Parents tell me how many wipes to use?

[Marie]

Today when I was about to change one of my daycare kids diaper, the parents had put a note on the wipe case telling me to only use one for pee (which I do) and 1-3 for poop. I always go over 3 because this kid poops a lot twice a day, always in the morning. I don't even know how to address this because I think it's absolutely ridiculous. Any suggestions?

[Play and Learn]

I would just brush it off. What are they going to do, not bring you wipes when you need more of them?

[Marie]

Yes, they would stop bringing wipes...lol. They are very stingy for basically everything so I feel everything I use is measured by them. I'm sure they measure the formula when they get back home.

[KingstonMom]

Yes, they would stop bringing wipes...lol. They are very stingy for basically everything so I feel everything I use is measured by them. I'm sure they measure the formula when they get back home.

This is insane!!! So if they stopped bring wipes they would expect YOU to buy more for THEIR child?? Yikes. Boot them out for breach of contract if they do this. They are to supply wipes. Period.

[Play and Learn]

Yes, they would stop bringing wipes...lol. They are very stingy for basically everything so I feel everything I use is measured by them.

If this does become the case that they will stop bringing you wipes, you provide the wipes, but charge them an arm and a leg for it. They don't like it, then you could always give them a warning.

As one of my dcparents told me about a reference call, I wouldn't change anything with the provider. My child gets excited when we drive into the subdivision, she's feed, has been napping, and gets loving care with toys to play with!

Maybe you could have a sit-down talk with these parents if that comes to the case where they won't provide you with any items. Is it in your manual that these parents have to provide you with wipes? Show them that, and that they've signed.

[Marie]

If this does become the case that they will stop bringing you wipes, you provide the wipes, but charge them an arm and a leg for it. They don't like it, then you could always give them a warning.

As one of my dcparents told me about a reference call, I wouldn't change anything with the provider. My child gets excited when we drive into the subdivision, she's feed, has been napping, and gets loving care with toys to play with!

Maybe you could have a sit-down talk with these parents if that comes to the case where they won't provide you with any items. Is it in your manual that these parents have to provide you with wipes? Show them that, and that they've signed.

It is in my manual that they provide wipes. Every day they bring just enough for the day in one of those little diaper bags wipe cases, so sometimes if the child poops 3 times, which happens frequently, they get the case empty. I think I'm just going to tell them I use what I need and that's that.

[Spixie33]

LOL there really are all kinds of parents out there.

I have no idea how many wipes I use. I know that on some of the more soft BM kids I use probably 6-8 wipes easy. I don't count. I wipe until the job is done. I try to fold over and use the same wipe as much as possible but I am not prepared to get feces all over my hands just to budget wipes. We usually have to do diaper changes pretty quick so that is a consideration too.

I use baby wipes to wipe off little faces or hands sometimes too but I have never had a complaint that I am using too much.

I sent wipes every day to my daycare provider when I had one and I was mortified if she ever told me that she ran out. I would feed bad for her and my child.

The parents can probably get away with less because they have more time to fold over multiple times and are just changing one child and also it is their own child's BM They are dealing with but I think they should be able to have enough courtesy to think of your comfort and needs as a provider too

[zen39]

As you said, that is ridiculous. So much so, that I don't think I'd even be bothered to respond to her. If the next time you request wipes and she says something about how quickly you're going through them, then address the issue than.

I have a similar situation with two of my young ones...they poop frequently through the day and they are not "clean" poopers...sounds funny...but what I mean is I have one that poops out a nice ball of poop. The other two always have very soft poop that is in every knook and cranny...and takes lots of wipes to clean up.

I'll use anywhere from 1 - 3 wipes for poo and on the occassion I've even used 4.

If the parent ever said anything, explain that the child poops more than once and you are careful with the wipes but with that said, you'll use what you feel is necessary to clean the child and to keep your hands free and clear of poop.

[KingstonMom]

It seems like they are being more concerned with the dollar value of wipes opposed to having their childs bum clean. do they really think you would use wipes if it were not NECESSARY to get poop off??
it is ridiculous yes, and I agree with the other posts, throw the note out and forget about their request. Address it if they bring it up again. tell them that you do not leave bums dirty. Wow. they're nuts.

[playfelt]

I use a lot more wipes on a cloth diapered child because I feel guilty using the diaper to get the inital layers off. I can clean quite a bit just using the diaper itself as the front part is usually relatively clean. Once the heavy stuff is off I use the wipes on the rest. Rarely do I use more than 2 even on the worst runny poops. Make sure you are using them flat and not wadding them.

But on another note, I'm not sure the vent is totally about wipes. It is the whole parent questioning our integrity issue. The parent is making sure you didn't use the wipes on another child or whatever.

I do provide the wipes as part of my fees and don't feel it costs that much. Parents provide the diapers only and diaper cream if they want it used which is put into each child's change bin. Not sure if you are using disposable gloves when you change but you might feel better about it if you did. Personally I don't use them but I know a lot of caregivers that do. I just couldn't justify the cost.