Penny pinching - cotton wool!

[Diglett567]

Hi all! My LO is now 5 weeks old and I'm looking for ways to save money where I can. I'm using cotton wool to wipe baby's bottom because I want to avoid using wipes. Does anybody know the cheapest place I can order the pads and balls from online? I will eventually be using cloth nappies and wipes but I can't quite face it just yet!

What about using tissues first and only using wet cotton wool if a deeper clean is required?

I think a roll is cheaper than pads or balls.

Cheapest pads I've found are primark. 50p a pack.

Use a flannel or sponge and stick it in the wash

Honestly washing the wipes isn't too bad, every couple days all the little light baby clothes and muslins and wipes and tea towels can go in together and they're good to go. It's an easier start than nappies and no drying time.

Pick one of your oldest towels and cut it into pieces about the size of your hand. Make up a bottle (old washing up liquid or similar) with a very weak solution of gentle soap, and use to wet the towelling to clean. Wash them at 50 -60 ( you could keep them in an old sponge bag until they go in the wash)

The advantage is that cotton balls often open up and leave bits everywhere, and the pads can sometimes have scratchy edges.

If you've got somewhere to dry nappies, you could also see if your council offers a cloth nappy grant - could save you hundreds over disposables