North State Parent magazine

• No leaks and no poo up the back. These amazing little things have gusseted leg and back casings to stop leaks. No more ruined sweet baby clothes or yucky fingers when you pick up the baby.
  
• No rash. The fleece that creates the pocket allows moisture to be pulled away from baby and onto the insert. Much like a disposable does with chemicals but no chemicals to cause irritation to your sweet baby. Surprisingly, incidences of diaper rash have actually gone up since the invention of disposable diapers - many believe this is due to the chemicals used in them.
  
• No extra trips to the store. I just do one simple load of laundry and I'm good to go.
  
• No asking friends and family if they mind my putting a smelly diaper in their trash. I simply tuck my used diapers in a tote bag, which conceals the smell and can be washed right along with my diapers.
  
• No paper and plastic hanging out of the top of your baby's pants. Colorful cloth diapers are much cuter.
  
• More comfortable than disposables. Toddlers will tell you they prefer them. Do you want to wear paper underwear?

My son is now two years old and we have tried several brands and types of diapers. Nothing we have tried has ever stacked up to Fuzzi Bunz^TM, which have two rows of durable snaps for great adjustability in both the legs and the waist. They are trim fitting - no bubble butt - and they come in a wide array of fun colors and patterns.
The following are some important things to look for when choosing your cloth diapers.

• Avoid Velcro/Velcro-like closures. In my experience, they often fray, curl, dislodge and collect things like hair and lint. Imagine what happens if poop gets in the Velcro - yuck. If you (or Daddy) forget to put the Velcro tabs down in the wash, they can snag and harm your other diapers. Snaps are surprisingly easy, are very adjustable, and aren't easily opened by little hands exploring.
  
• Look for good resale value. I know that sounds odd, but after having saved money by using cloth diapers, they can actually be re-sold to get some of your investment back. Make sure you choose a popular, well-trusted brand name that is known for quality and durability so you can get top dollar when you sell. Fuzzi Bunz are known for retaining their value. I've actually seen some that had been through four kids and still looked and worked well.
  
• Weigh the options of ‘one-size' versus ‘sized' diapers. One size can save you money in the long run. You won't have to buy another set of diapers, as long as they are of good enough quality to last. The downside is that one-size diapers are bulky on little babies, and have a bunch of extra snaps on toddlers. With sized diapers, as your baby grows, you can sell the smaller size to help pay for the next size. Some stores offer diaper buy back programs, applicable to a next-size diaper purchase, or as credit towards other purchases.
  

Chico author Cyndi Pereira is a proud wife and stay-at-home mother to her two-year-old son and three-month-old daughter.