I am having my first baby in September too and want to use cloth diapers but don't know much about them. I am probably too late in getting this info to you, but I am attending a "Cloth Diapering 101" Session at Cygnus Lactation in Mundelein today, in order to get more information. Here is the info:
Cloth Diapering 101
Tuesday, July 22nd 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cygnus Lactation Services
Mundelein, IL
Want to learn about modern cloth diapering? Well, this is the workshop for you. We will show you lots of different options for lots of different family scenarios. Whether you're the mom that is looking to seriously save money on diapers or a busy mom that wants something easy for husbands and caretakers. This class is free and space is limited.
Please call Ann from Love Bugs Co at ###-###-#### or Jeanne from Cygnus Lactation at ###-###-####
The deadline to enroll was yesterday, but if you have the time to check it out today, I am SURE there is still room. Just give them a call, but I bet it would be safe too to stop by.
I think your final decision will be based on what your motivations are to cloth diaper. If it is for environmental reasons, you have to look at the impact of all the fuel used by the cloth diaper services in order to transport the diapers back and forth. Also, the detergents they use may be harmful to the environment. Cost-wise, they CAN be cheaper than disposables; however, I have friends who get great deals at Costco or other wholesale stores where the price is virtually the same as using a service.
Absolutely washing your own diapers is a bigger hassle than disposable, so they can't win out on that argument at all, but for my friends who have cloth diapered from the beginning, they don't know the difference anyway and many of them have come up with convenient routines that haven't burdened their lives.
Money-wise, cloth diapering and washing at home will save you money over disposable hands down, there are so many to choose from at various price points, the problem is trying to find what works for you. And since I am in your same boat as a first-time mom, I have no idea what will work for me until the kid comes! It is a big investment upfront compared to disposables, but think of it as like ripping off a band-aid. Big pain in the beginning, but better than a slow bleed if you get what I mean.
Now in terms of what is good for your child, I have read cloth diapered babies get fewer diaper rashes and potty train earlier. Some may disagree with me, but anyone who leaves their baby in a diaper for too long will get diaper rash, be it from cloth or disposable, sometimes is just can't be avoided.
For me, we have decided cloth diapering and washing at home is the way to go, and while I can't speak from actual experience, I am going to try my hardest to make it work. My problem will be just to find what brands work and working out a cleaning routine. For me I think it will be a little easier since I plan to stay home, but I have friends who work full time and still cloth diaper successfully.
So anyways, good luck to you! Don't know if I've been helpful since I don't have real experience, but if you do happen to stop by the cloth diapering session, I'll be there to say "hello" :)