It’s happened to me once during an overseas flight with baby: we ran out of diapers and the airline didn’t have any spare. Yikes. We had to improvise and it worked until the flight landed.

Here are 10 alternatives to a diaper that mom and dad or caregiver can resort to in the rare but common chance that they’d be without a diaper in public.

Listed below are ten alternatives to baby diapers in a pinch.

Burp Rag

I’ve used cloth diapers as burp rags, so why not the other way around? Usually they are thick and will do the trick for a short amount of time at least. If you usually use cloth diapers and have a liner, then it should work a little better.

Wipes

If you have the kind of wipes that need to be wetted prior to use or if you have any wipes that have dried out, they can be used in a pinch while you pick up some more. I would not advise using wipes that are wet, as this could cause a rash.

Receiving Blanket

I wouldn’t suggest using your favorite one, just in case, but if you are out and about and have no other options then this will work. Most people have a receiving blanket in their diaper bag for infants, and it is large enough that you can fold it a few times for added layers or tie it around them.

Maxi Pad.

This may be a little embarrassing if others see you use one; however, it is also very effective. Maxi pads are made to be absorbent and can hold enough to give you the time needed to get some real diapers. Make sure you have it secured into a diaper bottom or onesie, so it doesn’t slip.

Cheese Cloth

I would recommend folding this one as many times as you can and place it in a diaper bottom or onesie, the same as you would for a maxi pad. Since cheese cloth is made to have liquid wrung through it, you want to make sure you have as many layers as possible, and don’t rely on it lasting a long time.

Dishtowel

 Again, I wouldn’t use your favorite one, but at least this one will be more absorbent and may buy you some additional time.

Wash Cloth

Depending on the size of your washcloths, you may want to use more than one, and either fold them or wrap them around and tie at the waist.

Pillow Case

Go for cotton and not silk or satin for best results. Bunch it together and tie or pin it up like a cloth diaper.

Napkins

I would suggest cloth, and not paper, but again stay away from your favorites. You can couple a few together for added protection and pin up the same as a cloth diaper.

Paper Towels 

Notice the plural on towels as one will not cut it. I would use about four or five and fold up to insert the same as the maxi pad listed above.

Good luck!