Defending Your Home from the Diaper Monsters

Who knew a baby could smell this funny? That diaper can reminds you of morning sickness on a daily basis. You can't wait for a potty trained toddler to get rid of that odor, but the thought of buying tons of Lysol cans for your roaming baby to find and play with worries you too. Use one or all of these natural alternatives to expensive cleaning supplies that break your budget and provide a real risk to your child's health.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is a very inexpensive way to handle odors all over your home. Best of all, your child might take a harmless taste, but chances are, they won't taste it a second time. Get your vacuum cleaner ready though. An inquisitive child provides for all kinds of fun with an open box of Baking Soda if they find it. Line the bottom of the trash can or bag with a fresh layer of Baking Soda each time you change it. It not only works for the refrigerator, but will take care of those pesky lingering odors each day.

Herbal Air Fresheners

Natural potpourris have long been one of my favorite ways to freshen my home. Spices and herbs are available worldwide online from many different suppliers, or you can take it one step further and grow your own! A dish of cinnamon sticks, cloves and dried flowers will make an attractive addition to your home decor while allowing you to remove unpleasant odors from the air.

One of my favorite ways to create a natural alternative to fabric refreshers and home air fresheners is to make my own herbal air sprays. Inexpensive spray bottles are available at dollar stores and your local Wal-Mart or K-Mart. Take your favorite spices and herbs, boil some water and toss your mix of herbs into it after you turn the water off. Be careful, splashing boiling water can cause severe burns. Allow your herbs and spices to steep in the water for an hour or so, or until the water temperature is cool to the touch. Strain and fill your spray bottle. My favorite is Lavendar, Vanilla and Cinnamon!

Essential Oils also make a great air freshener. Vanilla, Wintergreen, Spearmint, Rose, Tuberose and Ylang Ylang are all great ways to freshen up a room. Soak a cotton ball or piece of material (old clothes and socks will work!) in your oil and place in a dish. Put the dish on a high shelf in the closet, out of site and enjoy! Remember to keep this type of freshener out of the reach of children.

Vinegar

Tastes awful but won't harm your child and will remove odors in the air. Dip a cotton ball in the vinegar and place at the bottom of your diaper can or put a small dish of vinegar on a shelf in the closet. You can also boil a mix of water and vinegar to remove cooking odors and others in the kitchen!

Above all, follow all normal safety precautions. Be sure to keep things out of reach of your curious little one!