WWYD about special diapers?

[Nanu57v]

Well, based on your replies, I would think that you would need to supply another brand for this child. If it's in the contract that you provide the diapers and the wipes until they're one, and you knew ahead of time that he had an allergy to Pampers...then you should go ahead and either buy a pack of Huggies or Luvs for the child, or discount the parents' bill for the weeks that they will need to provide diapers.

And, I am not getting your numbers. You said why should you pay an extra $8/week for this one child instead of $5/week on everyone else. Then you said the cost to your center is $3-4/week per child. And, yes, the grocery store IS more costly than any other place to get diapers. But, can't you go to WallyWorld or Target before July? If someone at the center is going for their own family needs, can't they pick up a package (or two) for this little punkin and be reimbursed by the center?

If you want to keep this little one (and have his parents be satisfied with your service and give you good "word of mouth" advertising), provide the diapers the sensitive fanny needs. Or give them a discount for each week they provide their own diapers based on the cost of Huggies at Walmart. Using the $3 difference you mentioned first, you really only have about one more week of June....it'll only cost you $3-6 dollars more than what you're spending on the other children. Then, just try to stock the other brand better for the next time you purchase Pampers.

If you don't need this child as a client, don't provide what he needs according to your contract. It's a business decision.

I think maybe you were typing while I was responding still... my numbers were just estimates...that's why they were different, plus its different depending on if the child is in a size 1 or 5. We have an account at the local grocery store, but no credit card, and the secretary that writes checks (i don't have that power) won't be back until July. Most parents (self included) would like to be reimbursed pretty quickly. DH flips on me when I buy stuff for the center because one time it took me 2 months to get reimbursed $200. Finally, the child turns two soon, so I was hoping this wouldn't be a problem, and Pampers are never the cheapest, so I never anticipated it being a problem. Oh, and I can't do the discount thing because we are required to charge everyone the same.

 

[Nanu57v]

Oh, I forgot to mention...I really appreciate those of you that mentioned "contract." Our contract actually says nothing about it, but our rate sheet says that the infant and 1-year-old rates "include diapers/wipes." I think you guys have shown me that I really need to update our parent handbook to say something like "The center will provide diapers varying from Huggies, Pampers, or Luvs, dependent on the most cost effective choice (or something like that). Parents must provide their own diapers if they do not like/child requires (or something like that) the current type of diapers."

Oh, and about the food allergy thing...my DD is allergic to apples. I have to provide an alternative snack for her when they have applesauce or apple crisps.

 

[KariC]

I think maybe you were typing while I was responding still... my numbers were just estimates...that's why they were different, plus its different depending on if the child is in a size 1 or 5. We have an account at the local grocery store, but no credit card, and the secretary that writes checks (i don't have that power) won't be back until July. Most parents (self included) would like to be reimbursed pretty quickly. DH flips on me when I buy stuff for the center because one time it took me 2 months to get reimbursed $200. Finally, the child turns two soon, so I was hoping this wouldn't be a problem, and Pampers are never the cheapest, so I never anticipated it being a problem. Oh, and I can't do the discount thing because we are required to charge everyone the same.

Yep, I was.

Probably should update that handbook and contract. I wonder if your rate sheet would be considered legally binding, as well. Might want to check on that when you do some updating. In fact, if you specify the three brands, I'd stick to buying that at the grocery store (no matter the extra cost) because that's what was specified (and not generic).

Hey, maybe you could potty train him before July!

 

[1rockinmamato2]

Wow! I wish my children's daycare provided their diapers and wipes - what a money saver that would be for us!

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I started it to provide an "edge" over the other centers. Kids got through about one pack of diapers a week, so for a parent that costs between $10 and $12 a week if they don't shop sales. For me, buying in bulk with coupons/sales, I do it for about $3-$4 a week per child. Plus, we don't have to worry about that parent who never has enough diapers for their child.

That's a good business idea. Maybe you could stock up, as others have suggested, on a few alternate brands (even generics) for this one child and pull them out during Pampers weeks. Alternately, you could tell the parents when Pampers will be used and they could provide for that week only. I really don't think they SHOULD complain, although if they wanted to make a Federal case out of it, they might be able to. I would just amend your contract to state that you will provide disposable diapers of varying brands and if the child has any sensitivities or the parents have preferences, they are welcome to bring in their own diapers.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Oh, I forgot to mention...I really appreciate those of you that mentioned "contract." Our contract actually says nothing about it, but our rate sheet says that the infant and 1-year-old rates "include diapers/wipes." I think you guys have shown me that I really need to update our parent handbook to say something like "The center will provide diapers varying from Huggies, Pampers, or Luvs, dependent on the most cost effective choice (or something like that). Parents must provide their own diapers if they do not like/child requires (or something like that) the current type of diapers."

Oh, and about the food allergy thing...my DD is allergic to apples. I have to provide an alternative snack for her when they have applesauce or apple crisps.

What do you do about apple juice? Kids drink that so much. Just have her drink water or milk then?

The center I worked at (many moons ago.) Had one rate for potty trained kids, another for not potty trained. That way is they were still in diapers at age 3 and up it didn't cost the center more. Also it was some motivation for the parents to work on potty training at home!

 

[KariC]

It is an added expense...that's the problem. If it wasn't, I wouldn't have asked. I just felt like it wasn't in the best interests of ALL the families to have to spend more on this one child.

You COULD look at it this way instead....you are (hopefully) making a profit on this one child. So, you are eating into the profit of taking care of this one child, and not the profit you are making on the other children. In other words, the other families aren't subsidizing this child's care (or any other child's care). UNLESS you are not making a profit at all (in which case, don't provide diapers and wipes ).

Good luck. It's tough running a small business (we do, too----not daycare tho). You want (and need) to keep your customers happy because you're not a big chain that can absorb or brush off negatives.

 

[Nanu57v]

What do you do about apple juice? Kids drink that so much. Just have her drink water or milk then?

The center I worked at (many moons ago.) Had one rate for potty trained kids, another for not potty trained. That way is they were still in diapers at age 3 and up it didn't cost the center more. Also it was some motivation for the parents to work on potty training at home!

Apple juice is in everything! We have to buy Welch's 100% white grape juice. We could get regular grape juice too, but white is easier to clean up. We water down her juice so much also just because its full of sugar, so she is getting mostly water all day, and 2-3 cups of milk. I like that potty training idea! I'd have my child trained at 9 months if it would save me money! Okay, maybe not really.

 

[MrsPete]

I assume you have a written contract with the parents, which probably covers costs, hours, sickness, etc. I assume diapers are covered in that contact. I suggest that you ADD to the contract that the daycare center will provide diapers/wipes for the children; however, the choice of diaper is at the daycare center's discretion. If parents don't like/can't use the daycare's choice, then they must provide their own diapers.

By writing it into the contract, you're covered.