In the world of parenting, where every penny counts and every moment is precious, it's no surprise that mums and dads are always on the lookout for clever ways to stretch the family budget. But one mum's cost-cutting technique has sparked a heated debate online, leaving many to question the line between frugality and hygiene.

The mum in question, a pregnant mother of five young children, took to social media to share her unconventional approach to saving money on swim nappies. In a video that has since gone viral, she reveals that she washes disposable swimming nappies in her washing machine, a practice that has left viewers polarized and, in some cases, downright disgusted.

A mum shared her 'questionable' cleaning hack on social media, which raised questions from other users. Image Credit: Instagram/Bailey Fox

'Save money this summer!' the US-based mum, Bailey Fox (@foxymamabailey), suggests in her Reel, which has been viewed over six million times. The footage shows her retrieving a swim nappy from her top-loader alongside other clothes, promoting the idea as a 'momhack' for thrifty parents.

The internet's reaction was swift and divided. While some applauded Bailey for her budget-friendly tip, others were quick to label the hack as 'gross' or 'disgusting.' Concerns were raised about the structural integrity of the nappies, with many fearing that they could disintegrate during the wash cycle, potentially damaging the machine and creating a mess.

'Please don't do this,' one commenter implored, worried about the nappies swelling and wreaking havoc on the washing machine. Others questioned the hygiene of washing a nappy, even if it was only exposed to urine, with other clothing items.

Bailey responded to the backlash by clarifying that she only reuses nappies that haven't been soiled with feces, tossing those that have. This led to a broader discussion about the purpose of swim nappies, which are designed to contain solid waste while allowing liquids to pass through. Some users pointed out that washing urine-soaked clothing is a common practice and shouldn't be cause for alarm.

Despite the back-and-forth, the debate highlighted a crucial point: the environmental impact of such practices. One concerned mother raised the issue of microplastics being released into the water system, a consequence of washing materials not intended for multiple uses.

As the conversation rages on, it's clear that Bailey's Reel has struck a chord with the online community, sparking discussions about parenting hacks, environmental responsibility, and the lengths to which we'll go to save a dollar.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of managing household expenses, but we also recognize the value of sustainable living. It's essential to weigh the short-term savings against the long-term costs to our planet and our health.

Key Takeaways

• A pregnant mum of five has caused controversy by posting a Reel showing herself washing disposable swim nappies.
• Bailey Fox, the mum in question, claims that disposable swim diapers are washable, sparking debate among internet users.
• Some online respondents praised the cost-saving measure, while others expressed concern over hygiene and the potential damage to washing machines.
• Various comments highlight the confusion and division over whether washing disposable swim nappies is acceptable or goes too far in terms of budgeting and environmental impact.

So, dear members, where do you stand on this controversial hack? Have you ever tried similar budget-saving techniques, or do you believe some shortcuts just aren't worth it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take on this divisive topic!

 

[MIZMAC]

Consider we are well past using nappies so of no interest to we Seniors!

 

[natalielocket]

Consider we are well past using nappies so of no interest to we Seniors!

Also, all these disposable nappies cause micro plastics get into the system when they are dumped. Run off from tips, eventually end up in the water ways.

 

[Catherines]

The operative word is ‘DISPOSABLE’. Besides, buying these disposable ones is the most expensive part so where is the savings by buying disposables and washing them. Why doesn’t she buy/make the good old-fashioned terry-towelling fabric ones, line them with ‘nappy liners’, dispose of soiled liners down the toilet, rinse wet nappies and wash in the machine as anyone wanting to be thrifty would sensibly do.

I now use one of my granddaughter’s pink nappies to wipe my hands and it hangs above the laundry tub; it has lasted over 22 years. That’s what you call ‘long-lasting’. I have never used disposable ones for my children or grandchildren. Children - nappies soaked daily in Napisan, then machine washed as usual, grandchildren - the same.

 

[natalielocket]

The operative word is ‘DISPOSABLE’. Besides, buying these disposable ones is the most expensive part so where is the savings by buying disposables and washing them. Why doesn’t she buy/make the good old-fashioned terry-towelling fabric ones, line them with ‘nappy liners’, dispose of soiled liners down the toilet, rinse wet nappies and wash in the machine as anyone wanting to be thrifty would sensibly do.

I now use one of my granddaughter’s pink nappies to wipe my hands and it hangs above the laundry tub; it has lasted over 22 years. That’s what you call ‘long-lasting’. I have never used disposable ones for my children or grandchildren. Children - nappies soaked daily in Napisan, then machine washed as usual, grandchildren - the same.

So totally agree. xx

 

[Aussie all the Way]

So totally agree. xx

Yes todays parents very lazy have never heard of cotton nappies that get washed, just buy disgusting disposables and leave them where ever they get changed. The amount of nappies that are just left where I walk dogs gives me the SH--S.

 

[Hollingworthlake]

So doesn’t anyone remember what was used for a nappy before disposable ones? For goodness sake they were soaked in a disinfectant (usually) wash whether soiled or just urine and then washed. Some washers boiled them. However these were much more hygienic than the ones used today and dumped wherever they are dumped. It’s always importunate to thoroughly disinfect and clean any utensils in this way and if you don’t you’re asking for trouble and sickness

 

[Cathyann]

Ah yes I remember it well, those frosts - the nappies frozen on the line !! competition between young Moms trying to get their washing out on the line first !!!!! and we boiled the nappies etc- my children were potty trained at 12,14,16 months There is only 3 years between them and i never had two in nappies at the same time. Living in UK we didn't have the lovely sunny weather that we have here either.

 

[Hollingworthlake]

Ah yes I remember it well, those frosts - the nappies frozen on the line !! competition between young Moms trying to get their washing out on the line first !!!!! and we boiled the nappies etc- my children were potty trained at 12,14,16 months There is only 3 years between them and i never had two in nappies at the same time. Living in UK we didn't have the lovely sunny weather that we have here either.

 

[Hollingworthlake]

And those white nappies were so soft and fluffy blowing on the line. Much better than the plastic ones bought today which certainly contribute to our obnoxious problems with pollution and waste

 

[SandyA]

I raised my babies in cloth nappies. Yes we soaked them in Napisan and then washed them. Didn’t hurt the environment at all

 

[Rain72]

A thrifty person wouldn't consider using disposable nappies - for swimming or otherwise. This mother is NOT thrifty at all. And putting urine-soaked nappies in with other clothing? Yuk! Disgusting. As is putting any disposable product in a washing machine. Mrs Not-thrifty might end up with a big bill for replacing or repairing her machine and poof goes all the ''savings''!

Speaking of disposable nappies -- we parked at Bunnings this morning and some disgusting person had changed their baby in their car and thrown the spoiled nappy on the grass next to the parking space. Yet another negative of disposables. In this environmentally conscious world, shouldn't they have been banned long ago? Plastic shopping bags were banned and they do far less harm to the environment. At least most of us reused those, for bagging rubbish if nothing else. There doesn't seem to be much logic in our world today.

 

[natalielocket]

I raised my babies in cloth nappies. Yes we soaked them in Napisan and then washed them. Didn’t hurt the environment at all

Napisan was also great for soaking whites.

 

[Dynamo]

Ah yes I remember it well, those frosts - the nappies frozen on the line !! competition between young Moms trying to get their washing out on the line first !!!!! and we boiled the nappies etc- my children were potty trained at 12,14,16 months There is only 3 years between them and i never had two in nappies at the same time. Living in UK we didn't have the lovely sunny weather that we have here either.

I remember too. My mother delegated boiling nappies in hot copper and stirring with axe handle to me at 10 years old. I did it well despite being thin build!

 

[Dynamo]

Ps the nappies were used for my 4 younger siblings. Not mine!

 

[Towing]

I remember going to visit a family with a new baby in the 1960s. The Dad opened the door and told us the Mum was cooking nappies in a huge pot (kept specially for them) on the stove.