The Inquisitive Mom

Seeker. Storyteller. Scribe

Changing Diapers Book Review

By 49 Comments

When I first heard about Kelly Wel’s new book, Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom’s Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering, I was curious and, honestly, a bit skeptical.  A book extolling the virtues of cloth diapering with adorable photos of fluffy butts sounded cute, but I wondered if it could go beyond that. Could it reach a broader audience and be something more than a coffee table book for cloth diapering devotees (like myself)? Kelly Wels is highly respected for her knowledge about and commitment to promoting reusable diapers and I wondered if she could create a project that would do more than preach to the already enthusiastic choir.  With this in mind, I eagerly accepted an opportunity for a chance to review her book.

Just two chapters into my Changing Diapers book review, I started to overcome my skepticism.  Changing Diapers has a practical, definitive audience: Individuals and families considering cloth diapering and those seeking a trusted resource for deciphering cloth diapering terminology, options, and products. Changing Diapers is not looking to persuade the world that cloth is the only option or to tell individuals that there is one right way for every family to use cloth. Instead, it is a practical, straightforward guide offering cloth diapering as a valid, realistic choice and providing easy to read (and use) information for families who decide to cloth diaper.

“The Key point to remember when making choices about cloth diapers is to keep things simple.” 
page 80.

I actually wish I’d had this book while researching cloth diapers. Searching the internet for information ultimately guided me to some great resources and helped connect me to a fantastic community of parents and retailers.  I did, however, give up for a short time when I first looked into cloth because I experienced information overload and I was too overwhelmed by my choices. I eventually returned to try again, but still wished I had a clearer understanding of how to invest my money in cloth. Now, more than a year into cloth diapering (and using cloth on a new baby for the first time) I still feel like there is so much I don’t know. Changing Diapers would have proved an invaluable resource then and it’s also something I appreciate having on hand now.

“Also, remember that you’re a mom. You have a lot to worry about. Do what’s best for your family.” page 74.

For me, the most useful and instructive chapters are 2: Understanding Basic Cloth Diaper Talk, 4: diapering for the Ages and Stages, and 9: How to Wash Your Cloth Diapers. These chapters provide much-needed information for anyone considering cloth, deciding how to invest their money in cloth, or dealing with challenges or concerns related to cloth diapering. These are the gems of the books and the places I would readily send a friend or turn to myself. In fact, I would love to see some of this information available in mini-book, pamphlet, or little e-book formats that I could purchase and share with a friend or acquaintance looking for specific information about cloth diapers. That way I could share just what they’re seeking without overwhelming them with an entire book.

Throughout Changing Diapers, Kelly writes in an interesting, relatable style, without making assumptions about her readers or seeming overly zealous about cloth diapering.  I appreciate this about the book because cloth diaper advocates (including myself) can sometimes cross that line and alienate people. I do think that the book does gloss over some of the challenges of cloth diapering a bit, but maybe that’s because I’m currently leaving the newborn stage and I am not sure I would have stuck with cloth if this had been my first experience with it.  I wish some of the quotes came from individuals willing to talk about real frustrations with cloth diapering (and why they kept with it), their decision to use cloth part-time, or how they were overwhelmed by all of their options in brands, accessories, and styles.

Ultimately, I think Kelly Wels has created a book that speaks to parents about cloth diapering as a valid choice in an interesting, thoughtful way. I hope that Changing Diapers will be available on library and book store shelves across the nation as a guide for those curious about cloth or seriously considering it for their family. Many parents still don’t know that the modern cloth diaper is an affordable, realistic, even (sometimes) fun choice for their family. I think this book with it’s vibrant photographs, quick tips, and useful commentary will help to change that.

“Knowing what is best for your family is up to you.” page 196

Now when my friends ask me where to begin finding information about cloth diapering, I can send them to a single resource to start. Changing Diapers: A Hip Mom’s Guide to Cloth Diapering will become my go-to reference book for these situations. Would I give this book at every diaper shower? No. I can just imagine the response from a friend who’s never considered cloth: “I need a whole book to learn how to diaper my baby?”  For the friend who is curious about their options or seriously considering cloth diapering, however, a copy of Changing Cloth Diapers and a gift card to WAHM store that sells cloth would be a perfect gift.

Interested in purchasing Changing Diapers: A Hip Mom’s Guide to Cloth Diapering for yourself? Kelly Wels has generously provided a coupon code to receive 50% off the $17.95 cover price  for The Inquisitive Mom readers through October 22, 2011!  Simply use the code INQMOM at The Changing Diapers Book site.
Disclosure: I reviewed an online copy of this book. All opinions are my own and no compensation was received. Links within the post are to my affiliate account.


Comments

  3. Thanks for the review . . . I’ve been interested to check this book out but not willing to spend the $ on it yet, I do hope it will begin to make it to libraries to be a resource available to many.

    Reply

  5. I think her blog product reviews are a great resource for learning about many of the different types of diapers on the market! ngiraldi at gmail dot com

    Reply

  13. I really love her resources, like the potty training section and this post: http://www.kellywels.com/potty-training-week-1 Its so helpful, since I am headed toward potty training with my son! She has so many good points and I feel like she helps wade through all the info out there, like in this post: http://www.kellywels.com/united-states-vs-overseas-manufacturing and overall, I love that she emphasizes that you do what is right for your family. 🙂

    SHull2319 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  30. I would love to have a copy of this book but it’s not something we can afford right now so reading the book reviews has been great! I really hope a copy will become available in my local library…
    myricksl6 at hotmail dot com

    Reply

  40. I love cloth diapers, but had never thought much about cloth wipes. She gives some really great tips, I might have to give them a try!

    Reply

  46. I wish I had this website/book almost 8 months ago! Thats when I first started cloth diapering and I had to go back and forth all over the internet to try to get some idea about everything from the many different types to brands and closures and detergents. So much info and links I will be going back and then I will be able to get all my info in one place.
    Ticklemetiffy @gmail dot com

    Reply

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