I started with a blog post about why I chose cloth diapers and then another post entirely devoted to prefolds and covers. Here, I'm going to sum up a few different options.
Modern Cloth Diapers include options such as pockets, AIO (all in one), and hybrids.
Pocket diapers are made of two layers, with an opening either in the front, back, or both, for the insert to go in. The inner layer is usually a fleece or something similar that will feel nice and comfy against the baby's bum. The outer layer is PUL which is a waterproof/water resistant fabric. What you put in the pocket is up to you. Many companies will include a (usually microfiber) insert for you to use. You can also buy inserts made of bamboo, hemp, or other fabrics. Microfiber is absorbent, but shouldn't be placed directly on baby's skin because it can cause irritation. Bamboo and hemp blends can cost more, but are also more absorbent. These diapers come in all sorts of colors and patterns, and can range in price from $5 to $25 (about) depending on where you get them. Sometimes you can find them online and have them shipped from another country for very little money. I have personally stayed away from this as I have heard that you occasionally will have to pay an import tax before you actually will receive your diapers.
Since they come apart, they dry faster than other options, and you can double up on the inserts or even put an insert in the pocket and lay a folded prefold inside the diaper to help boost absorbency for heavy wetters or nighttime use. They can be a bit bulky. You can get pocket diapers in different sizes to fit your needs, or buy one size diapers that will fit your baby from very early to potty training.
AIO diapers are less bulky than pocket diapers, but also take longer to dry. These are a good bet if you use cloth diapers for daycare or for other caregivers. They are very simple to use, just like a disposable except you don't throw it away. There are no inserts or fancy folds to worry about like with pocket diapers or prefolds and covers. Like the pocket diaper, you can always lay an insert or prefold in the diaper before diapering your baby to help boost absorbency. These diapers have the same outer layer of PUL as the pocket diapers.
Unlike the prefolds and covers where you can change the prefold out and re-use the cover before washing, with these two options you will need a new entire diaper each and every time. Ten to twelve is the bare minimum that you will need to be able to do laundry once a day, every day for an older baby (a newborn will require more). I recommend more, and once you get started you'll be wanting to buy every cute diaper you see. Even though these are more expensive, if you choose the one size fits all diapers, you'll still be saving money vs. buying disposables with just one baby (unless, that is, you buy every diaper you see!) and the savings multiply if you use the diapers with future babies. These diapers eventually may need 'work' such as replacing aplix fasteners or elastic around the waist and thighs. You can buy these diapers new or used, I have had good luck with both.
When washing cloth diapers, I recommend finding a good laundry detergent that is free from chemicals, dyes, perfumes and enzymes. Wash according to the manufacturer's directions. If you experience staining, there are several things to try such as lemon juice and sunning your diapers. Do NOT bleach diapers. The bleach that lingers in the fabric, combined with the ammonia from your baby's urine can cause some pretty nasty chemical burns on your baby's bum, and it's not recommended by any diaper manufacturer that I've seen so far.
Soon, there will be a guest post from a Mama who uses G Diapers, and she'll tell you all about them. I can't wait to learn more about them, it's one of the ones I haven't done much research on yet.
