Hmmmm, interesting seeing a post like this from the caregiver perspective.
Honestly, I'd say the approach wouldn't be much different from a Little/AB and how they would go about finding a Mommy or a Daddy.
Try online sites. Fetlife is still the best for this, although your mileage may vary. Message people respectfully, join local groups and see if there are any munches for your local area. If there are munches, attend them. You may or may not find a true partner this way, but you can meet friends with similar interests and plenty of AB/DLs.
Also, just dating someone and introducing them to the caregiver side of yourself or the ABDL community can work as well. I know many ABs found their caregivers and vice versa by taking the proper time to date and work at a relationship. I know this method isn't always effective and it may take some time, but it is what a lot of ABs, DLs and Caregivers live by. It worked for me once
As for how this comes up in regular conversation... that is a good question? Maybe you could drop subtle hints? I've overheard AB/DLs come up in regular, everyday conversations among peers and passersby. I guess if you're comfortable enough with someone, just about anything can enter into casual conversation.
Perhaps, what I'm trying to say is, there really is no surefire way to find someone from either end of the spectrum; there's no surefire way for an AB/Little to find a Mommy/Daddy/Caregiver and there's no surefire way for a Caregiver to find a Little. I have had success in various ways; my first GF/Mommy was just someone I dated for a while and told when the time was right, I found my Mommy friend through a Craigslist personals ad, my current Mommy/GF reached out to me on a Fetlife account I rarely frequent and now we e-mail and skype each other constantly.
There truly is someone out there for everyone, you seem to have some good ideas yourself on how to go about finding a Little and I think I've given you some starting points. I'm sure others will chime in with their advice on the matter as well.
Best of luck to you