by Jane Allyson

Created on: August 18, 2011   Last Updated: August 20, 2011

It is important for the baby’s well being that newborns are snugly wrapped to lessen the shock of leaving the environment of the womb. Hospitals and new mums use receiving blankets to keep the baby warm and well swaddled.

Receiving blankets are very versatile because they are made of a cotton or terry towelling material and can be used as a burp cloth, a changing mat or a diaper. They make common gifts for new parents, and  as a new mum you are likely to end up with quite a few of these cloths, which can come in the standard colors of blue and pink or lemon, peppermint green or plain white.

For the use that you get out of the blankets it can seem like a bit of a waste to just get rid of them, especially as they can be modified to be put to use for another purpose. They can be cut up and turned into bibs and flannels, but the best way to use a receiving blanket is to adapt it for use as a diaper.

This can have two benefits. Firstly you will save a little money on buying the disposable diapers and help to do your bit towards helping the environment. Secondly, using a cotton diaper for your baby is better for your baby’s skin because it does not contain any of the chemicals which are often found in disposables. The other big advantage is that cotton diapers can be used over and over again and then passed down to the next child.

To ensure an adequate thickness sew two small blankets together so that you have a double layer. Then either fold the diaper in the normal three fold way or fold from corner to corner to make a kite shape.  

Fold the upper right corner of the diaper towards the center, bringing the lower left corner to meet it. You should have a kite shape. Take the upper part of the kite down to form a triangle and then fold the narrow end of the kite up to reduce the size of the diaper and so provide additional thickness. Pull the wings from the back to the front and pin together.

For the origami method fold your fabric in half and then half again. Take a single corner at the top right hand side and pull it across the diaper, bringing up the bottom right hand bottom so that you have a triangle shape across the front with a square sitting at the back. Next, take the whole thing and flip it over. Take the edge of the square and make a three-fold for the soaker. Now you should have a triangle shape with a folded part running down the centre. Bring up the front of the triangle and bring the front wings round and pin.

In conclusion the

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