Using Cloth Diapers as Burp Cloths (DIY & Best Options)

Using cloth diapers as burp cloths is an ingenious way to make your baby items multifunctional. They’re more absorbent, they are designed to be soft against a baby’s skin even when wet, plus they’re cheaper. 

The popular prefold styles are the most versatile option offering the greatest cushioning and absorbency, here you’ll learn all the tips on how to use these as burp cloths and make them as attractive as they are useful.

• Cloth Diapers as Burp Cloths
• Best Cloth Diapers for Burp Cloths
• DIY Diaper Burp Cloths
• Benefits of Diaper Burp Rags

Cloth Diapers as Burp Cloths

Burp cloths are an essential item for all parents. From a little sick here, dribble there to sticky fingers, you are automatically reaching for that burp cloth. 

Flat diapers can make flat burp cloths, however, prefolds being thicker and containing additional material in the center make the best burp cloths cloth diapers imaginable. 

You might not have considered burp cloths made from diapers before, yet there are many ways to use them, such as:

• Using them as they are.
• Or jazzing them up and making DIY burp cloths by
  • Painting the fabric to add a pattern.
  • Cutting and sewing on a patterned material.
  • Sewing lines to create texture. 
  • Adding a ribbon border. 

Best Cloth Diapers for Burp Cloths

There are many different types of cloth diapers such as all-in-ones, folded, and hybrids to name a few.

When deciding to make the switch to using diaper burp cloths you need to be aware that only certain types are compatible. Prefold, flat, and diapers inserts are the best cloth diapers for burp cloths.

Prefold Cloth Diapers

Prefold diapers are designed and made with the middle section, the wet zone, containing multiple layers of absorbent material such as naturally antibacterial bamboo. 

These thick cloth diapers make excellent burp cloths due to their breathable soft material, durability, paired with the ability to dry quickly. 

Prefold burp cloths can be used in the exact same way as ‘standard’ burp cloths. You can pop it over your shoulder, use it to soak up baby sick or spit up, use it to clean their face, or wipe down the highchair.

Opting for the larger sizes will guarantee that no matter how bad their reflux is, your shoulder and clothes will be safe. 

Cloth Diaper Flats

The more traditional styled, single-layered square cloth diaper flats make for a great cloth diaper burp rag. Due to their large size and thin nature, they make for an extremely versatile burp cloth option. 

Generally being made out of 100% cotton, you have a vast number of ways to adapt and transform these into homemade burp cloths. 

For the craftier Mom, you can opt to spruce these up and use material dye, sew on materials or ribbon and add stitching to make your burp cloth as unique and special as your baby. 

Being a single-layer burp cloth there is nothing this homemade wonder can’t handle compared to its ready-made burp cloth cousin.  

Cloth Diaper Inserts

Compatible as an insert in pocket diapers or as an optional added boosting layer to absorb the extra dampness, they also double as wonderful burp pads from cloth diapers. 

Being slimmer than the other compatible cloth diaper burp rags they are made from a variety of different materials such as microfiber, bamboo, cotton, and hemp. 

Cloth diaper inserts are the perfect handy companion when out and about. With their superb levels of absorbency and smaller size, they are the perfect addition to any diaper bag. 

With the ability to be able to be homemade, they keep burp cloths costs down whilst still being gentle to your baby’s skin. 

DIY Diaper Burp Cloths

Traditional cloth diapers are extremely absorbent and can be used as a burp cloth as they are. However, with some creativity and a little DIY know-how, you will be making burp cloths from diapers that are stylish and perfect for your baby. 

Each baby is unique. When you DIY the best cloth diapers for burp rags you are able to adapt to your baby’s needs. You can craft the diaper burp cloth to increase the softness making it more gentle for your baby’s face. 

Alternatively, you can increase its absorbency if your baby is prone to spitting up whilst giving it the personal touch. For tips and ideas for making the perfect DIY burp rag, keep reading.

Sewing Fabric for Extra Softness and Style

Traditional cloth diapers aren’t necessarily the most attractive-looking things, least of all when they are being used as a burp cloth, they can appear quite dull and plain. 

With these diaper burp cloth ideas, you can adapt them to increase their softness, protect your baby’s delicate face, add their absorbency whilst sprucing it up. 

All you need to do is decide which diaper burp cloth pattern you want to use. 

Sewing additional fabric such as flannel onto your cloth diaper allows all of these adaptations to be applied. You’ve made it fun, cute, and personal. Making them perfect for your own diaper bag or to gift to a new Mom to be. 

What do You need?

For making burp cloths from diapers burp cloths from prefolds, flat, or inserts you will need:

• A pack of 14”x20” cloth diapers that have 2 folds. 
• Strips of patterned flannel. A ¼ yard should make 2-3 burp cloths.
• Sewing machine.
• Scissors
• Pins
• Thread to compliment your pattern 
• Iron and ironing board.

How to Sew it?

Before getting started, unless you are using used prefolds or used flats for your burp cloths, you are going to need to start by washing the cloth diapers. Once freshly laundered, give them quick iron. Now you are ready to start. 

1. Place your flannel over your cloth diaper.
2. Fold one edge of the flannel and iron it flat.
3. Fold and iron the other edge of your fabric based on the preferred width. 
4. Cut the overhanging corners off your flannel. 
5. Fold the overhanging edges and iron. 
6. Pin your fabric in place.
7. Saw the fabric to the diapers. 
8. Remove the pins.
9. Repeat until you have made all of your cloth diapers.

Adding Stitched Lines for Textured Style

One of the easier ways to DIY and decorate when using cloth diapers as burp cloths is to stitch lines through them, and create textures using a variety of contrasting colors. 

It can take a little time, but you don’t need to be an expert seamstress to make your burp cloths from prefold diapers fun, colorful, and beautiful. The extra perk of adding this quilted texture is it offers additional sensory experiences for your baby. 

Who needs baby toys when they can play, stroke, and be mesmerized by the different textures and colors. Plus, you know as they stroke, suck, and grab it, that it will be gentle to their touch. And has been crafted with love.

What do You Need?

To DIY and create textured burp cloths you don’t need much. With a sewing machine and a little time, you will be able to create a gorgeous colorful burp cloth. All you need is:

• A pack of 14”x20” cloth diapers. 
• A variety of different colored thread and cotton
• Sewing machine
• Scissors

How to Sew it?

Before sitting down and creating these beautiful burp cloths, you need to start by washing and ironing your cloth diapers. 

They do shrink a little after the first wash, this is normal. Now they are clean and pressed, set your sewing machine up, and select your various colored threads. 

1. Pick which color you will use first. 
2. Backstitch (going backward and forwards over the same part) to stop the thread fraying.
3. Stitch the rest of your line. Finish each line with a backstitch.
4. Run this color line throughout your burp cloth.
5. Change your thread color.  
6. Repeat the process until the burp cloth is finished.

Benefits of Cloth Diapers as Burp Rags

There are so many reasons to go ahead and buy cloth diapers as burp rags. They work out considerably cheaper. They wear and last better. Offering better absorption, they’re thicker and extremely soft. Plus as you can personalize them they become as unique and beautiful as your bundle of joy. 

Diapers Are Cheaper

Every parent wants their money to go as far as possible. The average prefold diaper works out at approximately $1.50 with a pack of ten costing on average $15.

The cheapest multiple-ply burp cloths start at approximately $2.50 each and tend to come in small packs. As well as being nearly double the price but you will need at least 2 packs to just give you the same quantity. 

Being extremely durable not only are they costing less upfront but they last, wear, and wash better, which when being used daily for every conceivable task is an essential must-have for all parents.  

Diapers Are Versatile

Being durable, the most absorbent burp cloths, and being so inexpensive you will find that they offer even more versatility than just being used as a burp cloth. 

They will become your go-to for all things baby such as a nursing cover, changing mat, diapers, or car seat protector to name a few. They are also extremely handy for other household needs. 

Due to the low cost of cloth diapers, you’ll find yourself using them more and more.

From dusting, drying your dog, cleaning up spills, or using to polish the kitchen table. If you enjoyed DIY cloth diapers for burp cloths, these diapers also make for excellent quilting projects. 

Diapers Are Highly Absorbent

Diapers are designed to be able to absorb your baby’s wees and to draw liquid away to prevent their skin from getting red, raw, and a diaper rash appearing. 

With their additional layers and variety of materials they are perfect for dealing with any messes, spit up or vomit that babies are prone to generating.

This makes them the perfect choice and adds to their attractiveness to use them and create burp rags from cloth diapers. 

The more layers the more absorbent, in theory. Certain materials however offer increased absorbency levels to others. Hemp and bamboo for example are more absorbent than cotton and their natural properties draw up liquid faster. 

Diapers Are Durable

All parents know and appreciate that raising a small human is not easy nor is it cheap. Having items that last the length of time is essential. 

Diapers are designed and made to withstand the worst of all poo explosions and the biggest of all wees. They are designed to withstand crawling, toddling, and running. 

It is cloth diapers’ hardy nature that allows parents to rest easily. Babys are renowned for producing spit-up and smear food over the highchair.

Knowing that your burp cloths made from prefold diapers is up to the challenge put your mind at ease. With their increased absorbing capacity they can clean up any mess again and again.

FAQ  

Can I use cloth diapers as burp cloths?

Yes, due to their absorbent nature and soft textures they make for the perfect burp cloth. Being versatile enough they are great for personalizing and decorating. 

What is the best fabric to make burp cloths?

Hemp and bamboo make for the best burp cloth materials. They are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, fast-absorbing, and extremely soft for a baby’s delicate skin. 

How to make burp cloths from cloth diapers?

You don’t have to make any alterations unless you want to. But, if you want to make your own adding material, ribbon and stitching are extremely effective. 

How to make burp cloths from flat cloth diapers?

As single-layered, it is recommended to fold them in half or to sew on extra material to enhance the absorbency and increase their softness. 

How to make burp cloths from cloth diaper inserts?

Inserts are designed to bring added absorbency. You don’t necessarily have to make any changes, but added detail to the hem gives them the wow factor. 

How to make burp cloths from prefold cloth diapers?

Naturally designed to have a thick, super-absorbent center all you need to do is give them the added touch of sewing on material or creating quilting.

How to make no-sew burp cloths?

If you are not comfortable sewing, you can opt to use clothing dye or paint to liven these burp cloths up. Although you don’t need to do anything. 

How many layers should a burp cloth be?

It really depends on the material being used. The best burp cloths have between 3-6 layers and this guarantees no amount of vomit will be an issue.

Can muslin cloth be used as a burp cloth?

Being extremely soft and gentle to a baby’s skin they can be used, better as an outer layer or decorative feature though other materials are more absorbent and beneficial. 

Can flannel cloth be used as a burp cloth?

Flannel is a great option. Traditionally it was used for all diapers and burp cloths. However, you can get softer and quicker drying options such as bamboo nowadays.