FAQ

How many diapers will I need?

If you plan on using Knickernappies pocket diapers full-time, it is recommended that you purchase 12 to 18 diapers of each size and 18 to 24 inserts.  (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 probably need to launder your diapers about every other day to keep a clean supply on hand at all times.  The additional inserts are to ensure that you have enough to double up for nap time, bed time, or any other time that the diaper will be worn for an extended period of time or heavy wetting is expected.

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 "doublers" on hand (such as Hemp Babies Little Weeds or Cotton Babies Diaper Doublers ) for increasing absorbency without adding greatly to bulk.  You will probably also want to purchase at least 6-12 additional one-size inserts for overnight doubling 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 $2,694.54!  For a detailed breakdown of that figure, read The True Cost of Diapering at Naturalfamilyonline.com

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 Knickernappies cloth diapers in each size (small, medium, large) along with 18 one-size inserts, the total estimated cost will be $864.27.  Therefore, your estimated savings for use with one child is $1,830.27!  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 $2,287.74

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
* NO specialty or "natural" detergents

* NO creams, ointments, or balms

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.  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!  Instead, use a cornstarch powder with zinc oxide (such as Johnson & Johnson medicated powder).  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*.  Of course, consult your pediatrician if necessary.  *Please note:  the use of rash cream with pocket diapers voids the warranty with many manufacturers.

Can I see before I buy?

The Simple Cloth storefront in downtown Olympia is open Wednesday through Saturday, 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.  For driving directions, give us a call at (360)753-2420. 

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes, we do!  Simple Cloth gift certificates are available in a wide variety of denominations.  They can be printed immediately from your own computer or can be emailed to the recipient on the date of your choosing for simple gift giving!  You choose the quantity and the recipient chooses the gift! 


Local customers in Olympia, Washington may also purchase paper gift certificates in person at our shop.
Contact Us

We hope that you will find the frequently asked questions portion of this page to be helpful.  Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us directly!

email:  info@simplecloth.com

phone: (360)753-2420 Pacific Time Zone


Shipping    

Shipping Rates

We charge flat shipping rates based on the customer's total purchase.  The following rates apply to US and APO addresses:

Total Purchase               Shipping Rates

$1      -   $19.99                    $2.00

$20   -   $34.99                     $4.00

$35       and up                     FREE!



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 a date approximation.

* All orders that qualify for free shipping will be shipped via the USPS or UPS Ground, depending on the weight.

* 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.  We hope you do the same!

International Shipping

We gladly accept international orders.  However, our shopping cart does not properly calculate shipping for orders shipped outside of the United States. 

If you live outside of the US and would like to order from us, simply place your order as usual and we will follow up with an invoice for additional shipping charges before your order is shipped.  We charge actual shipping charges or less for first class international postage.  The following chart should give you an idea of approximated international costs:

Average Apx. Shipping to Canada:

$1 - $40 order = $5 additional postage
$40 - $95 order = $10 additional postage
$96 - $300 order = $15 additional postage

Average Apx. Shipping to Other Countries:

$1 - $40 order = $8 additional postage
$40 - $95 order = $15 additional postage
$96 - $150 order = $20 additional postage
$155 - $300 order = $25 additional postage

Once you place your international order, we will email you an invoice for the actual shipping charges.  If the charges vary greatly from the estimations above and are unacceptable to you, let us know and we will gladly cancel your order and refund your payment. 

At the request of the manufacturer, the following brand lines may only be shipped to US and APO addresses: bumGenius!, Hemp Babies, and Cotton Babies.  All other brands may be shipped internationally!

While we ship as quickly as humanly possible, international orders often take slightly longer to process and ship, as customs forms must be filled out and a special trip to the post office is often required.  Of course, actual shipping times to foreign countries are longer as well.

* APO addresses are considered US addresses and there is NO additional charge!  We gladly ship to our military families overseas!


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 by contacting the manufacturer directly.  I am happy to assist you in this process if you'd like.



Sites We Like

The Real Diaper Association

http://www.realdiaperassociation.org


Breastfeeding Info & Support

http://www.lalecheleague.org/


Networking for Moms in Your Area

http://www.mamasource.com/


Midwives of Washington
Search for Midwives in Washington State

http://www.midwivesofwa.org/find.html


Lucky ~ Natural Lip Balm

http://www.getyourlipslucky.com