The Great Cloth Diaper Change!

Yesterday the kids and I went to the beautiful Bellybum Baby Boutique on Chicago’s north side for a gathering like none other.  Surrounded by 15 other moms and their precious babies, I participated in my first ever Guinness Book of World Records event.  Along with thousands of other moms around the world, we helped set the world record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously by participating in the Great Cloth Diaper Change.  Pretty cool!

It was a real pleasure to meet other like-minded moms in such a fun and festive environment.  Everyone was there to support an important cause quite dear to our hearts.  What I found to be most striking was how calm and peaceful the hour-long event was – no screaming babies, whiny toddlers or exasperated mothers.  I think all the little ones knew they were in very good company.

At exactly 11:30 AM a whistle was blown and we all changed our babies’ cloth diapers at the same time.  I spied so many cute colors and patterns, reaffirming my sincere belief that cloth diapering is FUN!  All the moms talked about our favorite brands, styles and types of cloth diapers.  I still love Bum Genius One-Size pocket diapers, but it was nice to check out some alternatives.

I was especially excited to run into Lisa Joy Rosing at the event.  Exactly three years ago she taught my husband and me all we needed to know about cloth diapering, and I have thought of her often ever since.  I was so grateful to have the chance to thank her yesterday – the knowledge she so generously shared with me has saved me thousands of dollars, cut down on the waste my family sends to the landfill and keeps my babies clean and healthy.  She is a true Homemade Mother.

Photographer Naja Lerus (www.najalerusphotography.com) took lovely pictures to capture such a special day.  I wanted to bring my camera, but with both Evie and Mack by my side I’m not so sure I would’ve taken many decent shots!

Looking for more info on how to get started with cloth diapering?  Check out my Cloth Diapering manifesto by clicking here!

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12 Comments for this entry

  1. Laura says:

    Love this! I was so bummed that we had to miss out on our local events for this day since we were out of town for Easter. What a great idea for a gathering, and a statement about how the small acts of mothering mean a lot – to our babies, to the earth, and to our family life (and budgets)!

  2. Jessie J says:

    Maureen, what are your thoughts on cloth hankies vs. paper tissues? Thanks! Jessie

    • Maureen Smithe says:

      Hi Jessie! We use cloth hankies/burp cloths for all nose wiping. They are so easy to use, and I just toss them in the wash with other items so I never waste water/energy on a load just for them.

      I’m still a believer in good old-fashioned paper toilet paper for all the “big” people in the house, but I use re-usable wipes on my son because they can be easily washed along with his diapers.

  3. Kate S. says:

    Did you see the Tribune’s article on families who recycle? I thought of you when they mentioned cloth diapers and homemade laundry detergent!

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-gonzo-recyclers-20110421,0,6029438.story

  4. Kate says:

    Ah, I think my previous comment got lost in the blogosphere… I thought of you when I read the Tribune’s Earth Day article that talked about cloth diapering and homemade laundry soap. They should have interviewed you for the feature! Here’s the link in case you missed it: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-gonzo-recyclers-20110421,0,6029438.story
    I’ve really been enjoying your blog. Such great tips!

    • Maureen Smithe says:

      I didn’t see that article – thank you for sending the link! Its nice to know there are others in our area on the Green Team!!!

  5. I would choose cloth nappies over the tissue paper ones, for cloth could be washed over and used again. While tissue papers were end up in trash pits after you’ve wipe a mess.

  6. Katrina says:

    Hi Maureen,

    I’m shocked we’ve never met! How is that possible with so much in common? I started Cloth Diaper Chicago 2 years ago as the Chicago area Real Diaper Association circle. We run several monthly cloth diaper meet-ups (free) in different parts of the city as well as the suburbs, we have a Yahoo group and a Facebook page and a resource page on our website. Yay for cloth!

    Katrina

    • Maureen says:

      Hi Katrina! How is it possible we’ve never met?!? I’d love to become active in your organization. Just “liked” you on Facebook, but let me know if I can do anything to help out.

  7. Alissa says:

    Maureen, I really want to get started with cloth diapers but I have been doing research and I have been getting a little overwhelmed. I don’t want to bail on the big changeover but I think I need some good guidance. Can you recommend anything that sums it all up for me? Thanks so much for any advice you can give me.

    • Maureen says:

      Alissa, its great you want to learn more about cloth diapering! I was very intimidated by it all when I first started, but it has been sooooooo easy and practically effortless. I always tell everyone the only extra work is 2 more loads of laundry per week. That’s it.

      I summed up all my know-how here: https://homemademothering.com/2009/09/the-cloth-diapering-manifesto.html

      However, I would be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you might have. There is a wonderful cloth diapering community of bloggers and supporters, so no matter what there’s always an answer to any question.

      I would suggest you just dive right in and get started. You’ll probably surprise yourself by how quickly you develop a routine. Before you know it, other moms will be asking YOU for advice!!!

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