10 Alternative Uses For Baby Washcloths!

by MyGreenNest | Feb 23, 2015 | Breastfeeding, Cloth Diaper Accessories

Did you just receive a billion baby washcloths from your baby shower? If you’re not sure what to do with all of them I have a few ideas for you. They may have been one of the most versatile gifts you received!

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of my fun-little-links and purchase something, I'll make a small commision at no extra cost to you. It's a win-win for both of us right?

I wasn’t sure as a new mom if baby washcloths were worth purchasing but now I use them more than any other type of household cloth.

1. Baby washcloths are perfect for general cleaning. I like to use them on my more delicate things like glasses or tv screens.You can use them to remove makeup or clean off your jewelry.

2. You can use them to clean off your pump supplies. They are the perfect size cleaning rag for getting into the small areas of your pumping parts. This allows for a more thorough clean.

3. I like to use baby washcloths to wipe myself at my pumping station. They are the perfect size for throwing in your purse or bag. When I first began breastfeeding I was very sore and these washcloths were a lot softer than your general cleaning rag.

4. Baby washcloths can be used with or in place of reusable nursing pads.This is great if you are out of disposable nursing pads or just forgot them. Simply whip out your washcloths and fold them in a square and insert into your bra! You can fold them several ways and double up for night time.

5. Quick panty liner! You can use these in place of a panty liner incase you are in a situation and would rather not use toilet paper. A lot of women are starting to use reusable cloth pads to help the environment and cut cost!

6. Baby washcloths make FANTASTIC cloth wipes and they are more affordable compared to purchasing “cloth wipes.” You will save a TON of money and trips to the store if you switch to using cloth wipes, even if you use disposable diapers. I find that baby washcloths get my baby a lot cleaner than the disposable wipes because the fabric grips onto the mess instead of smearing it. If you are looking for a fun way to store your cloth wipes, check out my video on POP YOUR CLOTH WIPES!

7. Reusable toilet paper! Using baby washcloths instead of toilet paper is a great way to help the environment and cut cost. You can have a nice little basket with some fresh cloth wipes next or on top of your toilet and keep a wet bag to place the soiled ones in. Launder them once or twice a week with hot water and use a little bleach every once in a while. Buying reusable toilet paper or “adult cloth” can be a little pricey so I would suggest using baby washcloths instead.

8. Stop using paper napkins and start using cloth! I am not talking about those fancy cloth napkins that look pretty but don’t absorb messes very well either. Baby washcloths are fantastic at cleaning your baby/various messes and they are already the size of your basic table napkin. This makes them the perfect alternative to using paper napkins! Keep them in a wet bag inside of your car with some water in a spray bottle. If one of your kids spill something in the car you can clean it up a lot easier and then toss the soiled cloth in your wet bag.

9. You can use them as baby teethers. Take your baby washcloth, roll it up and add a little clear rubber band and then mist with water. Make a few of these and set them all in a tub and then pop into the freezer. Your baby will love chewing on these and the washcloths don’t have the chemicals that some plastic teethers have. *Just make sure you have a bib on because when the water melts it could get a little messy.

10. Last but not least, baby washcloths make the perfect gift! You can make all sorts of cute decorations for diaper cakes, baby showers, and so on out of them. Even if you do not cloth diaper, I think every mom should have at least a handful of these useful washcloths!

How To Make A Flower out of baby Washcloths!

In this quick tutorial I will show you how to make a cloth flower that will impress your friends and family! They are really easy to make and low cost. You can make these for baby showers, use them as diaper cake accents, and more!

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Snappi Vs Boingo!

by MyGreenNest | Feb 7, 2015 | Cloth Diaper Accessories

Are you getting into prefolds and flats but can’t figure out what diaper fastener to try?

After cloth diapering for 5+ years, I’ve had plenty of time to test out both Snappi and Boingo fasteners.

I’ll dive into the differences of each fastener so you can better decide what is best for you!

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Snappi Fasteners

* The Snappi Diaper Fastener (Amazon aff link) secures from three sections of the diaper.

* Snappies are stretchy and have tabs you can use to stretch on each side when securing the diaper.

* They have protective covers that you can use over the combs while not in use.

* Snappi has released a few new colors, and now come in two sizes!

Snappi Cloth Diaper Fastener On Baby Girl

Check out my full review on Snappis Here.

Boingo Fasteners

Check out my full review of the Boingo Diaper Fasteners here!

* You only have to purchase one set. They are a “one size fits all” type of option.

*Boingos (Amazon aff link) come with a three month warranty and you can sanitize them by boiling for three minutes.

* You can extend the use of your prefolds by using these when your snappi will no longer reach.

*Boingos come in a lot of funky colors which include glow in the dark, glitter, and the new Solid Gold color!

A quick video highlighting the differences between the Snappi & Boingo. The Snappi and Boingo are an alternative to using safety pins with your prefolds or fitted cloth diapers.

The Snappi was created in South Africa by a father who was tired of dealing with safety pins. Snappi’s are made of 100% degradable materials and stretch easily to secure the diaper.

The Boingo was created by a mother of 7 children (Stacee Magee) who diapered for over 16 years! You can use the Boingo on prefolds that are almost too small extending the use of them. They are also great for newborns that have a small waste. Both diaper fasteners have their place and advantages.

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Diaper Pail Liner Review – Planet Wise, SomeFew & GroVia!

by MyGreenNest | Jan 12, 2015 | Cloth Diaper Accessories

If you have decided to cloth diaper the next thing you will need is something to store them in.

There are several different ways you can store them and different types of diaper pail liners you can use.

I know this can be overwhelming so I’m going to show you the ones that have lasted me for years and how to use them!

This post has been updated after 5+ years of using these diaper pail liners.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Click the image above to play the video.

About Diaper Pail Liners

If you are planning on using cloth diapers I would strongly suggest getting a couple of Diaper Pail Liners (aff link) to rotate.

I linked my personal favorite brand above.^

You can throw one in the wash with your dirty diapers and pull out the clean one to use.

A pail liner is pretty much a giant wet bag; it’s waterproof (or water-resistant) and usually made with PUL or TPU.

Diaper Pail liners work by holding in the odors and moisture from your dirty diaper laundry.

Let’s be honest, that stuff can reak!

You can get diaper pail liners in a lot of colors and prints to match your nursery along with different sizes.

They also come in different closures like drawstring, zipper, and elastic versions. Some can even hang adding to their convenience.

Containers For Your Dirty Diapers
You can purchase a Fancy Diaper Pail (Amazon aff link) to hold your diapers or go the cheap route and pick up a 13-gallon trash bin from Walmart.

We’ve been using our trash-bin for over 5 years and will be able to continue using it after we finish cloth diapering.

GroVia – Diaper Pail Liner

I’ve talked a lot about GroVia on this blog but dude, they always make quality products that last!

This is probably my favorite Diaper Pail Liner (aff link) out of the three because of its ability to lock in moisture and not drip everywhere when I hang dry.

The diaper pail liner I originally purchased from them features a drawstring closure. However, now they offer different kinds and more beautiful color options.

Before washing this bag I loosen the drawstring all of the ways so it doesn’t get tangled in my diapers.

These Are Good For More Than Diapers.
Diaper pail liners are great for traveling with cloth diapers, beach towels, and supplies or even storing dirty clothes. They are very versatile so you can continue you to use them after your diapering days.

Planet Wise – Diaper Pail Liners

Planet Wise is a well-known brand that is my second favorite after GroVia. You can check out their Pail Liners Here. (Aff link)

One of the perks of purchasing from them is they offer a large variety of colors and prints to choose from. This is great if you have an open diaper bin like me and are a little OCD about matching EVERYTHING to your nursery!

The Cons…
The only drawback is their liners are a little pricier than other brands but the PUL quality is nice and thick.

The thicker material helps to lock in the odors and moisture from your soiled diapers.

I also noticed that this liner seems to drip water whenever I am hang-drying it, so I usually throw a little hand towel underneath.

Sometimes I try blotting it dry first and then adding the towel. This is the only real quirk I have with this pail liner but I think the overall quality is pretty good and I love the colors they offer!

Simple Steps To Prevent Odors!

You might be tempted to put a lid on those stinky diapers but I found that keeping everything open helps with airflow and ultimately with odors.

Just keep little Johnny from getting into them!

I also Spray All Of My Diapers and sprinkle a little bit of baking soda in my diaper pail.

My nursery smells pretty well most of the time, you’d be surprised knowing there is a bin full of dirty diapers sitting in the room.

Make sure you wash your diapers every two to three days to prevent ammonia build-up, nasty odors, or any mold.

If you do go longer then do no less than two wash cycles each time you wash your diapers.

Every now and then I also like to open my windows and let some fresh air circulate through the room.

This helps in keeping my nursery fresh and crisp.

If you have any questions please be sure to drop me a comment below. I really do try to read all of them and respond!

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5 Healing Ingredients For Your Homemade Wipe Solution!

by MyGreenNest | Jan 9, 2015 | Cloth Diaper Accessories, Natural Products

Post may contain affiliate links. Do you struggle with diaper rash or have an issue with all of the chemicals that are added in commercial wipes? I have done some extensive research and found 5 ingredients that you can add to your own homemade wipe solution. Each ingredient was chosen for sensitive skin and offers many healing benefits. You can rest assured that your babies bum is getting the best care!

1. Witch Hazel

History

The therapeutic benefits of aloe date back around 4,000 years ago! Known as the “Miracle Cure,’ even the ancient Egyptian queens used aloe as a beauty product. They believed it made their skin more radiant and young.

Anti-Inflammatory – Probably its greatest benefit comes from the witch hazel anti-inflammatory properties. Out of 65 plants studied by scientist in Japan, only two plants came out on top. Witch hazel was one of them making it perfect for soothing a diaper rash!

Antimicrobial – Witch hazel can actually help heal bruises and cuts which are caused or irrated by viruses and bacteria. A German study concluded when the skin is treated with the extract, it will help fight bacteria on the skin. This will aid with infections and other skin problems.

Astringent – Due to the high levels of tannis in the leaves, witch hazel promotes faster healing within the skin and helps to stop bleeding. This is ideal for diaper rashes, eczema and other ailments.

Moisturizer – Witch hazel helps reduce water loss in the skin, maintaining its softness and elasticity!

2. Aloe Vera

History

The therapeutic benefits of aloe date back around 4,000 years ago. Known as the “Miracle Cure,’ even the ancient Egyptian queens used aloe as a beauty product. They believed it made their skin more radiant and young.

Anti-Inflammatory – Aloe cures cuts, wounds, burns and all sorts of inflammations in the skin. The plant contains “plant steroids” which reduce inflammation naturally.

Antimicrobial – Aloe also fights bacteria on the skin caused by wounds.

Soothing – It has a cooling effect on the skin and helps damaged skin to rebuild tissue. *This could work on diaper rashes, eczema, and other skin ailments.

Refresher – Aloe helps to refresh the skin and keep it moisturized. When applied to the skin it releases vitamins and enzymes that help treat and restore the skins natural pH balance.

3. Coconut Oil

History

Coconut oil has been used in many cultures worldwide for thousands of years. Botanically, the coconut is not actually a nut but a drupe.

Anti-fungal & Anti-bacterial – Coconut oil contains 3 fatty acids that kill many common fungal infections on the skin. This oil also contains microbe-killing properties that take away body odor!

Natural Soother – Because of the Vitamin E contained in this oil, it protects the skin from damage over time. It helps to sooth eczema, sunburn and many more skin ailments. Because of this oil’s fatty nature, it acts as a skin softener/soother.

Skin Nourisher – the fatty acids are directly absorbed through the skin, nourishing and providing energy.

* In order to get the best results, you want to use Unrefined Pure Virgin Coconut Oil. The processed oil has less health benefits and not good for skin use.

4. Tea Tree Oil

History

Tea Tree Oil is also known as the “Medicine in a Bottle” because of its effectiveness to treat burns, boils, and cuts. The Aborigines of Australia started using this medicinal oil thousands of years ago. This oil is derived from the leaves of the Tea tree native to Australia.

Antiseptic – this oil has long been used to treat minor burns, cuts and scrapes.

Anti-bacterial & Anti-fungal – There are 5 components in the oil that kill many fungal ailments such as athletes foot, ringworm, and so on. It’s even known to kill canker sores if applied undiluted. Like the other ingredients listed above, this oil also treats many skin ailments like acne, eczema, rashes, and more.

Immune System Booster – Tee Tree Oil helps your body absorb vitamins and minerals, helping to boost the immune system.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

History

Apple Cider has been used by all ancient civilizations as a preservative and medicine. It has been found in Egyptian urns dating back 3000 BC. The word “vinegar” originates from France and means “Sour Wine.”

PH Balancer – ACV vinegar has a PH that is very similar to human skin. Washing with normal soap can take away some of the natural acids (making it too alkaline) that help protect our skin. ACV will help restore the skins natural PH balance.

Anti-bacterial & Anti-fungal – Helps to fight foreign bacteria and fungal infections of all sorts. It can treat various skin conditions such inflammation, warts and more.

Exfoliate – The acids in ACV help to exfoliate or digest the dead skin cells. In turn, this helps smooth and soften the appearance of skin.

If you are looking for some of these products, you can check out my affiliate link images!

*Disclaimer! I am not a doctor; I have simply found these natural healing benefits through research. Be sure to dilute these ingredients with water when making your homemade wipe solution.

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POP Your Cloth Wipes!

by MyGreenNest | Jan 9, 2015 | Cloth Diaper Accessories

Post may contain affiliate links. When I first began cloth diapering I wanted to make the transition from using disposables as easy and smooth as possible. It took a lot of convincing to get my husband on board with using cloth. Shortly after switching to cloth diapers I decided to get super deep with it and started using cloth wipes! I needed a cool way to convince the hubs that using cloth wipes was as easy as using disposable so I learned to fold them to pop out of their dispenser. This little storage trick is what sold my husband on using cloth wipes and we haven’t went back to using disposable wipes since.

♥

I absolutely love the 24 pack of washcloths in the image above. I use these everyday and they only cost me around seven bucks. You can check out my affiliate links above if you are interested in purchasing your own set of affordable cloth wipes!

Why Use Cloth Wipes?

If you are already using cloth diapers you might as well use cloth wipes. They are not any harder to use than disposables because you can wash them along with your cloth diapers. I absolutely love using my cloth wipes and not just for my babies bum but for wiping faces, dirty hands, changing stations, and other miscellaneous surfaces. I love to pre-wet mine and carry them with me while we travel. They are a lifesaver when you have little ones. I have found that cloth wipes do a better job at grabbing the poo because the texture from the cotton tends to grab onto dirty particles rather than smearing it like disposables tend to do. Some of the disposable wipes I used would fall a part and for every cloth wipe I used I would go through two to three disposable wipes. Cloth wipes are much better quality then the paper versions and you bypass all of the nasty chemicals that are used in disposables. I like that I can control exactly what type of wipe solution to use on my son. Most of the time I am lazy and just use water, but sometimes I get fancy with it and add essential oils, aloe vera and other natural ingredients.

The other thing that I love about using cloth is that you can coordinate what kind of colors or prints you want to use to match your nursery decor. Yes, I do get excited about the little things…. Let’s not forget that cloth wipes have a ton of other uses. When you are done using them as bum wipes they can turn into boogie wipes, spilled pop wipes, adult cloth, and whatever else you can think of. In fact I made a video on some of the different ways you can use them. If you want to learn more click the image below!

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DIY Diaper Sprayer

by MyGreenNest | Jan 1, 2015 | Cloth Diaper Accessories

I’m not going to lie, I probably wouldn’t love cloth diapering if it wasn’t for my diaper sprayer. I know there are a lot of hardcore mothers out there that dip and dunk but I prefer the luxury of my sprayer. In this tutorial I am going to show you how to make your own (SUPER EASY) DIY diaper sprayer. Go ahead and grab your screwdriver, a few other tools, and let’s put your mad plumbing skills to the test!

Making a diaper sprayer yourself should only run you about 25-35 bucks. Diaper sprayers are the perfect accessory to have when cloth diapering. They help to clean your diapers, prevent ammonia build-up, and combat stink issues.

What You Will Need

*Sink Sprayer with Hose
*Metal Crimp Tee 3/8
*(20 Inch) Toilet Connecter with PVC 3/8
*Stainless Steel Clamps #4 (1/4 to 5/8)
*Ball Valve 3/8
*Flat Screwdriver
*Box Cutter