Laundry: When we had 21 newborn diapers in rotation we were doing laundry two times per day to keep up. This isn't a pain if you have a good front loading washing machine and a simple routine. Drying AOIs was also easy, but our dryer is on the high end. (I've had diapers take way longer using other dryers when traveling.) Frequent washing actually prevents many washing-related diaper issues. Even now that my daughter uses very few diapers in a day (and we have a ton in her size) I never go more than 48 hours without washing and it's usually closer to 24.
Diapers:
AOIs: All in ones were my favorite for the newborn stage and my favorite brand was Bum Genius. I had 15 xs bG and 21 small bG. The xs got only about 2 weeks of use. The small maybe a month. Bum Genius now makes a one size pocket diaper that should fit most babies by 2 weeks of age if not before. Pocket diapers are just as easy as AOIs, dry a little faster, and are way more useful once your baby is older.
Pockets: Bum Genius one size pockets are very easy and durable. Caveat: after about a year of use the velcro on mine began wearing out. Cotton Babies will, however, ship free replacement velcro tabs. My favorite pocket diapers are Fuzzi Bunz size medium. These will fit most babies from 2-4 months through potty training. Fuzzi Bunz also makes a one size pocket diaper that is still good but I like a little less. I have no idea how well they fit newborns.
Fitteds: Kissaluvs fitteds in sizes 0 and 1 are a popular newborn choice. Several of my friends LOVED them. I bought some while pregnant but ended up giving them away to a friend who liked them better. You'd need a cover with these.
Prefolds and covers: I just could not get into this option with my daughter and I've had several friends who had similar experiences. It is, however, the most economical option and a good backup for when your other diapers are all being washed. Even if you end up not using the infant prefolds as diapers you'll find many other uses for them. A few covers are all you would need to start... making this a really cheap component of any newborn diapering system. I'll be trying them again with my next baby.
Purchasing: I have bought 90% of my diapers for nearly 3 years from abbyslane.com. Their site has excellent customer service and free shipping. Returns and exchanges are very easy. If you subscribe to the newsletter you receive codes for an additional 5% off. They have many packages, in a variety of brands, that will help you save money while building a newborn stash. If you email Stephanie, the owner, she'll go out of her way to answer your questions and help you figure out what you need
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