[melaniewb]

I am going to be making a pamphlet for our hospital here to try to get new moms to use cloth. Any ideas on what I should include? What ultimately made YOU choose cloth?

I am thinking of including info on the following...

Saving $$$ (well, if you don't get addicted, LOL)
Environmental concerns

As you can see, I need more ideas.

Thanks.

Edited to fix a typo.

 

[mamamoo]

Maybe some cute pics of babies in different styles, so people know there is more out there than flats/prefolds.

Maybe some info on how easy it is, and definately links to some resourceful places like MDC, or diaperpin.

 

[Melaniee]

Ease of use (AIOs, fitteds, snappis)
Chemical exposure concerns (a la Heather's Diaper Drama)

 

[Spicey Momma]

what about the article showing chemicals in sposies may be responsible for childhood asthma? I would LOVE to see that! DH and I both have asthma, and mine got *worse* while diapering my DS who wore sposies. I had no idea I was making myself sick!! And I good friend of mine breaks out in a mysterious rash everytime she holds a baby in a sposie!

 

[apmama_in_pa]

Maybe a list of places that are good resources for Cloth diapering, such as here and other sites. That way if they want to know more and see some really cute dipes they can.

BTW what a great idea!

 

[em_jon98]

I would have been able to win DH over much sooner if I had the following:
1) Photos of cute dipes
2) A chart showing the cost savings over the time that an average child is in diapers
3) An few mentions, or a few references to articles, regarding chemicals in disposables.

We have discovered all of these things now, but we used disposables for 11 months before switching.

I would also think a few mentions of websites and message boards for more info on cloth diapering would be good. Sometimes people need to talk to others who are CD'ing before they make the leap. I know that people still look at me like I have four heads when I drop that we CD.

 

[Jillerina]

I'd want to see something about washing diapers. Perhaps some step by step instructions so that people don't go under the impression that it is too hard or complicated. Washing myths were what kept me from trying cloth until a friend told me how simple it was!

 

[famousmockngbrd]

Definitely mention something about the health benefits for the baby, i.e. less diaper rash, possible link to asthma (as has been mentioned) and possible link to infertility in males. Links to diapering resources are also a good idea.

Maybe have a table illustrating a breakdown of how much $$ you can save by using cloth over disposables? I think seeing the numbers laid out in black and white has convinced a lot of people to use cloth, when you see how you can spend $300 on cloth versus $1500 or so on disposables. But, I would also include pictures (if possible) of the fancier diapers like AIOs and fitteds to show people how easy it can be to use cloth, and how cute they are.

 

[Mizelenius]

While I think info is great, I'd write the pamphlet with an emphasis on NOT overwhelming people. While some moms get into it (like us!) I think many moms consider a diaper to be just a diaper, even if they use cloth, and not an important topic of conversation. So, if it cloth seems complicated (i.e. too many options), some moms might decide sposies are just the simpler choice.

The other thing I'd love to see in a pamphlet is a great review of prefolds, contrary to the "prefolds are so yesterday" attitude you sometimes see. Prefolds really are great-- so easy, affordable, and effective. When I first started on my cloth venture, I'd be aghast to read reviews of people saying that a particular diaper didn't work for their child, in terms of fit or absorbency, esp. if a single diaper cost $12 (remember, moms will be comparing one diaper to a whole pack of sposies). It made finding the right diaper seem so scary and expensive.

Ohh, and I think a good slogan would be, "Trust cloth." Since I used sposies on DD for a year, I really trusted them and it was hard to trust "just" cloth. You could do a thing like . . .
Trust cloth to . . .
save you money
prevent rashes
keep your baby dry
help the environment

Just a few things off the top of my head, not well-worded, but you get the idea!

Great idea, though! I'm so glad you're doing it!

 

[*solsticemama*]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jillerina I'd want to see something about washing diapers. Perhaps some step by step instructions so that people don't go under the impression that it is too hard or complicated. Washing myths were what kept me from trying cloth until a friend told me how simple it was!

I second the idea about info on washing dipes. Like jillerina I was really put off by the washing factor. Of course it would be hard to convey to moms that washing dipes is actually about the only laundry we cding moms DO like doing :LOL

 

[famousmockngbrd]

Mizelenius, that is so cool! What a great slogan!

 

[Britishmum]

That they contain b/f poopie. You'd be washing poopy clothes instead if you use disposables.

No pinning or folding needed.

Show snaps and velcro - how they are as easy to put on as disposables.

Laundry is no more complex than washing clothes.

Not too much about environment, focus more on how to do it than on why. Do debunk myth that washing cloth is as damaging to environment as using pampers tho!

nak, hence bad typing

 

[Lucysmama]

The whole idea of dunking dipes really grossed me out, and I thought you HAD to dunk. And pin!
So for sure mention: NO DUNKING AND NO PINNING REQUIRED!