Make Your Own Heating Padby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 30 Jan 2007 09:40 AM When the aches and pains hit, or on a cold winter's day, it is so nice to cozy up to a microwave heating pad. But those fancy pads that are sold in stores and mall kiosks everywhere is money that you don't need to spend. Here are some easy instructions to make your very own. I love this idea, especially since I have been having knee problems from tearing my meniscus (the cartilage material that cushions my knee). It is also great for sore necks and backs or whatever body parts happen to hurt at the moment. We have even been using a pad to gently warm up the baby's crib before he goes to bed (we remove the pad before he gets in, and we always check the mattress temperature). To make your own heating pad, you'll need some material that is safe to microwave. Cotton is great, but stay away from nylon or synthetics that might burn. Don't worry about buying expensive fabrics, although you can splurge on a pretty print if you like. Try old towels, scraps of sewing fabric, old sweatshirts or even old socks (for a really small heating pad). You can make your pad as small or as large as you like. Sew the material into a tube, leaving one end open. Pour in some uncooked rice, using a funnel or a friend to help. Don't overfill your tube. You want to make sure that your homemade heating pad is still soft and flexible enough to conform to your body. Sew the tube closed and you are ready to go. To use your homemade heating pad, sprinkle or lightly wet the pad and pop it into the microwave on high for about two minutes. It might not feel very hot when you first take it out of the microwave, but the heat will distribute through the pad a few minutes later, especially if you shake it. This will give you a basic homemade heating pad. You can get a bit fancier by adding lavender or other soothing herbs. Or, try a tiny bit of cinnamon. Enjoy! Related Articles: Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments  Linda Hansen (1796) 30 Jan 2007 12:24 PMThat's a great idea. My heating pad just went by the wayside and I sure do miss it, back problems. I will try the rice, thanks. Artcraft  Mary Ann Romans (26876) 30 Jan 2007 12:35 PMYou are welcome! I'm so sorry about your back problems. Do you go to a chiropractor or traditional doctor? Community Tags aches, heating pad, health, soothing Discuss this article
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