Foster parenting comes with unique joys and challenges—diapering included. With more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, and over 100,000 of them in the typical diapering age range, the need for reliable, affordable, and safe diapering solutions is clear.
At Lil Helper, we are proud to support foster families through our Foster Parent Cloth Diaper Program. To shed light on this journey, we’re sharing the experiences of three incredible foster parents—Sarah, Grace, and Anna—who chose cloth diapering for their foster children. Their stories show how cloth can be more than just practical: it can be a way to care intentionally, reduce waste, and provide comfort for children who need it most.
Why They Chose Foster Care
Each parent’s path to fostering was different, but all were rooted in compassion and the desire to make a difference.
Sarah and her husband entered the foster system after being introduced to a medically fragile baby through Sarah’s sister, a paramedic. That baby became their son through adoption in 2016, and their family has continued to foster ever since.
Grace, a teacher, and her husband, a police officer, felt called to foster even before marriage. They saw firsthand the struggles families face and believed they could provide stability and care when it was needed most.
Anna and her husband turned to foster care after facing fertility struggles, choosing it as their path to parenthood and a way to support children in need.
Why Cloth Diapering?
Each foster parent came to cloth for different reasons:
For Sarah, it was natural—she had already cloth diapered her biological children.
Grace tried disposable diapers with her first placement, only to face severe rashes. After researching alternatives, she switched to Lil Helper and never looked back. Cloth cleared up the skin sensitivities and gave her peace of mind.
Anna saw cloth as a way to reduce waste. With her husband’s medical needs already creating extra trash, cloth diapers felt like one small, powerful way to cut back. Bonus? “They’re so stinking adorable!” she says.
Building a Stash & Keeping It Clean
From 25 to 40+ diapers, each family found a system that worked for them. Some stored diapers in baskets or drawers, while others kept extras in tubs alongside baby gear.
When it comes to hygiene, all three emphasized one key point: a solid wash routine makes it easy. With bleach soaks between placements and regular washes every 2–3 days, they had no concerns about using diapers for multiple children. Sunlight, occasional stripping, and strong detergents kept everything fresh and safe.
Support Makes a Difference
Many foster parents worry about the cost of starting a cloth stash. That’s where community and programs like Lil Helper’s step in.
Grace recalls reaching out to Lil Helper when she was just starting out. Instead of selling her diapers, we sent her a stash for the cost of shipping—along with a note of encouragement for her fostering journey. That’s the heart of the Foster Parent Cloth Diaper Program: making cloth diapering accessible for families who open their homes and hearts to children in care.
Advice for Foster Parents Considering Cloth
Each parent had a piece of wisdom to share:
Sarah: “Do it! It doesn’t have to be complicated.”
Grace: “Cloth was one more way we could intentionally love the children in our care.”
Anna: “Do it—but on visitation days, use disposables so birth parents aren’t confused.”
Above all, they agreed: cloth diapering foster children is absolutely possible, and worth it.
Final Thoughts
Foster parents juggle a million things, and diapering shouldn’t have to be one of the stressors. Cloth diapers not only save money and reduce waste, but they also provide comfort, prevent rashes, and last through multiple placements.
Thankfully, all of these amazing families have been supported by their fostering agencies in their decision to cloth diaper as foster parents! Their stories show that cloth can be practical, sustainable, and a beautiful way to care for little ones in the foster system.
Are you a foster parent who cloth diapers, or thinking about giving it a try? We’d love to hear about your experiences and any advice you have in the comments below. If you want to learn more about Lil Helper’s Foster Parent Program, you can contact us anytime at delight@lilhelper.ca. Our program is designed to support foster parents as they build their cloth diaper stash and get started with cloth diapering—simply reach out to us via email, and we’ll provide the information you need to join.
Leakproof, no-prep cloth diapers with ultra-absorbent inserts. Easy, reusable, and beginner-friendly—diapering made simple and stress-free.
Want to save on the best reusable diaper set? Get a mystery pack with a four-count reusable insert set! Unwrap a package of surprise tank cloth diapers today.
Zero-A Potty Training Pants help toddlers potty train with confidence—absorbent, adjustable, and leak-resistant. Bundle & save!
