[FLMomma]

I've been pondering a few things while we wait to begin our process to become foster parents. One thing is cloth diapers. Is there any offical stance regarding the use of cloth diapers on FC, at least in your experience? I know it will vary from location to location. I'm in GA if that makes a difference.

My 2yr old has never worn a disposable diaper. I would prefer not to have to use sposies on any children I am responsible for. I can understand using them for visiting birth parents and other "official" business when someone else would be in charge.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience about this? I did a search here, but I couldn't find anything about CDs and foster.

TIA

[spitzlvr]

I am no help - I am not a foster parent, but am wondering about the answers you get. Personally, so long as a baby is clean and diapered, does it matter what type you use? I can't imagine!

[FLMomma]

Those are my thoughts, too.

I know some daycares like to site weird reasons for not allowing cloth. If the government has even more rules about everything, they might have a "rule" about cloth on FC. kwim? Never assume anything.

[leaabc123]

I have never heard anythingr egarding using cloth diapers (either for or against).
I think as long as you are willing to send disposables for visits, you should be fine.
However, discuss it with the child's caseworker when you get a placement.

[jenandnaomi]

I am a foster mom in MO, I currently have two infants in cloth diapers. I do send disposable diapers on the rare occasion that they have visits just because it may be confusing to a newbie to use cloth. I don't believe there is anything in writing in MO pertaining to diapering. Most of the care of the child is left solely to the discretion of the foster care provider. For me it's a better choice for the babies and the environment.

If it weren't so taboo to breastfeed I would! It burns me that these wonderful babies are not allowed the opportunity to have the best start in life because their parents made mistakes.

[FLMomma]

Originally posted by jenandnaomi
I am a foster mom in MO, I currently have two infants in cloth diapers. I do send disposable diapers on the rare occasion that they have visits just because it may be confusing to a newbie to use cloth. I don't believe there is anything in writing in MO pertaining to diapering. Most of the care of the child is left solely to the discretion of the foster care provider. For me it's a better choice for the babies and the environment.

If it weren't so taboo to breastfeed I would! It burns me that these wonderful babies are not allowed the opportunity to have the best start in life because their parents made mistakes.

Thank you for your experience.

I too would GLADLY breastfeed a FC, or even just pump for them. I will ask about it, but I am not expecting an OK.(I know some places/CWs will allow it.) I am still nursing my 27mos old DD, who has never had a bottle. That's something else to learn...bottles!

Any other cloth users out there?

[Rhubarb]

I am in GA also. Nearly licensed (any day now!). It hadn't crossed my mind that anyone would object to cloth diapers. I have 3 bios, and never used disposables. YoungSon was premie, and his skin was too delicate for the plastic and elastic, even if I had wanted to. I am not going to say anything in advance. Disposables for visits, etc. does sound like a good idea though.

As a wise friend once said:"It's often easier to ask for forgiveness than permission".

[Withay]

I am in Oregon and have used both cloth and disposables. I absolutely love cloth diapers. None of the CW's that I have worked with have had anything negative to say about the cloth ones. I do send disposables to visits.

[LeslieP9]

We used cloth for our foster son--they never said anything one way or another and I never even thought to ask. He never had any visits--so it wasn't even an issue on that front. I can't imagine they would care as long as your foster child is changed regularly, etc. (which would be true whether you used cloth or disposable.)

[lotsofpractice]

I live in Canada, and there's no policies or restrictions at all regarding the use of cloth diapers in foster care homes or settings. In fact, pretty much all the mothers i know who are involved with foster care, use cloth diapers exclusively in their households. Both on their own children, and the children in their care.

I think that in itself is great! I have read far too many reports and articles were children who wear disposable diapers are often kept in overly wet diapers for extended periods of time, without being changed. Shame on all those mothers and caregivers! A wet diaper is a wet diaper regardless of whether it's cloth or disposable.

Just a final note. I recently came across two specific (foster care child's needs lists), and both specifically list cloth diapers, rubber pants, diaper pins, and a diaper pail. There's no mention of disposable diapers what so ever.