DCP and Wipes?!?

[jenny31052]

I do not provide diapers and wipes - I prefer parents to provide what they like better... and I have never had issues with it..

I send a text message, or tell at pick-up if I need supplies. No one ever complained.
By regulation I cannot use a single wipe more than once: it's one wipe, one swipe, and yes, this way we go through tons of them.

Today I sent a text to a new DCM asking to bring wipes tomorrow: she replied saying that I must be using them with someone else because she just gave me (3 weeks ago) a new (it was already opened) pack of wipes that should have last a month ::::::

This child poops a lot (2 years old), sometimes even 3-4 times in 6-7 hours, and it is VERY messy...

When I interview a new family, I make clear that I will need lots of wipes...

I don't know...I was just left speechless for a minute, it took me a while to be able to formulate a reply

[littlemissmuffet]

What was your reply???

I would just tell her "Okay, well I am going to start supplying wipes - at a cost of $2.00/day... I'll just tack that extra $10 on to your weekly fee! See you tomorrow!" ::

[jenny31052]

I reminded her about our diaper changing process, and I pointed out to her that 3 weeks have passed since last time she brought wipes, and that I use a few more than usual because her kid poops constantly, and he is messy...

She replied saying that she will bring some tomorrow - we shall see how that goes...

I thought about the extra fee for wipes... I may do it if it happens again...

[Texasjeepgirl]

I've always required parents to supply diapers and wipes...
I put a note on the dry erase board or send a text or email saying that all children NOT YET POTTY TRAINED need to bring a refill pack of wipes...I have never attempted to use a specific childs wipes on that child.. I have a container for wipes...I put the refill in... when I get to the last refill pack..I post another message...
I do currently have 1 child who has an allergy to wipes...the mother requested I use wet paper towels...and she supplies them... I keep her roll seperate from the roll for washing hands...and it's actually no big deal... I take a few paper towels...wet them lightly in the sink...and go...
Now that my own granddaughter has been in my daycare... I have started buying refill packs of wipes for her...and rarely ask for refills from the other diaper parents...but... I really haven't felt it's been a huge issue so far...But I certainly can identify with some kids having more poopy diapers in daycare than others...I have a 16 month old little boy...HAVE MERCY.... there are days it is 5, 6 and even 7 diapers... but ... a 20 month old that NEVER has a poopy diaper here... the mother says it's an at home routine...

[DCMom]

I supply wipes because I use them for many things and I prefer a specific brand. I would write the name and date on them right in front of her. If she questions again, show her the container. I personally would just have everyone bring a refill pack a month or something like that.

I'm still stuck on how you have a regulation on how to use wipes...::

[SilverSabre25]

I supply wipes because I use them for many things and I prefer a specific brand. I would write the name and date on them right in front of her. If she questions again, show her the container. I personally would just have everyone bring a refill pack a month or something like that.

I'm still stuck on how you have a regulation on how to use wipes...::

Yep, this.

I'm also stuck on the regulation for wiping...smh...

[boysx5]

Thats why I supply them this way I always have them.

[Lianne]

I'm going to don my flame suit and ask this question....

I often see people comment on regulations for licensing that make our jobs harder. Regulations that seem fine in a perfect world but in reality, really do not work and I often wonder why people don't just do what works for them and just tell licensing that they complied? Obviously if you're being inspected at that moment, you do it according to the rules but otherwise, why make life harder for yourself? Of course, I don't mean important rules like ratios, safety concerns, etc.

This wipe rule is a perfect example. You're only supposed to use one wipe per swipe? What a pain in the arse and what a waste of wipes. Unless licensing is standing there watching you change a diaper, why not just use the wipes as normal? It's not like it's really going to hurt a child to have a wipe used for three swipes instead of one and no one will ever know the difference.

The length of time spent outdoors is another one. Yes, it's important to be outside everyday and I understand why licensing requires it. But, in freezing cold or scorching hot temps, why not just say you were out when you weren't? I know most licensing rules determine a temperature that's safe and a length of time to be outside for but if those regulations don't work for your group at the moment, why bother? I know that the temps some of you are expected to take the kids out in are not realistic when dealing with 4 or 5 or more little kids, whether some licensing rule says you should or not so why not do what's best for your group at the moment and licensing will never know?

I'm not suggesting you ignore all the rules or ignore a (or many) rules all the time but why not occasionally when it would benefit the children, your program and you to do things differently some times?

[Blackcat31]

I don't mean this rudely but are you sure the licensing rules actually say that or is it being interpreted that way?

I mean unless they are some how reimbursing the parents for this rediculous rule, I am not understanding how this can be a regulation if the parent is the one paying for the wipes.

We have some pretty strict rules about infant sleep postions, however we can have a parent sign a statement allowing them to direct us on how thier child is put to sleep. It releases us from any liability if somehting were to happen.

Now I haven't actually ever had a parent use one of these forms but in your situation, I would perhaps have the parent fill out some sort of agreement saying you ahve their permission to wipe the child using however meany wipes and in whatever manner the parents direct you to use/do.

Just a thought since as a parent I would be kind of upset about this silly rule.

[MarinaVanessa]

I know that I use wipes a lot for each child but I hardly ever use more than 3 wipes per diaper change (and that's a lot). I do however also use the child's wipes to wipe their noses and faces and because of that reason I go through their wipes a little more quickly than is normal. I explain this of course so the parents already know.

I'm sure that you probably do the same at least from time to time. If you do use wipes for reasons other than to wipe the child's bum I'd let her know too. Using wipes IMO is easier and less harsh that actual tissue when used to wipe little faces and won't leave the redness or rawness KWIM? That's one more reason to use the wipes more quickly and you can always explain that too her too (if you use them like this too)

[Childminder]

I supply everything except diapers cause I want to be certain I get the ones that work the best and storage or remembering is never a problem. Sometimes the parent constantly forgets or buys the cheapest product out there and I know that better is bought for home (especially diapers) cause the kid arrives in the morning with the "good" ones on. Some providers even supply diapers but I don't get out enough of have enough storage.

I do currently have 1 child who has an allergy to wipes...the mother requested I use wet paper towels...and she supplies them... I keep her roll seperate from the roll for washing hands...and it's actually no big deal... I take a few paper towels...wet them lightly in the sink...and go..

I have had children that have had needed this in the past and I found that if I cut a roll of paper towel in 1/2, remove the cardboard tube and place it in a container with a slip off lid, like a coffee can but plastic, fill it with soapy water I have the perfect wipes for them. They pull from the center just like clorox wipes or the like and the Brawny or Bounty or better ones work the best.

[Ariana]

I don't have any advice but this seems like the most ridiculous thing for a parent to complain about!!

[My3cents]

I've always required parents to supply diapers and wipes...
I put a note on the dry erase board or send a text or email saying that all children NOT YET POTTY TRAINED need to bring a refill pack of wipes...I have never attempted to use a specific childs wipes on that child.. I have a container for wipes...I put the refill in... when I get to the last refill pack..I post another message...
I do currently have 1 child who has an allergy to wipes...the mother requested I use wet paper towels...and she supplies them... I keep her roll seperate from the roll for washing hands...and it's actually no big deal... I take a few paper towels...wet them lightly in the sink...and go...
Now that my own granddaughter has been in my daycare... I have started buying refill packs of wipes for her...and rarely ask for refills from the other diaper parents...but... I really haven't felt it's been a huge issue so far...But I certainly can identify with some kids having more poopy diapers in daycare than others...I have a 16 month old little boy...HAVE MERCY.... there are days it is 5, 6 and even 7 diapers... but ... a 20 month old that NEVER has a poopy diaper here... the mother says it's an at home routine...

I do the same thing- I ask full time parents to bring in one refill a week, part time one refill every other week. I store them all together and I put them in four containers convenient to me(diaper changing area, play area, kitchen and bathroom) in my daycare to use when needed. I tell them I use them for everything and I do. I don't worry if I use ten wipes or one for a child. I also ask the parents to not buy cheap wipes that I will poke my finger through, that is just gross. Here is the kicker---- I also buy wipes each month. I pick up a big box at target. When they forget, I just remind them in my monthly newsletter. They are all Great about supplying wipes- If it became a problem, I would add on a fee and just get them myself each month. If a child needs something special because of sensitivity or what not- parents preference, I go with that and they supply them. When my kiddo's were little and money was tight, I made my own. Now its my luxury item. It makes my job so much easier having what I need to do it well. My one little thing-

In answer to the question of why don't we just do what we want, the one swipe per wipe. I would like to know what state and where that rule is written? I think most providers do. Same with going outside. Common sense for most. but...... the rules are in place for those that don't have common sense, and trust me their are a lot of providers out there that do not have this. You see it in the newspaper and all over the news all the time. Sad.

[kimsdaycare]

For those questioning whether this is a rule or interpretation of the rule, I can vouch for yes...actual rule. At least in my area. I remember during training we had to allow that wipe just ONE touch to the toosh. No folding, reversing, double tapping, etc.

The trainer said it was a fairly new requirement and kept repeating, "I know this is stupid and wasteful..but... when inspected, don't forget to use each wipe for just one swipe". LOL, she was giving us the not so subtle hint of what she thought of it herself. Even licensors don't always agree with everything I guess.

You can also cut wipes in half and put them in a flushables container, so each swipe is on a piece only as big as necessary, equalling less waste. Unless you have a rule about the dimensions required for your wipes too

Just wanted to let you know OP isn't nuts. The state is .

[Crazy8]

I have to agree with some of the above that it really is a waste of wipes. Curious what state you are in to have that rule - I have never heard such a thing and I honestly don't think I'd be following it unless someone was right there watching me.

But, if you are adament about only using 1 wipe per swipe then I would just one day add up exactly how many wipes you use for this child and when she brings in a pack of 120 or 180 or whatever calculate how many days that should last. I'm guessing its less days than she expects!

I know even when my DD was in daycare I felt like they went thru diapers so fast. The pack seemed so big - but dividing it out knowing approx. how many they used a day helped it to make sense.

Also, I started supplying wipes a few years ago for this reason. I'd rather use the brand I like, not the brand parents like since I'm the one doing the wiping. I also don't want to feel like I can't use one to wipe a nose or hands or even the table, etc. because that is "wasting" a particular childs wipes.