If you’ve just used your last diaper and can’t get to a store right away, you have options. A towel, receiving blanket, or even an old t-shirt can work as a temporary diaper, and common household items like menstrual pads can add absorbency. Here’s how to handle the next few hours (or days) until you restock.
Make a Diaper From What You Already Have
Almost any clean, absorbent fabric can serve as an emergency diaper. The best candidates are receiving blankets (look for ones labeled 100% cotton), flour sack towels, old t-shirts, or flannel fabric. A regular bath towel works too, though it’s bulkier.
The simplest approach: fold the fabric into a rectangular pad about the width of a regular diaper. For a receiving blanket, fold one edge in to make a square, then fold it in quarters and again in thirds to create a thick, absorbent pad. Place it between your baby’s legs and pull the front up to the belly.
To secure it without pins, lay the flat fabric under your baby, pull the front section up, then wrap one side snugly around the waist. Wrap the other side over it and tuck the end underneath the first layer. Keep the wrap firm. It won’t hurt your baby, and it loosens slightly as they move. A strip of duct tape on the outside (never against skin) can add extra security if the tuck alone doesn’t hold.
You’ll want a waterproof layer over the top. A plastic grocery bag with leg holes cut out, a ziplock bag split open and tucked around the pad, or even a piece of cling wrap loosely draped around the outside will protect clothing and furniture. This doesn’t need to be airtight. You just need a moisture barrier.
Boost Absorbency With Household Items
A makeshift diaper on its own won’t hold as much liquid as a disposable. If you have menstrual pads or panty liners, place one or two inside your improvised diaper as a booster. They’re designed to absorb fluid quickly and can meaningfully extend the time before you need to change. Incontinence pads work even better if you have them on hand.
Paper towels layered inside the fabric add some absorbency in a pinch, though they break apart when saturated. A folded washcloth is sturdier. The key is layering: the more absorbent material between your baby and the outer wrap, the longer it holds.
Change Frequently and Clean Properly
Improvised diapers don’t wick moisture away from skin the way disposables do, so your baby will feel wet almost immediately. Plan to check every 30 to 45 minutes and change as soon as you notice dampness. This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent diaper rash with a makeshift setup.
If you’re reusing fabric diapers through the day, rinse solids off right away, then wash them in the hottest water your machine allows. Bacteria are killed at a minimum temperature of 140°F (60°C). If your machine doesn’t reach that, run a separate hot cycle for at least 10 minutes after your regular wash. Use a standard laundry detergent, not just water. Dry on high heat or in direct sunlight for extra sanitizing.
Get Diapers Fast
If you can get to a store or get a delivery, several options run around the clock. Walmart, many Walgreens locations, and 24-hour pharmacies carry diapers and are open late or overnight. Walgreens offers same-day delivery and one-hour pickup in many areas. Amazon, Instacart, and grocery delivery apps can also get diapers to your door within hours depending on your location.
Gas stations and convenience stores sometimes stock small packs of diapers or pull-ups, especially in suburban areas. They’re more expensive per diaper, but when you need three to get through the night, price matters less than availability. Dollar stores are another reliable option during daytime hours and typically carry both diapers and wipes at lower prices.
Free Diapers If Cost Is the Problem
If you ran out because buying more isn’t in the budget right now, you’re not alone. The National Diaper Bank Network connects more than 240 community diaper banks across the country, serving nearly 320,000 children each month. Visit nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org and use their member directory to find a location near you, organized by state. Most diaper banks distribute free diapers without requiring proof of income.
Other places to check: local churches and food pantries often keep diapers in stock even if they don’t advertise it. WIC offices can point you to local resources. Some Buy Nothing groups and neighborhood Facebook groups will have parents willing to drop off a pack the same day if you post a request. Crisis hotlines like 211 (call or text) can also connect you to emergency supplies in your area.
For Overnight Without Diapers
Nighttime is the trickiest stretch because you’re not checking as often. Layer extra absorbency into your makeshift diaper: two or three menstrual pads, a folded towel inside a receiving blanket, or multiple washcloths stacked together. Place a waterproof layer (a plastic tablecloth, trash bag, or shower curtain) under your baby’s sheet to protect the mattress. Keep a spare improvised diaper folded and ready next to the crib so middle-of-the-night changes go quickly.
If your baby is old enough to be in a crib, skip pajama bottoms entirely. They just add another layer to get wet. A onesie over the makeshift diaper is enough. For younger babies being held or co-sleeping, wrap a towel around your own midsection as an extra buffer.