Starting with cloth diapers is fun! You can use both cloth and disposables for a while if you're uncertain about switching to cloth. Purchase 1-3 diapers and one cover (or choose pocket diapers or all in ones and skip the separate cover). Pick a day and just give it a try. If you know you want to make the switch, I still recommend starting slow - don't purchase 3 dozen prefolds, for example, until you know that you like using prefolds! Try just a few of each type of diaper first before committing to a major purchase.

Types of Diapers and Options

It can definitely be confusing when you first start looking at all the different options available to you! However, you have basically four options.

1) Prefolds and covers. Prefolded diapers are squares of cotton with a thick absorbent layer in the middle. They must be folded around your baby and fastened, or they can be laid into a cover and held in place by the cover. Prefolds are fairly inexpensive. They require a separate cover, as well as some learned skill.
2) Fitteds and covers. Fitted diapers are like all in ones but without the waterproof layer. They need a separate cover to be waterproof, or can be worn as is around the house. Fitteds are generally inexpensive, but can take a long time to dry. Wallypop offers several quicker-drying options.
3) Pockets with inserts. Pockets are as easy as All In Ones once they've been "stuffed" with the absorbent layer. They are easier to wash, faster to dry, and longer lasting than all in ones. Pockets are handy for when you're out and about. They are more expensive than fitteds or prefolds with separate covers, cheaper and more versatile than AIOs.
4) All In Ones. The most like disposables. Many people find these to be the easiest to use, and like to have some on hand for babysitters, grandparents, even father! The drawbacks are that they can be more difficult to clean and they don't last as long.

Covers: Covers come in three materials - PUL, wool, and fleece. Covers provide a waterproof layer to protect baby's clothes (and yours) from wetness. For more information on these materials, please visit the glossary.

Consider purchasing just a few of each type of diaper and trying them out. After a few days or weeks of use, you'll probably develop favorites and find that some diapers sit in the drawer to be used as a last resort. Once you've decided what you like, then you can buy more!

What you Need

1) Diapers. For a newborn, start with a dozen diapers for each day you don't want to do laundry. (I want to do laundry every three days, so I need three dozen.) Get 6-8 covers. You can always buy more if you need them! (Want to see what my newborn stash looks like? I talk about it here on my blog.)

For an older baby, you probably have a good idea of how many times you change your baby during the day. You'll find that you change the baby more often when he's wearing cloth, so add a few diapers to your daily diaper total and that'll tell you how many to buy! Most people use 2-3 dozen diapers and 6-8 covers in the medium and large sizes.

2) Wipes. Plan on a dozen per day.

3) Diaper Pail. You can use a step-lid garbage can. Pair it with a pail liner if you wish.

4) Wet bags. For on-the-go diapering. A small size will work for day trips and errand-running, a larger bag will be suitable for weekend trips.

5) Optional accessories. Some people like to use diaper liners and doublers. You might want a changing pad or two.

Using Cloth Outside the House

Yikes! I need to go get groceries! Can my baby still wear cloth diapers while we're out and about?

Absolutely, you can still use cloth even while out and about. In your diaper bag, pack a wet bag, an extra diaper or two, and some wipes (wet or dry, whichever you prefer). When baby needs to be changed, just toss the used diaper and wipes in the wet bag, then put it in your diaper pail when you get home. And be ready to answer questions like "wow, where'd you get that adorable diaper?" or "THAT is a cloth diaper?" or even "do you have to soak that in the toilet when you get home?"

How to Change a Cloth Diaper

Gather your supplies: Clean diaper and cover (or stuffed pocket, or AIO), fastener if needed and wet wipes. A toy for the baby is always good, too!
Prepare the changing area. I like to put down a clean premium sized prefold over the changing area. Arrange things so they are convenient to grab.
Take off baby's bottom clothes, set aside.
Use this time to bond with your baby! Talk to her about what you're doing, talk to her about her body - her toes, her belly button, make funny faces, sing a special diaper song.
Unfasten the diaper and cover, peek inside to see what you're dealing with.
- Pee only?
  - Remove diaper and cover, put dirty diaper into pail, hang cover to dry out.
  - Clean baby with wet wipe, let baby air out.
- Poop?
  - Wipe of as much of the mess as you can with the dirty diaper. It's already dirty, right?
  - Remove dirty diaper and set aside (if baby is totally breastfed, just toss that puppy into the diaper pail).
  - If cover is clean, hang to dry out. If it's dirty, toss in the pail.
  - Clean baby with wet wipes, toss wipes in the pail.
  - Let baby air out.
Put the clean diaper and cover (if needed) on baby.
Put baby's bottom clothes back on.
Remove baby from changing table - do NOT leave baby unattended on a raised surface!
Now deal with that poopy diaper if needed.
- Remove chunks from diaper by shaking over toilet, or using a diaper sprayer, or whatever method you prefer.
- Toss diaper into pail
That's it - you're done!