My Frugal Baby Tips: 2021-01-17

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!