While having a baby is a joy, having to deal with the baby’s messes is… sometimes less so. You love your kid and wouldn’t want to change anything for the world, but having to deal with diapers all day becomes quite the chore. Not only are they smelly and messy, but costs can quickly add up. While working with many families as a newborn photographer, I get to chat about all things baby. The ones that do make the switch to cloth can not stop raving about them. So, to help save time and money, here is a guide to cloth diaper service in Boston.
Cloth diapers that come from a service are a reusable alternative to traditional disposable diapers for parents in Boston. Decades ago, parents used to just fold a big piece of cloth and tuck it in using large safety pins— luckily, there’s been a bit of innovation since. Today’s cloth diapers are comfortable and stylish, coming in a variety of fun colors and prints. They usually consist of two layers. The outer layer is the visible part, usually designed in a diaper shape and created using waterproof fabric to contain the mess. On the inside, cloth diapers will have some sort of insert, which are made to be absorbent and typically use comfortable, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo. Generally, you’ll replace and wash the inserts most frequently, though the outer layer can also be washed in the case of a mess.
There are three main styles of cloth diapers: pockets, covers, and all-in-one. With pocket diapers, the outside is waterproof, while the inside contains a pocket lining; just slip your insert in and wash everything once they’re soiled. Diaper covers, meanwhile, tend not to have pockets. They’re shells that go over any insert, making them easier to take apart and clean. Lastly, all-in-one diapers tend to have their inserts sewn in, so you don’t have to hunt around for one or worry about it slipping.
While the disposable diapers that you pick up in the store are fine, they come with a couple of key drawbacks. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, like all single-use plastics, diapers are terrible for our planet. Scientists estimate that it can take 500 years for a single diaper to decompose. Given that billions of diapers are thrown out every year, this quickly adds up. Additionally, many chemicals are used in the production of diapers, and they shed microplastics, too.
For the sake of the environment and your baby’s health, it may be worth making the switch to cloth diapers. Plus, since cloth diapers can always be washed again and again, they’ll save you money in the long term, too!
Online with some workshops held at 930 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139
Diaper Lab’s diaper service story is a personal one in Boston. After the founders’ daughter was diagnosed with an allergy to the chemicals in disposable diapers, they had to pivot to cloth diapers quickly. Diaper Lab began in 2008 as a way to consolidate knowledge about cloth diapering and provide products in one easy place. Today, they’re continuing that mission, offering a wide range of items, online resources, and classes about cloth diapering and baby-wearing.
Diaper Lab also has a diaper delivery service and a diaper laundry service to help ease the burden of cloth diapering. They’ll deliver new diapers twice a week, simultaneously picking up your dirty ones and taking them to their professional laundering facility. All interested families must first take Diaper Lab’s Intro to Cloth Diapers workshop, as it not only teaches you everything you need to know but also serves as an introduction to their service model. Diaper Lab has multiple levels for their service, with each distinguished by what type of cloth diaper you’d like to receive: pre-folds, fitted, all-in-ones, all-in twos, or a paper and cloth combo that features eco-friendly disposables. Diaper Lab will provide you with all the diapers your baby needs and adjust sizes as they grow. You can also purchase an additional add-on, which includes the delivery and laundering of cloth wipes and wet bags.
588 Greenfield Rd, Deerfield MA, 01342
Changing Habits has been serving Boston since 1990 with their diaper service. Their weekly diaper service will provide 70 high-quality, 100% cotton diapers to your door, though if you want more, they have packages for that, too. You’ll always receive the same set of diapers during your time with Changing Habits. Then they return to you after washing. Diapers come in four sizes: stock-premie, infant, regular, and toddler. Changing Habits also offers cotton wipes for an additional fee.
Changing Habits is extremely environmentally friendly, and they work hard to reduce their water and natural gas usage. They are able to accomplish this by using OZONE during their washing process, which enables them to use less overall energy while targeting germs and bacteria in the wash.
It’s worth checking out Changing Habits’s online shop, too. They have a great variety of cloth diaper-related products for sale! From waterproof bags to organic diaper ointment, as well as potty pants, Changing Habits ensures you stay well-stocked at all times.
From protecting the environment to cutting down on costs, cloth diapers are a great investment for new parents to make. With a diaper service in Boston, you won’t have to worry about diaper pickup or additional washing labor. You’ll always have clean diapers, right when you need them.
While you’re getting ready to meet your baby, make sure you schedule some pics! I’m a Boston newborn photographer, and I love working with families to help them plan gorgeous photo sessions. As a mom myself, I know getting everyone ready for pictures can be pretty stressful. I work to create a calm and inviting atmosphere that will leave you with beautifully authentic pictures. If you want to book a session to celebrate your little one, let’s connect! Then you can decide if I’m the photographer for you. Contact me today to find out more.