Shaped nappy System
This comes in two parts, the shaped, or fitted nappy is the absorbant bit, and the wrap is the waterproof cover that keeps everything in. Liners can be used to make changing easier, bottoms dryer and nappies cleaner! There is no need to to use a clean wrap at each change - unless it is soiled or very wet, just pop on a clean nappy and liner.

Prefold system
A prefold is a flat nappy, slightly thicker in the middle that is folded and tucked into a wrap before adding liner and putting on baby - at the next change, change liner and prefold, the wrap can be used again with a clean prefold unless it is soiled. Not all wraps are suitable for prefolds, they need to be snug fitting for the prefold nappy to stay in place. eg the Vento wrap will be too 'baggy' but a popo wrap will work with prefolds as it has a tighter fit. Prefold systems are the ones you often see on the high street like Cotton bottoms and Bambino mio. This is the prefered system of laundry services as they are easy to wash - they can be washed at high tempuratures as there is no elastic, velcro etc. It is possible to 'nippa' a prefold to get a better fit.

All in ones
The absorbant part of the nappy and the waterproof outer are all fixed together - types include Kooshies ultra, Popolini easyfix, Motherease all in one.

All in one pocket nappy
Similar to All in ones but with the advantage of a seperate absorbant layer. They consist of waterproof material on the outside, and a built in liner (usually fleece) which forms a pocket for stuffing your absorbant material. This can be inserts, terry nappy, prefold, boosters, muslins - whatever you prefer. Types incude Nature babies Stuffables and stuffable lites, Fuzzibunz, Wonderoos.

Flat Terry and wraparound Nappies
A terry nappy can be folded in different ways to suit your baby, and is very versatile. It takes a little practise to use terry nappies but with patience they can work really well. You will need wraps or covers to go over the top and fasteners such as the nappi nippa. Terry nappies are widely available - most of the high street variety are quite thin, but you can boost if needs be. Thicker ones are available eg Junior Joy Ultra and Little ewe terries and you can also get 40cm and 70cm square as well as the standard 60cm. Wraparound nappies like the Popolini Koala or the Imse Vimse work on the same principle but are more shaped and easier to fold.

Wraps
The Wrap, or cover is the waterproof bit that goes over the nappy. These generally fasten with poppers or velcro, or can be pull on style. It is personal preference which type you go for - some will fit your baby better than others. Wraps are made from PUL - polyurethane laminate, which is a waterproof, but breathable material, not at all like the old sweaty plastic or PVC, and is excelent for daytimes. For nights you may want to try a fleece or wool wrap - these don't have a waterproof layer,but let air circulate,and are great for heavy wetters.

Fleece is water reppelent, and needs regular washing. Wool absorbs wee very slowly, letting it evaporate as it does so. It doesnt need washing everytime, and requires lanolising - click here for more information. With both types it is important that clothing is not too tight, as pressure can cause moisture to seep through.

Boosters
Boosters add absorbency to nappies - made from absorbent material like terry or hemp, these can be worn in the nappy, with a liner on top or between the nappy and the wrap.

Liners
Liners are there to catch feeces, protect the nappy and also provide a barrier between a wet nappy and babies skin. They are either flushable, like the Imse baby or toddler liners or washable, like fleece. If you are new to cloth you may find flushable ones easier to deal with at first, although fleece will keep babies bums dryer. Fleece lined nappies like Stuffies and Nature babies Stuffables have a built in liner so don't need a seperate liner. Don't double up or fold your liners - this can make them repel wee, and stop the nappy absorbing moisture.

Factors to consider when choosing a nappy system
Cost - Any cloth nappy system will be cheaper to use than disposables, but if you are on a tight budget, terry nappies are a your cheapest option
Do you have a tumble dryer? Some nappies take longer to dry than others, particularly all in ones and shaped nappies. You could still use these types of nappy, but you may need a few extra to allow for drying time.
You may want to use a mixture of nappies - maybe different nappies for day and night or AIO's for nursery or changing bag. You may also find different nappies work better as your baby grows.

What do I need?

I usually recommend for a newborn to start off with about 24 nappies and 6 wraps, which should be fine if you wash every 2 days, including drying time. I would also strongly recommend you buy some different types, so you can try out the different nappies - then when you are ready to go up in to the next size you have a clearer idea of what to go for. I know it all seems a bit confusing at first but once you are using the nappies it will become second nature! It is good to get started using cloth as soon as possible, so it becomes part of your routine.

Muslins can make good nappies for newborns, at least for a couple of weeks (although it will vary with all babies). As your baby gets bigger (and has bigger wees!) they won't be quite absorbent enough, but you could boost them to make them go a bit further, and of course they have lots of other uses. I found the best way of using muslins as a nappy is the 'angel fold' , simply fold it in to quarters so you have a square, then fold it in at the sides and fan out the back. Then you just pop in a liner, fasten it with a nappi nippa and put your wrap/cover over the top. It's a good idea to practice a bit before baby makes an appearance!

Other things you would / might need are: