My 2 cents on cloth diapers

I have literally used every type of diaper option out there over the last 10 years on my kids, friends kids, and clients kids... here are my 2 cents:

1. Cloth diapers are as easy as disposable, you just have to get in a habit, much like going to the store every week for diapers is a habit, washing diapers can also be a habit...
2. Don't use laundry soap, (which is different that laundry detergent - natural brands can be either, commercial brands are usually detergent), Dryer sheets or Fabric Softener in your Diaper Laundry, it creates an invisible film in the diapers especially the diapers with the fleece liners like Fuzzy Bunz and makes them water proof, not want you want on the inside of a cloth diaper and is the main reason for cloth diaper leaks. ( you should however wash your fleece covers with fabric softener as you do want covers to be waterproof)
3. Line drying diapers extends their life, but isn't necessary, you can throw your entire load covers and all in the dryer when ever you are in a hurry and they still work just fine ( the exception are some wool covers).
4. Ebay and WAHMall are great places to buy diapers, they are usually haft price and it allows you to try a few different syles.
5. My number one top fav cloth diaper is Fuzzy Bunz (or its cousin knock offs that are WAHM made). They truly are leak proof, rash proof, and grandma/dad - "I dont know how to do cloth" proof!! They are a little pricey - $15 a peice, but worth the investment, especially if you know there are more babies in your families future!
6. My second fav diapers are the prefold and cover combo.... there are laterally thousands of styles out there on hundreds of websites, some good brands are stacinators (fleece), and Prowraps (PUL)
7. The "wet" method isn't necessary and is gross.. so don't soak your diapers in a wet pail, just drop them in a dry pail or use a ditty sack. Also washing diapers in adult toilets is gross and not hygienic or necessary... modern washing machines get diapers really clean even with ewwwies in them!
8. Diaperpin.com is the web's most comprehensive clothdiaper review site, so a good resource to check out.
9. My secret for non-smelly, clean diapers is: if you have obvious lg solids in the diaper, remove to a toilet to flush, other wise dump all your diaper in your washer (separate insert diapers first) turn the washer on cold and a rinse cycle, add nothing to the wash and run. Then add detergent (the smallest amount necessary is always best - more detergent doesnt make a cleaner diaper) turn the washer on the hottest setting possible for the longest setting possible, wash, when done smell, if it is slightly stinky, add a cup of vinegar and run on a a rinse cycle. (but dont do this every time you wash - maybe every week or so - and it depend on how old your baby and diapers are, and what baby is eating.) Once a month (or more - always is best but not always practical) on a hot/sunny day hang your diapers in the sun for a long time... this sun bleaches them and truly makes them clean and germ free!