How to Find a Good Cloth Diaper Service

Cloth diapering is environmentally friendly and economical, and a diaper service is a great way to get all the benefits of cloth for yourself and your baby, without having to wash hundreds of dirty diapers. Here are some questions to ask when shopping around for a diaper service.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Diaper Wraps
• Diaper-rash Ointments

1. Ask how much the service will cost, and what is included. Will you receive a set number of diapers each week? How much will it cost if you need more? Is there a special deal for parents of twins?
2. Ask whether the diaper service is personalized . In other words, will you get the same diapers back each week, or will you receive different diapers? Diaper services are very careful to sterilize and sanitize all their diapers, but some parents still prefer their babies to have the same diapers returned to them each time.
3. Ask how much work and preparation you will need to do. Does the diaper service require you to soak and rinse diapers in a specific solution? Do they provide a special pail, or do you need to get your own?
4. Ask about sizing. Are all the diapers offered by the service the same size, or do they come in smaller sizes for newborns and preemies? Are there larger diapers or training pants available for toddlers?
5. Ask about fit and fastenings. Are the diapers simple "prefolds" (large squares of cotton), or are they shaped? Are clips and pins provided, or do you need to get your own? Do any of the diapers have snap or Velcro fastenings?
6. Ask about covers. Does the diaper service provide diaper covers or just diapers? Do you need to place the diaper covers in a separate pail, or do they all go into the same container? Do the covers come in a variety of styles and sizes?
7. Ask how often the pickup takes place and on what day. Most diaper services will probably just get you to leave your pail outside the door at the same time every week ' you don't have to arrange to be at home when they arrive.
8. Ask about laundering and sanitation. What sorts of detergents are used? How are diapers sterilized? This can be important if you or your baby has delicate skin or if anyone in your home is sensitive to fragrances or chemicals.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a look at the actual diapers from a couple of services before settling on one. This will give you a chance to feel the quality and compare fastenings, covers and other variables.
• Diaper service makes a great baby-shower gift for expectant parents, especially if a group of friends or relatives is getting together to buy a gift.
• Talk to other parents whenever possible, and get referrals and suggestions. Word of mouth may be the best way to find a diaper service that works for you.
• Don't forget to order your first delivery of diapers before your baby is expected to arrive. This means you will be properly equipped when you need the diapers, with no last-minute rushing to do.