Thirsties all-in-one diaper

Finding the right daycare can be a challenge for any family. Parents want child care that is affordable, nurturing, safe and fun.  Finding the perfect mix is hard enough, but for cloth diapering families, the list of available options is further limited.

Many daycares tell cloth diapering families that health regulations prohibit the use of cloth diapers. This may be a personal center preference rather than state statute. While the New Jersey Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers specifically outlines that centers must use disposable wipes, it does allow for the use of cloth diapers, requiring only that soiled diapers be placed in a  labeled, sealed plastic container and returned to the parent at the end of each day.

Parents who wish to use cloth diapers at daycare and are unsure of the center's reaction should plan accordingly. It is a good idea to bring a sample of the diaper. Many daycares may have the idea of "old-fashioned" cloth diapers with flats, pins and plastic pants. For daycare, easier is better. All-in-one diapers or pocket diapers with Velcro closures function most like disposable diapers. When a daycare provider sees that using cloth diapers requires little more work than throwing it in a different pail, she is more likely to give the green light for cloth.

With the go-ahead to use cloth, continue to  make it as easy as possible for daycare to use cloth diapers. Pre-stuff pocket diapers and have a diaper-safe rash cream readily available. Leave extra "just in case" diapers in the bag and stick with one or two diaper brands. Encouraging greater ease of use will ensure that more daycare providers develop a positive attitude toward cloth diapers!