Who is Nature Boy?

 Before the birth of our son, Mani, we found it challenging to get reliable product information online when looking for cloth diapers. Not only is there a bit of a learning curve there are literally hundreds of choices, from old-school standards to handmade ‘collectibles.’ Our experimentation often left us frustrated, changing sheets at 2 a.m. and down on our decision. But once we found cloth that absorbed, covers that didn’t leak and a system that was easy to maintain, we were sold. We always knew we wanted to use cloth and practice the attachment parenting ideals of baby wearing and extended breastfeeding. So when we opened Nature Boy in 2005 we focused on those three areas. We believe these choices are good for babies, their parents and the environment. We’re opinionated but not militant, so don’t be shy with questions about why we carry what we do and how it works.

Cloth Diaper Service (Missoula area)

 The way it works:

We provide diaper “rental.”  We supply cotton prefolds from our stock; you return them when you’re through diapering.  Your first drop of clean diapers occurs once you have a contract in place and notify us when you’d like to have them.  Then you let us know when you’ve begun to use your diapers.  On your second delivery you will receive the full number of diapers you’ll have in rotation (5 doz/wk = 10 doz in rotation).  Thereafter, the number of diapers you turn in each week will be returned to you the following week. 

We drop off cleans and pick up dirties every Wednesday morning except holidays, in which case we’ll select an alternate day.  If you need to make changes to size or quantity, you can inform us any time up until 6 p.m. the Tuesday before pick up day.  Diapers are laundered by Missoula Textile Services and they must use bleach to process diapers according to public health and hygiene standards.  Processing rinses out the residue, but you should still watch your child for skin sensitivity. 

You will need to purchase and launder your own diaper covers – we recommend a minimum of 6.  We sell new and used ones at Nature Boy. 

Diaper Service Pricing

 We charge for the number of diapers you have ordered per week, not the number you use.  If you notice you are consistently using fewer diapers, you can contact us to adjust the amount.  If you are planning a vacation, let us know!  We can work around pick up/drop off for that time. 

Nursing Bras

A good nursing bra is not an extravagance, it’s a necessity. Non-nursing bras limit access, can contain components that irritate changing breasts and don’t generally accommodate a nursing mom’s needs at all. So invest in one nursing bra, two if possible, but keep in mind that if you buy a bra before your baby’s birth, you could increase an entire cup size once your milk comes in. Some nursing bras cover a range of band sizes and two cup sizes to allow for this change

It is preferable to buy a nursing bra about a month before your due date since trying on bras is the last thing most moms of new babes want to do. You can get a fitting at any store that sells intimate apparel, or you can have your partner or friend measure your band size by putting a flexible tape measure (or string that can then be measured against a ruler/yardstick) around your body, under the breasts and right along the rib cage. Cup sizing generally corresponds to rib sizing, but every bra manufacturer is different so it’s best to try your bra on before buying or immediately once you get it.

We carry several lines from Bravado, including their tank tops. We also carry the Jane’s Bra from Blue Canoe, which is not technically a nursing bra but provides easy access and is made from organic cotton that’s very comfortable. Nursing pads by Bravado, Imse Vimse and Milk Weeds are also available.