Try Cloth Diapers Risk Free

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

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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.

18 comments:

Attila & Tamara said...

I just love how cloth looks. So much cuter that disposables!

Jenna said...

Hear, hear! Spreadin' the fluffy LOVE! :)

Lauren said...

I love this - I do the same thing! Although, I've been bummed out that the past few times someone has asked me about cloth while I'm out, I don't have any spare clean fluff in the diaper bag to pull out and show & tell.

Kelly Spence said...

We had a lot of the same responses. But cloth diapering has definitely come a long way since my mom did it. They are cuter, easier, and less bulky.

Mindy said...

I'm new to cloth diapering as well and it's amazing how often the topic comes up naturally in conversations. I did a sort of "show and tell" with my cloth diapers one night with some ladies from my church who came over for a dessert group. A few contacted their daughters to share what I showed them. Cloth diapers are terrific because they truly speak for themselves! My husband asked me last night if I was still a "cloth diaper convert" and I said "Definitely." I'm so happy this morning to be simply throwing in a load of diapers instead of running to the store to buy more and emptying out diaper trash!

Anonymous said...

This is great advice! When I show people cloth instead of preaching it, they're more interested.

Laura C

laurakcowan/at/gmail/dot/com

Crissy said...

That's the exact same response I get from family and friends when I talk about cloth diapering.. Then when they see the diapers it all changes!

Hannah said...

I was pleased when another child snatched my baby's bumGenius diaper out of the top of his diaper bag and ran off with it in the church nursery. It started a great conversation with the nursery workers "What kind of diaper is that?". They were wowed.

dannyscotland said...

I find the same thing happens with me; people have a preconceived notion that cloth diapers are the old fashioned white diapers with pins. The first thing I tell people is that they are NOT like that at all. Then I show them, and then I tell them about the cost savings.

Jenney said...

Absolutely! Most of my naysayers can't believe how easy cloth is. I have 2 moms I know who are using now, but they had to see it to believe it.

Megan said...

This is so similar to my experience. Seeing the diapers is the biggest conversation starter....and they are too cute to resist!

Arizona Girl said...

I too am constantly telling people about the coolness that is now cloth diapers. I can't count the number of times that I have half undressed my baby somewhere to show another mama modern clothies.

Christa said...

I've had similar experiences. I don't think that people realize all of the options we have now! When they see the cute cloth diapers, they love them.

Jessica Barr said...

I can totally relate to your story! My husband teases me when he sees a diaper in my hand and showing it to ANOTHER person and going on and on. How can you NOT tell people how wonderful it is!? I wish I would have CDd my DS. We started with #2 (a girl too) and are getting ready to CD #3 (another girl!). I get lots of questions all the time and some of them have taken the plunge and not turned back either! Thanks for sharing your story!

Becky said...

I've been at a baby store and pulled down my son's pants to show off his cute diapered bum. Luckily it's mainly mommies who frequent these stores and do not complain when I do such things :)

Aubrey said...

We travel in disposables for the most part so many people don't realize we use cloth. It's entertaining when I forget to change her to a disposable and we go out and her little colored bummy is sitcking out below her skirt line. Eyebrows lift, and questions fly!

Jenn said...

aww love this post ! your LO is adorable !

ONCE upon a time.... said...

how sad that this is the response you got when you chose to do something so fabulously fun and responsible! i hope your MIL's opinion has changed now that she's seen how cute they are! your daughter should be a little CD model, she's so adorable! To Lauren--I purposely pack extra clean diapers when we go out, HOPING that someone will ask and I can show how cool they are! how much of a dork am i?! :) --camille