Where do I start?

There are many options when it comes to cloth diapering. Cloth diapering can be much less expensive than using disposables or it can be as expensive as you want to make it. Well start off with the simplest (and least expensive) cloth diapering system. This is what I use on my own baby.

Prefolds and Covers

Unless you are expecting a very small baby (my 8lb baby only wore the newborn sized diapers for two weeks, and he could have worn the infant size right away), start with 2-3 dozen infant sized Indian Prefolds, and 6 covers. You can get by on fewer covers, but with six you should be able to go 2-3 days between washes. Prefolds can be folded in a variety of ways, and then secured with pins or a snappi, or they can be folded in thirds and laid flat in a cover (although I have found this method does not adequately contain my baby's explosions).

Fitteds

Fitteds also require a cover, but do not need to be folded, since they are already diaper-shaped and generally have snaps or velcro to hold them onto your baby. Fitteds diapers are sometimes preferred on newborns, since it is easier to fit them on such tiny babies. If you are using solely fitted diapers, you will want 2-3 dozen. Keep in mind that newborns need to be changed much more often than older babies, so they will go through more diapers (luckily, their diapers are so easy to wash!).

AIO's and Pockets

All in one's (AIO's) are the most expensive, but simplest to use. They do not require any covers, it's all built in. The downside is that they take longer to dry. One solution for drying time is the pocket diaper. These AIO's have a pocket in them where you can insert a special pad, or a folded prefold for extra absorbency, and then they are removed prior to washing and drying. You'll want enough to last between washing, so figure out how many changes a day times the number of days you want to go between washing 24 diapers will require washing about every other day, 36, every 3rd day. Younger babies will go through more than older babies, so as the baby gets older, you won't need as many.

Accessories

You'll also want a diaper pail (I use a garbage can with a lid that can be opened with a foot pedal) and two diaper pail liners.

It's useful to have at least two small wet bags for stowing dirty diapers when you are away from home.

The easiest and cheapest way to do wipes is to buy inexpensive baby wash cloths. I keep mine dry, but have a water bottle (the peri bottle from the hospital works great) nearby to wet them. Some people keep their wipes in a wipe warmer with some water.

Snappis are much easier to use than pins since there is no risk of poking the baby (or your fingers). I have one, but two would be nice.

Flushable Liners are great once babies start eating solid foods, they catch the poop and can be flushed down the toilet (they can be used in disposable diapers too, since theoretically poop in disposables is supposed to get flushed..)

Cloth diapering can seem overwhelming at first, but take the leap, and you will see how fun and easy it is. The most important thing about cloth diapering is to do what works for you. If you are comfortable using only cloth, good for you! If you use disposables while traveling, that's okay too. I've found that for short trips away from home, cloth diapers are a breeze as long as I bring my wet bag to carry the used diapers home in. For camping trips, I've found disposables easier.

You can do it!