Prep the baby wipes
Use one measured cup of boiling (or very hot) water and add:

• about an eighth of baby oil and the same amount of: 
  
• your favourite baby lotion, 
  
• and liquid baby soap/ baby wash

Mix well.

1. Cut Bounty paper towel roll in 1/2 and remove cardboard roll from the centre.
   
2. Insert paper towel roll into your container and pour the mixed liquid.
3. Seal with a lid and leave about 24 hours (otherwise it's too oily and wipes will be too hot)

These baby wipes are great for frugal parenting. They're large and can be used on the face and hands and work great for cleaning your own hands after a diaper change.


 

Cost comparison – MCNs versus disposable 
There are a number of variables involved in costing cloth nappies against disposables.

DisposablesIf you estimate a baby using about 6500 nappies from birth to toilet training (based on six nappies a day for three years), Huggies, the most popular brand of disposable in our survey, will cost around $3000 (when bought in bulk packages). A cheaper disposable, like Aldi’s Mamia, the second most popular brand in our survey, will cost you around $1900 all up.

MCNs
Cloth nappies cost about $30 each - but at KindyNews eco-shop- they cost $16 for a top quality nappy! on average, plus boosters and liners. You’ll need about 20-24 to get started, which will allow you to wash every two days and still have a set to use on laundry day. However, the number required will vary depending on washing and drying habits, climate, season etc. That’s an upfront cost of around $600-$700.

Costs of laundering have to be factored in as well, and these will depend on your particular washing machine, whether you use warm, hot or cold water, your brand of detergent, and whether they’re tumble-dried. Still, with one set of nappies, cool water washing and line drying, you’ll be up for less than half the cost of disposables.

It's worth to note that if you buy sized nappies rather than one-size-fits-most, you’ll have to buy another set or two later on, which will add to the expense. But consider also that if you can use your MCNs on more than one child, your cost savings will add up.

Which brand?There are many, many brands of nappy out there – respondents reported using a total of 248 different brands. Most people use more than one brand, with 3.7 brands used on average and one-third of people using five or more brands. Many brands are supplied by small cottage industry enterprises, or WAHM (work at home mums), creating their own distinctive and/or custom designs and selling them online. However, of the top 12 most popular brands, very few strictly qualify as WAHM – apart from the out-and-out large-scale commercial companies, a more typical scenario is that a WAHM operation became a small family enterprise and then further expanded to become a full-blown business operation.

So, changing nappies can't be too complicated, right? But if you're new to the whole nappy-changing-department it can seem a bit terrifying! Never fear though as we've composed a list of the necessary items that you'll need to change your baby's nappy and some common do's and don'ts. 

Here is a list of items you will need for changing your child's nappy, so make sure they are within reach before you start! 

The DO'S of Changing Nappies: 

· DO make sure you change your child regularly – no one likes to sit around with a wet bum all day.

· DO pick a safe spot to change your baby. Check to see that your baby won’t roll off of get hurt.

· DO notice if there are any marks around your baby’s waist or legs as this can mean their nappy is too tight and needs to be adjusted.

 

The DON'TS of Changing Nappies: 

· DON’T ever leave your baby alone when changing – make sure you have everything you require before you start.

· DON’T wipe from back to front, as this can spread bacteria.

· DON’T forget to pack your nappy changing pack, even if going on a short trip. The last thing you need is a nappy explosion! For a day out, you’ll probably need several nappies, clean cloths/towels 
and don't forget to take a spare plastic bag to put the dirty diapers in! 

If you're feeling lost, here's a video to help guide you through the nappy changing process, after all, who said it wasn't complicated? 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   J.B

Please note: All Officeworks stores located in the CBD will be holding their celebrations on Monday, the 24th of June. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  J.B