When I found out I was going to be a mom, the first thing I knew was that I wanted to try using cloth diapers.  I'm really glad I did.  Cloth diapers are easy, earth friendly, and healthy for my baby. 

I went online and bought organic cotton prefold and precut diapers.  They are shaped just like a disposable diaper.   The cotton is brown (no bleach), they have a separate soaker insert, and there are several snaps on both sides  of the diaper in order to fit my growing baby.  I bought 15 small diapers, 25 mediums, and 20 larges.  I also bought organic cotton diaper covers. (I found out later that you MUST buy diaper covers that have a lining inside)  I then went out an bought a rubber box (pail) with an easy to close and stay closed lid.

At first, even the smallest cloth diapers did not fit my 7 lb baby.  I had to wait until he got a little bigger in order to use them.  But, once they fit, it was a breeze.  I simply place a diaper and soaker under his tush, snap it together, velcro the diaper cover around the diaper, and we're off!  When a diaper is wet, I just drop it in the box and replace the lid.  When it is soiled, I rinse it in the toilet, drop it in the box, and wash my hands. If the cover is not wet or soiled, I reuse it.  If it is soiled, I drop it in the box with the diapers.

When it is time to wash, I fill the tea kettle and let it boil.  I pour the hot water into the box and let it sit for a minute.  Then, I drop the contents of the box into the washing machine.  I set the washing machine to wash with hot water and I add my homemade/ earth friendly laundry detergent.  Once washed, I put the diapers on the clothes line outside or in the dryer and once dry, they are ready to be used again.

When I'm traveling, I either take disposables, or I take the cloth diapers and pail along with me.  I decide which to take based on whether or not I'll have access to a washer/dryer.

If I could give any advise to someone, I'd suggest buying at least 5 diaper covers.  I also think it'd be good to look into the all in one cloth diaper (diaper with cover all in one).  And be sure to have some baking soda close by so that you can drop some into your trash container and your diaper pail.  Baking soda is great for keeping the odor away.

Good luck diapering!