Have you ever had this scenario happen? You're with a group of parents, doing the small talk thing because you've just
recently met each other and aren't quite comfortable baring your heart and soul, when suddenly you find out by chance, that the woman who has been sitting kitty-corner to you the entire meal also uses cloth diapers on her baby. Your face perks up and you think to yourself, "Ah! A fellow cloth diaper user!" The conversation quickly changes from small talk to fluff talk and the two of you are quickly forming a close relationship...all based on your use of cloth diapers on your children. See, that's what I love about the cloth diaper community: You could seemingly have absolutely nothing in common with another parent you're becoming acquainted with but the second both of you discover that you use cloth diapers there's a bond. It doesn't matter if the mother next to you uses formula or if the woman in front of you at the grocery store happens to co-sleep with all of her children in a family bed. You two have a common thread that ties you together: cloth diapers. The bond of cloth diaper use is a strong one and I've been trying for a few months to figure out what it is about these adorable fluffy butts that can make even the most diametrically opposed individuals gush and rave about their favorite kind of cloth diaper. Perhaps it's because using cloth diapers isn't the norm any more? Or maybe it's because there is a bit of a learning curve to taking care of your diapers that every caretaker experiences? Whatever the case, the cloth diaper community is one parenting community that's hard to beat. I have seen countless mothers on my own blog's Facebook page offer up advice to complete strangers simply because they were having a problem with their pocket diapers leaking at night. I have actually become better friends with a few women because we all use cloth diapers on our children.
I really believe that for me, part of the reason why I have successfully cloth diapered two children (with number three on the way) is because of the amazing community of cloth diapering parents. They are supportive and all want to see another cloth diaper using parent succeed. In today's competitive world, that my friends, is a rare and wonderful find. So cherish your cloth diaper using friends, near and far, and remind them how much you appreciate their acceptance and help!
SO true! While I was pregnant I was looking in to cloth diapering and it all seemed so overwhelming. I was a little afraid to invest all the money into it if it was going to be too hard. I was talking about it with a friend at work and she told me that her husband’s cousin used cloth diapers and she was sure she would love to answer any of my questions and give me advice etc. She passed along my name to this woman in another state who I had never met and a few days later I received a message on facebook from her introducing herself and offering to help. Talking with her made a huge difference in my confidence level and completely erased almost all of the doubts I had been having!
I love getting advice since I am a FTM!!!
So true. I met a woman at my church a few weeks ago who was very quiet and frankly not very friendly, but once we discovered we at least had CD in common, we were able to talk about that and then find other things in common!
Amen! I have recently helped 2 mamas get started cloth diapering. I absolutely love it. I love being a support for them!
I am getting ready for my first baby, and it is so nice to have several friends who CD, and can give me advice! Our family isn’t that supportive of our decision not to use disposables, so I appreciate that my friends understand and don’t think it’s silly. :)
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