Contact Us
We hope that you will find the frequently asked questions on this page to be helpful. You are also welcome to contact us directly or stop by our store!
store: 210 1/2 4th Avenue W, Olympia, WA 98501 map
email: info@simplecloth.com
phone: (360)753-2420 Wed-Sun, 12-5 Pacific Time Zone
FAQ
How many diapers will I need?
If you plan on using FuzziBunz perfect size pocket diapers full-time, it is recommended that you purchase 12 to 18 diapers of each size. (We recommend purchasing just one size at a time, then buying larger sizes as your baby grows to need them. Many babies never outgrow the medium!) With this quantity, you will need to launder your diapers about every other day to keep a clean supply on hand at all times.
If you plan on using bumGenius or Happy Heiny's one-size diapers from birth through 35 pounds, we recommend purchasing 18-24 diapers and carefully rotating your supply to evenly distribute wear over time.
Most people find it convenient to keep at least 6 thin "doublers" on hand (such as Hemp Babies Little Weeds or bumGenius Diaper Doublers ) for increasing absorbency at nap time or for car trips without adding greatly to bulk. You will probably also want to purchase at least 6 additional one-size inserts or hemp inserts for super-absorbent overnight doubling, nap time, and rotating your stock.
Remember: You can always buy what you need now and add to your stash over time!
How much will I really save?
When facing the initial costs of purchasing cloth diapers, many parents ask how cost effective they really are. After all, one rarely purchases $200+ of disposable diapers at once! However, it's the long-term cost of disposable diapers that results in true sticker shock. The average cost of single-use disposable diapers, per child, is approximately $1,600 to $2,600+ ! (assuming 2-3 years in diapers, depending on how early your child potty learns) These figures even account for purchasing generic disposable diapers in bulk. For a detailed breakdown of that figure, read The Real Diaper Association Diaper Facts.
Also important in calculating the savings of cloth diapers is the fact that they can be used for more than one child! So, a family of three children is estimated to spend over $8,000 on disposable diapers by the time their children are toilet trained.
If purchasing 18 FuzziBunz perfect size diapers in each size (small, medium, large), the total estimated cost will be $915.30. Therefore, your estimated savings for use with one child is aproximately $1,700! Since many children never need the larges, you may even save more! Planning on having more children? Keep multiplying your savings!
If purchasing 24 bumGenius 3.0 One-Size diapers (inserts included), the total estimated cost will be $406.80. Therefore, your estimated savings for use with one child is aproximately $2,200!
Can I travel with cloth diapers?
Yes, you can! In fact, pocket diapers are the preferred travel diaper for many parents because they can be stuffed with two inserts for extra absorbency. They are also easy to apply and remove when traveling and changing diapers in new surroundings. Just flush any solids (toilets will likely be nearby) and store used diapers in a waterproof, tight sealing bag such as a Wahmies wet bag. Many people also use flushable liners when traveling to simplify diaper care on the go. Wash as usual once you return home. If traveling for longer than a couple days, just ask to use the washing machine where you'll be staying.
What accessories are recommended?
A Diaper Sprayer
This simple sprayer attaches quickly and easily to your toilet and comes in handy for rinsing any solids that are not easily removed by shaking alone.
Cloth Wipes
Honestly the easiest way to wipe when using cloth diapers! Toss cloth wipes in the diaper pail and wash them right along with your diapers! Just moisten with water before use or store moist in a wipes warmer. Pamper that baby! Traveling? Just store pre-moistened wipes in a sealing, plastic bag or use a plastic travel case sold for disposable wipes. You can also store a spray bottle of water or bumGenius bottom spray on your changing table or in your diaper bag, spray when needed, and wipe with a dry cloth wipe.
A Wet Bag
You'll want a waterproof bag with a tight seal to use when traveling and running errands. We highly recommend Wahmies wet bags, which can be tossed right into your washer along with your diapers when you return home!
A Diaper Pail Liner
A waterproof, cloth diaper pail liner is ideal. On laundry day, just remove the entire liner and wash it with your diapers! We recommend purchasing two so that you'll have one for use when the other is in the wash. Wahmies diaper pail liners are a sturdy and economical choice.
What special care is required for pocket diapers?
Pocket diapers keep your baby dry by putting a soft, non-absorbent layer of fabric closest to baby's skin. To keep this layer of fabric in good working condition, it is important to avoid items that can cause buildup or deterioration. So...
* NO fabric softener
* NO bleach (check with manufacturer)
* NO baby detergents or natural soap
* NO creams, ointments, or balms (use fleece liner to protect diaper)
Washing instruction and a list of detergents approved for use with cloth diapers is available at the Real Diaper Industry Association website. click here
What about diaper rash?
Pocket diapers actually help prevent diaper rash by locking moisture away from baby's skin in an insert beneath a dry layer of fabric. Therefore, many parents who've struggled with diaper rash when using disposables or traditional cloth diapers switch to pocket diapers for their abilty to keep baby drier. Today's cloth diapers are also more breathable than disposable diapers and cloth diapers of the past. This breathability is important in the prevention of rash. However, in the rare instance that your baby experiences diaper rash while using pocket diapers, do not use rash cream or any other ointment, as they may leave residue on the diaper's inner liner and cause it to repel liquids! If a barrier cream or ointment is necessary, switch to a different diapering system or line the pocket diaper with a fleece liner, baby washcloth, or cloth wipe until the rash subsides*. Fleece liners can be used at any time inside of ANY cloth diaper, including cotton prefolds, for a stay-dry effect. Of course, consult your pediatrician if necessary. *Please note: the use of rash cream with pocket diapers voids the warranty with many manufacturers.
Why One-Size vs. Sized Diapers?
When considering the cost of cloth diapering, one-size diapers are an appealing option. While one-size diapers generally don't fit tiny newborns under 7 pounds or big toddlers over 35 pounds, they do usually work nicely for all of the stages between! This usually covers a span of two years or longer and the savings during this period are tremendous!
Since one-size diapers are often put to good use for two years or longer, they sometimes cannot be passed on to subsequent children. The cloth diapers sold at Simple Cloth are wonderfully sturdy and long-lasting, but they are not made of steel. Any article of clothing can be expected to undergo some wear over years of continual use. Expect a good-sized stash (24) of one-size diapers to work wonderfully for the diapering life of one child, but also expect that at least some of that stash will need to be retired after two years of use.
Sized (S,M,L) diapers are a more expensive option when starting with the first child, but can usually be passed down to subsequent children since each size is used for a relatively short period of time before being outgrown and passed on. Small diapers are also trimmer fitting on newborns than one-size diapers.
Can I see before I buy?
The Simple Cloth storefront in downtown Olympia is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to five. Please stop by to see our products in person and receive a demonstration. There is no charge for this service and no obligation to buy. We're here to help! You'll find us at 210 1/2 W. 4th Avenue in downtown Olympia, right next to The Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant and Childhood's End Gallery. For driving directions, give us a call at (360)753-2420. click here for online map
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, we do! Simple Cloth gift certificates are available in a wide variety of denominations. click here
Gift certificates always ship free of charge, regarless of value.
Shipping
Shipping Rates
We charge flat shipping rates based on the customer's total purchase.
The following rates apply to US addresses (including APO, PR, and US Virgin Islands):
Total Purchase Shipping Rates
$1 - $49.99 $4.00
$50 and up FREE!
* APO addresses are considered US addresses and there is NO additional charge!
Shipping Policies
* All items should be in stock and will be shipped within 1-3 business days.
* You will be contacted if any items are out of stock and given an estimated ship date.
* All orders that qualify for free shipping will be shipped via the USPS or UPS Ground, depending on the weight. Orders going to P.O boxes or APO addresses will ship via the USPS.
* You should receive your order within 2-5 business days, but please allow up to 14 days for delivery. (The USPS will not track orders until 14 business days have passed.)
* Please email info@simplecloth.com or call us at (360) 753-2420 if you require rush delivery. Additional charges will apply.
* To preserve the environment, Simple Cloth reuses and recycles packaging such as boxes and packing material.
International Shipping
At the request of the manufacturer, the following brand lines may only be shipped to US and APO addresses: bumGenius, Econobum, Flip, Hemp Babies. All other brands may be shipped internationally!
There is NO additional fee for orders going to APO or AE addresses.
All orders to Canada incur a $19 shipping charge, regardless of order size.
All international orders outside of the US and Canada incur a $35 shipping charge.
Returns
You may exchange or return any unwashed, unused, and in original packaging (if applicable) items within 30 days of original purchase date for a full refund (less shipping). Please send us an email at info@simplecloth.com explaining why you wish to return or exchange the merchandise. Be sure to describe the condition of the merchandise in your email (new, unwashed, etc.) and include the PayPal receipt number if you have it. We will respond with detailed instructions for your return or exchange. Please note: If free shipping was applied to the order, the actual cost of shipping will be deducted from the purchase price. If you choose to do an exchange you will be charged actual shipping costs for re-shipment. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing.
Merchandise still under manufacturer's warranty can be exchanged or repaired by contacting the manufacturer directly. Details are found on each manufacturer's website. I am happy to assist you in this process if you'd like.
Privacy Policy
We will not share your information with any third party without your permission. If you create a registry with Simple Cloth, we willl ask your permission to establish a MyRegistry account, but never without your permission. We may use your contact information to send newsletters and special promotional offers in the future. Should you wish to be removed from our mailing list, all newsletters will include a clickable link for removal. You may also request to be removed from our newsletter list by writing to us at info@simplecloth.com.
