How do you begin?

I think the hardest part of cloth diapering is just deciding what to buy and how to get started. If you still aren't sure after reading this, just buy a few and see how you like them before getting a complete stash.

WHAT KIND?
Look at the panel on the left for definitions of the major types of cloth diapers. The way I see it, the cheapest options are a little more difficult to use, and the most expensive are the easiest to use. Here they are from least to most expensive:

Prefolds and Covers
Contours and Covers
Fitteds and Covers (see note)
Pockets
All-in-Ones

note: I don't think fitteds are easier to use than contours, but they may hold in the mess better than a prefold or contour that was put on poorly

Now, if you are a mom, and plan to stay home with the baby for a while, any diapering system will become easy. Let's face it, you're changing up to 10 diapers a day, and it doesn't take long to get used to any type of diaper.

If you plan to have other people change a lot of your baby's diapers, and you have a larger budget, you might want to consider a more easy to use diaper like a pocket or all-in-one.

I think it would be smart to start with prefolds and covers and see how they work for you. They are a small investment ($1-$1.50 per prefold and around $12 per cover) and the prefolds can be used for many things if you don't end up liking this system. If you're sure you want something super easy to use, and have the budget for them, then go for the pockets or all in ones.

HOW MANY?
We started with 19 diapers for our first, and that is all we have ever needed for her (we use a one-size diaper). It lets me do laundry every 3 days (or every 2 days when she was an infant) I don't think you really want to let diapers sit for longer than 3 days. If you're using covers, you need 4-6 covers for a newborn, less for an older child.

WHAT ELSE?
You'll also need a container for holding the dirty diapers. I use a large garbage can with a lid and a step opener. I use a wet bag, which is lined with PUL inside, like this one:
http://www.snap-ez.com/CartDiaperPailLiners.html

Cloth wipes are the best thing to use with cloth diapers. You could cut them yourself from fabric of your choice, or use baby washcloths. We use baby washcloths, and they fit perfectly in a wipes warmer when folded in half. After placing the wipes in the warmer, I pour water over them and they are ready to go whenever I need them. You could also use an old disposable wipes container instead of a warmer, or just keep them in a pile and wet them as you need them. Just throw the dirty ones in with the dirty diapers.

WHERE TO BUY?
Generally, the best cloth diapers are found online. You may also find them in some specialty baby stores, but the ones are Target and BabiesRUs are not very good quality. Check out some of the sites on the left panel here. Most of these sites are run by moms and have very good service.

First Post

So, here I go, starting on another time consuming activity in my busy life. I've recently had about 4 friends express interest in using cloth diapers, and all are e-mailing with all kinds of questions. I'm really excited that other people have seen me use cloth diapers successfully with my family and want to try it out themselves. I also understand why they have so many questions. There are hundreds, if not thousands of options of things to cover your baby's bum. I really don't consider myself an expert on all the different systems, but I know what has worked for our family, and I know a bit about the other options available. I've created this blog to help answer those questions, and to allow that knowledge to get passed on to more and more who may want to put something other than plastic on their sweet baby's bum.