Cloth Diapering in Collingswood

Collingswood resident Heide Fraley runs a bimonthly workshop on cloth diapering at Yogawood (Sun., Oct. 7, it's free from 3 to 4:30 p.m.!).

The class covers all the basics in the world of cloth diapering – tackling stigmas, myths, and cleaning methods, while also providing information regarding the wide variety of cloth diapers available for every need or budget.

If you're thinking about making the switch, here are a few books that highlight the use of cloth diapers, and, importantly, the potty training that follows it. Young readers are always curious about their bodies, how they work, and how to care for them.

What to Expect When You Use the Potty
by Heidi Murkoff; illustrated by Laura Rader

You know you have a good book on your hands when it is authored by one of the writers of the “What to Expect when You’re Expecting” series.

Targeted at boys and girls who are about to embark on potty training or have already begun the process, this book aims to answer common questions young children might ask such as, “How do I know when to go to the potty?” or “Why do I have to wash my hands?”

An affable bear named Angus answers these questions in child-friendly language. The multi-cultural families portrayed will appeal to a wide variety of readers. And don’t forget to look for the cloth diapers hanging on a clothesline.

No More Diapers for Ducky
by Bernette Ford and Sam Williams

Sometimes peer pressure can be a good thing! In this charming little story, Ducky has to wait a long time for his friend Piggy to finish on the potty. While waiting for his friend, Ducky realizes that he feels cold and wet, which leads him to make a marvelous realization—he can use the potty too!

In the end, Piggy is the friend left waiting while Ducky graduates to the potty. If you are eager to find a role model to influence your potty training toddler, Ducky is a good choice. Children will appreciate the simple storyline and gentle illustrations in this book.

Everyone Poops
by Taro Gomi

As you can tell by the title, this book is not for the faint-hearted (but it is for the cloth-diaper-wearing set as it features a child wearing one).

It offers a very straightforward approach to helping readers understand that “number 2” is natural and universal. Facts are presented in straightforward, if indelicate, language. And, if you think your child will enjoy hearing you repeatedly say the word “poop” while reading aloud, then this is a terrific book choice for
you.

If that isn’t enough, the illustrations will have children screaming with joy. There are enough pictures of “poop” and bathroom scenes to satisfy any toddler.

Once Upon a Potty (girl) or Once Upon a Potty (boy)
Written and illustrated by Alona Frankel

Here is another book that features toddlers wearing cloth diapers. In these books, mom talks directly to the reader, describing her child’s growth from wearing diapers to learning how to use a brand-new potty.

The potty itself may look slightly different from the ones currently on the market; however, the trials and tribulations of learning to use a potty remain the same, as does a parent’s pride in a child when he or she successfully reach a new milestone.

This book is also frank in its language and illustrations, but this will, no doubt, keep toddlers’ interest. Note that the texts in these two books are practically identical (one book has a child who is a girl and one has a boy).