I feel like I am buying diapers every single week. This is discouraging because they really add up! I usually buy Kroger brand and I’ve never had any problems. They’re solid and inexpensive, considering.

A few weeks ago we were at Walmart and needed some, so we bought their brand.

It was a huge mistake! From the small box we purchased, at least three diapers broke. You know, when you’re in a rush to get the sucker on because someone is kicking you in the chest? Then one of the little strappy guys rip off, and since you don’t have any duct tape handy, it’s rendered useless.

Or is it?

After the pain of throwing away empty disposable diapers, and having smaller sizes left over from when the kids were babies (sob), I decided I needed to find some other uses. And while I was at it, I thought I would share what I found.

So, here is a list of 6 alternate uses for disposable diapers.

1. Clean up big messes.

Disposable diapers are designed to absorb a shit ton of liquid. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather wipe up vomit with a sturdy diaper than a paper towel that will potentially fall apart. Or even a regular towel that will forever be known as the ‘vomit’ towel if it doesn’t end up in the trash.

2. Use it for plants.

You can make transporting flowers in a vase easier. You know, for all of those times you need to transport flowers! (Ha!) Put the sodium polyacrylate (the white stuff inside the diaper) in the water and it will turn into a gel. It will help prevent it from sloshing around. And it will keep the flowers in place. Or keep your plants watered when you go out of town. Repot your plant over a diaper. It will help the soil retain some of its moisture.

3. Play with it!

Add water to the sodium polyacrylate and you have play snow! A fantastic sensory activity for the kiddos! Especially if they don’t get to play in real snow, like my kids. Make sure they don’t eat it. And throw it in the trash, not down the drain.

4. Temporary plumber.

If you have a leaky pipe and you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive, wrap the pipe with a diaper. It’s definitely temporary, but  it will solve your problem in the short-term.

5. Gigantic band-aid.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are faced with a sizeable wound, wrap it with a disposable diaper until help arrives.

6. Make an ice pack.

Add 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, then soak it in water. Put it in a ziplock bag and keep it in the freezer. Use it to reduce inflammation or even put it in your lunch to keep it cold.

There are a few more, but they were a little far fetched, even for me. So next time you have a broken diaper, don’t throw it away! Put it to good use!

Have you used a disposable diaper for anything other than its intended use? Please share in the comments!