Why Cloth?
-Better for baby -- minimum chemicals next to baby's delicate parts
-Better for environment -- less waste
-Better for finances -- even with a well-stocked cute stash you'll break even well before a year of use (and you could use your diapers for more than one child. Diapers also maintain their value well for resell -- between 50-90 percent of their original value.)
-THEY ARE SO CUTE!!

It's not what you're thinking (necessarily)
There are many different types of cloth diapering today. You can still use a pinned diaper with a cover, and many do as it is the most economical option. Rather than pins, though, diapers can be secured with a Snappi, a plastic clip to hold the diaper in place. When I use prefolds, I just fold them into a well-fitting cover.

I started cding using pocket diapers. These diapers go on like a disposable, either with aplix (like velcro) closures or snaps. The outside is made of polyurethane laminate (PUL), a waterproof fabric. There is an open pocket inside to slide something absorbent -- a microfiber towel, a prefold diaper, or an insert sold with the diaper outer. Up against the baby is a layer of microfleece. The keeps the baby from feeling wet. Pockets are the mainstay of my diaper stash. I use them for overnight and naps. Fuzzi Bunz, Swaddlebees, and Bumgenius are popular brands of pocket diapers.

All-in-One (AIO) diapers are the easiest option since no stuffing is involved. Many work-at-home-moms sew and sell AIOs or All-in-Twos (AI2). AI2s have snap-in soakers allowing you to control the absorbency and thickness of the diaper. Popular brands include Bumkins, Daisy Doodles, and Jamtots Berry Plush.

Fitted diapers are not waterproofed, but fasten onto the baby using snaps or aplix. These diapers need a waterproof cover. I use these sometimes, especially when my daughter has a diaper rash as they breathe well. Popular brands include Kissaluvs, Muttaqin, and Motherease.

Covers--prefolds and fitted diapers need covers. Covers can be made of PUL, wool, or other water repellent materials. Popular brands of PUL covers include Bummis and Bumkins. Wool cover brands include Aristocrats, Loveybums and Staccinator.

My Laundry System
I use a Rubbermaid trashcan with a step-on lid that seals tightly and throw my diapers directly into the pail. For thick or solid poop, I plop it into the toilet and use a diaper sprayer to rinse the diaper, then throw the rinsed diaper into the pail. I empty the pail liner filled with diapers into the washing machine and throw in the pail liner. I run a cold auto-soak/prerinse on the diapers, then wash them on the longest cycle on hot with about a tablespoon of Sun detergent (you do not need much soap. Too much soap can cause problems with your diapers!) I run an extra rinse and then put my diapers into the dryer. If a diaper is stained, I hang the clean, wet diaper in the sun to dry. The sun is amazing on stains. After sunning, I fluff the diaper in the dryer for a few minutes. I do run an empty hot wash with bleach through my washing machine every week or so to clean out the machine.


Accessories I Recommend
--cloth wipes
--diaper shower / diaper sprayer
--pail liner
--wetbag (for your diaper bag)

Tricks of the Game
You will find that shopping for cloth diapers is quite fun -- some say addictive. A great way to keep your diaper stash fresh and fun is with ebay! Set a certain amount that you will spend on your diapering system. When you get the urge to buy a new diaper, list on ebay one that you are bored with. Use the money in your paypal account from that sale to fund a new-to-you diaper that you find on ebay!