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Childcare and Cloth Nappies

This is where I really get on my high horse, and I am very qualified to do so, having been a registered childminder for almost 18 years. I have always been more than happy to provide the kind of service that any one parent wants, including accomodating any particular lifestyle choices they have made for their baby. It is after all a service that is paid for by the parents.

So why all childcare facilities, home based or nursery, can't see it that way is beyond me. Many childminders and nurseries are more than happy to accept children in cloth nappies, but a few try to insist that you provide disposables, or provide them themselves. How do you persuade these few that they should give cloth a try for your child? I can't promise any of this will work, but I have a few tips for you.

First of all, don't be defensive, but not aggressive either. State firmly that you use cloth nappies on your baby, and that you would like them to do the same. Don't go in, asking meekly if it might be all right, just state the fact that you use cloth, and be assertive and confident.

If they raise a few eyebrows, ask what they think the problem will be? Once you know the objections, you are in a better position to overcome them.

Show them the nappies you intend to send your child with. It would be a good idea to plan for this when you buy your nappies and I would strongly recommend you opt for fitted shaped nappies or Snuggle Naps, or at least  have enough for use during two days at childcare. Show them how you change your baby and how quick it is. Point out that it is no slower than any disposable.

Point out that you can have all the nappies, liners and wraps put together ready for easy use and that you will provide a waterproof bag for the wet/dirty nappies. Although it is obviously good for pooey nappies to be rinsed/flushed off after a change, it isn't absolutely necessary, and the nappy can be rolled up, with it's wrap, and put straight in the wet nappy bag, and the zip done up, or drawstring pulled tight.

If they voice concerns about the nappies being stored all day on the premises, ask where they keep the disposable nappies after use? Also, ask how often these are collected for disposal. I suspect it won't be daily, so you have one point in your favour, as you will be removing your baby's dirty nappies daily and replacing them next day with clean ones.

Again, on the point of disposal, if you are looking at a nursery, ask if the nappies are removed as clinical waste (they should be), and how much they pay for that service. By taking your baby's nappies away each day, you will be saving the nursery some money, as most commercial waste is charged for by weight. You are not necessarily be asking for a discount, so the saving will go straight to the nursery.

If the childminder/nursery is concerned that they may have to change more often, point out that this is not likely, as you will send nappies that are fully absorbent. In any case, if the baby has wet a lot, it is not necessary to wait until a nappy is full, it should still be changed on a regular basis.

Ask if they have any further questions, and answer each one clearly.

Lastly, and I would recommend you keep this as a last resort as you want a good relationship with the person/people who will take care of your most precious little baby, you can point out that by law they are required to offer equal opportunities to all, and that includes those who have chosen a slightly alternative lifestyle. You cannot be turned away because you choose not to use disposable nappies (although if there is heavy competition for only a few nursery places where you live, you may have to accept that they have a large number of families to choose from), this could amount to discrimination, and you could take your case to your Local Authority/Ofsted inspectors. There is no practical reason why they should refuse to use nappies provided by you, and taken away daily and laundered by you.

If anyone with experience of this has any more tips we can pass on to newer parents, please e-mail me. I am keen to see more childcare facilities accepting children in cloth nappies.