Local mom opens cloth-diaper business to help environment
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As well, the owners of Bear Bottoms Diaper Service — a company that delivers clean cloth diapers to homes on a weekly basis — hope their company will help the environment.
“I just felt this was something this area needs. Hopefully we can change society into not being scared or intimidated by cloth because it is so much better for the baby and for the environment,” said Jill Lawrence, 30.
Jill, her husband, Mike, and their nine-month-old daughter, Charlize, moved from Edmonton to Kitchener in March to be near Jill’s parents.
From the moment when Charlize was born in an Alberta hospital, she began wearing cloth diapers.
“It’s a big thing out in Alberta. Everyone I know was using cloth diapers,” Jill said.
But when they moved to Kitchener, they learned there is not a cloth-diaper service in the area like the one they had used out west.
And by that point, the couple was so fond of their cloth diapers with the snaps — rather than the old-fashioned pins — that they decided to start a company of their own.
“There are places that sell cloth diapers, but there is no service with the snaps in this area,” said Jill, who thinks a small baby boom is happening in Waterloo Region.
The couple begged their relatives for funding, and they are now working out of a warehouse that has three industrial washers and dryers, as well as many shelves of clean cloth diapers.
Jill has done some research on the potential side effects of using disposable diapers, and her findings make her glad they chose cloth.
For instance, some research has suggested the heat in disposables, caused by their plastic coating, may negatively impact a boy’s ability to reproduce later in life, she said.
As well, disposable diaper packages state human waste should be flushed down toilets.
“But I don’t know anybody who doesn’t wrap up all the poop in the diaper and put it in the garbage as is. So we’re basically entombing human waste in our landfills,” said Jill, adding diapers are the third largest disposable item in the world.
Meanwhile, in addition to this large quantity, it is estimated disposables take 500 years to decompose, she said. “That’s a longtime.”
Ontarians’ attitudes towards disposables need to change, she said.
In Alberta, parents who take disposables into national parks must take them out when they leave.
Meanwhile, there are cloth-service drop-off areas in various locations around Jasper and Banff.
“It’s such a big trend that’s happening out there,” said Jill, who hopes it is more than a passing fad.
Cloth diapers have many
stigmas attached to them, such as they’re more work for parents to soak, rinse and clean.
And many people remember the cloth diapers their grandmothers used, that were fastened with large pins.
Others think their nursery will stink if they use cloth.
But Mike found using disposables on Charlize when they first moved to Ontario was much smellier than cloth.
“You can not walk in our nursery and smell anything with cloth.
“I found the stench to be stronger with disposables,” said the 36-year-old, adding, as a first-time father, cloth is easier to use.
Jill said their cloth-diaper service is simple for parents. Once a week, Mike comes to homes, picks up soiled diapers and drops off clean ones, all for a flat rate of $19.95.
And if babies require a larger size or additional diapers, that increase is covered in the rate.
As well, a used-diaper pail is provided to customers for a $16 refundable deposit.
Parents who prefer to wash the diapers themselves can purchase cloth diapers from the company.
The company provides its free delivery service in Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge. Deliveries outside of that area include an additional $2 fuel fee per week.
For more information about Bear Bottoms, go to www.bearbottoms.ca or call 519-208-1456.
I’m in the states now, but my baby was born in Kitchener, I was never sure where to actually purchase cloth diapers in KItchener, and I washed my diapers on my own.. however it is good to see your diaper service business there.
While living in Kitchener I considered starting a cloth diaper business, as I was aware of non that actually existed, except for a wahm that made special and expensive diapers, I wasn’t aware of anything else. I do believe a store opened up on KIng street, but I’m not sure what types of diapers that they sold. And a woman who did sell cloth diapers on KIng street never had them on stock and her store went out of business. I was going to start small and sell them at ST. Jacobs Farmers Market in the Summer and the Flea Market in Cambridge in the Winter and possibly one day a week in the Summer. However I’m in the states now, and I’m now trying to start a small diaper business here. Good Luck in Kitchener.
It is good to know that the mentality is more natural and more about preservation in Alberta.
I just opened a store on King Street this summer. We sell Fuzzibunz, Kissaluvs, Mother-ease, and good old prefolds. Lots of different types of baby slings and nursing essentials too (bras, breastpads, pumps). It’s a store run by moms who bring their little ones to work. You’re not going to find a more AP-friendly store, lol. I’m glad to see there are options for families who want to use cloth diapers now, I’m convinced more ppl would do it if they could see them in person!
susie
That is great! I live in Kitchener and sell diapers online at http://www.nhdcanada.com. There are lots of expensive cloth diapers like Fuzi Bunz and Rumpsters that are great, but we also have some more affordable diapers Like “In the Beginning.” At less than $10 a diaper, you are not breakining the bank to get into easy cloth diapering.
I am wanting to start a cloth diaper service in my hometown. I presently am a WAHM and sew and sell cloth diapers to a large cirle of people, but I want to do more. The last of my 5 children is almost out of diapers, and I was never able to use a service.
If anyone can send me the requirements and anything else about opening a diaper service I would be greatful!
thanks
Allie
I am also looking to start a diaper service business in my area I also would greatly appreciate if someone could send me as much information as needed to get started.
Thanks
Rebecca
Hi.
I’m writing because I happened across this blog when I was researching my site standings on Google.
I have an e-book guide that I’ve written for anyone interested in starting a diaper service. I wrote it because there was no other guide currently available, and I approach it with a common sense, down-to-earth style. I give information on all the different ways you can operate a service, as well as the nitty gritty of everyday business.
My qualifications? I operated a diaper service from December of 1997 through September of 2001, including web sales which extended beyond that time.
The focus of my website has now changed, and I am dedicated to helping others who are interested in starting a service. One community at a time, we can make a difference.
If you really want the information you’ve mentioned above, please visit my site. http://www.productsforagoodlife.com/business/dipeserv.html
I’m always available to answer questions. Good luck!
Chantal
We are very interested in starting a diaper services in Texas we live in a small town Ennis. We are looking for places to get our diaper and pails etc. could you give a web site for good infro. Are someone who would be willing to help us get started. We could not get any infro on the official diaper Assoc. Thank you for helping in advance. Sherry and Susan Davis
469 337-9917 is my cell phone
I’m in the process of expanding the services my laundromat currently offers to offer diaper services. I came across a website called “Diaper Decisions” that was very interesting to read. It has a lot of info for suppliers and whatnot. Good luck!