do you consider cloth diapering a hobby? - Page 2

[JesseMomme]

I consider Cloth Diapering a Hobby

[pamelamama]

Yes! I consider cloth diapering a hobby! Anyone who sticks around here as a regular once their getting-started questions are answered is basically a hobbyist, no?! Either that or an advocate!

Many many people think it is weird that cloth diapering is my hobby. What can I say! I admit it!

Spending money on cute things for my baby gives me a thrill. It takes some of the blah out of dealing with poop and pee seventy thousand times a day.

But it is fun, it makes me happy, and I have a great time here at MDC. So, there you go! My husband's mind is boggled as well. But, hey, I don't dig fantasy football and he does. To each his/her own!

xoxo pam

[MelMel]

do you consider cloth diapering a hobby?

no, its an ART!

[pb_and_j]

Re: do you consider cloth diapering a hobby?

Originally posted by MelMel
no, its an ART!

[15yrsbetweenboys]

Personally, I don't consider cloth diapering a hobby-it was a consious choice I made in an effort to reduce my families "impact" on this earth. To my suprise and delight, I found that I didn't have to resort to plain diapers (very boring IMO), but I could express my own personal style (just like clothing) through the gorgeous diapers! Now of course, ds is old enough (nearly 14m)to recognize beauty in diapers hehe-and he definitely has his favorites, and I let him choose which diaper he wants to wear next at nearly every change. I let him pick his own fabric for new diapers(ludicrous to some, but normal in our house) and we are both happy. He also picks what clothes he wants to wear each day (within reason-and season LOL), and the trip to the closet has become a ritual for us.
I know that I for one spend money quite often on things that aren't "necessary", but who doesn't? I have discovered one thing though, it isn't as if the majority spend money unnecessarily on diapers (though some could use a 12 step program-STACEY), the diapers-whether plain or cute ALL serve a purpose-they keep pee and poo off you and me. Plus the added benefit that every time we change them that is one less disposable diaper in a landfill somewhere....waiting to degrade.............and waiting...........and waiting........still waiting.......................

Shan
can't we give peace a chance?

[pinky]

Re: do you consider cloth diapering a hobby?

Originally posted by calandal'smom
I would also never consider sewing diapers so they could be cute.

Well, that's fine for you...but there seems to be an implicit criticism of those who do.

I have made most of my dd's diapers and covers, and it has given me pleasure and satisfaction to make something practical, cute, and fun for us to use.

Plus, I have found that my dd enjoys the cute diapers, likes picking out which one is going to wear.

What's the harm in that?

I am reminded of what Lori at fuzbaby says, that fun diapers make you smile when you are changing your baby, a time when they are looking right at your face.

[stacey0402]

Originally posted by lil_harleys_mama
I know that I for one spend money quite often on things that aren't "necessary", but who doesn't? I have discovered one thing though, it isn't as if the majority spend money unnecessarily on diapers (though some could use a 12 step program-STACEY), the diapers-whether plain or cute ALL serve a purpose-they keep pee and poo off you and me.

Me???? What ever are you talking about?

[DreamingMama]

Here is my answer

it is a skill only some know and understand, it takes a special type of person to embrace cloth diapering the way these mamas do. Those kind of people are warm, loving and make great parents. And I am happy to say I am one of them.

[Zanymom]

I knew since I was a little girl that I would CD to help reduce the Earths waste. I didn't start CD because of the cute diapers. Infact I didn't even know they had such cute ones! I always thought CD was using prefolds and plastic pants. When I finally starting using cloth, a couple years ago, I was so surprised to see all the many choices! I thought it was great!

If we all looked the same, wore the same clothes, ate the same meal, day after day after day, life would be unbearable. CD has added a sparkle to my day. I enjoy the variation. It always brings a smile to my face to talk about diapers.

I am also grateful I CD because it has opened a whole new support system for me. Many of the moms on this board are home alone with their kids everyday, without any other adult contact. I have found it very pleasing to feel like I belong to a wonderful group of mommies in our own special community.

So no it didn't start out as a hobby for me, but it definiently ended up that way. And ya know...this is the first hobby I have ever had that is actually useful! All my other "collections" sit on the shelf collecting dust. At least this collection collects the poop!

[mlia]

I think the problem is that you are assuming that everyone uses cloth diapers for the same reason...to save $$$$ and that just isn't true. And honestly I don't consider it a monstrous waste of money to purchase products from a mom who is working at home to spend more time with her children.

Well said. I CD for three reasons listed in importance.

1. My daughter's health
2. To do my part in not destroying the earth anymore than we already do
3. To save money

And believe it or not I have some really cute dipes and haven't spent a ton, still save money over sposies, and am still doing my part to save the environment.

But to be honest if I had a bigger diaper budget - I would invest in more cloth and gorgeous custom diapers. They are beautiful and whether they are beautiful or not they are still doing their job in #1 and #2. So if they are doing they're job and I can afford it and choose to do it - then why the criticism?

[*~*SewHappyNow*~*]

For me it is a hobby to collect diapers, to sew diapers, and to bring joy to other's lives with fluffy mail

Everyone should have a hobby and a creative outlet to express themselves. If that hobby serves a practical purpose even better IMO! Some day I may become bored with diapers and sewing diapers and then I will sew something else, collect something, or maybe take up Skydiving

To the original poster, I'm sure you probably have a hobby, interest, or collection that I would probably find dull, frivilous, or uninteresting as well

[mlia]

And as far as hobbys go at least it's a safe earth friendly choice!

[stacey31]

OK....First let me defend my HOBBY, then I'll defend myself from my good friend Shannon's comment about a "12 step program"...he he he he.

If I get emotional, excuse me...I have CD'ed my three lovely babes & it definately is one of my favorite parts of "babyhood". Always, late at night, I bring up the freshly washed diapers from the dryer to fold where I sit on the couch & make neat lttle piles of covers, prefolds, & wipes...where I stuff the pocket diapers with the clean inserts and put them neatly in the basket. Each & every time, I sit & smile, thinking of my sleeping babe, knowing that this ritual is a small labor of love to him or her.

Each time one of them potty trained, I packed the diapers in a bin & cried a little because that part was over & always a little sad . Now, number three will probably be my last & so I am enjoying these last couple years by buying whatever I fancy & budget will allow. I love my stash.....it is a "hobby" for me but it's more than that too.

It's sharing something in common with a small % of really special women committed to the BEST(not most expensive) for their baby. It's sharing time & good words with kindred spirits on these boards & others. It's supporting mamas who can sew(I can't) so that they can be home with their kids. It's taking even ONE lousy dollar from the pockets of Huggies, Pampers, etc....

I don't really care what anyone thinks. Like Frank Sinatra once sang...."I did it MY way!!" You don't have to understand it, but you should not judge it.

LOVE to all you CLOTH DIAPER MAMAS...& especially you Shannon!!

[Just Me Jenn]

Re: do you consider cloth diapering a hobby?

A hobby, an obsession, a lifestyle....all in how you look at it.
I've been cd'ing for 8 years now. When I first started I didn't have much choice for anything but prefolds/covers (at least no other options that I could find at that time). The quality of the diapers at that time were nowhere near what they are now - yes they have evolved that much in such a short time - it wasn't easy, that's for sure....but it was a choice I made based on what was best for our situation/beliefs at that time - my choice to make
The selection of diapers available nowadays astounds me. Yes they are quite adorable - yes they do have some beautiful prints....and you know what else, these cutesy diapers that some of us choose to waste a mostrous amount of money on are worth every penny. They work as good as they look - so what's wrong with it. Pay a little extra and get not only a beautiful diaper but one that's amazingly functional. I'm not seeing a problem with this. If your budget allows you to buy these diapers - then why not?
As far as the detergent issues - I'm not sure if I understand your question with that? So it's been learned that less is more when it comes to the amount of detergent you do when washing diapers - if less does the same job, why not use less? Too much detergent can cause problems for diapers - not just the fancy stuff, but for plain old prefolds too.

Or a way you solve a problem so you can do fun stuff with your kids?

Not sure if I understand the question you are asking here either???

[famousmockngbrd]

Yes, it is most definitely a hobby for me! Yes, I have spent way more on diapers than I needed to! Yes, it gives me joy!

CDing does not make me neglect my son, if that is what you are asking. I don't spend less time playing with him than I would if I used sposies. My choice to use cloth actually stems from my desire to do right by him - I want him to wear soft comfy cloth and I want to conserve the earth's resources. And I want to enjoy looking at his cute padded bum!

As far as washing routines go - well, we all have our own and whatever works for you is fine with me. I guess I don't understand the question here. Use less detergent, use more, use bleach, use baking soda or Calgon or whatever - how does it matter? The end result is what's important - is your diaper clean?? OK!

[blazfglori]

It IS a fun hobby for me...everyone has one of some sort.

Besides the fact that the diapers are cute, they can be resold, so even though the "cute" diapers are usually more expensive, their resale value is high as well, so you get "most" of your money in return.

I've bought & sold hundreds of dollars worth of diapers, but have never touched my actual checking account or "real" money since my original investment over 2 years ago...I have a paypal account where all my diaper sales go into and that's what I use to buy new diapers.

[HeatherSanders]

ag - - - >> Hobby? Heck no. It is/was/continues to be a MISSION! Yep, a mission to find the PERFECT cloth diaper. ag

[JesseMomme]

All my other "collections" sit on the shelf collecting dust. At least this collection collects the poop!

:LOL

Ok I forgot last night that the OP's last question I don't get. Maybe it's poorly worded? The way I read it is that I had nothing fun to do wtih my kids at all, I just locked them away in a room all day by themselves (for 2 years...) until I discovered CD'ing and that CD'ing was fun. But really, I've always had a blast with my babies and kids, only now I dont' cringe every time I gotta toss a dirty dipe (like I did, into the garbage for two years...)

My primary reasons for switching were (in about this order, though sometimes they intertwine themselves) 1. Health 2. Cost factor (when I started out I got lots of cute stuff, much of it second hand so the prices were not full retail, and a lot of it was used on my second and third babies) 3. Comfort (could be tied in with health) 3. WAHMade dipes are so fricken awsome dude! I have enjoyed getting to know the wahms who make the dipes, etc for the past few years and love that I am supporting another momma in staying home with her kids.

[mommytomy4kids]

Do you have pretty undies

or a nice bra? Well in my opinion this is the same concept but better. Changing the baby's diaper is not always something fun to do. In fact sometimes it is just a plain chore. BUT when you pull out an adorable diaper and put it on it brings a smile to your face and that in turn makes your baby smile. If your baby goes without pants on then all the world can see it and it is more as an accessory. My children never had "designer or boutique" clothes but they always had the cutest diapers and covers.

edited for typos. I need more

[penny31]

YES!!! Diapering is absolutely a hobby to me. I always was vaguely interested in cloth dipes (being a vaguely alternative, sometimes crunchy kind of mama), but didn't start buying any till DD was 8 months old and I found this board (and all the beautiful dipes discussed within). I love cute dipes. I have a ton - and yes, I could have acheived the same goal of catching pee and poop with plainer dipes, but these appeal to me and keep me in the CDing game. If that makes me shallow, then so be it! I love my dipes, I am excited and proud when I get a new one, and I love sharing that excitement with my cding buddies here at MDC. Who else would understand? I am also proud that my "hobby" is good for the environment and good for my baby - and not to be whatever, but if it isn't good for my pocketbook, then that is no one's business but my own (well, DH might argue with that one, LOL).

BTW - If anyone would like to check out my little cutie, Eliza, in her new Tuesday Bear cover (tres frivolous, but I adore it), here she is - Tuesday Bear Cubs.

XOXO