BlogHer’12 (Kelly Wels, Calley Pate, Me and Kim Rosas)
Why does cloth diapering create community and who belongs?
It’s not uncommon for “non-cloth diapering” folks to raise an eyebrow when they learn about the existence of cloth diapering communities. From the sarcastic comments to the bewildered, most people just don’t get US.
First of all, anyone can belong to our cult…I mean community. ;) No, seriously, we welcome new converts, new moms and dads, grandmas, babysitters and especially those who are still just considering or researching cloth diaper use.
But why is there a need for a cloth diapering community? Unlike disposable diapers, baby shoes, car seats or high chairs, cloth diapers often require support. From getting the right fit and fold to how to wash and troubleshoot, a newbie cloth diaperer will likely have a boatload of questions from the start.
Moms like to give others advice
We all know that there are mommy wars, primarily because people draw lines and choose sides. The problem is that everyone thinks their side is the right side. Vaccinating, breastfeeding, natural childbirth, circumcision and homeschooling are just a few of the hot-button issues alive and well and constantly being debated. For me personally, it’s a relief to know that on any and all cloth diapering retailer pages, chat groups, blogs and fan pages, we have one common goal and love that we can stand united behind, we use cloth diapers and love to promote their use through supporting and advising others.
There is no shortage of moms wanting to give you their opinion on what they feel is the right way to parent, feed, discipline and teach your child. By advocating and giving cloth diaper support and opinions, to our peers in particular, we give ourselves an outlet for helping others and sharing our knowledge, without having to get all judgy and offensive over those sensitive issues. We solely care about cloth diaper usage and whether you use one cloth diaper a day or cloth diaper three under three full-time, you’re a member of our club and we’re here to connect and help you!
“She uses prefold cloth diapers and I use Hybrids so we’d never get along!” -said no mom ever.
I’m in awe of the continued collaborative efforts of our community and industry. Despite a little drama here and there, we steady the course and continue on our mission to help others discover cloth diapering and educate those who choose to put cloth on their babies bums.
Cloth diapering has led many of us work-at-home-jobs as bloggers, retailers and manufacturers. Mompreneurs and mom-inventors have been born among us and through our community we support, promote and inspire each other.
I couldn’t be less embarrassed or more proud to be lumped into this group of crazy cloth diapering people I refer to as my community. Cloth diapering has led me to new friends, a career and a greener way of life. How do you feel about the cloth diaper community and aren’t you glad there is such a thing?
I’m Julie, a former cloth diaper retailer who discovered a passion for the industry. Now, instead of selling cloth diapers, I advocate them and promote small businesses I love who sell and manufacture them.
I’m the wife of a fireman and mother of three. I have a daughter and identical twin sons.
