One-size diapers are a great addition to the marketplace. So, if they're so wonderful, why would anyone use anything else?

The answer involves how many children you want to use the diapers for. A one-size diaper, used from about 10 lbs through potty training (for most children), is pretty much "used up" or worn out after one child. So if you're only planning on one child, or this is likely your last child, then one-size diapers are a perfect choice. If, however, you want to use the same diapers on multiple children, then I recommend getting perfect-size (small, medium, large) diapers. They're simpler to use, and while it costs more upfront to buy the different sizes, you'll come out even in the long run.

Even if you're primarily using perfect-size diapers, it's not a bad thing to try a few one-size diapers. If you have more than one child in diapers, these can be a lifesaver in the diaper bag, able to be used on whichever child needs extra changes. And some of them, like Blueberry Minky, will be your favorite diapers so you'll be thrilled that they grow with your child!

Pocket diapers are, in my opinion, the biggest innovation in cloth diapering in the last 20 years. Pocket diapers will be responsible for a major resurgence in using cloth diapers as more and more people discover them! They consist of an outer layer of waterproof material and an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth, which keeps baby feeling dry and helps prevent diaper rash. In between those layers you stuff whatever material you wish, to customize the level of absorbency you need.

They're so easy to use, and easy to wash! AND they're generally adorable. It is more expensive to use pocket diapers exclusively, as compared to other cloth diaper systems, so some people use a combination of systems, reserving their pocket diapers for going out, or for daddy, grandparents, babysitters, etc. But even using all pocket diapers, you still come out about even money-wise as compared to the cheapest disposable diapers. And that's just for one child - if you use these cloth diapers for more than one child, you will save LOTS of money!

Prefolds are the most economical diaper choice. And really, every cloth diaperer should have some prefolds on hand - they provide a foundation to build on, plus they can be used as inserts for pocket diapers, as doublers in any kind of diaper, and as burp cloths.
Prefolds are the most durable diapers - as long as you get Diaper Service Quality prefolds, they will last through 8 children plus make good cleaning rags for another 10 years! Also, diaper covers have come a long way from 20-30 years ago, so you no longer have to use pins with your prefolds, just lay in the wrap and velcro closed. Or you can fasten with a Snappi and they will work in any type of cover.

We have Bummis Swimmis on order.  You can also use any pocket diaper without an insert as a swim diaper.  Or if your child is big enough, use a Happy Heiny's pocket trainer without an insert.

Swim diapers are only meant to catch feces, not urine.  So with any type of swim diaper, you'll probably want to wait to put it on your child until you arrive at the pool, to avoid wet clothes and car seat.

If you're using a pocket diaper, you will want to designate one diaper as your swim diaper, not rotate it through again with your other diapers, as the chlorine in public pools will affect the waterproofness.  Since you'll use it without an insert, you also may want to choose a diaper your child has almost grown out of and designate that as your swim diaper.  You want to make sure there's a good fit around the legs, so you're not responsible for that loudspeaker announcement, "Please clear the pool due to fecal contamination."  :-)