Go Ahead! Diaper That Baby For Free! I Dare You!

Exactly how can one diaper a baby for free?  There are those gals that are awesome at couponing.  Sadly, I am not one of them:(  But, I am ok with trying the alternative to spending my time researching sales, specials and coupons for diapers.  I'm not sure which would take more time, but let me lay out the alternative I've found.  I have found a way to use cloth diapers with out spending more than $20

I would like to mention that you can make more than flats from your diapers!  Search for patterns online for various styles and you'll be amazed at what you find!  Fern and Faerie offer many patterns using recycled materials!  They list everything from the humble flat fold and wipes to fitteds and wool covers. 

Gather your materials and sew them up!  You can find most in your closet, your friends and family's closets (but ask first, please!) or clothing exchanges and thrift stores. 
Now how do you fold these diapers?

Well, As you know from reading my previous post "The Cost of Diapering:  Take the Free Diapering Challenge" you know I will be posting pictures of a few folds being done on Little Gee.  But lets talk about what the options are.

1. The most common way is the Oragami fold.  While I'm not to fond of the unedited naked baby, this video is excellent.  Another great video is of this 5 yr old!  If she can do it, so can we!
2. Here is a great picture tutorial of three more folds.

What can I cover these diapers with?

1. Keeping it old school there are vynil pants.  They ruin easily, are ugly and likely uncomfy (would you wear them?).  They also cost money.
2. There are PUL covers.  These are more breathable, last longer, and are durable.  But they cost money too.
3. Then there are soakers.  Soakers can be made from fleece or wool.  Go through your blankets.  Have any fleece?  Hey, you can even use those fleece sweats that fit baby. . with out sewing anything!  If you have wool sweaters you can shrink them and use Katrina's Quick Soaker pattern.  This is what I use to make mine.  You can also hand knit them using a variety of patterns found on a number of sites.  I like Ravelry for the amount of free patterns you can find.

Well, I've got the diaper on my baby, and now he needs changed.  What do I do?

Like any other diaper, just take it off.  After getting the diaper unsecured of pins or snappy I like to grab them from the rear where they are less wet.  That is, as long as there isn't any solid soil in the way!  If it's wet, place it in a bucket or washing sink to wait for wash time.  You can also use a wetbag, but free ones are hard to come by.  You can soak the diapers until wash time for easier rinsing if you like.  This is a drowning hazard, do not leave where children can get to it.  If there is some solid matter on the diaper, gently shake it off in the toilet.  If it doesn't come off, swish it in the toilet.  You don't need to put your hand in the toilet, touch the toilet water or anything like that!  You can purchase a diaper sprayer. . . but again, we're trying to do this for free!  And that would require more water usage as well.  Place diaper in pail, bucket, sink, bag etc. 

How do I wash these diapers?

At the end of the night, empty out any water if you had the diapers soaking.  (make sure this is more than out of reach of children!  It is a drowning risk!!!)  Put your dipes in the sink or basin.  Fill with cool water.  swish around and agitate to get as much solid matter off as possible.  Pour out water, fill again with hot water using a diaper friendly detergent.  Use VERY LITTLE, but enough to make some suds (not enough for a bubble bath!).  Agitate more.  Soak for 20 minutes.  Remember to wash your hands before moving onto something else.  Drain water and rinse long enough for all suds to wash out.  This is trial and error and will largely depend on your water, brand of detergent, amount of diapers and water. . . so alter your amounts as needed until you find the best solution for you.  If it takes 10 minute to rinse out all the soap then you've used too much.  Squeeze out water and hang to dry.

If you have a washer/dryer you can use that.  Just remember, they cost more to run.

So in summery you really can diaper that baby for practically free!  Assuming you acquire all of your materials and diapers for free, you are still using water to hand wash them.  Water costs money, but not much when smartly used.  Share this with anyone you know who is struggling to meet their families needs.  If you have any other $$ saving tips add them in the comments!

Happy diapering!