How to Make a Makeshift Diaper

Don't panic if you forget extra diapers for your baby -- make one with a towel.

Suddenly realizing you forgot to pack diapers for your baby can create a sinking feeling for any parent. Whether you're at a park, friend's home or camping, finding a diaper substitute doesn't have to be a difficult task. You can make an inexpensive and quick temporary diaper using cloth material you probably have on-hand, so you don't have to make an emergency run to the nearest grocery store. Don't panic if you don't have a clean diaper; learn how to throw together a makeshift one yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth or towel scrap
• Diaper pins or tape
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Find a piece of cloth to use for your makeshift diaper. Old dishrags, washcloths or T-shirts work well for temporary diapers.

2. Fold the cloth into a rectangle. Cut the cloth with scissors, if necessary, to form the rectangle. Double up on folds of the cloth for added leak protection, if possible. Most babies require a 6-by-10-inch piece of cloth.

3. Place your baby in the center of the cloth rectangle. Position the baby so the top of the rectangle is waist-level.

4. Fold the bottom part of the cloth between the baby's legs. Hold in place.

5. Fold the left and right sides of the cloth toward the center and belly of the baby. Secure all three sides in place with a diaper pin or strong adhesive tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Masking tape, duct tape and first aid tape all work well for securing a temporary diaper in place, but first aid tape tends to be gentler on the skin.

• Place a maxi pad on the inside of the makeshift diaper for added protection against leaks.

• Only use diaper pins to secure a makeshift diaper. Other clothes pins or safety pins could come unfastened and harm your baby.

References

• Clever Parents; Back-Up Plans: What to Do When You're Down to the Last Diaper, Forgot a Bib, Run Out of Milk...; Melissa Stanton; 2008

Resources

• Time Magazine: Diapers Go Green