DIY mom: Eight popular baby products that can be reproduced at home

Don't be lured by the newest baby-smartening thing on the market. Chances are it won't work anyway and you'll be out another $29.99. For centuries babies have grown and even survived sans the electronic Touch and Learn Puppy and Baby Einstein videos. The following baby items can easily be reproduced at home with little cost to you.

1. Buckle teddy bear — I love the learning opportunities of the Gund Teach me Teddy Bear. Your toddler can practice tying shoes, buttoning sleeves, zipping zippers and more with this loveable teddy. But with some thread and old buckles, you can outfit a loved animal with the same bells and whistles. Cut up old purse buckles, belt buckles, plastic buckles, spare buttons, and gift-wrap string to sow to your bear. Make sure you have firmly secured each addition to the teddy to avoid choking hazards.

2. Soft baby wipes — Creating your own wipes at home assures you won't be using harsh, over-drying chemicals on your baby's soft skin — plus it saves you a lot of money each month. Cut a roll of paper towels in half (my favorite is the plush Bounty or Viva) and toss the cardboard insert. Mix together, but don't shake, 2 cups of water, 2 tbsp baby oil, and 2 tbsp baby wash in an airtight container or gallon Ziplock bag. Pour the mixture over the half roll of paper towels and let sit for an hour so the liquid absorbs. Each full roll will last between 2-3 weeks as opposed to one week with a regular package.

3. Pack 'n Play sheets — My mom, being the true engineer that she is, had a great idea for making sheets for our well-used Pack 'n Play after seeing a poorly made version for $9.99 at the store. She took an old, torn sheet and made two giant pillowcases that slip over the mat. Not only was it a perfect use of recycling but the new sheet was super soft from being washed so many times and can be rotated around the mat to save constant washing.

4. Bubble bath — Always err on the safe side when making something that will coat baby's skin. That being said, it's incredibly easy to make an organic, chemical-free wash for your baby bath. Combine 1 cup milk, ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup ground oats (processed), and 2-3 drops scented oil into a bottle. Sprinkle a bit into the bath, and maybe even hop in yourself, for a refreshing and natural cleanse.

5. Personalized burp cloths — Find your favorite color ribbons on sale at Joann's or Michael's and attach them with a quick stitch at the bottom of your burp cloth for a personalized flair. Choose the super thick cloths to use. One of the cutest shower gifts I've seen is a basket filled with ribboned burp cloths that matched the nursery decor.