cold water (or enough to make 2 gallons total mixture). Mix until well blended. Set aside for 24 hours. Its will gel up. Use 1/2 cup for each load.

Fels Naptha Laundry Soap (it is a bar) is usually located near the bath bar soaps. If you can't find it go to SoapsGoneBuy for $1.75/ bar. Fels Naptha is made by Dial Soap Company so any store that carries Dial would be able to get it.

Borax can be found near the laundry prewash. (Usually called Mule Team)

Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda is in the detergent aisle of your store, near the Borax. If you can't find it call the 800# (1-800-524- 1328 (The UPC is 3320003020)) to find a store near you that sells it.

ANNETTE'S NOTES:
The Fels Naptha is hard to find but worth it. Everyone on the AOL tightwad board raves about it. They say it takes out everything, even old stains. I found mine yesterday and am going to try it as soon as I am out of my regular detergent. If you need Fels Naptha I suggest you check all the grocery stores in your area, it is usually with the laundry detergent.

Source: http://snider.mardox.com/lsoap.html

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Mom Clothing_: More Ideas on Cloth for Mom

2008-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by mommy0107pics
Thanks to Amy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I use cloth (or did before I got pregnant, anyway!). I use my old cheapie cloth diapers - the Gerber birdseye prefold kind you buy at Target or K-Mart. Those things are worthless in my opinion as baby diapers, but GREAT as menstrual pads!

I just fold them into the right size (shorter for day, longer for night), and place inside a snug-fitting cotton panty. I almost NEVER have leaks or slippage - in fact, less than I did with disposable pads. Yeast infections are history, and washing is no big deal.

I just keep an extra diaper pail in the bathroom, and toss in the used pad (and often a washcloth - much nicer to cleanse oneself withat that time of the month than toilet paper!). It is a dry pail. The first time I did this, I soaked, and the smell was HORRID! Took FIVE washes to get them clean again.

With the dry pail, there is no odor problem. When my cycle is done (about 4-5 days), I just toss everything in the washer, and run a cold cycle to rinse them. Then I add detergent (my homemade stuff!), baking soda, and fabric-safe bleach or whitener. Sometimes vinegar, if I think of it. Hot cycle, and then they go into the dryer.

Stains are minimal, and I don't care if they're there anyway - no one sees these but me! Best of all - cost to me was essentially nothing, as I'd purchased the diapers years ago for my babies (and used them quite unsuccessfully -just not absorbent enough!).

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Mom Clothing_: Cloth for Me

2008-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Kathryne for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I used cloth pads for about a year before I got pregnant. I LOVED them. I will definately go back to using them and take some of the bigger ones along to the birth center with me when I have my baby. They are soft, super absorbant, and I no longer get that terrible rash (not mention all sorts of other unmentionable things with disposables -- UGH.)

And in my opinion, cloth smells completely different, much more earthy, not at all fishy like disposables. I soak mine in cold water for a day, empty, then put them in a dry bucket and wash them with my underwear when I wash laundry once a week (that'll change as soon as the baby comes, I know).

I have Gladrags which are unbleached cotton, so stains are more noticable. You can get prints which I don't think would show stains nearly as much. I like Gladrags, but I haven't tried others. I saw one site on the web for ones you could even wear as a thong!

The only thing I don't like is if I run out and have to use a disposable ---- ICK!!!! I was about to buy more when I got pregnant, so... I'll get some before March.

If you liked the look of the Gladrags, you can find instructions for making your own look alike ones at Many Moons: http://www.pacificcoast.net/~manymoons/howto.html

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Diaper Washing_: Such hard work?

2008-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to B for this Frugal Baby Tip!

OK now I'm confused, and I have spoken to other UK cloth diapering Mums about this: why on EARTH would you store diapers in a dry pail before washing them, especially since your US machines sound so inefficient and unable to heat the water to the right temperature. It sounds tremendously risky from a hygiene point of view.

I store my diapers and washable liners in a nappy bucket with a touch of white vinegar in (so there's no smell) and then run a normal 40 degree wash with the rest of the household wash each evening, and occasionally zap the diapers in the microwave just because it's fun (what a great tip that was!), and I never have any trouble with stains. All these zillions of hot, cold, warm rinse, prerinse, soak cycles seem to make it such hard work.

Am I just being simple, or something? There must be some advantage that I'm missing here. Please explain.

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Diapering_: Diaper pail liners

2008-11-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Picture by Sylverton76
Thanks to Kellie for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Target has drawstring nylon bags, by the laundry stuff. I paid less than $5 each, and I have used them for nearly a year now, and they are still holding up great.

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Diaper Washing_: Pillowcase liner

2008-11-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

Picture by ljny_freecycle
Thanks to Dana for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Someone gave me a great idea for a diaper pail liner a while back... an old pillowcase. I have used it for 3 months with great success. I have two of them. I do diapers every other day, and I throw the pillow case right in with the diapers, and then put the other one on.

I was having a difficult time finding a nylon bag that I could throw in with the dipes, that wouldn't run. This works great, and I didn't have to spend any money!

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Diaper Washing_: Calgon Substitute

2008-11-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

Picture by how_ur_durrin
Thanks to Veronica for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Shannon said: I use liquid Calgon because we have EXTREMELY hard water. I use about half a cap of liquid Calgon or, obviously, about half of what they recommend. It's made a huge difference in the softness of the diapers. You're right; it's very expensive.

Veronica replied: I used Calgon too, it is sooo expensive when you see it reads to use 1/4 cup per load! The $5 box lasts about a week and a half here!

I went to the grocery store a week ago, and went to the huge bags of water softeners (for the softener machine). I don't have one, but I bought a bag of the cheapest rock pellet salt softener, the store's brand for $2.99 for 40 pounds! (kinda like the kind you use for home-made ice cream). It works just as good for me!

I pour a half of a cup into the running water, then on the rinse cycle I pour in some apple cider vinegar and presto! The diapers are soft, without added fabric softners. My washer has also lost its musty smell it used to have, it must be the vinegar. Funny how something that smells itself can make odors disappear!

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Diaper Rash Help_: Double layer protection

2008-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Picture by wtmohr
Thanks to Cathy for this Frugal Baby Tip!

When my son had a horrible diaper rash, I first put a layer of diaper cream on his bottom, and then coated it with Vaseline® to keep any further wetness away from his skin, while it healed.

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Diapering_: Inexpensive training pants

2008-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Picture by erick1160
Thanks to Tonya for this Frugal Baby Tip!

QUESTION: Does anyone have ideas for obtaining inexpensive cloth training pants?

ANSWER: Thrift stores! I've been in GoodWill, Savers and Salvation Army. They've all been about $0.69! You just need to scout them out frequently and start saving them so they're there when you're ready.

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Diaper Washing_: More on stains

2008-11-15T09:00:00.001-05:00

Picture by lannypicon
Thanks to Kimberly for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I also use this recipe and I love it! I do the same thing - buy used clothes at garage sales/thrift stores for about a quarter each (and I can get really nice stuff), and then I get the stains out with this recipe.

It's worked with almost everything. For really bad stains, and when I really care about the clothing and want to save it, I'll do the stain treatment, hang the garment in the sun all day to dry, and then do the strain treatment again.

I always do it exactly as the recipe says (1 cup Clorox II, 1 cup Cascade dishwashing detergent, and 5 gallons of the hottest water to come out of your sink, then soak overnight and wash as usual), only I cut it back to about 3 gallons and adjust the detergents accordingly.

Five gallons is a *big* bucket!

I wait until I have a whole bunch of things to soak and do them all at once. I always figured it was important to use the actual name brand stuff (Cascade and Clorox II) since the recipe came from the Tightwad Gazette. It seems like the author would have tried it with the cheaper no-brand detergents! But maybe not.

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Diaper Washing_: What do I do for staining?

2008-11-14T09:00:00.002-05:00

Picture by trumpet33_36
Thanks to Joyce for this Frugal Baby Tip!

You might try equal parts of Cascade dishwashing detergent and Clorox 2 powder in very hot water. I found this tip in "The Tightwad Gazette" and it works like a charm for me.

I will usually soak the clothes in this solution overnight and then wash as usual. I haven't tried it on diapers, and I always use the brand name detergents. I don't know if store brands would work also. I have even removed stains (probably food, formula, breast milk stains?) from second hand items, and who knows how long those stains have been there?!

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Diaper Sewing_: Free cover pattern

2008-11-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Sophie for this Frugal Baby Tip!

QUESTION: where can I find cover patterns?

ANSWER: In my opinion, it's easiest to trace a cover you like, or a diaper you like, and make it from that. I've done a couple of diaper covers that way, and it does take some fiddling to get it just the way you like it, but I think it's the most reliable way of getting what fits *your* baby the way *you* want. It's probably been posted before, but my favorite info page is:

http://www.diapersewing.com/

Super directions and suggestions for making your own diapers and covers.

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Diaper Washing_: Diaper Stains

2008-11-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Bevin for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I know we all like to go organic, but I have found that the best thing for those yellowy stains on shirts etc is this product called M-30 that I get from our local Dollar Store, for a dollar.

It gets out the worst stains on my husband's clothes (he's an iron worker and they get some nasty stuff on them) as well as that yellowy stuff on baby clothes (I have saved a lot of "throwaways" from family members because of it!)

You smear the stuff on really thick and let it sit for 15-30 mins, then wash. I usually wash the clothes again afterwards to get rid of anything that is left on it.

Recent Keyword searches: witch hazel baby wipes, frugal baby blog, baby tips, thrift store wool, frugal baby

Diaper Washing_: Cider Vinegar

2008-11-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

Picture by run4jc
Thanks to Ann for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Thought I'd pass along a new tip... CIDER VINEGAR! It makes the diapers MUCH softer. I tried it tonight for the first time and I am thrilled!

Flannel's much softer, Daisies are floppy... everything was noticably softer. Don't know why it works better than distilled white vinegar, but it does!

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Diaper Sewing_: Inexpensive Form-Fitted Diapers

2008-11-05T09:00:00.002-05:00

Picture by Rapture45
Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

If you find your prefolds or shaped diapers are leaking, but don't want to invest in more expensive form-fitted diapers, try this!

Get some elastic - bathing suit elastic will last the longest, available atmost fabric stores. Cut two strips about 9" long per diaper (1" [2.5cm] less for small diapers, 1"-2" [2.5-5 cm] more for large diapers) .

Centre one piece of elastic on each side of your shaped diaper along the leg (or along each side of the centre panel on your prefold). Stretch out the elastic, and zigzag-stitch into place.

Now you have form- fitted diapers to help "hold back the tide"! When using these diapers, place the elastic side of diaper away from your baby's skin.

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Diaper Sewing_: Making a fleece 2 layer pull-on

2008-11-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

Picture by Siabhra
Thanks to Sally for this Frugal Baby Tip!

OK, I am NOT very good at explaining things, (I'm a very visual person) so please forgive any confusing directions and feel free to ask for clarification.

Here goes:

All I did for the fleece soaker was
1) Trace around a pull on pattern. I have Indisposables breathable pull on pants, so I traced these, adding about an inch around the perimeter because I wanted it a little bigger to go over a big nighttime diaper. I traced with the fold of fabric at the crotch.

2) Cut out 2 of the exact same pattern.

3) I did a serge stitch around both pieces to attatch them, so it was like working with one thick piece of flannel.

4) Sew the sides together -- I didn't leave a whole 5/8" seam, I did as small as I could do easily.

5) Then I made casings at each leg hole and the waist. A big enough casing for my safety pin to fit through. (after I sew the casing, I push the safety pin through the casing with the elastic attatched to it.)

6) Tack down the ends of the elastic very well. Sew casing all the way closed.

7) Turn it rightside out, and Voila!! It's done.

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Diapering_: Alternative to diaper pail

2008-11-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Picture by wife2wayne
Thanks to Karen for this Frugal Baby Tip!

My preference is to use a 15 gallon Sterlite rectangular bin (about 4 bucks at WalMart), and I have it up on a table next to the changing table. I wash it out quickly with either vinegar or antibacterial hand soap each time I do diaper laundry.

It's not smelly, and since it's shallow, it's easy to wash out. No deo disks (which I think smell worse than the diapers). In dry winter weather when the we heat with wood, I don't even put a lid on it. The diapers dry out and when they dry out they are surprisingly not smelly.

But since I have a 2 story house, I have another setup upstairs. I use diaper pail made for disposables and a diaper pail liner. I like that system upstairs, because the Sterlite bin is not as easy to haul up and down stairs as a liner full of dipes. But since it's tall and a pain to wash out, a liner is a must for that one, but liners are kind of pricey.

I actually have 2 liners, so I can put the fresh one in right away, so I have a place to put the upstairs diapers that appear while the liner is in the wash with the diapers.

The bin method is less expensive than a pail and liner or 2, but both work just fine.

Recent Keyword Searches: diaper rash maalox, frugal pregnancy, baby tips blog, frugal baby blogs, prefold conversion

Miscellaneous_: The Family Bed

2008-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Picture by by billheat
Thanks to Carla for this Frugal Baby Tip!

We, like some of you have posted bought an expensive crib, decked it out in beautiful bedding, painted her room, etc. Then she slept in our bed from birth.

We did decide there wasn't enough room in our bed, and mover crib into our room rather than buy one of those bedside cribs. Our bed is high off the ground and the top crib mattress setting is exactly the same height. So we just stuck it right next to the bed and left the side down on that side.

But now that she is getting more mobile, we were a little worried, so our newest solution was to dismantle our beautiful one year old cherry Queen Anne bed (yes, we are still paying it off...) and put it in the basement. The mattress and box are on the floor, and next to it we have an older style full size box and mattress (we don't own a twin or we would have used that) that has the wall on two sides, us on the other and a changing table at the foot. So pretty much she is secure from falling off the bed. It is also about 4 inches shorter than our set.

All of our more mainstream friends think we're nuts :) We figure she needs the security, and we like having her nearby. But this way we have a bit of room and at least a bit of privacy. We figure if she is alseep, she has no idea what we're doing in the other bed, so our love life isn't on hold. In fact we keep trying for number two, we just haven't managed yet.

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Diaper Sewing_: Make your own pull-ons

2008-11-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Lauren for this Frugal Baby Tip!

For wool, you can recycle old sweaters. I make fleece pull-ons and love them for day and night. If you use Polartec or another outdoor-gear level fleece, you will need only one layer. If you use the Alpine fleece from JoAnn's you will need two.

You could also buy/find cheap pull-ons, cut them apart and use them as a pattern. Good luck!

You'll need:
• Old wool sweater. One with no holes will make 2 covers.
• Elastic (1/4 inch wide)
• the obvious sewing machine, thread, scissors, etc.
• Ten minutes

Drawings by Angela from borntolove.com
Wash (on hot) and dry (on hot) the sweater at least 2 or 3 times, until it is pretty well shrunk. This step not only felts the wool, making it quite waterproof, but also allows the butt sweaters to be machine washed and dried without shrinking.

Lay the sweater out on the floor. Cut off the sleeve cuffs and neckline. If the sleeve cuffs are very long, only cut off a few inches of them. You're not making pants! Cut the neckline piece in half. Set aside.

From the front of the sweater, cut out a large triangle, with the bottom being the hem of the sweater, and the top point being up at the neckline. Do the same from the back. Discard sleeves, or save for another project.

For the butt sweater:
Lay the sweater-triangle down so that the waistband is on top, and the triangle points down.

Fold in the two top corners to meet each other.

Fold the third corner (the bottom one) up to almost meet the other two. Pin.

This will create two seams, each starting at the top center, and extending downward at a diagonal.

Sew each of these seams, from the top, stopping about 4" from the bottom (less for skinny-legged babies). The open spaces are the leg holes.

Trim the leg holes as necessary. Sew in the sleeve cuffs to finish the leg openings.

Sew the ends of a piece of elastic (long enough to fit snugly around child's waist) together, and slip over sweater like a belt. Fold top edge over to encase elastic and sew down. Voila!

Finish the second one the same way, except first sew the ends of the neck-piece together to make two small circles. Use those to finish the leg holes.

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Miscellaneous_: Protecting the Bed

2008-10-31T09:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Elke for this Frugal Baby Tip!

We sleep all together in a family bed. I have always just folded up a flannel receiving blanket in fourths and put it under baby..... and when they got older and were potty training... I put the rubberized crib sheet under their portion of the sheet and cover that with the folded up blankie. Makes the "leaks" less devistating to the night.

Plus... remember I have had waaaaaaaaaay more leaks with disposable diapers than with cloth... in fact that is when I started using this blankie thing was when I was using disposable dipes.

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Diaper Sewing_: Make Your Own Diapers

2008-10-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture by CelticCloths
Thanks to Amanda for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Actually, what I did was sewed a pad of two layers of terry (and I cheated, I used a towel that had ripped and was no good for bathing), then I had cut a gauze flat diaper to be a little bigger than the size of the pad... and made that to be like an envelope for the terry pad.

I then sewed the pad to one side of flannel. I then sewed another piece of flannel to the original piece (so that it was inside out....print to print), turned it all right-side out... and re-serged the pad so that it would be sewn to BOTH pieces of flannel.

Sound confusing? It was REALLY easy, took me just a few minutes to whip up, and I am NO sewing expert. But I LOVE THIS DIAPER!

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Diaper Sewing_: Prefold-size Liners

2008-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Amanda for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I cut mine to be the same size as a prefold diaper, when folded into the thirds...Whatever those dimensions are! I just used the prefold as a cutting guide, and that's been great because it covers the entire diaper area, no leaks onto the sides or out front or back.

As far as the breastfed poops.... Holden had some really runny ones today and it kinda stuck on there... It didn't blow out like I thought it might have. I was impressed. Also, it rinsed off the fleece very well. IMHO they'd be great for protecting the dipes from poop stains.

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Diaper Washing_: Wool Covers

2008-10-27T09:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Lauren for this Frugal Baby Tip!

You could test your used wool covers by dribbling some water on them. If it beads up, they are still good. If it spreads out or soaks in, you need to relanolize them.

To do this you need to get some Lanolin, cheap from a pharmacy (you don't have to pay the $$ for Lansinoh), dissolve a small amount in a cup of hot water, then fill a sink full of warm water, pour the water and dissolved Lanolin into it, then put the covers in.

Squeeze the covers to get the Lanolin to penetrate. Then squeeze the water out and hang to dry.

You might also want to put a bit of baby shampoo in to clean them; I am not a lanolizing expert, so am not sure if the shampoo would have any effect on the lanolin being effective.... anyone else? If you did this you would want to rinse them in some clear water first.

Another option: I use Eucalan which is a special wool wash which already has lanolin in it. You can add additional Lanolin, which I recommend for the first wash since they are gently used, then every so often, maybe every month or two.

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Diaper Sewing_: Mushroom Liners

2008-10-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Dana for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I have used fleece as diaper liners too. They work great. I cut them in a mushroom shape to give more room in the butt end for the poops! It makes cleanup a whole lot better. I have found that my son stays drier with them. Amazing!

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Diaper Sewing_: 2 layer fleece soaker

2008-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture by jrk7382
Thanks to Sally for this Frugal Baby Tip!

All I did for the fleece soaker was:

1) trace around a pull on pattern. I have Indisposables breathable pull on pants, so I traced these, adding about an inch around the perimeter because I wanted it a little bigger to go over a big nighttime diaper. I traced with the fold of fabric at the crotch.
2) Cut out 2 of the exact same pattern.
3) I did a serge stitch around both pieces to attach them, so it was like working with one thick piece of flannel.
4) sew the sides together -- I didn't leave a whole 5/8" seam, I did as small as I could do easily.
5) Then I made casings at each leg hole and the waist. A big enough casing for my safety pin to fit through. (after I sew the casing, I push the safety pin through the casing with the elastic attached to it.)
6) Tack down the ends of the elastic very well. Sew casing all the way closed.

That's it!! I am sorry my directions are so crazy -- please feel free to ask anything to clarify. I don't know how it works, but it does!! Not even a damp feeling or "sweaty". Just dry and soft all night long!

Recent Keyword Searches: frugal baby, babytips, do it yourself sewing fleece, iy tutorial: make your own diaper sprayer, frugal pregnancy

Diapering_: Diaper Heaven!

2008-10-07T09:00:00.003-04:00

Picture by Ionamcnab
Thanks to Ramona for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I had a blast today! There's a small second hand children's store just down the street from me. I decided to stop in and ask about cloth diapers/covers, and they showed me at least three bins of diapers and a basket full of covers. The prices ranged from $1.29 for three liners, to $3.99 for a Kooshies...

I spent about fifteen dollars, and came home with a bag full enough to make a full load for my washer. I managed to pick up a couple of Indisposables, a nice (unnamed) prefold. I mostly got All-in-ones though for nighttime and when my covers are in the wash.

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Baby Wipes_: Three Wipe Recipes

2008-10-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

Picture by dstulken
Thanks to Paulidog for this Frugal Baby Tip!

The Baby Lane's wipe recipe:
1 1/2-2 cups of water (distilled works best but tap is okay)
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1 TBS. Calendula oil
2 TSP. baby shampoo
2-3 drops of tea tree oil
2-3 drops of lavender oil
-- Mix all ingredients and put in container (like a Chubs box). I keep my wipes on the side and dip them in as needed. I find this keeps them fresh.

Solution #2
(source unknown)
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tbs. oil (baby, olive)
2 tbs. baby wash
-- Mix and put in a spray bottle.

Solution #3
1 cup water
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
-- Mix all together, dump it over cloth wipes.

Has anyone used these and can give a review on them?

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Diaper Sewing_: Diaper Essentials Virtually Free

2008-10-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture from makingdowiththenotsonew.blogspot.com

Thanks to Melissa for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Hi! I started my venture into cloth diapers a couple of years ago and I found your site to be really helpful. I was especially into the frugal tips.

Since then, I have made my own diapers, covers, etc. for virtually free and wanted to share this and other frugal things I do on a blog.

I made a whole series on Really Thrifty Mom Cloth Diapers that I thought you might consider putting on your frugal baby tips page.

I provide photo instructions and minimal sewing skill projects (cuz that's all I got!) which I would have found helpful when I started my adventure.

Instructions on How to Make Cloth Diaper Essentials for Virtually Free

Wool Sweater Diaper Cover

Wool Longies

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Miscellaneous_: Easy-to-Clean Fridge

2008-10-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

Photo by Catherine
Thanks to Denise for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Taking care of baby sometimes doesn't leave you much time for keeping things clean. Here's an easy way to keep your fridge easy & quick to clean:

Put vinyl place mats on your fridge's glass shelves, cutting to fit inside your condiment shelves, vegetable bins, etc. Then you can simply pull out, wash off, dry, and put back into place in the few moments between baby needs. PLUS - no more bending over for long periods of time!

Mats are usually available in Dollar-type stores, so they are cheap to buy.

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Miscellaneous_: Make your Own Frugal Air Freshener

2008-09-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture by hildegardz
Thanks to Char for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Baby's room not smelling so fresh? Make your own frugal air freshener.

You will need:
• 2 packages Knox Gelatin
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup scented liquid potpourri
• pinch of salt

How to Make:
Heat 1 cup (250ml) of water with 1/2 cup (125ml) of liquid potpourri. Add 2 packages of the Knox gelatin. Stirring constantly, heat until boiling. Remove from heat. Add remaining 1/2 cup of potpourri. Pour into two 8oz. (250ml) jars. Place in the fridge for a few hours until set.

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Toys + Playthings_: Baby toy alternatives

2008-09-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Baby toys are expensive and uneccessary most of the time. The Unclutterer blog has a great article on baby toys...

Paint brush and water: Man, does she love to “paint” the sidewalk or fence with a paintbrush and small bucket of water. She can easily spend a half an hour painting and when she is done there is absolutely no mess to clean up. My mom clued me in on this one.

Laundry time: She loves to help with sorting laundry. So much so that we sometimes give her clothes on non-laundry days to sort through. Match up all the socks!

The comments section produced lots more ideas:

Finger painting with pudding, play with dried rice, treasure hunts, pots and pans, cardboard boxes, shaving cream and corn meal, toilet paper tubes, A shovel, a hose and a pile of dirt, sheets, and so much more.

Source: Unclutterer: Baby toy alternatives

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Diaper Washing_: Make your own diaper sprayer

2008-09-28T09:00:00.004-04:00

Picture thanks to Gidget Goes Home
Thanks to Dana & Jen for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Dana asked: I found directions on line on how to make your own diaper sprayer. Here's the link: http://gidgetgoeshome.com/2008/08/25/diy-tutorial-make-your-own-diaper-sprayer/ Anyone try this? Was it difficult?

Jen replied: I have something like that connected to our utility sink in the basement. I didn't even know that they had this listed on-line. I just went to the hardware store and told them what I was looking for and the wonderful man set me up with all the parts that I needed.

One nice thing about having it attached to the faucet is you can adjust the pressure. With the toilet you can't. You will also need plumbers tape if it isn't listed on the things to buy. Oh, I love mine and no leaks.

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Diaper Sewing_: Idea for diaper a toddler can't undo

2008-09-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Picture by CelticCloths
Thanks to Kara for this Frugal Baby Tip!

I've seen people complaining that they like the adjustability of Aplix/touchtape, but that their toddlers have learned to undo their diapers. I just started making my own fitted pockets, but have an idea that I'd like to share.

If you're making your own diapers and can do snaps (or are a WAHM), but want to have more adjustability, why not make a flap of fabric that attached to the top of the front of the diaper and snaps down over the Aplix?

This would keep the aplix from rolling and scraping the baby's stomach (another complaint I've seen) and would keep it away from little fingers. It shouldn't add that much bulk either if you make it out of a light-weight material.

You could even maybe use a soft flannel. A single layer serged on the edges might work, too. I'm envisioning something with two snaps, one at each side, with maybe one more in the middle if it seemed to gap. It might be a way to keep the aplix from contacting the baby in smaller sizes, too.

Edited to add: I guess I'm not the only one to think of this. Someone forwarded me this link to one that's being made.

http://hyenacart.com/beedieweedie/index.php?c=19&p=39652

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Diaper Sewing_: Free multisized diaper pattern

2008-09-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture from www.backwoodshome.com
Thanks to Oxsion for this Frugal Baby Tip!

There is a multi-sized diaper pattern (free) available at Bramblestitches:

"You can now download the full, multi-sized diaper pattern right here! Cool, huh? (The file will download as a PDF that you can print at home. Just match up the guides [1A to 1A, etc.], tape or glue the pieces together, and pick your size. Seam allowances are already included.) So far the instructions are only available in the magazine (Backwoods Home Magazine) but I know you’re a clever lot. "

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Diapering_: Washcloth diapers

2008-09-25T09:00:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Patti for this Frugal Baby Tip!

The wash cloths I use (instead of diapers) are made of white towelling, fairly thin, about 30cm (12") square, from Ikea for £1.60 for 10 (I am English).

I keep them in a stack, and when I want to make a diaper I grab a pile of four cloths.

I lay the pile on the floor, and line up the edges at one side, and then move two cloths a couple of inches towards me.

Then I fold the lined up side of the pile in about ten cm, and then fold the other side in on top.

This makes a long pad with a thick middle section (12 layers of towelling) and thinner front and back sections (6 layers). I wrap a liner around the pad as with a normal diaper and put it into the cover.

Then I put it on Felix - no problem!! I have experimented with having a thicker bit at the front rather than the middle, but have found I didn't need to. This diaper system works out as less than a third of the price of any prefold diaper or English nappy that I have seen, and it is ultra absorbent.

At night I sometimes wrap an extra cloth around the pad but I find this isn't really necessary. Of course if Felix was younger - he is 2 years - I might fold the cloths differently or use fewer of them.

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Diaper Rash Help_: Tub wash

2008-09-24T09:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Sally & Carla for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Sally says: One more thing on rashes -- My daughter had a rash all the time when she was in disposable diapers, and I would let her sit in a tub of nice warm plain water between every change and that helped too. As well as the airing out (which you are probably already doing!!)

Carla adds: Pop him in an Aveno bath between removing and replacing the diaper. It seems that excessive stomach acid was the culprit and he needed to have it both removed and soothed each diaper change.

Also her doctor recommended mixing creamy Desitin with Maalox (original)and using that as an acid neutralizer when she had to be out and about and couldn't do the bath each time. Seemed to help.

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Diapering_: Stinky diaper pail

2008-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mary for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Baking soda at the bottom of the diaper pail, and a sprinkle now and then (over the diapers) in between washings helps keep odours down.

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Baby Wipes_: Home-made Wipes

2008-09-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture by mustangsally84
Thanks to Kellie for this Frugal Baby Tip!

For cloth wipes I make my own, and I am not a good sewer. I bought some of Walmart's diaper flannel and just double layered it cut the size I wanted, doubled it, did a single stich around (with a machine), leaving a small hole so I could turn it inside out, and then stiched the edge again.

I bought three yards and have plenty of wipes, mine would fit in a standard disposable wipes container. I have also used old receiving blankets.

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Miscellaneous_: Melted Crayon

2008-09-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

Picture by kds0628
Thanks to Danielle & Mona for this Frugal Baby Tip!
Danielle asked: Does anyone know how to get melted crayon off a car seat? We left one in the car. And it got close to 100 today and all that was left was the wrapper. What is even worse is that it was my son's "Blues Clues" crayon!

Mona replied: Try using an iron (steam setting) with newspaper to blot the wax. I did this when I spilled candle wax on my carpet, and it worked fine.

Carla added: Actually, it's better to use a brown paper sack or plain newsprint with no ink, or the ink may transfer and stain also.

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Diapering_: More on diaper pails

2008-09-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Picture by ataylor1215
Thanks to Julie & Rachel for this FrugalBaby Tip!

Julie says:
I use a Kitchen garbage pail for my main pail that I love. It's by Tucker and it has a pop-top lid and a slot for a charcoal filter. But upstairs I just have a regular Rubbermaid kitchen container with no DeoDisk, and I have no odor problems really.

Rachel says:
I don't use a DeoDisk, and I have no odor problems. If you have a tight-fitting lid, you shouldn't. I sometimes put a splash of vinegar in the bottom of the pail, but that's it. I use a Sterilite container with Snap-Tite lid for wets and a Diaper Champ for poopies. Works for us!

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