>> BEST DIAPERING
ADVICE
If you’re reading this column, you have probably
changed a few diapers. If you’re a parent, the
number is surely in the thousands, considering we change
about 5,000 diapers per child (the range is from 4,000
to 6,000). Yes, that means that those of you with five
or more children have changed over 25,000 diapers. That’s
an incredible achievement worthy of a phone call from
the president, an all-expense-paid holiday by the diaper
manufacturers and induction to the “Clean Bottom
Hall of Fame.”
To reach this level of eminence, you must first master
the fine art of dodging kicks from your strong-willed,
I-hate-to-be-changed bundle of joy. For these future
soccer stars, experienced parents recommend positioning
yourself near the child’s head and working “upside
down.” Knowing how to distract your child during
diaper changes is also important. Keep a stash of small
toys (unbreakable mirror, books, stuffed animals, large
plastic keys, etc.) next to the changing table. Let
your child pick one for each diaper change. Some parents
will blow bubbles over the changing table; others have
had success making silly noises or singing goofy songs.
A colorful mobile or helium-filled Mylar balloon hanging
over the table is also effective.
HOMEMADE WET WIPES Here's how I make
my own Baby Wipes: Cut a roll of paper towels in half;
I recommend Bounty plain white. You will have what looks
like two thick rolls of toilet paper. Place one roll
of paper towels in a 3-quart Rubbermaid cylinder container.
Pour a mixture of 2 1/2 cups boiled water, 2 tablespoons
baby oil and 1 tablespoon baby wash (like Johnson’s)
down the core of the towels. Wait a few minutes, then
pull out the cardboard core. Within an hour the paper
will have absorbed the liquid. The wipes will spiral
out from the center. For portable use in diaper bag
I use a leftover blue plastic wet-wipe container and
refill with my homemade ones. -- L. White, Gulf Breeze,
Flor.
SAVE THOSE CLOTH DIAPERS After your
child is potty trained, save those old cloth diapers.
They make terrific rags, since they are absorbent and
lint-free. -- B. Black, Minneapolis
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