Cloth diapers are washable (and therefore reusable) and made of absorbent cloth materials. Cotton is the most popular natural material, but wool and bamboo can also be used. Common manmade materials include polyurethane and polyester.

Traditionally, cloth diapers consisted of a folded square or rectangle of cloth fastened by safety pins. Modern cloth diapers are more convenient to use, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and closure methods such as Velcro and snaps.

Contrary to what many think, cloth diapers come in a variety of styles, making them convenient for most life styles.

Prefold diapers are the rectangular shaped and feature three sections with the middle being the most absorbent. They are referred to by 4-6-4, 4-8-4 or more rarely 2-4-2, which represents the number of layers in each of the three sections. They may be closed by velcro, safety pins or simply folded into some covers. They must be covered in a waterproof cover to prevent leaks.

Fitted diapers are styled after the disposable diaper. They feature a contoured shaped, fitting nicely around the legs without the need to fold as with the prefolds. Many fitted diapers are made with velcro or snap closures for easy usage. Fitted diapers must also have a waterproof cover in order to prevent leaks.

Pocket diapers are a great alternative if you are looking for the convenience of a disposable diaper but are looking for environmentally safe, money-saving diapers. Pocket diapers feature a water-proof cover with a pocket built-in to allow for soakers to be added for absorbency. They normally feature either Velcro or snap closures for easy usage.

All-In-One diapers are exactly that, they are the closest to a disposable diaper. They feature a waterproof outer layer and soakers are built in. They are normally made with Velcro or snap closures.

Diaper covers can be made of a variety of materials. Many cloth diaper users have their preference, but the most popular styles are made of polyurethane laminate or more commonly called PUL. Another popular choice is wool soakers. Despite the common misperception, wool is one of the softest and most absorbent diaper covers available.

There is great debate over which type of diaper is better - cloth or disposable. The debates change often as the styles of the diapers change constantly. Cloth has become more absorbent while disposables have become more comfortable. Some key points to consider when attempting to choose which is best for you and your baby are:

• Because of the ingredients in the dye's of disposable diapers, rashes are much more common with them. The dye's can also include ingredients associated with causing Toxic Shock Syndrome or TTS, a problem common with tampons.http://www.thenewparentsguide.com/diapers.htm
• The gel in some disposables is lethal to pets.
• The fragrances in some disposables are known to cause headaches, dizziness, and rashes.
• Cloth diapers can cause rashes if not changed often enough.
• In general, disposable diapers cost more. However, if using a diaper laundering service, cloth diapers can cost about the same amount per month to use.
• Cloth diapers are better for the environment, as disposables can take a long time to biodegrade in landfills. The waste in disposables can also leach into the water table and contaminate the water supply.
• Disposables and cloth diapers are about even in convenience. Disposables can be more convenient for travel however.