First let me dispel some myths. These days there need be no boiling, and no soaking even, you can just keep worn nappies in a lidded bucket until there are enough to fill the washing machine (about every 2 to 3 days usually). Then you wash in a normal washing machine on a 60 or even 40 degree wash with half the usual amount of non bio soap powder (e.g. Skip Aloe Vera, anything that's suitable for baby clothes) and without fabric softener.

The days of just nappy pins, terry squares and rubber pants are gone. Now there are shaped nappies that fit like disposables, terries (which are still great and very good value), and prefolds which are another popular cheap choice. Nappies can be sized, meaning that as your baby grows you need to buy new nappies, or one-sized that fit from birth to potty (depending on the size of your baby/ toddler). There are plain, patterned, coloured, appliquéd,  embroidered, terry, flannel, hemp, cotton, jersey... whatever you like, it's out there!  There are large companies making nappies and wraps and there are WAHMs, work at home mums, who sew and sell nappies and wraps.

Nappy liners are now flushable, so getting rid of poo has never been easier. There are those that like to use fleece liners.  Fleece is a one way fabric, so wee goes through but doesn't come back keeping your baby really dry and they can be washed and reused forever!

Nappy pins have been replaced by poppers, velcro or a nappy nippa which is a natty little rubber t-shaped clip with teeth that hook in the nappy fabric. They keep the nappy fastened without using scary pins. Instead of stiff unbreathable plastic pants there are 'wraps'. These come in velcro or popper fastening types, and are made of PUL which is waterproof but breathable, fleece or wool. They can be plain, patterned, appliquéd etc like the nappies, and in the summer look great with just a T-shirt (in fact some WAHMs make T-shirts to match their wraps)!

One problem with cloth nappies is that high street stores are still not stocking the 'good stuff'.  The choice is very limited and so internet/ telephone buying is still the best way to buy. There are lots of nappy sellers out there, but I really like this one:

http://www.kittykins.co.uk

The owner, Anj, is a Babycentre poster who started the business when pregnant with her son. She sells a good range of the best of what's available, and really knows her stuff.  UK postage is free. I've also given her address first as her pages on advice, getting started and choosing nappies are some of the clearest around.

Other sites include:

http://www.twinkleontheweb.co.uk

http://www.cuddlebabes.co.uk

http://www.thenappylady.co.uk

There is a ton of information out there and it can be confusing.  The cloth nappy discussion board is always a great place to ask for help and advice:

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/bbs/543332/

There is a large market in second hand nappies and wraps. This means you can buy to try without paying full price, or can sell on nappies that just don't suit your baby.  Birth to potty sets can seem tempting, but not all nappies suit all babies, and as they grow what they suit/ need will change.

I love my nappies (does anyone actually love disposables?) and dread the day that my son will be potty trained, although luckily he's not ready yet! They keep his trousers up as he's too skinny in disposables, they provided padding when he was learning to walk and falling over, they give a shelf for him to rest on my arm when I carry him – all in all, they make him look like a baby should!