The recent episode of the Gillmor gang on IT Conversations featuring Dave Winer and Adam Curry included discussion on the potential of podcasting and the possible variety of programming. While listening I heard at least one or two people on the program (I didn’t catch which speakers they were) mention that in the future there could be mp3s from “The Dr. Ruth of diaper-changing”. With those words, something inside me clicked: I feel this may be my destiny.
On my first visit to New York City, in 1988, I ran into Dr. Ruth on the streets of Manhattan three times in four days. I’ve always wondered what significance that would have for my life. Was it random coincidence or something prophetic and portent? And now after listening to IT Conversations, I know…
Many of the categories in the ipodder directory are ones that are unfamiliar to me. I don’t know much about technology, photography or music, not enough to talk for forty minutes.
But diaper-changing is one of my areas of expertise. I’ve washed my own cloth. I’ve used diaper service and disposables. I’ve spent six years fastening Huggies around hips.
Now I’d only have to master the Dr. Ruth part. I guess I’ve got to get working on my accent. Oh, yes, and get some equipment so I could create a podcast. See, there are just a few small obstacles preventing me from becoming a famous podcaster recording frank and intimate exhortations on infant sanitation…
8 responses so far ↓
1 Shawn Smith // Oct 24, 2004 at 8:29 am
Julie, good to see someone else who has embraced cloth. We have just had our first baby 4 weeks ago and we have been using a diper service. With the wraps that are now available it is easier in my mind to change a cloth diper then a disposable.
Look forward to seeing more great information!
— Subscribed
Shawn
2 Roland Tanglao // Oct 24, 2004 at 3:01 pm
amen to cloth diapers with velcro and other modern baby tech!
barb and i are big believers in cloth diapers and a diaper service
without velcro, we would probably have used disposables since i don’t have the dexterity to fasten pins when sleep deprived!
3 Marc Nozell // Oct 24, 2004 at 5:39 pm
We tried cloth diapers and they lasted for exactly
one day. They do make nice spit-up rags though.
For other disposable diaper buying parents, to
salve your conscience, you can make your own
wipes instead of buying them in those plastic containers (and save a bit of money too)
1) Buy some wipes in the plastic tubs, use them.
2) Buy cloth like paper towels and cut them
in half. Use a sharp blade, not a serrated
one — they just shred the paper.
3) Put half a roll in the tub and add a mixture
of water and baby oil. We had an old cup
we marked up with our prefered ratio, but
about 2 water to 1 oil I think. Don’t use
too much liquid, about 1/2 cup should do it.
-marc
4 Christian Cantrell // Oct 24, 2004 at 9:28 pm
Now I feel guilty for having two diaper genies and probably half a dozen packages of Pampers baby wipes around the house. On top of that, I just saw The Day After Tomorrow last night which was probably mostly caused by disposable diapers and diaper genies. At least I don’t drive a Hummer, though I’d better not mention what I do drive.
Christian
5 Eric Rice // Oct 24, 2004 at 10:39 pm
Social Networking, Podcasts, and Duck Pecking
Julie Leung writes about content up her alley, and I, for one, would listen.
Daddy Types and Rebel Dad…
6 Katherine // Oct 25, 2004 at 11:25 am
I always used disposable diapers and regular wipes, and feel perfectly fine about it. It was right for me and our family. It worked well and we had enough other, more important things to think about in raising our children. We only have so much energy and time. I thought Diaper Genies were excellent inventions, Christian. Use them happily.
7 Patricia Taylor // Oct 25, 2004 at 4:19 pm
While you lost me on the first paragraph, I have both seen Dr. Ruth and spent a lot of time diapering. With three kids, I have had experience with cloth, a diaper service, and then the disposable kind came on the scene. Where Dr. Ruth fits into all of this, I am clueless. However, your blogs always make me think, often make me laugh, and sometimes make me ponder way out yonder. This is one of those….
8 enoch choi // Oct 25, 2004 at 4:54 pm
Patricia, Julie’s evolving to be the “Dr. Ruth” of the diaper-set : the readers who love a public persona that heralds a way to approach a particular slice of life, but instead of sex, it’s young parenthood.