How do I get started? It's such a common question. You read about a gentle, natural parenting choice and it immediately resonates with you… but you still wonder “how do I actually get started with this?” That's why some of my all-time favorite books are practical guides – and Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert is the go-to manual for diving into cloth diapering.
Erin Odom has definitely created a guide true to her description: “a simple, comprehensive guide to using cloth diapers.” I will admit I love cloth diapers – and I love it more now than I did with my first couple of babies. Then I did it because I wanted to do the best for my baby's bottom and save money. I still cloth diaper for those reasons, but I also love the huge array of options we have in cloth today. The problem is, it can be overwhelming. That's where Erin's book comes in.
Why You Need a Cheat Sheet
You're right – there are tons of websites about cloth diapering. Then of course there are forums, mailing lists, blogs, Pinterest boards, Facebook groups, Twitter hashtags… you name it, moms crazed for cloth have created it. I encourage you to explore those resources because feedbacks, pictures, and videos from other moms and dads can be really helpful.
But the reality is, all of that's overwhelming when you're getting started. A guide that lays out the basics in an easy-to-read format takes away much of the confusion and helps you get started right where you're at – be dripping milk all over your newborn, getting teary-eyed over your baby's first steps, or extracting your toddler from off the top of the refrigerator (don't worry, we've all been there).
Dive into the diapers with a basic guide and you'll be ready to branch out to all the resources the internet has to offer. Thankfully, Erin has put together a guide with us overwhelmed mamas in mind.
Highlights
Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert covers all the issues beginning cloth diaperers need, and does so in a logical, organized way.
Each section is a “confession” that makes figuring fluff out refreshingly easier (including giving you plenty of options… no “one size fits all” attitude here). I really like how she helps you feel like cloth is do-able, and she helps you figure out how to convince reluctant daddies or caregivers that cloth is a good option.
I really like the quote she shares about a Daddy sharing that he likes cloth – it was Scott who was the first to say “lets go back to cloth” after we'd used disposables while moving!
Erin also covers how to build up a cloth diaper stash. I quoted from her tips in the last episode of the Birth, Baby, and Life podcast – they are great. If you're wondering just how to build up a diaper collection, these tips are practical and many of them are inexpensive.
Setting up a good cloth diaper routine is one of the best ways to make cloth work for you, and Erin covers that. She also covers cloth at all ages and stages, and, of course, troubleshooting diaper problems!
Check out the table of contents for a full preview of everything she covers (click for a full sized image; opens in a new tab)
Erin's book is full of practical advice to get you started with cloth diapering easily (and inexpensively). It truly lives up to its name as a simple, comprehensive guide to using cloth diapers. Grab it now and bring on the adorable fluff!
