Real Diaper Week 2012

This week is Real Diaper Week. It is leading up to Saturday's grand finale, the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012. This year there will be at least two locations and possibly a third, in Wichita to attempt to break last year's world record for the most cloth diapers changed at the same time. This is exciting because when I first started cloth diapering 3.5 years ago, the was only one resource in Central Kansas and there wasn't even a cloth diaper shop in the largest city in Kansas!
Michael thinks it is ridiculous that I want drive 55 miles one way to participate, especially because it will have to be a quick trip. The official change is set around 11 and I have to be back in time for Tate's soccer game at 1:45. His question is, "If you set the record last year, why do you need to do it again this year?" It isn't just about setting a new record, it is about cloth diaper advocacy! It's about showing off the modern cloth diaper options, dispelling the common stereotypes and educating others on alternatives to disposable diapers.

Cloth diapering in 1980: cotton prefolds, pins and rubber pants

I am somewhat of a cloth diaper purist (disposables are not an option), but I definitely didn't start out that way. I was completely overwhelmed by all of the information when I visited a cloth diaper store for the first time! I was 9 months pregnant and had no idea what I was getting into. I had no idea the first diapers I ended purchasing would become a necessity and so important to the health of my child. I also had no idea how cloth diapers would effect my life so dramatically.
After all the over-whelming information I received about cloth diapers, I ended up making a purchase. A few prefolds, a few one-size fitted diapers, some pins and three covers made their way into our nursery. I registered for some g diapers, a hybrid system of cloth diapers with disposable inserts. At my baby shower, I received some more prefolds, another cover, a few fitteds and some g diapers. Most people still couldn't believe I wanted to use cloth diapers at all.

g diaper

My crystal ball may have been cloudy, but I must have had some pre-mommy premonition. Thankfully I had a small stash because my baby boy did not react well to the chemicals in disposable diapers. Everywhere it touched him, he was red and swollen. He would leak out of the diapers, yet they would still be dry. He still had his umbilical cord stump when we made the switch to a cloth diaper exclusive family. (I know that because Michael accused the cloth diapers of rubbing on it and causing it to fall off too soon.)

One of the first pictures I took of Tate (4 wks old) in a cloth diaper.

 

I didn't even chance it with my second baby boy. Mayer has never been in a disposable diaper. The closest has been a few GroVia BioDiapers he tested for a store. We were able to reuse the same diapers the second time around.

Mayer, 8 lbs in a lil' Joey.

There are so many modern cloth diapering options that it is easy to get started. There are options for every budget and every lifestyle. Even if you start as simple as a reusable swim diaper, you are making a change. It's a small step that could lead to something bigger. There are fabulous resources out there to help you get started or even for veterans that have a question. Cloth diapering has changed so much in the last decade and even in the 3.5 years that I have been using them.

My niece, Lily, 7 yrs ago and my first experience with a modern cloth diaper.

It's no secret that cloth diapering is a topic that I am passionate about. I am so overzealous, I tend to go off the deep end when people ask me. I feel like I can overwhelm them and I'm sure I have scared several people away with too much information. The best advice I can give someone wanting to get started is just try it, or in Nike terms, "Just Do It!" Ask questions along the way. This is the age of social media and there are plenty of resources. If you don't have a brick and mortar store near you, there are hundreds of shops on-line. Most have trial or test packages to help you get started and find something that works for you.

If you know someone that already cloth diapers, ask to borrow a few. The good thing about cloth diapers is they are reusable. If you try it and you don't like it, you can always sell or share them. I just loaned 4 of my favorite diapers Mayer has outgrown to a friend who wants to cloth diaper her baby girl part-time. After that, they are going to my cousin that will be cloth diapering twins!

I'm very opinionated when it comes to cloth diapering specifics. They have been formed through a lot of trial and error. I am happy to share my experiences, as are most CD mamas. What works for me, may not work for you. If you want to know, just ask. It's no secret I love to talk cloth. I will happily try and convert you to the softer and much cuter side of diapering!