My Frugal Baby Tips

Image: Play Mates, by Jeff Osborn on FreeImages

🧺 Tip #1 - Use a laundry basket for baby's toys. It will fit right under your baby's crib.

✂️ Tip #2 - Use coloured construction paper (or black, depending on baby's age) and cut shapes out.

Multi-Color Construction Paper

Put on the wall around the baby's change table, but out of baby's reach.

It helps to distract the baby a bit.

🖼️ Tip #3 - Use putty adhesive, so you don't damage the wall.

Move shapes around once in a while.

🪞 Tip #4 - Plastic pocket mirrors work better for older babies.

Thanks to Renata for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Image: Laundrypile by Robin Skyler Tell, on Flickr

Ingredients:

🧼 one bar Fels Naptha soap, grated (2-3oz bars or 1 4-5.5oz bar) (the finer grated the better)
🧼 one cup washing soda
🧼 5 gallon bucket
🧼 Water

Directions:

Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover it with water.

If you let this sit overnight, it is MUCH faster.

Heat on low until dissolved - don't stir too rapidly or too much, it will get foamy and you won't be able to see if it dissolved.

If you let it sit overnight, it takes roughly 20 minutes to dissolve.

If you didn't let it sit, it takes much longer.

Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap

When the soap is just about melted, put the bucket in the tub and fill with hot water almost to the top, then add melted soap.

Stir to combine.
Add 1 cup of washing soda and mix well.
Don't reverse the order or it won't turn out.

As it cools it will thicken.
Use about 1/2 cup for diapers.
And 1-2 cups for other types of laundry.

Plastic Bucket

If you keep it in the big bucket, you will need to stir each time before you use it.
I pour it into gallon jugs while it is still warm.

If you do this, only fill 3/4 of the way.
You will want to shake it to get it to mix and will need the room.
I learned this the hard way. LOL.

You can customize your detergent by adding essential oils to it.
Only add to the current jug you are using, because it loses its smell.

It is very soft without fabric softener.
If you add fabric softener, it makes clothes feel funny.

Thanks to Judi Sutherland for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Image: Christmasy Fleece Diaper Covers, by Ashley Barrett on Flickr

EcoPosh Wool Diaper Cover

I make fleece pull-ons for my little ones and love these covers for both day and night.

If you use Polartec or another outdoor-gear level fleece, you will need only one layer.

If you use thin fleece, you will need at least two layers.

List of free online patterns:
🚼 DIY Soaker Instructions

🚼 Rita's Rump Cover | Free Pattern

🚼 Katrina's Sew Quick Soaker Pattern

🚼 Diaper Cover with Gussets Tutorial

🚼 Free Cloth Diaper Patterns - Over 60 designs!

Image: 100% merino wool baby knitted soaker diaper cover

100% merino wool soaker

Or, cut into triangles and make similar to the wool version below.

You can add elastic at the waist and legs, or cut the rib knit off the bottom and cuffs of an old sweater to sew on.

For wool pull-ons, recycle old sweaters - if you don't have any to use, check out the second-hand shops!

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

Thanks to Lauren for this Frugal Baby Tip!

You'll need the following to make a baby butt sweater:

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

Wash (on hot) and dry (on hot) the sweater at least 2 or 3 times, until it is pretty well shrunk.

Image: Cut off the sleeve cuffs and neckline. If the sleeve cuffs are very long, only cut off a few inches of them

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.

Image: 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

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.

Lay the sweater-triangle down so the waistband is on top, and the triangle points down.

Image: Fold in the two top corners to meet each other. Fold the third corner (the bottom one) up to almost meet the other two

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.

Image: Sew each of these seams, from the top, stopping about 4 inches from the bottom

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.

If the waist is not snug enough, 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 the top edge over to encase elastic and sew down.
Voila!

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

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.

Drawings by Angela from BorntoLove.com - All rights reserved

Image: zefen Reusable Baby Diaper Cover/Knit Co | Natural, so soft, breathable, waterproof. Perfect with prefolds for hot climate

Reusable Diaper Cover

More Frugal Diaper Covers and Soakers:

🚼 Frugal Diaper Sewing: Easy Homemade Soaker

🚼 Frugal Diapering: Free Crochet Wool Soaker patterns

🚼 FREEBIE: Knit/Crochet/Sew Soaker patterns

🚼 Frugal Diaper Sewing: Free Diaper and Cover Patterns

🚼 Frugal Sewing: Make your own diaper cover pull-ons

🚼 Diaper Sewing: Making a fleece pull-on pant

🚼 Frugal Diapering: Make Your Own Baby Bum Sweaters

🚼 Diaper Sewing: More Free Wool Soaker Patterns

🚼 Diaper Sewing: 2 layer fleece soaker

🚼 Diaper Washing: Washing Wool Soakers

Image: Smiling at a fresh delivery of diaper wipes, by Jessica Merz on Flickr

I prefer to use Puffs facial tissues for my baby's bottom rather than the homemade baby wipes to save money.

I have a squirt bottle filled with 2-3 tablespoons baby wash, 2-3 tablespoons baby oil and water.

I squirt his bottom, then wipe with the dry tissues.

Facial tissues are softer and much less expensive than paper towels - and I don't have to bother with cutting the paper towels in half (which can get quite bothersome).

Thanks to J. Buffett for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Prince Lionheart
Warmies Wipes Warmer

More Baby Wipes Recipes:

👶 Baby Wipes: Frugal Baby Wipes

👶🏻 Frugal Baby Wipes: Diaper Wipe Recipe

👶🏼 Frugal Baby Wipes: Simple Wipes Recipe

👶🏽 Diaper Sewing: Hand-sewing Doublers and Wipes

👶🏾 Frugal Diapering: Using Washcloths

👶🏿 Frugal Baby Wipes: Home-made Wipes

👶 Diapering: Saving Energy with Wipes Warmer

👶🏻 Baby Wipes: Avoid Mineral Oil

👶🏼 Baby Wipes: Re-using Disposable Baby Wipes

👶🏽 Frugal Baby Wipes: Handi-Wipes Baby Wipes

👶🏾 Frugal Baby Wipes: Reusable Wipes and Recipe

👶🏿 Frugal Baby Wipes Recipes

👶 Frugal Baby Wipes: Two Wipe Recipes

👶🏻 Frugal Baby Wipes: Another Diaper Wipes Recipe

👶🏼 Baby Wipes: Homemade Baby Wipes

👶🏽 Baby Wipes: Make your own wipes recipe

👶🏾 Baby Wipes: Frugal Bum Wipes

👶🏿 Frugal Baby Wipes: Using a Thermos

Image: Puffs Ultra Soft and Strong Facial Tissues | Two times stronger when wet vs the leading value tissue

Shopping Suggestions:

👶 Puffs Ultra Soft and Strong Facial Tissues

👶🏻 Tolco Flip Top Cylinder Bottle

👶🏼 Johnson Head-To-Toe Baby Wash

👶🏽 Johnson's Baby Oil

👶🏾 Offpring Baby Bum Spray

Image: What are Those? by Teresia, on Flickr

Place a pair of thermal training pants, that fit snugly, over your baby's cloth diapers - instead of a diaper cover.

With a good absorbent diaper, maybe with the addition of a diaper doubler or two, this will let your baby's skin breathe - yet help to keep the wetness inside.

Plus, you can use these pants again when your baby is ready for potty learning.

Thanks to Anne for this Frugal Baby Tip!

BIG ELEPHANT Unisex Baby Pure Cotton Potty Training Pants Ultra Wide Pee-Proof Wing Underwear 6-Pack Set

Pee-Proof Underwear

Shopping Suggestions:

🧒🏻 Pee-Proof Underwear

🧒🏻 Gerber Baby Training Pants

🧒🏻 OsoCozy Gauze Diaper Unbleached Doublers

🧒🏻 Bambino Mio, Mioboost (Booster Pads)

🧒🏻 Best Bottom Potty Training Kit

Image: Indoor sandbox play, by OH Snap! Julie McGraw Photography, on Flickr

You can keep your little ones busy on a rainy stay-in day by creating an indoor sand-box or sensory box.

All you need is a large plastic dish-pan and a 5lb. (2 kg.) bag of cornmeal, rice, pasta noodles, dried beans, oatmeal, kinetic sand, etc. for sand.

ADD: plastic cups, spoons, scoops, bowls, measuring cups, funnels, strainers, etc.

Be sure to only fill to 3-4 inches below the top of your container to reduce spills.

The cornmeal, rice, pasta noodles, dried beans, and oatmeal vacuum up quickly and don't scratch the floor.

IDEA: Those Rubbermaid type bins that store under a bed make a nice big table type size container.

KINETIC Play Sand

Shopping Suggestions:

🏖️ KINETIC Play Sand

🏖️ Rubbermaid Dish Pan

🏖️ 50 Quart Underbed Buckle Up Box

🏖️ Rice in bulk bags

🏖️ Oatmeal in bulk

🏖️ Dried Beans in bulk

🏖️ Cornmeal in bulk

🏖️ Pasta in bulk

Image: Diaper Change on the Fountain Bench, by Sean Dreilinger on Flickr

Need a diaper cover in a hurry, and they're all in the wash!?

I used to keep nylon pull-on pants around for just such an emergency!

They are all in the wash too?? Use a plastic bag!

Cut a T-shape out of a grocery bag for a baby under about 16 lbs., or a kitchen garbage bag for a bigger baby.

Cut the bottom part of your T about 10" (25cm) wide on the bottom fold of the plastic bag.

This is the crotch part of your emergency diaper cover.

Photo credit: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

Cut the top part of your T across the width of the plastic bag. This will be the waist ties.

Make your T about 8" (20cm) high for small, 10" (23cm) high for medium or 13" (33cm) for large.

Cut the sides of your T curved, for better coverage. Cut open the waist ties, so you can tie it on over baby's diaper.

Ties can be about 20" (51cm) long for small, 23" (58cm) for medium or 27" (69cm) for large.

Trust me, it sounds more complicated than it is . . .

When you open up the cover, you should have a giant H shape.

Place a folded prefold diaper inside, place baby on top, and tie at each side of baby's waist.

If you really like this style of diaper cover, you can cut some more out of waterproof, rip-stop nylon for no-sew, indestructible, washable tie-on diaper covers.

Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Diaper How-To Photo credit: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
All rights reserved

Disposable Changing Pad

Shopping Suggestions:

👶 Diaper Quick Change Emergency Kit

👶 Safety 1st Oh Sh*t Kit

👶 Johnson's Tiny Traveler Baby Gift Set

👶 Daddy's Diaper Duty Apron

👶 Boudreaux's Complete Rash Kicking Kit, Diaper Rash Ointment and Applicator

👶 Disposable Diaper Changing Kit to Go

👶 Maki's Disposable Diaper Changing Kit to Go

Image: Crazy baby on a plane, by Madgerly on Flickr

I've flown twice with my daughter, Mackenzie - we flew to and from Massachusetts at 2.5 months, then to and from at 7 months. I was alone with her the first time, and my husband was with us the second time. We'll be going again in July-August, which would be 14 months.

If you can afford it, get the extra seat - holding a 2.5-month-old was easy. Holding a 7-month-old was harder. We're getting a seat this time - we'll be flying there alone, then back with my husband.

Primo LapBaby

Check as much as you can. If you get a seat for the kiddo, he/she gets two bags as well. But be sure to save at least one bag worth for things you're bringing back with you - even if you get no gifts, things never pack as well!

Roll the diapers to make them fit better in the diaper bag - and pack a day's worth (8-10 if possible) plus an extra shirt for you and an extra outfit for the kiddo. I don't know if it's the air pressure or what, but we have had our worst blow-outs on planes!

If you bring a stroller, gate-check it - it will get you to the gate, then you can ditch it. That way it can help you carry a diaper bag, baby, and sling through the airport.

Image: Child Airplane Travel Harness | Simple to use, Hands free for parents during flights | Cares Safety Restraint System | The Only FAA Approved Child Flying Safety Device

Flight Vest Travel Harness

Listen to my one word of advice - I don't care how addicted you are to your computer - do not try to carry baby, laptop bag, and diaper bag alone! It really isn't worth it - it gets bulky and heavy and cumbersome. But if you have a helper traveling with you, by all means, bring the laptop!

Finally, if you have a high-energy child, board *last* - if you pre-board that's just a longer period of time for them to get upset!

Happy traveling!

Rachel - who successfully cloth diapered through two airplane trips!

Thanks to Rachel for this Frugal Baby Tip!

Image: Teddy bear bookends, by Camila Sanabria (cahmeelah), on Flickr

Decorating a little one's room can be so much fun! And can be so expensive!

But it doesn't have to be!

Steiff Teddy Bear

I took a look around and a Teddy Bear Bookend can cost you as much as $200 EACH!

Did you know... you can make your own matching stuffed toy book-ends out of your own adorable stuffed animals?

Simply undo the back of your stuffed toy, take out some of the stuffing and fill with marbles for weight.

Re-sew the back opening by hand.

Image: teddy bear sewing another teddy bear

To prevent sliding, glue a non-slip rubber /silicone mesh pad on the bottom of the stuffed toy.

This works great for matching the decor in your baby's room.

Thanks to Renata for this Frugal Baby tip!