Last year Guinness World Record officials verified that a 2012 record had been broken. This April 26th cloth diaper enthusiasts all over the world will gather to make history again. This year caretakers, parents, anyone who has a baby or toddler in cloth diapers will come together to change the most cloth diapers at once. There were 182 qualified locations in 15 different countries and the number to beat is 8, 301 diapers changed at the same time. So can it be done again? Will more than 8, 301 diapers be changed all at once?
You should join in the movement and help break the record at the Great Cloth Diaper Change (GCDC)! This year there are 240 registered change locations with 173 locations in the US. Regardless of whether or not the record is broken this year the main goal of the GCDC is to spread awareness that using cloth diapers is doable in today's very disposable and quick fix world. The GCDC is put on by the Real Diaper Association. I want to do it! How do I participate? First things first, visit the GCDC website and click on the link that says "Find a Location." Easy enough, right? Yes, it really is that easy. Find the pin on the map that's closest to your home and then sign up on that location's website. The guidelines for participating is that one adult over the age of 18 must be paired with a child who is 39". What should my baby wear? Great question and if you're like me you'll want to have all of your ducks in a row, especially if you haven't been to one before. Think about putting your child in something that's easy to take on and off. If the weather's cooperating grab your cutest onesie and a pair of leggings. I love these shirts from the Real Diaper Association, Kelly's Closet and from Green Team Enterprises. I own the Hip Mom shirt from Green Team and be warned, it's fitted but the length is fabulous and is so slimming.
As for the diaper? Well, there are a few rules to that one too; remember you're breaking a Guinness World Record here so everything has to be verified and signed off. The easiest thing to do, of course, is to bring your favorite Thirsties' diaper for the change but if all of those are in the wash because you use them all of the time then remember that the diaper must be one that can be purchased. This can mean a WAHM diaper, one that's sold on Etsy or any retailer. You cannot bring a homemade diaper that is not sold in a store. It doesn't matter what kind of diaper your child is wearing when you arrive at the GCDC. I was at a change once and the parent there bought her first cloth diaper for her child at the GCDC! Talk about a way to start out in cloth diapers, huh?
What actually happens at a change location? Some locations offer baby expos, swag bags, fun giveaway prizes, entertainment for the kids and adults attending, etc. On the world record front you'll sign a form and then you and your 39" or less child will go to a space that's taped off for participants. At 11:00am the GCDC host will tell everyone that the change has started. From that point you'll change your baby into the cloth diaper that you've brought with you and then you'll hold your child up in the air (think Rafiki from The Lion King) and a photographer will take a picture to document the change.
That's about it. The event is fun and it's a great way to meet other families that are as passionate about using cloth diapers are you are. Have you gone to a GCDC before? What was your experience? If not, are you going to participate this year?
