Tips for starting school with cloth diapers at preschool
As a parent who already uses cloth diapers on your child, you are on the right track towards a sustainable future, and surely see the benefits of letting the child wear cloth diapers at preschool as well. Let's share our top tips for making the transition to preschool with cloth diapers smooth for everyone involved.
First of all, it is important to coordinate with the preschool what routines they have regarding diapers. It differs between preschools and municipalities in what routines and policies they have regarding diapers and diaper changes.
Preschools that are used to cloth diapers
If you are lucky enough to attend a preschool that is already used to cloth diapers, you simply get to take part in their routines and talk together about a suitable routine for you and the child. The basis is that you bring diapers so that there is enough for the child's day and one in reserve, as well as wetbags to store used diapers that go home at the end of the day.
- Prepackaged diapers: Prepare prepackaged diapers with the correct inserts, ready to use. It makes it easier for the educators and keeps nappy changes smooth.
- Number of diapers: Pack 6-8 diapers per day to ensure that the educators are not without.
- Wetbags: One wet bag to store dirty diapers in and possibly a separate one to store poopy diapers in.
Preschools that are open to cloth diapers
If the preschool is open to using cloth diapers but is not used to it, you may need to show the educators how the diapers work and suggest a suitable routine.
- Prepackaged diapers: Bring prepackaged diapers set to the correct size to facilitate diaper changes for the educators, feel free to show how the diaper works and how it fits the child.
- Number of Diapers: Make sure to pack enough diapers for the day, 6-8 pieces.
- Agree with the staff how the dirty diapers should be handled, some preschools prefer disposable insert to easily dispose of the poo, others put the poo diaper in a separate bag or wet bag. Find a routine that suits you and the educators.
Introducing cloth diapers at preschool can be a positive and sustainable experience for both your child and the educators. Some preschools have specific requirements or are limited by certain rules and policies when it comes to choosing diapers, so it is always important to communicate and consult before enrollment. By preparing prepackaged diapers, making sure there are enough diapers, taking the soiled diapers home each day to make sure there are as many new diapers ready for the next day, you can make the transition to preschool with cloth diapers a success.
common questions
How many diapers should I pack for the day at preschool?
Pack 6-8 diapers to ensure educators have enough and your child is comfortable throughout the day.
What do I do if the preschool has specific requirements for a model or buttoning?
Adapt to the requirements and discuss a solution that works for the educators.
How can I make it easier for the educators with dirty nappies?
Use wetbags to store soiled diapers before washing them. One or more extra poopy diaper bags can be very helpful. Disposable pads that are thrown away after use can be another way to help with poopy diapers.
What do I do if I only have diapers with buttons and the educators advocate velcro?
If the staff are new to modern cloth diapers, they may advocate velcro as they are equivalent to disposable diapers. Discuss the proposal to test diapers with buttons. Let the diapers be buttoned in the correct size so that the educator can see how it should fit during the diaper change. Alternatively, mark which buttons should be buttoned to facilitate buttoning. In some cases, you have to be lenient with the fact that velcro can make hands and joints easier when many diapers are changed per day.
Can the preschool refuse cloth diapers?
Different municipalities and preschools have different rules and policies, so it is possible that some do not allow cloth diapers.