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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Changed My Mind About Cloth Diapers...
PolkaTots 12:01 PM 02-21-2013
This is my 4th week of caring for a 2 month old. This is also the first cloth diapered child I have ever enrolled. I decided to give it a try, but it just isn't working. She has the fabric cover that snaps, with cloth inserts (that don't hold poo), and a wet bag I have to put them in. I have 6 full timers, 2 part timers, and 2 school agers (4 of which are in diapers), and having a newborn is proving quite a bit more work than in the past (she isn't on a schedule yet, and is breastfed and still not having an easy time with bottles. With 5-6 bottles a day, at close to 30 minutes per feeding, it's become a task to manage my time.) Although the diapers don't take up that much more time, I just don't want to mess with them anymore. Especially since the mom didn't provide enough the other day, and I asked for disposables for back up, and she didn't see the need. How do I approach her that I have decided not to allow cloth diapers anymore?
canadiancare 12:09 PM 02-21-2013
Poor you but also that poor mum who only got 2 months of leave. I couldn't have managed to part with my little ones at that age. Heck I am still home 21 years later 
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:11 PM 02-21-2013
Maybe you might feel differently if she provided you with all-in-ones or pre-stuffed pockets. They're JUST like disposables and would require no extra work on your part. I would tell Mom you also need 3-4 extra diapers there each day and/or disposables. If she refused, I would refuse care for that day.
Heidi 12:13 PM 02-21-2013
Just tell her what you told us...
She can either understand, or she can find new care.
I don't even think you need to threaten that or imply it.
"she didn't see the need" got my goat! YOU saw the need, and you NEED enough diapers to do your job.
Drink a big glass of milk to harden your backbone and look her in the eye!
You can do it!
She can either understand, or she can find new care.
I don't even think you need to threaten that or imply it. "she didn't see the need" got my goat! YOU saw the need, and you NEED enough diapers to do your job.
Drink a big glass of milk to harden your backbone and look her in the eye!
You can do it!
cheerfuldom 12:22 PM 02-21-2013
also, what feeding schedule is this child on that she needs 5 to 6 bottles a day and is taking 30 minutes each feed? thats potentially 3 hours a day just feeding one child! i would address that before I would even care about the extra minute it takes to change a cloth diaper. if this baby is really struggling with bottles, i would insist mom stay home for a few days and get it worked out before taking this child back.
to be honest, with as many kids as you have, it doesnt sound like a newborn is a good fit at all.
to be honest, with as many kids as you have, it doesnt sound like a newborn is a good fit at all.
PolkaTots 12:29 PM 02-21-2013
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
also, what feeding schedule is this child on that she needs 5 to 6 bottles a day and is taking 30 minutes each feed? thats potentially 3 hours a day just feeding one child! i would address that before I would even care about the extra minute it takes to change a cloth diaper. if this baby is really struggling with bottles, i would insist mom stay home for a few days and get it worked out before taking this child back.
to be honest, with as many kids as you have, it doesnt sound like a newborn is a good fit at all.
She is demand fed at home...eats about 1-3 oz per feeding...every 30mins-3 hoursalso, what feeding schedule is this child on that she needs 5 to 6 bottles a day and is taking 30 minutes each feed? thats potentially 3 hours a day just feeding one child! i would address that before I would even care about the extra minute it takes to change a cloth diaper. if this baby is really struggling with bottles, i would insist mom stay home for a few days and get it worked out before taking this child back.
to be honest, with as many kids as you have, it doesnt sound like a newborn is a good fit at all.
I am actually under my registration capacity and do have an assistant. This isn't the first newborn I have enrolled, and I only accept 1 under 1 at a time. I've never had a newborn so time consuming. The mother is working with me on the feeding thing and trying to offer more bottles at home...at least she says she is.
Holiday Park 12:54 PM 02-21-2013
If she is put on a every 2-3 hour schedule (ignoring schedule during growth spurts of course) and slowly increasing the time between feedings I assure you that baby will be MUCH happier because she wil be actually hugey and not just snacking all day long.
I am currently very disgusted with cloth diapers on DKB of my own right now. Its sooooo gross . I was all for it be ause my own som wears them. But I forgot that my son uses his potty most f the time AND I also use disposables half the time. MY son poops n his potty and his poops just don't stink at all. I really think its diet and the fact he doesn't drink cow milk where this dkb drinks cow milk and poops up to 3x a day and sometimes Im literally gagging trying not to throw up from the smell. Having to carry each diaper to tje toilet to dump the contents sounds simple. But it's not ! I have to walk through three areas of my house (stepping over 2baby gates) to dump poop out of those diapers.
I got to see frst hand why they really are more time consuming.
I am currently very disgusted with cloth diapers on DKB of my own right now. Its sooooo gross . I was all for it be ause my own som wears them. But I forgot that my son uses his potty most f the time AND I also use disposables half the time. MY son poops n his potty and his poops just don't stink at all. I really think its diet and the fact he doesn't drink cow milk where this dkb drinks cow milk and poops up to 3x a day and sometimes Im literally gagging trying not to throw up from the smell. Having to carry each diaper to tje toilet to dump the contents sounds simple. But it's not ! I have to walk through three areas of my house (stepping over 2baby gates) to dump poop out of those diapers.
I got to see frst hand why they really are more time consuming.
MarinaVanessa 01:08 PM 02-21-2013
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
Maybe you might feel differently if she provided you with all-in-ones or pre-stuffed pockets. They're JUST like disposables and would require no extra work on your part. I would tell Mom you also need 3-4 extra diapers there each day and/or disposables. If she refused, I would refuse care for that day.
I was going to suggest this as well. The all-in-ones (also called pocket diapers) are just like disposable diapers and work the same way. They look and are shaped pretty much the same except they are a little bulkier but you have velcro tabs just like the disposable dipes have. Maybe you might feel differently if she provided you with all-in-ones or pre-stuffed pockets. They're JUST like disposables and would require no extra work on your part. I would tell Mom you also need 3-4 extra diapers there each day and/or disposables. If she refused, I would refuse care for that day.
If you are willing to try and they are giving you flat diapers suggest pocket diapers instead and require that they provide at least 8 per day and have them already be "assembled" as in have the parent provide them to you already stuffed maybe even with disposable liners for the poopy stuff. And no matter what require at least 12-24 disposable diapers to have as backup.
If not then just say ...
"Hey DCM, I've really kept an open mind about the cloth diapers but I really don't feel comfortable with it. It just isn't working out for me so well. It's a little more time consuming than I thought and there have been times that I didn't have enough of them to last a full day and didn't have any disposable diapers as back up so it's really just been a headache for me. I've decided to not continue to work with cloth diapers anymore. I'm sure you can understand" and go from there.
KnoxMom 01:08 PM 02-21-2013
It seems this would have been addressed during your probationary period; the best thing to do is establish clear communication with the mother that without adequate supplies you cannot give quality care. One idea I picked up on one of the forums is to have a $1 diaper charge. Keep your own backup supply and any time you have to dip into it, have it added as a fee to the next week's tuition. :-D
cheerfuldom 02:22 PM 02-21-2013
yeah keep working on that feeding schedule. 1 oz. every 30 minutes is just ridiculous. i understand the nature of "on demand" but its also important to remember that 1. this is group care and that does not work well with group care and 2. it is not always in the best interest of a child to do what they are wanting to do. i realize baby is very young but by 3 months, I would have a routine in place with feeding every 3 hours. if mom feeds right before baby is dropped off, you would be down to 3 feeds a day for a full time child (assuming 8 to 10 hours a day in care). that much more manageable.
MotherNature 03:02 PM 02-21-2013
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
I was going to suggest this as well. The all-in-ones (also called pocket diapers) are just like disposable diapers and work the same way. .
AIOs & Pockets are different styles. Pockets have inserts that slide into them, allowing you to customize absorption & materials, whereas AIOs are exactly that.. all one piece. They are the most user-friendly. Breastfed babies don't need diapers sprayed off, as the poop dissolves like yogurt. The mom may want to consider a liner if there's formula poop, as it's stickier I hear. I cloth diaper full time & use mostly pockets w/ hemp or bamboo inserts.I have a diaper sprayer, but if you're not a CDer already, you probably don't want to mess with it. I was going to suggest this as well. The all-in-ones (also called pocket diapers) are just like disposable diapers and work the same way. .
I'd just fold it up into the wet bag; the mom won't mind I'd imagine.Personally, I don't know how you guys deal with disposables all the time. They smell like chemicals & make the trash smellier. I can't really smell much in my diaper pail. (That wasn't meant to sound snotty.. I just notice the difference between my son & my dck.)
Also, what Marina said about just saying it's not working out sounds perfect. A LOT of places don't even allow CDs, so most CDusers are used to hearing no about it at daycare.
kitykids3 03:49 PM 02-21-2013
To me it sounds more like the feedings are giving you more trouble (more time consuming) than the cloth diapers. Perhaps address the CD's like pp said, insisting they are assembled and that you have plenty of backups, and then also address the feedings. I get that the baby is only 2 months old, but 5-6 bottles per day is too many, just at your house. Bright side is that in another couple of months the baby will be on a routine and you can plan better.
nannyde 06:12 PM 02-21-2013
The baby is not nipple trained. She is spending more calories trying to eat then what she is eating. At two months she should be eating two ounces every two hours. That's from the stop of one bottle to the start of the next. It shouldn't take more than five minutes to eat one ounce and five minutes to eat the other ounce with a burp in between. That's a minimum. Three ounces every 2.5 hrs is more like it for that age.
The mom needs to remove the child from care and get her nipple trained. You are providing one to one care that should be done by the parents.
Tell them to take a week off and get the baby day care ready by nipple training. Have them come to you and SHOW you the baby eating a FULL three ounce bottle by the nipple before they can return. Don't take their words..... have them SHOW you.
Cloth diapering is a lot more work than disposables. More changes, longer time to do the change and more leaks. Figure out the time it is taking you to
manage the cloth compared to paper diapers and charge the parents for that one to one time. I figure three dollars per day for cloth. The money the parents save on cloth diapers is exactly the money you will loose in staff time and labor. So if it costs them two/three a day for paper diapers it will cost you two to three dollars a day in your one to one time. Figure that into your rates.
Breast milk is MARKEDLY more time consuming than formula. The staff time for formula for me is about a minute a day in preparation and a minute per month to get the formula in the house. So at the end of the month it takes me about twenty minutes of my time to manage formula. (this is not including the feed time just the management of formula compared to breast milk..... feeding time for nipple trained babies is the same whether formula or breast)
I spend twenty minutes a day managing ONE DAY of breast milk. Between receiving the milk, convection heating, temp control, parent conferencing regarding use and supply, and returning containers it's about three bucks a day of staff time.
CHARGE for the service. I base my rates on breast milk management and cloth diapering. If a child is formula fed I deduct three dollars a day. If a child is paper diapered I deduct another three a day.
So if I charge 170 a week then the fee would be 140 a week if the parents supply formula and paper diapers. I don't care either way..... I just want to be paid for the work.
Cloth diapering is EASY work. Managing breast milk is EASY work. The issue with it is the TIME it takes to do the easy work. It's time and time is money. Every business charges for time.
Nipple training is HARD work. It's so hard I won't do it. I don't want to be the one to do that. It's too hard and the baby who is expending so much energy to eat is usually very fussy and unhappy. No amount of money will pay me to host that.
The mom needs to remove the child from care and get her nipple trained. You are providing one to one care that should be done by the parents.
Tell them to take a week off and get the baby day care ready by nipple training. Have them come to you and SHOW you the baby eating a FULL three ounce bottle by the nipple before they can return. Don't take their words..... have them SHOW you.
Cloth diapering is a lot more work than disposables. More changes, longer time to do the change and more leaks. Figure out the time it is taking you to
manage the cloth compared to paper diapers and charge the parents for that one to one time. I figure three dollars per day for cloth. The money the parents save on cloth diapers is exactly the money you will loose in staff time and labor. So if it costs them two/three a day for paper diapers it will cost you two to three dollars a day in your one to one time. Figure that into your rates.
Breast milk is MARKEDLY more time consuming than formula. The staff time for formula for me is about a minute a day in preparation and a minute per month to get the formula in the house. So at the end of the month it takes me about twenty minutes of my time to manage formula. (this is not including the feed time just the management of formula compared to breast milk..... feeding time for nipple trained babies is the same whether formula or breast)
I spend twenty minutes a day managing ONE DAY of breast milk. Between receiving the milk, convection heating, temp control, parent conferencing regarding use and supply, and returning containers it's about three bucks a day of staff time.
CHARGE for the service. I base my rates on breast milk management and cloth diapering. If a child is formula fed I deduct three dollars a day. If a child is paper diapered I deduct another three a day.
So if I charge 170 a week then the fee would be 140 a week if the parents supply formula and paper diapers. I don't care either way..... I just want to be paid for the work.
Cloth diapering is EASY work. Managing breast milk is EASY work. The issue with it is the TIME it takes to do the easy work. It's time and time is money. Every business charges for time.
Nipple training is HARD work. It's so hard I won't do it. I don't want to be the one to do that. It's too hard and the baby who is expending so much energy to eat is usually very fussy and unhappy. No amount of money will pay me to host that.
EntropyControlSpecialist 07:20 PM 02-21-2013
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
I was going to suggest this as well. The all-in-ones (also called pocket diapers) are just like disposable diapers and work the same way. They look and are shaped pretty much the same except they are a little bulkier but you have velcro tabs just like the disposable dipes have.
If you are willing to try and they are giving you flat diapers suggest pocket diapers instead and require that they provide at least 8 per day and have them already be "assembled" as in have the parent provide them to you already stuffed maybe even with disposable liners for the poopy stuff. And no matter what require at least 12-24 disposable diapers to have as backup.
If not then just say ...
"Hey DCM, I've really kept an open mind about the cloth diapers but I really don't feel comfortable with it. It just isn't working out for me so well. It's a little more time consuming than I thought and there have been times that I didn't have enough of them to last a full day and didn't have any disposable diapers as back up so it's really just been a headache for me. I've decided to not continue to work with cloth diapers anymore. I'm sure you can understand" and go from there.
All-in-ones are actually completely different from pocket diapers. I was going to suggest this as well. The all-in-ones (also called pocket diapers) are just like disposable diapers and work the same way. They look and are shaped pretty much the same except they are a little bulkier but you have velcro tabs just like the disposable dipes have.
If you are willing to try and they are giving you flat diapers suggest pocket diapers instead and require that they provide at least 8 per day and have them already be "assembled" as in have the parent provide them to you already stuffed maybe even with disposable liners for the poopy stuff. And no matter what require at least 12-24 disposable diapers to have as backup.
If not then just say ...
"Hey DCM, I've really kept an open mind about the cloth diapers but I really don't feel comfortable with it. It just isn't working out for me so well. It's a little more time consuming than I thought and there have been times that I didn't have enough of them to last a full day and didn't have any disposable diapers as back up so it's really just been a headache for me. I've decided to not continue to work with cloth diapers anymore. I'm sure you can understand" and go from there.
All-in-ones are EXACTLY like a disposable diaper and require nothing extra as far as assembly goes. Pockets require stuffing the insert into it (microfiber, prefold, that company's insert, etc.). Pockets are a pain in the butt if she is the one having to assemble it.An example is a Bumgenius Freetime. No stuffing required! http://www.peapods.com/browse.cfm/bu...er/4,1851.html
An example of a pocket is their Bumgenius one-size pocket. You have to stuff it. http://www.peapods.com/browse.cfm/bu...rs/4,1206.html
I use trifolded prefolds in covers for the kids who opt into my cloth diapering program here. They're cheap and easy for me to wash. But, they are more time consuming than an AIO.
EntropyControlSpecialist 07:25 PM 02-21-2013
Originally Posted by KnoxMom:
It seems this would have been addressed during your probationary period; the best thing to do is establish clear communication with the mother that without adequate supplies you cannot give quality care. One idea I picked up on one of the forums is to have a $1 diaper charge. Keep your own backup supply and any time you have to dip into it, have it added as a fee to the next week's tuition. :-D
I charge $20.00 if you didn't bring enough disposable diapers (if you didn't opt in to my cloth diapering program) for the inconvenience of it. I HAVE charged two parents this. They haven't forgotten since!It seems this would have been addressed during your probationary period; the best thing to do is establish clear communication with the mother that without adequate supplies you cannot give quality care. One idea I picked up on one of the forums is to have a $1 diaper charge. Keep your own backup supply and any time you have to dip into it, have it added as a fee to the next week's tuition. :-D
TheGoodLife 07:28 PM 02-21-2013
Originally Posted by nannyde:
The baby is not nipple trained. She is spending more calories trying to eat then what she is eating. At two months she should be eating two ounces every two hours. That's from the stop of one bottle to the start of the next. It shouldn't take more than five minutes to eat one ounce and five minutes to eat the other ounce with a burp in between. That's a minimum. Three ounces every 2.5 hrs is more like it for that age.
The mom needs to remove the child from care and get her nipple trained. You are providing one to one care that should be done by the parents.
Tell them to take a week off and get the baby day care ready by nipple training. Have them come to you and SHOW you the baby eating a FULL three ounce bottle by the nipple before they can return. Don't take their words..... have them SHOW you.
Cloth diapering is a lot more work than disposables. More changes, longer time to do the change and more leaks. Figure out the time it is taking you to
manage the cloth compared to paper diapers and charge the parents for that one to one time. I figure three dollars per day for cloth. The money the parents save on cloth diapers is exactly the money you will loose in staff time and labor. So if it costs them two/three a day for paper diapers it will cost you two to three dollars a day in your one to one time. Figure that into your rates.
Breast milk is MARKEDLY more time consuming than formula. The staff time for formula for me is about a minute a day in preparation and a minute per month to get the formula in the house. So at the end of the month it takes me about twenty minutes of my time to manage formula. (this is not including the feed time just the management of formula compared to breast milk..... feeding time for nipple trained babies is the same whether formula or breast)
I spend twenty minutes a day managing ONE DAY of breast milk. Between receiving the milk, convection heating, temp control, parent conferencing regarding use and supply, and returning containers it's about three bucks a day of staff time.
CHARGE for the service. I base my rates on breast milk management and cloth diapering. If a child is formula fed I deduct three dollars a day. If a child is paper diapered I deduct another three a day.
So if I charge 170 a week then the fee would be 140 a week if the parents supply formula and paper diapers. I don't care either way..... I just want to be paid for the work.
Cloth diapering is EASY work. Managing breast milk is EASY work. The issue with it is the TIME it takes to do the easy work. It's time and time is money. Every business charges for time.
Nipple training is HARD work. It's so hard I won't do it. I don't want to be the one to do that. It's too hard and the baby who is expending so much energy to eat is usually very fussy and unhappy. No amount of money will pay me to host that.
The baby is not nipple trained. She is spending more calories trying to eat then what she is eating. At two months she should be eating two ounces every two hours. That's from the stop of one bottle to the start of the next. It shouldn't take more than five minutes to eat one ounce and five minutes to eat the other ounce with a burp in between. That's a minimum. Three ounces every 2.5 hrs is more like it for that age.
The mom needs to remove the child from care and get her nipple trained. You are providing one to one care that should be done by the parents.
Tell them to take a week off and get the baby day care ready by nipple training. Have them come to you and SHOW you the baby eating a FULL three ounce bottle by the nipple before they can return. Don't take their words..... have them SHOW you.
Cloth diapering is a lot more work than disposables. More changes, longer time to do the change and more leaks. Figure out the time it is taking you to
manage the cloth compared to paper diapers and charge the parents for that one to one time. I figure three dollars per day for cloth. The money the parents save on cloth diapers is exactly the money you will loose in staff time and labor. So if it costs them two/three a day for paper diapers it will cost you two to three dollars a day in your one to one time. Figure that into your rates.
Breast milk is MARKEDLY more time consuming than formula. The staff time for formula for me is about a minute a day in preparation and a minute per month to get the formula in the house. So at the end of the month it takes me about twenty minutes of my time to manage formula. (this is not including the feed time just the management of formula compared to breast milk..... feeding time for nipple trained babies is the same whether formula or breast)
I spend twenty minutes a day managing ONE DAY of breast milk. Between receiving the milk, convection heating, temp control, parent conferencing regarding use and supply, and returning containers it's about three bucks a day of staff time.
CHARGE for the service. I base my rates on breast milk management and cloth diapering. If a child is formula fed I deduct three dollars a day. If a child is paper diapered I deduct another three a day.
So if I charge 170 a week then the fee would be 140 a week if the parents supply formula and paper diapers. I don't care either way..... I just want to be paid for the work.
Cloth diapering is EASY work. Managing breast milk is EASY work. The issue with it is the TIME it takes to do the easy work. It's time and time is money. Every business charges for time.
Nipple training is HARD work. It's so hard I won't do it. I don't want to be the one to do that. It's too hard and the baby who is expending so much energy to eat is usually very fussy and unhappy. No amount of money will pay me to host that.
Love this! My DCM that is leaving after next week (a college friend, her 1st baby) doesn't seem to care about the time it takes to deal with 1-2 blowouts DAILY plus taking her frozen bagged milk, which she would always send still frozen for me to deal with even after I asked her to defrost it earlier. After a couple months I finally told her I had to have her bring the milk already in bottles so I didn't have her breastmilk spilling all over my kitchen as I tried to pour the half frozen slush into a bottle. DCP really don't seem to understand a lot about the business, but I guess I never did when I was taking my kids, either! I hope you try the "taking a week off to nipple train" idea- sounds reasonable and it puts the responsibility back on the parents. Good luck!!!
EchoMom 07:54 PM 02-21-2013
Originally Posted by nannyde:
CHARGE for the service. I base my rates on breast milk management and cloth diapering. If a child is formula fed I deduct three dollars a day. If a child is paper diapered I deduct another three a day.
I totally understand why you say this, and that's perfectly fine for you to choose to do. Personally, I don't really like this because it seems to highly highly discourage feeding breastmilk. If I felt so strongly that breastmilk was such a drain of time, I just wouldn't enroll a child on breastmilk if it bothered me that much.CHARGE for the service. I base my rates on breast milk management and cloth diapering. If a child is formula fed I deduct three dollars a day. If a child is paper diapered I deduct another three a day.
I really respect the parents that keep up with pumping and managing their supply to send to daycare so their baby can have the benefits of breastmilk as long as possible. My DS is 18 months and I still nurse him daily. I have one DCB that is a year and mom still sends breastmilk for him. I think that's awesome and if they can make the commitment to keep it up that long, I will support it by serving it.
For me though, it is the exact same amount of time for formula and breastmilk. ALL bottles (no matter which is in them) are prepared at home and sent daily. If it's a milk bottle it goes in fridge, if it's formula, pantry. Time to serve? Add water to formula, both kids get warmed and temp checked.
The only downside is I do like that formula fed babies go longer between meals. But it doesn't bother me, to me it's super important and I want to support it. JMO
EchoMom 07:57 PM 02-21-2013
Originally Posted by Mama2Bella:
plus taking her frozen bagged milk, which she would always send still frozen for me to deal with even after I asked her to defrost it earlier. After a couple months I finally told her I had to have her bring the milk already in bottles so I didn't have her breastmilk spilling all over my kitchen as I tried to pour the half frozen slush into a bottle.
Oh heck no! Now THIS I couldn't handle. The milk is ALWAYS sent to me thawed and in the bottle ready to go. I just warm and serve. I do hate when I stick a clean finger in the bottle to check temp, or on my wrist, I always think, "This is some woman's bodily fluids! Ew!" But then I get over it. plus taking her frozen bagged milk, which she would always send still frozen for me to deal with even after I asked her to defrost it earlier. After a couple months I finally told her I had to have her bring the milk already in bottles so I didn't have her breastmilk spilling all over my kitchen as I tried to pour the half frozen slush into a bottle.Now, when the baby spits up all over my shirt, THAT is gross thinking about what exactly is on me! Ew!
LK5kids 03:05 AM 02-22-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
Poor you but also that poor mum who only got 2 months of leave. I couldn't have managed to part with my little ones at that age. Heck I am still home 21 years later
Awwwwww! That made me smilePoor you but also that poor mum who only got 2 months of leave. I couldn't have managed to part with my little ones at that age. Heck I am still home 21 years later
My3cents 04:07 AM 02-22-2013
Originally Posted by nannyde:
The baby is not nipple trained. She is spending more calories trying to eat then what she is eating. At two months she should be eating two ounces every two hours. That's from the stop of one bottle to the start of the next. It shouldn't take more than five minutes to eat one ounce and five minutes to eat the other ounce with a burp in between. That's a minimum. Three ounces every 2.5 hrs is more like it for that age.
The mom needs to remove the child from care and get her nipple trained. You are providing one to one care that should be done by the parents.
Tell them to take a week off and get the baby day care ready by nipple training. Have them come to you and SHOW you the baby eating a FULL three ounce bottle by the nipple before they can return. Don't take their words..... have them SHOW you.
Cloth diapering is a lot more work than disposables. More changes, longer time to do the change and more leaks. Figure out the time it is taking you to
manage the cloth compared to paper diapers and charge the parents for that one to one time. I figure three dollars per day for cloth. The money the parents save on cloth diapers is exactly the money you will loose in staff time and labor. So if it costs them two/three a day for paper diapers it will cost you two to three dollars a day in your one to one time. Figure that into your rates.
Breast milk is MARKEDLY more time consuming than formula. The staff time for formula for me is about a minute a day in preparation and a minute per month to get the formula in the house. So at the end of the month it takes me about twenty minutes of my time to manage formula. (this is not including the feed time just the management of formula compared to breast milk..... feeding time for nipple trained babies is the same whether formula or breast)
I spend twenty minutes a day managing ONE DAY of breast milk. Between receiving the milk, convection heating, temp control, parent conferencing regarding use and supply, and returning containers it's about three bucks a day of staff time.
CHARGE for the service. I base my rates on breast milk management and cloth diapering. If a child is formula fed I deduct three dollars a day. If a child is paper diapered I deduct another three a day.
So if I charge 170 a week then the fee would be 140 a week if the parents supply formula and paper diapers. I don't care either way..... I just want to be paid for the work.
Cloth diapering is EASY work. Managing breast milk is EASY work. The issue with it is the TIME it takes to do the easy work. It's time and time is money. Every business charges for time.
Nipple training is HARD work. It's so hard I won't do it. I don't want to be the one to do that. It's too hard and the baby who is expending so much energy to eat is usually very fussy and unhappy. No amount of money will pay me to host that.
I love your postings, I learn so much from you- Even if it doesn't work for me or my program.The baby is not nipple trained. She is spending more calories trying to eat then what she is eating. At two months she should be eating two ounces every two hours. That's from the stop of one bottle to the start of the next. It shouldn't take more than five minutes to eat one ounce and five minutes to eat the other ounce with a burp in between. That's a minimum. Three ounces every 2.5 hrs is more like it for that age.
The mom needs to remove the child from care and get her nipple trained. You are providing one to one care that should be done by the parents.
Tell them to take a week off and get the baby day care ready by nipple training. Have them come to you and SHOW you the baby eating a FULL three ounce bottle by the nipple before they can return. Don't take their words..... have them SHOW you.
Cloth diapering is a lot more work than disposables. More changes, longer time to do the change and more leaks. Figure out the time it is taking you to
manage the cloth compared to paper diapers and charge the parents for that one to one time. I figure three dollars per day for cloth. The money the parents save on cloth diapers is exactly the money you will loose in staff time and labor. So if it costs them two/three a day for paper diapers it will cost you two to three dollars a day in your one to one time. Figure that into your rates.
Breast milk is MARKEDLY more time consuming than formula. The staff time for formula for me is about a minute a day in preparation and a minute per month to get the formula in the house. So at the end of the month it takes me about twenty minutes of my time to manage formula. (this is not including the feed time just the management of formula compared to breast milk..... feeding time for nipple trained babies is the same whether formula or breast)
I spend twenty minutes a day managing ONE DAY of breast milk. Between receiving the milk, convection heating, temp control, parent conferencing regarding use and supply, and returning containers it's about three bucks a day of staff time.
CHARGE for the service. I base my rates on breast milk management and cloth diapering. If a child is formula fed I deduct three dollars a day. If a child is paper diapered I deduct another three a day.
So if I charge 170 a week then the fee would be 140 a week if the parents supply formula and paper diapers. I don't care either way..... I just want to be paid for the work.
Cloth diapering is EASY work. Managing breast milk is EASY work. The issue with it is the TIME it takes to do the easy work. It's time and time is money. Every business charges for time.
Nipple training is HARD work. It's so hard I won't do it. I don't want to be the one to do that. It's too hard and the baby who is expending so much energy to eat is usually very fussy and unhappy. No amount of money will pay me to host that.
I do serve Breast Milk if the parents want me to do that, but the baby has to be able to take formula and a bottle nipple too. I don't see it as that much work. I do have to pre-plan, but I know that ahead of time and just do it. BM benefits are worth the work. I don't see it as much more work then formula maybe even easier.
All the calculating of this and that would have my head stirring trying to keep up with it all. I like to keep it simple as much as possible.
My3cents 04:14 AM 02-22-2013
Originally Posted by PolkaTots:
This is my 4th week of caring for a 2 month old. This is also the first cloth diapered child I have ever enrolled. I decided to give it a try, but it just isn't working. She has the fabric cover that snaps, with cloth inserts (that don't hold poo), and a wet bag I have to put them in. I have 6 full timers, 2 part timers, and 2 school agers (4 of which are in diapers), and having a newborn is proving quite a bit more work than in the past (she isn't on a schedule yet, and is breastfed and still not having an easy time with bottles. With 5-6 bottles a day, at close to 30 minutes per feeding, it's become a task to manage my time.) Although the diapers don't take up that much more time, I just don't want to mess with them anymore. Especially since the mom didn't provide enough the other day, and I asked for disposables for back up, and she didn't see the need. How do I approach her that I have decided not to allow cloth diapers anymore?
Just tell her upfront. Cloth diapering is not working out for me and I will need you to bring disposable diapers for daycare. If she refuses then tell her it is not working out. Infants are in high demand- Your program may not be for her and better to let it go now then to build up resentments and have to deal with all of this at a later time- You don't have to get into it anymore then to repeat to her that it is not working for you and your program.This is my 4th week of caring for a 2 month old. This is also the first cloth diapered child I have ever enrolled. I decided to give it a try, but it just isn't working. She has the fabric cover that snaps, with cloth inserts (that don't hold poo), and a wet bag I have to put them in. I have 6 full timers, 2 part timers, and 2 school agers (4 of which are in diapers), and having a newborn is proving quite a bit more work than in the past (she isn't on a schedule yet, and is breastfed and still not having an easy time with bottles. With 5-6 bottles a day, at close to 30 minutes per feeding, it's become a task to manage my time.) Although the diapers don't take up that much more time, I just don't want to mess with them anymore. Especially since the mom didn't provide enough the other day, and I asked for disposables for back up, and she didn't see the need. How do I approach her that I have decided not to allow cloth diapers anymore?
nannyde 04:21 AM 02-22-2013
Originally Posted by EchoMom:
I totally understand why you say this, and that's perfectly fine for you to choose to do. Personally, I don't really like this because it seems to highly highly discourage feeding breastmilk. If I felt so strongly that breastmilk was such a drain of time, I just wouldn't enroll a child on breastmilk if it bothered me that much.
I really respect the parents that keep up with pumping and managing their supply to send to daycare so their baby can have the benefits of breastmilk as long as possible. My DS is 18 months and I still nurse him daily. I have one DCB that is a year and mom still sends breastmilk for him. I think that's awesome and if they can make the commitment to keep it up that long, I will support it by serving it.
For me though, it is the exact same amount of time for formula and breastmilk. ALL bottles (no matter which is in them) are prepared at home and sent daily. If it's a milk bottle it goes in fridge, if it's formula, pantry. Time to serve? Add water to formula, both kids get warmed and temp checked.
The only downside is I do like that formula fed babies go longer between meals. But it doesn't bother me, to me it's super important and I want to support it. JMO
Oh it doesn't bother me. I like to make more money. I'm willing to work more and do more for more. I totally understand why you say this, and that's perfectly fine for you to choose to do. Personally, I don't really like this because it seems to highly highly discourage feeding breastmilk. If I felt so strongly that breastmilk was such a drain of time, I just wouldn't enroll a child on breastmilk if it bothered me that much.
I really respect the parents that keep up with pumping and managing their supply to send to daycare so their baby can have the benefits of breastmilk as long as possible. My DS is 18 months and I still nurse him daily. I have one DCB that is a year and mom still sends breastmilk for him. I think that's awesome and if they can make the commitment to keep it up that long, I will support it by serving it.
For me though, it is the exact same amount of time for formula and breastmilk. ALL bottles (no matter which is in them) are prepared at home and sent daily. If it's a milk bottle it goes in fridge, if it's formula, pantry. Time to serve? Add water to formula, both kids get warmed and temp checked.
The only downside is I do like that formula fed babies go longer between meals. But it doesn't bother me, to me it's super important and I want to support it. JMO
I don't see how it could discourage breast feeding. My rates are based on breast fed (I only get one in five kids on formula) so the breast feeding parent wouldn't be offered the lower rate. It's not something that would cause distress because it doesn't have anything to do with them. If anything they should understand that any time you are doing healthy food... best food that it takes more time to prep and serve. It just goes with the healthy food deal whether it's breast milk or any other healthy food. It costs more and it always will. They should be thrilled to pay for the service because it is so healthy for their child. They know that the pumping storing and bringing to day care is more work than if they supplied two cans of formula a month. It's not that big of a leap for them to get that it's equally as time consuming on our end to manage it as it is on theirs. They should expect the cost of that time be on them completely.
How do you warm breast milk? I don't warm formula bottles. I put warm water in the bottle. I don't have to test the temperature. I just run the water until it's the right temp and put into bottle. It takes about fifteen seconds from start to stop. I can't come up with a system to heat and CHECK breast milk that takes fifteen seconds TOTAL.
I don't allow bottles back and forth on formula. Just give me a can and three bottles and I make it here. Sending anything back and forth is a pain to me. I don't like the passing of bottles.
countrymom 06:04 AM 02-22-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
Poor you but also that poor mum who only got 2 months of leave. I couldn't have managed to part with my little ones at that age. Heck I am still home 21 years later
thats what I think all the time too. I've been home 13 yrs now.Poor you but also that poor mum who only got 2 months of leave. I couldn't have managed to part with my little ones at that age. Heck I am still home 21 years later
bunnyslippers 07:29 AM 02-22-2013
I personally wouldn't do cloth diapers at my house, ever. I appreciate why people use them...I just find it gross and not my job.
I also hate caring for babies who are on breast milk. I am not opposed to breast feeding, and think it is wonderful. That being said, I hate feeding a baby someone else's breast milk, having it spit up on me or spilled on me. It just grosses me out. I also find breast fed babies incredibly difficult to get on a schedule. In my experience, breast fed babies have always been the hardest to care for.
I also hate caring for babies who are on breast milk. I am not opposed to breast feeding, and think it is wonderful. That being said, I hate feeding a baby someone else's breast milk, having it spit up on me or spilled on me. It just grosses me out. I also find breast fed babies incredibly difficult to get on a schedule. In my experience, breast fed babies have always been the hardest to care for.
Country Kids 08:14 AM 02-22-2013
Has cloth diapering changed that much? I did it on 3 of my four full time and then about 50/50 on my fourth and it seemed no harder then disposable. I even did the washing myself as there were no diaper services available.
All I would do is diaper them up and do plastic pants over that. I had fewer blowouts then with with disposables. We had nothing fancy either, just the diaper.
My dd was breast fed and bottle fed as my breast milk never filled her up. I would nurse for 40 min (yes 20 min per side) then she would take a 2 oz. bottle on top of that. It would take about 1 hour 15 min to feed her, change, burp and put back to bed. Then she was ready within 1.5 hours to do it again. At about 3 months doctor said strictly formula feed as she's not gaining and you are running yourself into the ground. Put her on formula, she chubbed up and was a very, very happy baby and I finally was able to sleep a little and my husband was able to help by feeding her!
All I would do is diaper them up and do plastic pants over that. I had fewer blowouts then with with disposables. We had nothing fancy either, just the diaper.
My dd was breast fed and bottle fed as my breast milk never filled her up. I would nurse for 40 min (yes 20 min per side) then she would take a 2 oz. bottle on top of that. It would take about 1 hour 15 min to feed her, change, burp and put back to bed. Then she was ready within 1.5 hours to do it again. At about 3 months doctor said strictly formula feed as she's not gaining and you are running yourself into the ground. Put her on formula, she chubbed up and was a very, very happy baby and I finally was able to sleep a little and my husband was able to help by feeding her!
MNMum 01:45 PM 02-22-2013
I love having mom's send in breastmilk. I am making more money this way, as I don't have to buy formula and I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed for these feedings. Because I have breastfed 3 and pumped (I worked PT), and I am a Lactation Consultant (so I know what is in that breastmilk and not in the formula!) I do everything I can to make it easier on the pumping mother. I let mothers send me their milk in whichever way is easiest. Both moms right now opt to send it frozen in baggies, I do the thawing and bottle prep. There is nothing better healthwise than to encourage women to breastfeed. And support it in whichever way is possible.
As far as the eww factor with breastmilk, sure it is coming from a human body. It is coming from a woman's breast, which is meant to provide a food. Cow's milk comes from a cow's breast, that grosses me out more...
As far as the eww factor with breastmilk, sure it is coming from a human body. It is coming from a woman's breast, which is meant to provide a food. Cow's milk comes from a cow's breast, that grosses me out more...
bunnyslippers 02:11 PM 02-22-2013
Originally Posted by MNMum:
I love having mom's send in breastmilk. I am making more money this way, as I don't have to buy formula and I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed for these feedings. Because I have breastfed 3 and pumped (I worked PT), and I am a Lactation Consultant (so I know what is in that breastmilk and not in the formula!) I do everything I can to make it easier on the pumping mother. I let mothers send me their milk in whichever way is easiest. Both moms right now opt to send it frozen in baggies, I do the thawing and bottle prep. There is nothing better healthwise than to encourage women to breastfeed. And support it in whichever way is possible.
As far as the eww factor with breastmilk, sure it is coming from a human body. It is coming from a woman's breast, which is meant to provide a food. Cow's milk comes from a cow's breast, that grosses me out more...
Fair enough! I love having mom's send in breastmilk. I am making more money this way, as I don't have to buy formula and I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed for these feedings. Because I have breastfed 3 and pumped (I worked PT), and I am a Lactation Consultant (so I know what is in that breastmilk and not in the formula!) I do everything I can to make it easier on the pumping mother. I let mothers send me their milk in whichever way is easiest. Both moms right now opt to send it frozen in baggies, I do the thawing and bottle prep. There is nothing better healthwise than to encourage women to breastfeed. And support it in whichever way is possible.
As far as the eww factor with breastmilk, sure it is coming from a human body. It is coming from a woman's breast, which is meant to provide a food. Cow's milk comes from a cow's breast, that grosses me out more...
It is just something I have never been comfortable with. I didn't breast feed due to medical issues, and so I guess the idea of it is hard for me to grasp. My first breast-milk baby was my nephew, and his mother was a huge PITA on every level. I guess that must have made me a bit jaded in the breast milk department. Well, that and the dad who every morning would hand me bottles and call them "booby milk." Ick.
EntropyControlSpecialist 02:13 PM 02-22-2013
Originally Posted by MNMum:
I love having mom's send in breastmilk. I am making more money this way, as I don't have to buy formula and I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed for these feedings. Because I have breastfed 3 and pumped (I worked PT), and I am a Lactation Consultant (so I know what is in that breastmilk and not in the formula!) I do everything I can to make it easier on the pumping mother. I let mothers send me their milk in whichever way is easiest. Both moms right now opt to send it frozen in baggies, I do the thawing and bottle prep. There is nothing better healthwise than to encourage women to breastfeed. And support it in whichever way is possible.
As far as the eww factor with breastmilk, sure it is coming from a human body. It is coming from a woman's breast, which is meant to provide a food. Cow's milk comes from a cow's breast, that grosses me out more...
I completely agree. Good for you for supporting what is healthiest for these children! I love having mom's send in breastmilk. I am making more money this way, as I don't have to buy formula and I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed for these feedings. Because I have breastfed 3 and pumped (I worked PT), and I am a Lactation Consultant (so I know what is in that breastmilk and not in the formula!) I do everything I can to make it easier on the pumping mother. I let mothers send me their milk in whichever way is easiest. Both moms right now opt to send it frozen in baggies, I do the thawing and bottle prep. There is nothing better healthwise than to encourage women to breastfeed. And support it in whichever way is possible.
As far as the eww factor with breastmilk, sure it is coming from a human body. It is coming from a woman's breast, which is meant to provide a food. Cow's milk comes from a cow's breast, that grosses me out more...
Those mothers are blessed.
MarinaVanessa 03:42 PM 02-24-2013
Oh yeah, sorry ladies. All in ones and pocket diapers are not the same. Have only used the pocket diapers on my own DS and have tried pocket diapers and the all in ones (I didn't know that's what they were called) and I didn't see the difference. I don't put them together at DC anyway so the DCPs do the work. If they want me to cloth diaper then they must come pre-assembled. If not then I won't use them.
If you do it that way then the amount of time that it takes to change a cloth diaper vs a disposable diaper should be that different, at least I don't think so. But I do agree with Nan that you need to change them more frequently at least as they get older.
As far as the smell goes although it may be true that the poo and smell isn't that bad for breast fed babies when the child starts to eat solids the smell and poo will get stronger and yuckier. Since I require a wet bag instead of putting them in a diaper pail (otherwise I would need a diaper pail per family because they can get contaminated with other children's poo or pee otherwise) the smell does have a tendency to be stronger than when I put the disposable diapers in the diaper pail.
Another thing I don't like about clients using cloth diapers is that not everyone washes the cloth diapers properly. They either use the wrong soap or they don't sun-dry them and the diapers get stains (which is not so bad) or they tend to start smelling strongly even when "clean". I've had some smell so strong that I could smell them even when they were stored away in the child's cubby until the mom changed the soap and started to hang her diapers in the sun to dry (she had been drying them in the dryer
).
If you do it that way then the amount of time that it takes to change a cloth diaper vs a disposable diaper should be that different, at least I don't think so. But I do agree with Nan that you need to change them more frequently at least as they get older.
As far as the smell goes although it may be true that the poo and smell isn't that bad for breast fed babies when the child starts to eat solids the smell and poo will get stronger and yuckier. Since I require a wet bag instead of putting them in a diaper pail (otherwise I would need a diaper pail per family because they can get contaminated with other children's poo or pee otherwise) the smell does have a tendency to be stronger than when I put the disposable diapers in the diaper pail.
Another thing I don't like about clients using cloth diapers is that not everyone washes the cloth diapers properly. They either use the wrong soap or they don't sun-dry them and the diapers get stains (which is not so bad) or they tend to start smelling strongly even when "clean". I've had some smell so strong that I could smell them even when they were stored away in the child's cubby until the mom changed the soap and started to hang her diapers in the sun to dry (she had been drying them in the dryer
).
cheerfuldom 06:09 PM 02-24-2013
Originally Posted by EchoMom:
I totally understand why you say this, and that's perfectly fine for you to choose to do. Personally, I don't really like this because it seems to highly highly discourage feeding breastmilk. If I felt so strongly that breastmilk was such a drain of time, I just wouldn't enroll a child on breastmilk if it bothered me that much.
I really respect the parents that keep up with pumping and managing their supply to send to daycare so their baby can have the benefits of breastmilk as long as possible. My DS is 18 months and I still nurse him daily. I have one DCB that is a year and mom still sends breastmilk for him. I think that's awesome and if they can make the commitment to keep it up that long, I will support it by serving it.
For me though, it is the exact same amount of time for formula and breastmilk. ALL bottles (no matter which is in them) are prepared at home and sent daily. If it's a milk bottle it goes in fridge, if it's formula, pantry. Time to serve? Add water to formula, both kids get warmed and temp checked.
The only downside is I do like that formula fed babies go longer between meals. But it doesn't bother me, to me it's super important and I want to support it. JMO
I like that you shared your thoughts on this. I happily support breastfeeding moms as well and dont find that breastmilk is a huge time waster over formula. After a couple months old, my breastfed babies are on the same eating schedule as the formula feed babies. Frozen breastmilk does take longer to thaw but its not a deal breaker for me. As long as moms provide enough clean bottles and milk in whatever form for the day, I dont care what they bring. If baby is happy, taking a bottle well, on a predictable schedule, its all the same for me.I totally understand why you say this, and that's perfectly fine for you to choose to do. Personally, I don't really like this because it seems to highly highly discourage feeding breastmilk. If I felt so strongly that breastmilk was such a drain of time, I just wouldn't enroll a child on breastmilk if it bothered me that much.
I really respect the parents that keep up with pumping and managing their supply to send to daycare so their baby can have the benefits of breastmilk as long as possible. My DS is 18 months and I still nurse him daily. I have one DCB that is a year and mom still sends breastmilk for him. I think that's awesome and if they can make the commitment to keep it up that long, I will support it by serving it.
For me though, it is the exact same amount of time for formula and breastmilk. ALL bottles (no matter which is in them) are prepared at home and sent daily. If it's a milk bottle it goes in fridge, if it's formula, pantry. Time to serve? Add water to formula, both kids get warmed and temp checked.
The only downside is I do like that formula fed babies go longer between meals. But it doesn't bother me, to me it's super important and I want to support it. JMO
cheerfuldom 06:16 PM 02-24-2013
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
Oh yeah, sorry ladies. All in ones and pocket diapers are not the same. Have only used the pocket diapers on my own DS and have tried pocket diapers and the all in ones (I didn't know that's what they were called) and I didn't see the difference. I don't put them together at DC anyway so the DCPs do the work. If they want me to cloth diaper then they must come pre-assembled. If not then I won't use them.
If you do it that way then the amount of time that it takes to change a cloth diaper vs a disposable diaper should be that different, at least I don't think so. But I do agree with Nan that you need to change them more frequently at least as they get older.
As far as the smell goes although it may be true that the poo and smell isn't that bad for breast fed babies when the child starts to eat solids the smell and poo will get stronger and yuckier. Since I require a wet bag instead of putting them in a diaper pail (otherwise I would need a diaper pail per family because they can get contaminated with other children's poo or pee otherwise) the smell does have a tendency to be stronger than when I put the disposable diapers in the diaper pail.
Another thing I don't like about clients using cloth diapers is that not everyone washes the cloth diapers properly. They either use the wrong soap or they don't sun-dry them and the diapers get stains (which is not so bad) or they tend to start smelling strongly even when "clean". I've had some smell so strong that I could smell them even when they were stored away in the child's cubby until the mom changed the soap and started to hang her diapers in the sun to dry (she had been drying them in the dryer).
I have had the stink issue. Some of the parents do not know how to clean their diapers correctly or do not know how to "strip" their diapers. I provide a handout with the information and let them know that I noticed the diapers are having some issues and I believe this information will help resolve it. Never had anything but thanks for that info and the parent immediately taking care of it. Nice cloth diapers can be expensive so most cloth diapering parents take good care of them!Oh yeah, sorry ladies. All in ones and pocket diapers are not the same. Have only used the pocket diapers on my own DS and have tried pocket diapers and the all in ones (I didn't know that's what they were called) and I didn't see the difference. I don't put them together at DC anyway so the DCPs do the work. If they want me to cloth diaper then they must come pre-assembled. If not then I won't use them.
If you do it that way then the amount of time that it takes to change a cloth diaper vs a disposable diaper should be that different, at least I don't think so. But I do agree with Nan that you need to change them more frequently at least as they get older.
As far as the smell goes although it may be true that the poo and smell isn't that bad for breast fed babies when the child starts to eat solids the smell and poo will get stronger and yuckier. Since I require a wet bag instead of putting them in a diaper pail (otherwise I would need a diaper pail per family because they can get contaminated with other children's poo or pee otherwise) the smell does have a tendency to be stronger than when I put the disposable diapers in the diaper pail.
Another thing I don't like about clients using cloth diapers is that not everyone washes the cloth diapers properly. They either use the wrong soap or they don't sun-dry them and the diapers get stains (which is not so bad) or they tend to start smelling strongly even when "clean". I've had some smell so strong that I could smell them even when they were stored away in the child's cubby until the mom changed the soap and started to hang her diapers in the sun to dry (she had been drying them in the dryer
).
cheerfuldom 06:20 PM 02-24-2013
And I would just like to say that the ick factor for breastmilk from daycare providers does surprise me. I mean I think all of us have had kids with pee leaks, poo explosions, vomiting, yucky noses, excessive droolers, cuts and bloody noses.....why anyone would be squemish about breast milk surprises me. Its just milk. If a kid urped up formula or breastmilk, I would still just clean it up, maybe change my shirt but not even think twice about it. If you have a tough enough personality to handle all the rest of the bodily fluids that come with taking care of children, why you would even give a second thought about breastmilk is beyond me.
EchoMom 06:36 PM 02-24-2013
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
And I would just like to say that the ick factor for breastmilk from daycare providers does surprise me. I mean I think all of us have had kids with pee leaks, poo explosions, vomiting, yucky noses, excessive droolers, cuts and bloody noses.....why anyone would be squemish about breast milk surprises me. Its just milk. If a kid urped up formula or breastmilk, I would still just clean it up, maybe change my shirt but not even think twice about it. If you have a tough enough personality to handle all the rest of the bodily fluids that come with taking care of children, why you would even give a second thought about breastmilk is beyond me.
Speaking for myself, it's not that breastmilk is Ick and the rest is not. For me, it's ALL ICK! LOL Just because it's all ick, I still have to do it, it's part of the job. But when I wipe a sh***y a$$ it's YUCK. When I wipe a snotty nose it's YUCK. When formula is burped up all over me it's YUCK. And when I stick my pinky in breastmilk to test it or it's puked up on me it's YUCK. It's ALL gross! And I would just like to say that the ick factor for breastmilk from daycare providers does surprise me. I mean I think all of us have had kids with pee leaks, poo explosions, vomiting, yucky noses, excessive droolers, cuts and bloody noses.....why anyone would be squemish about breast milk surprises me. Its just milk. If a kid urped up formula or breastmilk, I would still just clean it up, maybe change my shirt but not even think twice about it. If you have a tough enough personality to handle all the rest of the bodily fluids that come with taking care of children, why you would even give a second thought about breastmilk is beyond me.
I love my career choice, I love being a small business owner, I love the money it makes, I love being at home with my DS, and I like the kids (usually lol
) but even though I like them, I've determined that kids are DISGUSTING and generally NOT cute. There's so much ICK about them.So believe me, I'm not picking on breastmilk, I'm an equal opportunity ick sayer!
cheerfuldom 07:30 PM 02-24-2013
Originally Posted by EchoMom:
Speaking for myself, it's not that breastmilk is Ick and the rest is not. For me, it's ALL ICK! LOL Just because it's all ick, I still have to do it, it's part of the job. But when I wipe a sh***y a$$ it's YUCK. When I wipe a snotty nose it's YUCK. When formula is burped up all over me it's YUCK. And when I stick my pinky in breastmilk to test it or it's puked up on me it's YUCK. It's ALL gross!
I love my career choice, I love being a small business owner, I love the money it makes, I love being at home with my DS, and I like the kids (usually lol) but even though I like them, I've determined that kids are DISGUSTING and generally NOT cute. There's so much ICK about them.
So believe me, I'm not picking on breastmilk, I'm an equal opportunity ick sayer!
ha! well thanks for the clarification. Since I have four young children of my own and my daycare kids, i think i have even lost the ick response. It has to be REALLY bad to get my attention. the rest I just wipe up/clean up without even a second glance. I always try to remember to air out the house before guests come, fearing that i dont even notice nasty poo smell anymore LOLSpeaking for myself, it's not that breastmilk is Ick and the rest is not. For me, it's ALL ICK! LOL Just because it's all ick, I still have to do it, it's part of the job. But when I wipe a sh***y a$$ it's YUCK. When I wipe a snotty nose it's YUCK. When formula is burped up all over me it's YUCK. And when I stick my pinky in breastmilk to test it or it's puked up on me it's YUCK. It's ALL gross!
I love my career choice, I love being a small business owner, I love the money it makes, I love being at home with my DS, and I like the kids (usually lol
) but even though I like them, I've determined that kids are DISGUSTING and generally NOT cute. There's so much ICK about them.So believe me, I'm not picking on breastmilk, I'm an equal opportunity ick sayer!
EntropyControlSpecialist 08:16 PM 02-24-2013
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
Oh yeah, sorry ladies. All in ones and pocket diapers are not the same. Have only used the pocket diapers on my own DS and have tried pocket diapers and the all in ones (I didn't know that's what they were called) and I didn't see the difference. I don't put them together at DC anyway so the DCPs do the work. If they want me to cloth diaper then they must come pre-assembled. If not then I won't use them.
If you do it that way then the amount of time that it takes to change a cloth diaper vs a disposable diaper should be that different, at least I don't think so. But I do agree with Nan that you need to change them more frequently at least as they get older.
As far as the smell goes although it may be true that the poo and smell isn't that bad for breast fed babies when the child starts to eat solids the smell and poo will get stronger and yuckier. Since I require a wet bag instead of putting them in a diaper pail (otherwise I would need a diaper pail per family because they can get contaminated with other children's poo or pee otherwise) the smell does have a tendency to be stronger than when I put the disposable diapers in the diaper pail.
Another thing I don't like about clients using cloth diapers is that not everyone washes the cloth diapers properly. They either use the wrong soap or they don't sun-dry them and the diapers get stains (which is not so bad) or they tend to start smelling strongly even when "clean". I've had some smell so strong that I could smell them even when they were stored away in the child's cubby until the mom changed the soap and started to hang her diapers in the sun to dry (she had been drying them in the dryer).
You actually can dry them in a dryer and it's recommended that you do so for the ones made with PUL fabric (the waterproof ones that don't require a cover of any sort ... so pockets and AIOs are included). It reseals the laminated fabric. Oh yeah, sorry ladies. All in ones and pocket diapers are not the same. Have only used the pocket diapers on my own DS and have tried pocket diapers and the all in ones (I didn't know that's what they were called) and I didn't see the difference. I don't put them together at DC anyway so the DCPs do the work. If they want me to cloth diaper then they must come pre-assembled. If not then I won't use them.
If you do it that way then the amount of time that it takes to change a cloth diaper vs a disposable diaper should be that different, at least I don't think so. But I do agree with Nan that you need to change them more frequently at least as they get older.
As far as the smell goes although it may be true that the poo and smell isn't that bad for breast fed babies when the child starts to eat solids the smell and poo will get stronger and yuckier. Since I require a wet bag instead of putting them in a diaper pail (otherwise I would need a diaper pail per family because they can get contaminated with other children's poo or pee otherwise) the smell does have a tendency to be stronger than when I put the disposable diapers in the diaper pail.
Another thing I don't like about clients using cloth diapers is that not everyone washes the cloth diapers properly. They either use the wrong soap or they don't sun-dry them and the diapers get stains (which is not so bad) or they tend to start smelling strongly even when "clean". I've had some smell so strong that I could smell them even when they were stored away in the child's cubby until the mom changed the soap and started to hang her diapers in the sun to dry (she had been drying them in the dryer
). The smell issues occur when they are either using the wrong soap, too little soap, or aren't rinsing them enough after (to eliminate all of the soap). Sometimes ammonia buildup is helped by a splash of bleach in the load as well. It's how I eliminate the stink issues with toddler pee, otherwise they absolutely reek!
If they smell, they aren't completely clean! Tide is fantastic for getting cloth diapers clean. http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/resou...orclothdiapersIf I was having parents supply diapers, I would absolutely require that they be pre-stuffed so all I had to do was put it on the child! There's no reason the provider should have to do that.
EntropyControlSpecialist 08:17 PM 02-24-2013
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
I have had the stink issue. Some of the parents do not know how to clean their diapers correctly or do not know how to "strip" their diapers. I provide a handout with the information and let them know that I noticed the diapers are having some issues and I believe this information will help resolve it. Never had anything but thanks for that info and the parent immediately taking care of it. Nice cloth diapers can be expensive so most cloth diapering parents take good care of them!
That is wonderful! I typed up a similar sheet for my friend who just began cloth diapering. It can be so helpful for parents who just don't know. I have had the stink issue. Some of the parents do not know how to clean their diapers correctly or do not know how to "strip" their diapers. I provide a handout with the information and let them know that I noticed the diapers are having some issues and I believe this information will help resolve it. Never had anything but thanks for that info and the parent immediately taking care of it. Nice cloth diapers can be expensive so most cloth diapering parents take good care of them!
Heidi 06:00 AM 02-25-2013
Originally Posted by MNMum:
I love having mom's send in breastmilk. I am making more money this way, as I don't have to buy formula and I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed for these feedings. Because I have breastfed 3 and pumped (I worked PT), and I am a Lactation Consultant (so I know what is in that breastmilk and not in the formula!) I do everything I can to make it easier on the pumping mother. I let mothers send me their milk in whichever way is easiest. Both moms right now opt to send it frozen in baggies, I do the thawing and bottle prep. There is nothing better healthwise than to encourage women to breastfeed. And support it in whichever way is possible.
As far as the eww factor with breastmilk, sure it is coming from a human body. It is coming from a woman's breast, which is meant to provide a food. Cow's milk comes from a cow's breast, that grosses me out more...
This is me, exactly, including the whole cow's milk thing...although admittedly, I love milk. It IS grosser than human milk, if you think about it though...I love having mom's send in breastmilk. I am making more money this way, as I don't have to buy formula and I am on the food program, so I get reimbursed for these feedings. Because I have breastfed 3 and pumped (I worked PT), and I am a Lactation Consultant (so I know what is in that breastmilk and not in the formula!) I do everything I can to make it easier on the pumping mother. I let mothers send me their milk in whichever way is easiest. Both moms right now opt to send it frozen in baggies, I do the thawing and bottle prep. There is nothing better healthwise than to encourage women to breastfeed. And support it in whichever way is possible.
As far as the eww factor with breastmilk, sure it is coming from a human body. It is coming from a woman's breast, which is meant to provide a food. Cow's milk comes from a cow's breast, that grosses me out more...
Nipple training is a big deal though. In all my years, I had one that came to dc at 4 months old NOT trained, even though we'd talked about it in the interview extensively. She lasted 3 days. No, I can't take care of a 20 pound, 4 month old, breastfed baby ithat she cries all day because she's starving and won't take a bottle...
Play Care 10:57 AM 02-25-2013
If it's not working out for you, it's not working out. I would let mom know that you need x amount of diapers each day and they need to be prepared to be used (you shouldn't be doing anything but putting the diaper on, IMO) If she says she doesn't see the need (total cheek!
) let her know that YOU see the need and therefore there is one. If she is still resistant then I would let her go. It's hard enough to do this job when you do have the proper supplies!
My contract states that bottles must be prepared in liquid form(no frozen bags) and handed to me each AM. In addition I must have 12-16 oz of frozen emergency stash - I make it clear this is NOT something they can count on me to use daily though - this is in case the bottle leaks, breaks, or for some reason baby will be here later than usual, etc. The frozen bags must be dated, and I will swap out the older ones for newer - at that point mom can make bottles with that if she choses. I would try my best to increase times between feedings with distraction - but at the same point if my day became distracting one child then I would have to make some decisions.
) let her know that YOU see the need and therefore there is one. If she is still resistant then I would let her go. It's hard enough to do this job when you do have the proper supplies!My contract states that bottles must be prepared in liquid form(no frozen bags) and handed to me each AM. In addition I must have 12-16 oz of frozen emergency stash - I make it clear this is NOT something they can count on me to use daily though - this is in case the bottle leaks, breaks, or for some reason baby will be here later than usual, etc. The frozen bags must be dated, and I will swap out the older ones for newer - at that point mom can make bottles with that if she choses. I would try my best to increase times between feedings with distraction - but at the same point if my day became distracting one child then I would have to make some decisions.
MarinaVanessa 12:50 PM 02-25-2013
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
You actually can dry them in a dryer and it's recommended that you do so for the ones made with PUL fabric (the waterproof ones that don't require a cover of any sort ... so pockets and AIOs are included). It reseals the laminated fabric.
The smell issues occur when they are either using the wrong soap, too little soap, or aren't rinsing them enough after (to eliminate all of the soap). Sometimes ammonia buildup is helped by a splash of bleach in the load as well. It's how I eliminate the stink issues with toddler pee, otherwise they absolutely reek! If they smell, they aren't completely clean! Tide is fantastic for getting cloth diapers clean. http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/resou...orclothdiapers
If I was having parents supply diapers, I would absolutely require that they be pre-stuffed so all I had to do was put it on the child! There's no reason the provider should have to do that.
Yes I have heard that some cloth diapers you can machine dry but this mom was using the one size snap cloth diapers from Bum Genius (cotton babies) which is the same brand that I use and they recommend against machine drying. Some of her diapers ended up leaking through cracks the bum. IDK what soap she was using at home but I recommended the cotton babies brand and that helped immensely. I just used regular Dreft on mine and that worked fine for me. The sun drying on a line WAY helps with the hard to rid stains that bleach can't get out. Good 'ol Oxy Clean helps too on the liners.You actually can dry them in a dryer and it's recommended that you do so for the ones made with PUL fabric (the waterproof ones that don't require a cover of any sort ... so pockets and AIOs are included). It reseals the laminated fabric.
The smell issues occur when they are either using the wrong soap, too little soap, or aren't rinsing them enough after (to eliminate all of the soap). Sometimes ammonia buildup is helped by a splash of bleach in the load as well. It's how I eliminate the stink issues with toddler pee, otherwise they absolutely reek!
If they smell, they aren't completely clean! Tide is fantastic for getting cloth diapers clean. http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/resou...orclothdiapersIf I was having parents supply diapers, I would absolutely require that they be pre-stuffed so all I had to do was put it on the child! There's no reason the provider should have to do that.
This mom I think just really had no clue. I think she wanted to try using cloth diapers but didn't think of the work involved. She bought a whole bunch of cloth diapers and would only wash them on the weekends (supposed to wash Bum Genius every other day minimum) so they would STINK and had terrible stains. She didn't use an extra liner on top of the diaper or a disposable liner so the poo would just sit right in the diaper all week.
She tried getting her money back for the cracked ones but Bum Genius didn't honor the 1 year warranty because she was washing and drying them against the manufacturer instructions.
EntropyControlSpecialist 04:10 PM 02-25-2013
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
Yes I have heard that some cloth diapers you can machine dry but this mom was using the one size snap cloth diapers from Bum Genius (cotton babies) which is the same brand that I use and they recommend against machine drying. Some of her diapers ended up leaking through cracks the bum. IDK what soap she was using at home but I recommended the cotton babies brand and that helped immensely. I just used regular Dreft on mine and that worked fine for me. The sun drying on a line WAY helps with the hard to rid stains that bleach can't get out. Good 'ol Oxy Clean helps too on the liners.
This mom I think just really had no clue. I think she wanted to try using cloth diapers but didn't think of the work involved. She bought a whole bunch of cloth diapers and would only wash them on the weekends (supposed to wash Bum Genius every other day minimum) so they would STINK and had terrible stains. She didn't use an extra liner on top of the diaper or a disposable liner so the poo would just sit right in the diaper all week. She tried getting her money back for the cracked ones but Bum Genius didn't honor the 1 year warranty because she was washing and drying them against the manufacturer instructions.
Yes I have heard that some cloth diapers you can machine dry but this mom was using the one size snap cloth diapers from Bum Genius (cotton babies) which is the same brand that I use and they recommend against machine drying. Some of her diapers ended up leaking through cracks the bum. IDK what soap she was using at home but I recommended the cotton babies brand and that helped immensely. I just used regular Dreft on mine and that worked fine for me. The sun drying on a line WAY helps with the hard to rid stains that bleach can't get out. Good 'ol Oxy Clean helps too on the liners.
This mom I think just really had no clue. I think she wanted to try using cloth diapers but didn't think of the work involved. She bought a whole bunch of cloth diapers and would only wash them on the weekends (supposed to wash Bum Genius every other day minimum) so they would STINK and had terrible stains. She didn't use an extra liner on top of the diaper or a disposable liner so the poo would just sit right in the diaper all week.
She tried getting her money back for the cracked ones but Bum Genius didn't honor the 1 year warranty because she was washing and drying them against the manufacturer instructions. That post made me laugh and cringe at the same time. Ew ew ew ew.