What do you need for cloth diapering your baby?
Honestly, not much! It really depends on what kind of diapering system you want and need. Here are some basic guidelines and descriptions as to what different types and styles are available and how they work. I will start with the most basic, the flat birds eye diaper.

Flat Birdseye Diapers
These diapers are made of one layer of 100% cotton. They need to be folded, and fastened and will require the use of a diaper cover to make waterproof.

Pre-fold Diapers
Pre-folds are usually made out of cotton twill or gauze, but also come in hemp (which is more absorbent); they are “pre-folded” into 3 panels that range in sizes and thicknesses. The most common for newborns is 4x6x4 and for infants and toddlers 4x8x4, this means 4 layers of cotton on the outside panels and 8 in the middle. These diapers take some getting used to as you will need to fold them properly to get them onto your baby but are very economical, durable and absorbent. Pre-folds require an optional fastener and a waterproof cover. (Folding Instructions)

Fasteners
This is one of the best things about cloth diapering if you choose to use pre-folds or contours. You no longer need to rely on pins to keep the diaper on. Snappi clips work great and grab the fabric at one side of the diaper, stretch over the center to the other side and down the middle to form a snug fit on your baby. Of course, you can still use pins if you like. I recommend having half a dozen Snappi clips on hand. They will need to be replaced about every 6 months, depending on how much you use them.

Contour Diapers
Contours are an economical way to cloth diaper without the hassle of folding a pre-fold. They are made out of a variety of fabrics and absorbencies. They are already shaped to fit your baby and all they require is an optional fastener, and a cover.

Fitted Diapers
Fitted diapers are very similar to contour diapers but go one step further by having elasticized legs and waist and have built in fasteners such as snaps or Velcro. These are very convenient and still economical. All fitted diapers need is a waterproof cover.

All-In-One (AIO)
All-In-One Diapers are used the same way as disposables. They have several layers of absorbent fabric, usually cotton flannel on the inside and a waterproof layer on the outside and have either snaps or Velcro to fasten it.  AIOs are the easiest to use as they require no folding, fastening or covering. They are a little more expensive and are not as durable as pre-folds or fitted diapers as the outside cover can often wear down before the inside cloth.

Pocket Diapers
Pocket diaper have two layers, the inside is a single layer of fleece or suede cloth which functions as a wetness barrier and an outside layer that is waterproof and fastens with either snaps or Velcro. There is an opening at the back that gives access to the pocket that is formed between the two layers. The pocket needs to be stuffed with a special made insert, a pre-fold or any absorbent cloth (tube socks work great in a pinch). Pocket diapers can be customized depending on how much absorbency your baby needs. These make great overnight diapers as they can be stuffed with extra inserts and the fleece liner keeps the wetness away from your baby’s skin. They do need to be un-stuffed for laundering and then re-stuffed of course before using again.