When the virus hit Guam, my sister messaged and asked if I needed anything from the store because she was going to get baby stuff before she ran out. Immediately, my answer was “like what?” because I (a fortunate dingus) forgot for a moment that people usually get disposable diapers from the store. I’ve never felt so relieved that a decision I made last year would save my savings account and my baby’s butt (literally).
I realize that this is not a reality for most people. As I covered in The Diaper Dilemma , diaper need has skyrocketed in the last few months. In an area where 1 in 4 people are below the poverty line and where thousands of people are now lining up for donated food, this need has become critical.
Even before the pandemic, I recognized this diapering need and how difficult it can be to afford diapers on this island. This is why I decided to participate in the 2020 Flats and Handwashing Challenge. My goal is to show how accessible cloth diapering CAN be for anyone who is willing to try.
What is the Flats and Handwashing Challenge?
The Flats and Handwashing Challenge is hosted by Bailey Bouwman of the Cloth Diaper Podcast. It is comprised of 7 days of using flat cloth diapers (a single sheet of fabric) and handwashing them (no machines at all). Its intention is to show a real solution for those who struggle with diapering their little ones. This year, especially because of the pandemic, our goal is to focus on educating on diaper need, accessibility and affordability for cloth diapering. Over 100 people are participating, showing different ways cloth diapering can be a reality and all with different reasons for beginning.
My Why.
My why, my motivation – as usual – is my home. As those who know me personally, so
much of what I do is motivated by my love for Guåhan from my job to my volunteer opportunities to friends I keep. This is just another one of those things. A lot of people think that cloth diapering is glamorous or expensive, when that isn’t always the case. So many people choose this diapering system because it’s the most cost effective way to diaper their children. I want people to know how accessible cloth diapers can be – without the fancy prints or high price tags, without a washing machine. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It doesn’t have to be something you talk about all the time – although it can be.
In the midst of the global pandemic we’re facing, I’m even more motivated. I’m not an expert and by no means am I the first person to start cloth diapering on this island but I want more than ever to show this can be the norm. This can be one less expense to worry about.
So thanks in advance for following me in my attempt to share how this can be an option for anyone! I already use flats full time because it was easier for laundry and easier on my wallet. Thus, this challenge for me is mostly the hand washing. Please pray for my carpal tunnel syndrome.
Ruzelle Almonds 