Motherhood: Drool Pads for Baby Soft Structure Carrier

QW has been gnawing the shoulder straps of our Ergobaby carrier recently. Definitely one of the teething syndromes. I drool sometimes when I sleep (apologies for sharing such unglamourous information) and felt that the dried-up drool irritated my skin. True enough, I found articles on baby drool rash[1], i.e. baby's skin irritated by dried-up drool (e.g. on the shoulder straps).

So to prevent QW from developing drool rash, I have a few options:

1. wash the baby carrier,
2. roll a handkerchief around the shoulder strap (for her to gnaw) and wash only the handkerchief,
3. attach drool pads to the shoulder straps and wash only the drool pads,
4. don't use the baby carrier (just kidding), etc.

Out of the 4 options, I feel that washing the baby carrier every time she gnaws on it seems like a bigger project than the rest. Rolling a handkerchief seems a bit riskier as compared to drool pads because she may pull it off and drop it on the floor. When that happens, it is back to option 1. Option 4 is out. So, option 3 seems to be the better one.

Because I do not own a sewing machine at home (yet), I am unable to DIY drool pads[2]. Hence, I ordered (Yes, this is not a sponsored post) drool pads from a local seller, madewithlove[3]. Price wise, I feel it is reasonable and comparable to those sold in baby stores (such as Spring maternity). Plus point is that you get to personalise your own handmade drool pads.

So, I placed my orders for 2 pairs of single fabric drool pads on 28 Jan (there are also double fabric types[4]). On 30 Jan, she posted on Facebook that she would be using plain colour tags or make tags using cloth from the same fabric upon request for future projects. I guessed and confirmed that it is for the safety of babies because some tags had prints falling off from baby gnawing at them. Hence, I refined my orders on the same day.

Personally, I prefer to have tags because you get to hang things on them (such as baby toys, teether, rattle, etc.). It is handy to have things to keep QW entertained.

By 2 Feb, she took photos of the completed drool pads and updated me that the drool pads are ready. On top of that, she also sent me the photo of the package once she had it sent out. By 4 Feb, the drool pads were rolling around happily in my washing machine :)

The whole process was a very pleasant experience. I liked that she kept me updated of her progress (namely completion and posting of drool pads). Also, she is pretty efficient at getting the orders done.

One more plus point is that I felt like I paid half the price for them. Let me explain what I meant: For each pair of drool pads, I get to have one side with design I have chosen and the other side just plain colour. Hence, it felt like I am paying for 1 pair of drool pads but I get to use it in 2 ways. You get what I mean? Yes, the buttons are reversible.

Don't they look lovely?
Once they are washed and dried, it is time to put them to work.
Thanks Madewithlove~

References:

1. Babycenter - Drool Rash Treatment
2. Lu Bird Baby - Baby Sucking/Drool Pads for an Ergobaby Carrier Tutorial
3. Facebook - Madewithlove
4. Facebook - Madewithlove Double Fabric Design