How to be Diaper Free

Most people believe that the only options for diapering a baby is cloth or disposable, but there are a couple other options. The options are unusual, and certainly not for those without a serious dedication to their decision, but they do exist!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

How To Determine if a Diaper Alternative is for You

1. Diaper alternatives require some extra effort and sometimes some extra money. Ask yourself if you're in a position to spend this extra time and money on this decision.
2. Choosing to forgo the usual diapering options will likely seem unusual to friends, family and strangers, and may sometimes gain some disapproving looks or comments. Ask yourself if you're strong enough and dedicated enough to this decision to weather the storm of criticism.
3. Diapering alternatives require parents to alter their perspective rather dramatically. Ask yourself if you're comfortable enough with considering the diapering situation from a completely different point of view to adopt methods that may come from cultures vastly different from your own.
4. Review your reasons for committing yourself to this decision. Are you dedicated to living as green and naturally as possible, or are you simply just not feeling like changing diapers all the time? Having the right reasons to pursue the practice is important and may determine how successful you are.

How to Pick the Right Alternative

5. Research. Once you've chosen to go ahead with a diapering alternative for your new baby, you'll want to research the diaper free method. Go to your local library, book store, and search online.
6. Join a support group. There are several support groups--both online and offline--that are available to help you with your decision.
7. Be determined. The diaper free method does not always work perfectly the first time. There are stories of parents who are able to apply the diaper free method right from birth, but they are rare. Just as with anything else, the diaper free method takes practice, so don't give up.
8. Be strong. You will face people who think you are crazy or feel that the method is primitive or disgusting. Just remember that people from cultures that embrace the diaper free method find disposable diapers disgusting, so it's all a matter of perspective.
9. Bond with your child. The diaper free technique is based on the idea that even newborns give off signals and cues that they need to empty their bladder or move their bowels. Having a close bond with your child will help you learn your baby's signals and cues. Knowing these cues are paramount to your success in the first few months.
10. Establish a routine. If you find that your child is not giving off any clear cues, establishing a steady routine will allow your baby to learn the rhythm of the process. Even if your baby is giving cues, a routine will certainly strengthen the technique.
11. Respect your child's body and hygiene. Human beings instinctively want to stay clean and so does your baby. Remember that whatever you use to catch and dispose of the waste, the receptacle will need regular cleaning. Not only this, but if your child has gotten used to the diaper free method, they will be quite uncomfortable if they are soiled, so you'll want to clean up after any missed cues as quickly and kindly as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Trust your instincts. If you've chosen this method you should listen to when you just "feel" that your baby has to go. Even if you're wrong, there's nothing to lose by checking.
• Make sure you get your family and friends on board with you. It will make things a bit easier for you when the times get tough to have a strong support system of your loved ones.
• This technique isn't for everyone. It takes time and considerable effort to develop the rhythm and trust between a parent and their child that this technique requires. Though it takes considerable effort, those parents who are successful have reported being extremely happy with their decision, and appear to be strongly bonded with their children in this respect.

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