By Katie Doolittle
Once upon a time, Julie Triplett was skeptical of cloth diapers. The mess, the time commitment, the potentially injurious pins: these concerns seemed to far outweigh any potential benefits.
But luckily for families in the Puget Sound area, Triplett did some research. She discovered that modern cloth diapers are both convenient and effective. And for the past seven years, she’s been sharing that knowledge at Simple Cloth, her downtown Olympia boutique. Technically, Simple Cloth specializes in cloth diapers, baby carriers, and natural parenting items. But ask any of her devoted clients what keeps them coming back, and they’ll tell you it’s the exceptional customer service.
Triplett’s thoughtful efforts are in evidence throughout her store. First and foremost, Simple Cloth is family friendly. There’s a private area in the back where caregivers can change a baby’s diaper or feed a hungry infant. A selection of toys can occupy children while parents do their shopping. Often, former customers will swing by to use the amenities while doing other shopping downtown. “I enjoy getting to see the babies we’ve helped diaper,” says Triplett. “It’s a fun way to stay connected with this community.”
That welcoming atmosphere extends to the staff; they’re all free to bring their kids to work. Triplett smiles as she acknowledges, “Sometimes it’s a little more hectic but it’s a part of life.” Having been in the store multiple times, I can attest to the charm of a pint-sized greeter giving me a cursory wave before inviting my toddler to go play.
Triplett’s also very intentional about the merchandise she stocks. “I’ve had the benefit of having great little guinea pigs,” she jokes. She is, however, quite serious about quality. Her kids—or her employees’ kids—have tried every product at Simple Cloth. Triplett has to love it to sell it, whatever “it” might be.
Another factor: she works exclusively with ethical businesses that fully back their products. What does that mean? Triplett only sells merchandise supported by warranties, manufactured reputably using safe materials and practices. Thirsties is a perfect example. The company’s diapers are completely USA-made, down to the snaps and elastic. Moreover, their facilities make use of green energy supplied by wind and solar technology. Listening to Triplett describe this company, I can’t help but admire her passion and knowledge.
“I have a background in education and international development,” says Triplett, which may explain why she (and her employees) feel less like salespeople and more like advocates. They give each potential client a diaper tour, explaining the variety of styles available while listening to the client’s feedback and input. Then, says Triplett, “we’ll work with the customer to find something that meets their need and their budget.” She wants cloth diapering to be a viable option for every interested family.
How many diapers should I buy? What brands work best for a particularly petite (or chunky) baby? Do daycare employees prefer a certain type or style? And how do I go about laundering these diapers, anyway? These are just some of the questions Triplett addresses on a regular basis.
I have a question of my own: what’s the main issue that prevents families from choosing cloth diapers? She quickly answers, “People think that the washing is going to be terrible, but it’s not like that now.” Accessories like diaper sprayers or flushable, biodegradable liners help to limit any mess. The store also offers complimentary postcards listing simple diaper laundering instructions—a boon for the often sleep-deprived new parent.
Another concern is ease of use. But happily, modern cloth diapers come in a variety of styles. Something with Velcro tabs, like a bumGenius 4.0 diaper, comes on and off just like a disposable would. And guess what? There’s nary a pin to be seen in the store.
Even if cloth diapering isn’t feasible for you, Simple Cloth is still well worth a visit. Come for the natural diaper rash creams and baby sunscreens. There are also lead-free toys, a variety of baby carriers, functional nursing covers, and large but lightweight swaddling blankets. “As a parent I was looking for things and couldn’t find them,” says Triplett, which is why she now carries those hard-to-find products in her store.
Triplett and I agree that Simple Cloth is special because it staffs “people who know about these products and can help clients troubleshoot.” Best of all, that support continues long after customers make their purchase. Triplett and her employees will help adjust a baby carrier until it feels comfortable. They might steer someone towards the most economical place to buy a particular brand of diaper-safe laundry detergent. They’ve even been known to troubleshoot washing machine issues. “Those all sound like little things,” says Triplett, “but they add up to a big thing.”
Simple Cloth is located at 210 1/2 W 4th Avenue in Olympia, WA. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. You can call them at (360) 753-2420.
