How to Make Your Own Reusable Nursing Pads

Create a "greener" World for Your Children by Not Throwing so Much Away

Living "green" has been on my mind a lot lately. One of my earliest recollections of a recycling campaign had a poster with the following quote: "If you're not recycling, you're throwing it all away." With four small children I'm constantly thinking about how I can make the world they live in a better place. By taking a look at day-to-day life, things we automatically use and discard, we can find ways to be a little more "earth-friendly." This can oftentimes mean a fatter wallet in return.

Have you considered the many necessities you can make yourself? Think about all things "disposable" you have and brainstorm ways to either recycle them or to make reusable ones in their place.

One item you can start with if you are a nursing mother or know a nursing mother is:

Reusable Nursing Pads

To make your own pair of reusable nursing pads you will need:

approximately two 5"x20" pieces of flannel
scissors
sewing machine or serger
matching thread

I use a CD as my circle pattern. I place it on the fabric, outline it and cut it out. Each nursing pad takes four circles (approximately 5 inch diameter each) stacked together and sewn all around the edge. A serger makes it way faster and without fraying edges. Or you could zig-zag all around.

What really works for me is using old receiving blankets that are nice and soft from multiple washings. You could use old flannel shirts or sheets too. Stains or wild prints don't matter since only the nursing baby will see them. :) So check out your yard sales and thrift stores for some flannel and make your own! I'd recommend sewing a few pairs so you don't run out while they're washing. And to wash: just toss them in with your regular wash or towels and then into the dryer.

A box of disposable nursing pads costs about as much a whole yard of flannel fabric. You could make several pairs of nursing pads from one yard of fabric. These would make a great gift for an expecting mom.

What frugal or "green" tips work for you?

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