How to Make Baby Diapers

Cloth diapers

Purchasing disposable diapers for babies can be very expensive. For generations before us, however, there was never a need to purchase diapers, because people made the diapers themselves. Many are now turning to this cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth (cotton, terry, old shirts or towels)
• Elastic
• Needle and thread or sewing machine
• Pencil
• 1 disposable diaper
• 1 reusable potty pad for dogs (optional)
• 1 old washcloth (optional)

Instructions

Making a DIY Diaper

1. Decide on what material you'd like to use. Cotton, terry or flannel can all be used for baby diapers. In fact, you can even cut up old robes, shirts or towels to begin your process.

2. Purchase disposable diapers in your baby's size. Make sure they fit comfortably and don't allow for leaks.

3. Open the disposable diaper onto the material and trace it with a pencil, allowing extra room for the elastic around the legs and around the waist.

4. Decide what you'll put in between to soak up the baby's urine and feces. You can use terry, washcloth or purchase a reusable pad at the pet store to cut up. Trace this to the same shape as the diaper.

5. Fold the elastic into the legs and sew the diaper together with the terry or pet pad in the middle. Repeat for the top, making sure the elastic fits snugly, but not too tight.

6. Put it on the baby to measure. Make adjustments as needed.

7. Add snaps. Velcro can disintegrate in the wash and diaper pins are tried and true, but can poke the baby.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the diaper is not too loose or too tight. If it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable. If it is too loose, it will leak.

• If you use a washcloth for the soak pad, you will need to fold it and then sew it in to the diaper. This is not too difficult, it just takes an extra step.

References

• How to Make Cloth Diapers
• How to Sew a Fitted Cloth Diaper