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zenute, I primarily use cloth. I used to purchase prefolds but they don't last long due to getting beat up in the dryer. I have sine converted to flat-folds which last much longer as they dry much faster. I layer 2 flats with 2 or more folded length wise down the center between the outer layers. I use standard Gerber birdseye diapers for my center soaker and flannel flats for the outer layers. For night time use I will layer as many as 4 to 6 diapers for the center soaker. During the day I usually use 2 to 3. Using only 2 or 3 soakers during the day keeps the bulk down. At night I don't care about the bulk as long as the diaper is sufficiently absorbant. Layering takes time for folding the diapers but I feel they wash cleaner and they dry in a fraction of the time a similar weight prefold does. The Gerber diapers are inexpensive ($10 US a dozen) and the flannel for the outer flats isn't too-expensive if you get it on sale. This system with a good pair of plastic pants works well for me. Very seldom do I have any leaks. When I do it is usually because I waited too-long to change. Getting going with cloth diapers is a trial and error thing. I've been at it now for going on 13 years and I seem to learn new things all the time. This is a really good place to learn.

Dear Zenute: I have not been active in saying anything and will try and do better. I think all replies are excellent. I wear disposable diapers (Molicare) at work and most time during day, and cloth and plastic pants at night and some day at home. The reason is cost savings and comfort.
What has not been mentioned that I can see is the common materials used for cloth diapers. Birdseye cotton, flannel, and gauze, are commonly used materials. Personally I have used them all and by far the most comfortable and often times absorbent is gauge. Typically Gauze cost a little more. As previous replies, The Adult Cloth Diaper Co is an excellent source for both the diaper and the plastic pants. You can purchase these only one at a time so you will not waste too much if it doesn't work out. I figure with a decent night time disposable near $2.00 the reusable diaper and plastic pants can recover initial investment in about a month.
TomT

I agree with TomT that gauze is comfortable. It is also the most absorbant, at least that is what I have read. Personally I prefer the birdseye diapers. They are just as comfortable as gauze and they seen to last longer through many wash cycles. Birdseye is supposed to be the least linting cotton weave meaning they take longer to get thinner in the washer/dryer. Gauze is so absorbant but the diapers don't last as long. Birdseye is also very absorbant and the diapers (flat fold) last much longer. Flannel is also absorbant but does not absorb as quickly as gauze or birdseye. This is due to the fabric weave being tighter than the other two. I wear doubled flannel with birdseye center soakers which is a system that has proved to work very well for me. Like I've said in previous posts it does take quite a lot of trial and error to get to a cloth diaper system that will work best for you. I use both cloth and disposable diapers. Absolutely nothing can beat the comfort and security I get with cloth diapers. Nothing is fool proof but over the years I've learned that I can trust cloth diapers much more than I can disposables. For me disposables are fine for travelling or for short periods of time but I cannot trust them for longer durations or sleeping. Plus cloth is much more cost efficient for me. Yes there is the cost and time for washing but disposables ended up costing me a great deal more.