Show, Then Tell

When my husband told his mother we were going to cloth diaper our second child, her first response was, “You’ll hate it!” And she’s wasn't the only one to share that sentiment. We’ve heard similar responses from other friends and family. Nevertheless, I've been so excited about our diapers when we finally used them on our daughter. I even wished we would have known about cloth when our son was born so we could have cloth diapered him and enjoyed cloth must sooner! Oftentimes I find myself desiring to convince everyone I know with children in diapers or those planning to have children they should try cloth! However, I get the same response, "Oh I couldn’t do that.”
Then I discovered most people have a very antiquated idea about what cloth diapers are and what it means to take care of them. The first thing my mother-in-law said when she saw Hazel’s diapers for the first time was, “Oh, those don’t look like what I used!” This provided me a window into what others thought of when they heard me talk about cloth diapers without them physically seeing my daughter's diapers.. Seeing is believing and that's the key here - it's all about actually seeing the diapers and realizing what cloth diapering can be!

Now, as my friends see the diapers when they watch my daughter or if they catch a glimpse of a diaper beneath her dresses, more questions and positive conversations arise than I ever imagined. They ask, “Is that cloth?!?” with a hint of wonder and surprise etched on their face. I welcome the window of opportunity and pull out a cloth diaper from my diaper bag and show them how simple and wonderful the cloth diapers are! Depending on the person, I usually start explaining how easy it is to use and care for the diapers, the savings, as well as the variety of options and designs available. Then I go into more detailed information, such as what works for us (we use predominantly Pocket diapers and All-in-Ones, etc... Time and time again, it ultimately comes back to the same questsion: dealing with the poop! Now I make sure to include discussing how simple washing.
I'm not certain how of my friends will go on to switch to or use cloth diapers; however, I've had a few friends come back later asking for more information for themselves or another friend who’s interested, so it’s a start! I do know I've at least planted the thought in their head, especially after they've seen Hazel's adorable diapered bottom! The diapers themselves are the best conversations starters; so when it's warm out she's wearing a t-shirt and a diaper, or she sleeps in just her diaper to keep cool. I’ve forgone the "diaper covers" which come with her dresses, instead I coordinate colors and let the diapers peek out. You just never know who will notice and want to know more!


-- by Cari D.