Diaper Deals: save money (and the environment)
So last week, a very close friend was lucky enough to have a healthy baby boy (Hi Z!). We are celebrating as only Deal Locker can, with tips on how to save money on diapers. It turns out, it is a chance to be nice to your baby and to the environment!
New parents have many reasons to be overwhelmed! However, the Internet can be a valuable tool for everything from finding birthing classes, parent groups, advice, and even diaper services. Here are some tips when comparison shopping online for diaper services.
- Check the company’s commitment to the environment. More and more parents are coming back around to using cloth diapers, and these parents are often very concerned about their impact on the environment. Although cloth diapers still have an impact on the environment with the water used, cloth diapers do not pile up in our landfills like disposable diapers do. In addition, as long as the company is using environmentally safe detergents and other supplies, the dangerous chemicals that can be fond in disposable diapers are not a factor.
- Compare prices very carefully. Obviously, price is an important thing to take into consideration! But don’t stop at the price - make sure you know what is included in that price. Are there any extra delivery charges? Are there limits on how many diapers can be laundered? Do they offer any other laundry service in addition to diapers?
- Be aware of what services and supplies the company provides. Go beyond looking at what kind of diapers the service offers, and see what else is included. Will they provide you with a special hamper? Some diaper services offer liners that have deodorant qualities. Some offer Velcro diaper covers to use in place of pins. The diaper service may even launder other items.
- Know what the diapers are made of. One advantage of cloth diapers over disposable ones is that cloth diapers are generally made of 100% cotton. This greatly decreases the chances that your baby will experience irritation or rashes, because there are no chemicals, and the cotton is very comfortable on your baby’s skin. Also, modern cloth diapers usually use diaper covers or diaper clips, not diaper pins, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally hurting your baby with pins.
- Know how the diapers are washed. You should be aware of what type of detergent is used on the diapers – it should be a detergent that is safe for sensitive baby skin. Ask questions about the laundering and sanitation – how the diapers are washed and dried, and how often diapers are tested to ensure sanitary conditions.
- Check the National Association of Diaper Services. Called NADS for short, their website can be found at http://www.diapernet.org. NADS includes information about using cloth diapers, how their high standards are enforced, and how to find a diaper service near you. The process should be fairly painless, allowing you to concentrate on all the other aspects of becoming a parent.
If you don’t want to use cloth diapers (or need to supplement with disposable diapers) try these diaper coupons. There are also lots of baby related coupons.
