As my 2-year-old son gets older, I find myself storing away more and more leftover baby supplies. Diapers he has grown out of, teething rings, and sippy cups crowd our shelves and closets going unused. I’d hate to throw anything away, but they are taking up valuable real estate in our apartment, so, I went on a hunt for ways I can put old baby products to adult use.
I was floored by the wealth of options – thanks Pinterest – and thought I would share my favorites with you. Here are 15 adult uses for those unused baby products crowding your cabinets.
- Makeup Remover. Wipes are made to clean unpleasant stuff off of sensitive skin, so you know they will be tough, but leave you face feeling great.
- Post Workout Refresher. If you don’t have time to shower after your workout, but don’t want to offend people at the grocery store, use wipes to freshen up before you exit the gym.
- All Purpose Cleaner. Use it on your car dashboard, to wipe down your phone, or even give the mirrors and windows a little freshening. They can be used on your Swiffer mop, to clean plant leaves, and get crayon stains off some surfaces.
Diapers.
- Paper Towel. For those big spills, what better way to clean them up than a highly absorbent, readily available diaper. Use them to protect your hands for icky jobs like vomit, etc.
- Soil Booster. Cut that diaper open and sprinkle the insides into your potted plants for an added boost to your soil’s absorbency.
- Ice or Warm Pack. Fill it with hot water and wrap in a towel for a warm pack. Fill with cool water and freeze for a cold pack.
Diaper Rash Ointment
- Sunscreen. The zinc oxide is a barrier to the suns rays, so if you forgot the sunscreen but remembered the rash ointment, you’re good. Serves as a deodorant substitute in a pinch.
- Razor Burn. The cream treats skin inflammation of all kinds, including the stinging that comes from shaving. Slather it on to relieve the pain all over the body.
- Reduces Chaffing. Rub on before your run to prevent skin on skin contact and the chafing that results. Also good for spots wear your shoes rub against your foot or heel.
Baby Powder
- Sand Remover. Got stubborn sand stuck to your skin? Use baby powder to remove the moisture so the sand can be brushed off.
- Oil Stain Remover. Dab some powder on the oil spot, leave for a few minutes, then brush away. Repeat until the stain is gone.
- Ant Deterrent. Sprinkle the powder around your picnic area in the park to keep ants away. Note: It will not be effective as an insecticide.
Baby Shampoo
- Makeup Brush Cleaner. Add to a little warm water, wash as usual, and air dry. The gentle formula won’t ruin the bristles.
- Gentle Cycle. Get a great clean, but protect your delicate fabrics by using baby shampoo. Use a cap full for small loads or for soaking. Also great for spot cleaning upholstery.
- Shaving Cream. In a pinch, baby shampoo will give you the sudsy slip of shave cream, but no harsh chemicals that irritate your skin.
BMWK: Do you have any other genius ways you use your child’s old baby products?