What To Do When You Run Out of Diapers

We were talking about what to do when you run out of diapers during this pandemic. Here’s what we found to hold you over until you can get more.

How you doing during this Covid-19 quarantine? You hanging in there? We are constantly looking for things to share with you that’ll help you get through this challenging time. For instance, there’s our post about foods that don’t expire. It might be helpful if you’re wondering what to get at the grocery store. We also have a post with recipes that use what you have, like bread, butter, sugar, eggs, and milk.

What To Do When You Run Out of Diapers

Don’t panic. Parents are ingenious and can care for their kids without disposable diapers. Trust yourself.

We’re sharing as many ideas as we can find. We encourage you to use what makes sense for you. If you think an idea is dumb, that’s cool. Try something else. Other people may not. We’re all in this together.

DO NOT reuse dirty reusable diapers. The bacteria is going to cause a whole host of problems for your little one and that’s the last thing you need to happen. It’s not an option.

Check the National Diaper Bank Network online

People donate diapers to this network to help others and now is the time to use it. You can visit 211.org, or you can dial 2-1-1 on your phone.

Maxi pads

Makes sense when you think of it, huh? Line the inside of underwear with maxi pads if your child is old enough to have some. If not, line the inside of onesies or some other bottom that the pad can stick to. You’ll learn how many pads it takes to take care of your little one.

Flour sack and bar towels

I have these on hand all the time. They’re cheap in bulk and I use them for tons of things. I get mine at Walmart. You can put some of those together and use them for diapers. (Like in this video.)

Swiffer Pads

Sounds nutty, right? Think about it though. These dry pads are very absorbent. If it worries you as to whether there are chemicals or something that could hurt your baby, compare what they’re made of to what disposable diapers are made of and decide for yourself.

Makeshift diapers – old, soft things

Look for things that are soft and absorbent. You’ll be surprised by what you can gather up if you think outside the (diaper) box.

Bath towels, burp rags, dish towels, blanket, t-shirts, pillowcases, fleece and/or cotton pajamas. Look around your house and find the things you don’t mind saying good-bye to because there’s no going back.

There are videos on Youtube that will show you the best way to cut and fold them.

How to keep DIY diapers from leaking.

You can use disposable bags and trash bags to cover diapers so that they are less likely to leak through. Not sure about using this at night for safety reasons, but if you do them right it may be fine. You’ll decide that.

There are a number of videos to show you how to use bags and other waterproof materials, like this one.

Ask for help on Facebook

Tell folks what you need. We’re all in this together! Ask your friends, ask the question on your local Facebook Marketplace, and wherever you can.

Cloth diapers online

If you can buy cloth diapers online, go that route. I found these Anmababy 4 Pack Adjustable Size Waterproof Washable Pocket Cloth Diapers with 4 Inserts and Wet Bag on Amazon. As of this writing, they are about $25.

What To Do When You Run Out of Diapers – how to clean them

To reuse the cloth diapers you’ve made or bought, you need to clean them.

First, shake out any poopies into the toilet before you clean the diaper. Next, put them in a pail or basket or bag so that you can wash them separately. Don’t wait too long or they’ll mold.

Wash on hot, dry them and use them again and again. You can do this!

Background photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com