When I interview volunteers to become Real Diaper Circle Leaders, I used to ask them if they’ve ever “convinced” anyone to use cloth diapers. Never have I gotten a straight “yes” to that question, despite the fact that virtually all these volunteers have spread the cloth diaper love to people around them before even coming to the Real Diaper Association to start a Circle. Why the hesitation? Because it’s not about “convincing” anyone. Honestly, simply introducing people to the benefits of cloth diapers – for the environment, for the health of their babies, and to save their family thousands of dollars – is enough to “convince” them to choose cloth diapers.
But are parents truly free to choose cloth diapers? I believe that all people would choose the benefits of cloth diapers over the expense, waste, and dangers of the throwaway variety, if not for certain obstacles standing in their way, such as the following:
- Knowledge about using cloth diapers
- Daycare
- Laundering knowledge
- Laundry access
- Startup costs
The Real Diaper Association (and the many people and businesses who align themselves with the RDA) works in myriad ways to break down those barriers so every parent can cloth diaper full time. Because would you really spend money to buy ugly plastic, chemical-filled, single-use diapers if you REALLY were free to choose?
Heather McNamara
Executive Director, Real Diaper Association
