Did someone say reusable nappies?
Basic rundown:
flat nappies
All used with a liner and a wrap (more later)
Terry Square- come in all sorts of colours and even come in bamboo terry (so soft and slim). The cheapest, most flexible option and dead easy to master. Different sizes available, best to just buy the 50 or 60cm ones as they last to toddlerhood. For a tiny newborn just use a muslin for a few weeks, does the same job. Fasten with a pin or a nipper (funky hooked device)
Prefolds- love them or hate them. They are a pad basically of several layers of terry sewn together but still have to be folded to use. Personally I'm not sure what the point of them is but some people adore them.
Both very quick drying
shaped 2 parters
All used with a liner and wrap
These consist of a shaped nappy that either comes with velcro or popper fastening or is fasten free to use with a nappy nipper or pin. There are a million makes out there in a gazillion fabrics (bamboo, cotton, organic cotton, microfibre...) and the best thing to do is get one of each of a few and see waht you like best. You can really go to town on colours and patterns Some are better shaped for long, skinny babies, some for fat thighs, some for heavy wetters/overnight etc.
Dryig time depends on nappy. Eg a microfibre nappy takes no time at all, bamboo longer, something like a minki huggle which is designed for overnight blooming ages.
pockets
These are an empty of padding nappy "shell" that go on like a disposible. You can stuff the pocket inside with either specially bought inners or tesco cheapo microfibre cloths. The advantage is that you can pre-stuff them for grandparents/babysitters/dads.
Fairly quick drying as you can separate it.
all in ones
Bulky and horrible, does waht it says on the tin, the waterproof outer and the padding are all in one nappy so you have to wash it all together.
Takes ages to dry.
liners
Liners catch the poo. You can get flushable liners so you just bung them down the loo with the poo and sling the rest of the nappy in the bucket or fleece liners which are ace as they also keep wee away from the bum (liquid goes through fleece yet it remains dry to the touch). With fleece you plop the poo away then put them in the bucket with the nappy. FLushable you have to buy, fleece you can buy or you can get a metre of fleece down the market and cut your own. Silk liners also exist which tend to be used by those whose children have very sensitive skin as it has natural properties which help rash.
wraps
The waterproof bit that goes over the nappy where needed. Several different makes availiable.
PUL wraps- these are waterproof, the best known and loved and IMO reliable is the motherease wrap which comes in velcro or popper. Velcro best for newborn as gives a good seal around the legs. Older babies are best with poppers as they are loose at the leg and allow breathability (but somehow don't leak)
Fleece wraps- these are fat and bulky but are a good overnight option. The theory is that the wee can evaporate off slowly, thus preventing nappy leaks. Not to be used with sleeping bags or tight bed clothes though otherwise guess where the wee evaporates too!
Wool wraps- very funky for use night and day, same idea as the fleece. Don't need to be washed very often at all.
You need about 6 wraps for a newborn and after that 4 should do you. Unless you have a poo explosion you only need a wrap a day.
washing
Don't soak, no need (modern machines are better plus most soaks ruin the fabric) Just sling them in a lidded bucket with a couple of drops of tea tree in the bottom. Wash on 40 or 60, no more with 1/3 of your normal washing powder. If you want to soften them use a slug of white vinegar. Don't use fabric softener as it coats the fibres and means your nappies won't absorb as well.
I'll shut up now