@rdevotie I think cloth diapering a newborn is worth it! I had no problem cding my baby right from birth. If you use flats or prefolds, the diapers will still be useful past the newborn phase, so even if you get overwhelmed and switch to disposables for a while you won't be truly wasting money.
I highly recommend a system with inners (flats, prefolds, fitteds) and covers. greenmountaindiapers.com has a great selection and is a great resource for learning as well. You need covers with all these, I personally recommend thirsties duo wraps and nicki's covers. Pros of flats: highly customizable fit, quickest + simplest to wash and dry, fits from birth to potty training so you don't need to buy multiple sizes. Cons of flats: you have to fold them (all at once or one per change), hardest learning curve. Pros of prefolds: still quick + simple to wash and try, can be folded around baby to contain poop or can go right into cover for a very quick change, most versatile when not used as a diaper imo (cleaning, diaper free time, burp cloth, etc). Cons of prefolds: less fit customization, have to buy multiple sizes. Pros of fitteds: straightforward (not much of a learning curve), easy poop containment, quick change. Cons of fitteds: pretty expensive, often you'll need multiple sizes, harder to wash + dry.
If you choose to use disposables in the first few months, another popular type is the pocket diaper. These don't fit well til 10-12lbs but should fit until potty training. They go on almost as simple as a disposable, so they are great for quick changes, caretakers, and daycare. You can customize the absorbency as well. The only downside is that these take prep, because you have to stuff them. You can sit down and prep them all at once, or you can prep one during the diaper change.
I wash every other day and I am a sahm so I don't mind longer changes. If I could go back in time and start fresh with my stash: 24x birdseye flats, 12x newborn prefolds, 12x small prefolds, 12x medium prefolds, 6x thirsties duo wraps size 1, 6x nicki's covers (thirsties size 2 would be better for skinny legs), 6x thirsties natural pocket diapers, 3x snappis, 4x hemp boosters. My baby is only 12w so I expect to need more snappis (they break) and boosters. I actually use wool covers 90% of the time, they're more work but feel free to ask if you wanna know more
Second-hand is a great way to get a nice variety! Check marketplace, offer up, and mercari to see what's available!
). They are quite expensive (though you only need a few), and if baby is sitting in the same spot for a long time, pee can start wicking through the cover. I use a PUL cover if I have to leave the house, or if I know baby is about to poop.
