Your first major decision in the diaper department will be cloth vs. disposable. Both kinds of diapers have their benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, disposable diapers are undeniably convenient, and the vast majority of babies today wear them. But they're also costly: You can expect to spend $1,500 or more on disposables by the time your baby is out of them.

Cloth diapers are less expensive to use than disposables, especially if you do the laundering yourself. Cloth "diapering systems," with water-resistant outer coverings that close with snaps or Velcro, are almost as easy to use as disposable diapers. But you still have to wash the cloth diaper insert, of course.

Despite a resurgence in the popularity of cloth diapers, disposable diapers remain the most popular choice among today's parents, as well as day-care centers and hospitals. A disposable diaper has gel and other super-absorbent materials between the lining and the outer shell that absorb many times their weight in liquid. Disposables draw liquid into the gel layer and away from baby's skin, so you can leave your baby in one longer than you could a cloth diaper without causing discomfort.

All disposables are not the same, however. You'll see differences in fit and the ability to control leaks from brand to brand. Although all disposables are absorbent, name-brand diapers have generally performed better than store-brand (or private label) ones in Consumer Reports' tests.

As a whole, disposable diaper quality has improved over the last few years. They're generally less leaky than they've ever been, feel less moist when they're wet, and provide a better fit. They're also one absorbent bunch (as they've traditionally been). Any of the diapers or training pants we tested will absorb far more liquid than a child is likely to produce during the time a single diaper is worn.

Diapers are often sized according to baby's weight, beginning with preemie and newborn and progressing to sizes 1 through 6. Some store brands are simply marked small, medium, large, and extra large, with weight ranges listed on the package. The biggest diapers fit children 35 pounds and over. As the sizes increase, you get fewer diapers for the same price. A large package might give you 68 diapers in size 1, but only 32 in size 6. As with many things, buying the largest packages can reduce your per-diaper costs.

DISPOSABLE DIAPERS

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Major brand names of disposable diapers include Huggies, Luvs, and Pampers. Major store brands include America's Choice (A&P), Baby Basics (Albertson's), Little Ones (Kmart), Loving Touch (Target), Simply Dry (Stop & Shop), Ultra Comforts (Kroger), and White Cloud (Wal-Mart).

Price range: Prices for disposables range from 19 to 32 cents per diaper; you'll generally save by buying a store brand over a name brand. Saving pennies per diaper may not seem like much, but with five diaper changes a day, you'd save about $15.50 per month and $186 per year.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Fasteners. The type of fastener varies from brand to brand. Most now use Velcro fasteners, which, unlike tape, don't lose their sticking power when they come in contact with baby creams or powders.

Leak guards. These elastic barriers and flaps of material improve fit around the waist, legs, and thighs to help prevent leaks.

Lotion. Many diapers have a lotion on the liner that is supposed to protect baby's skin. But you'll still want to keep zinc oxide diaper cream on hand for the inevitable outbreaks of diaper rash.

Stretch sides. These help the diaper do a better job of fitting a baby's unique contours, which can help stop leaks. Your baby may find diapers with stretch sides more comfortable, too.

Shells. The shells of many diapers have a clothlike feel that minimizes moisture.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Plan on using plenty of diapers for your newborn, but don't load up on the newborn size. Babies with higher birth weights may not fit the smallest size at all. Start with a package of newborn and a package of size 1--about 48 diapers in all. Then buy in volume after you see which size fits your baby.

For starters, select the smallest diaper your child can comfortably wear--a larger diaper not only costs more, but it also may not fit your baby as well, allowing leaks. You may have to experiment a bit to find a diaper that fits your baby's quickly changing body. Diaper sizes vary from brand to brand. One brand's size 3 may fit children 12 to 24 pounds, while another's fits those 16 to 28 pounds. A brand's weight ranges usually overlap: Size 2 in one brand covers 12 to 18 pounds; size 3, 16 to 28 pounds, and so forth.

Stores often put disposable diapers on sale as "loss leaders" to induce parents to shop there. So watch for specials and stock up when the time comes. Take advantage of freebies and coupons, and consider joining a warehouse club, such as Costco or Sam's Club. You might also want to call the toll-free customer-service lines or register at the Web sites of disposable diaper companies for their new-parent programs, which often include coupons and free samples. (But keep in mind that your name may get on mailing lists.) Also, experiment with store brands, especially if your budget is tight. While they don't rate as highly as name brands, they can do an adequate job, and your savings will add up over the years you'll be in the diapering trenches.

CLOTH DIAPERS

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Cloth diapers are made from different types of absorbent cotton fabrics: terry (like towels, but softer), bird's-eye (similar to old-fashioned tea towels), gauze (thin and lightweight), and flannel (similar to the material used in flannel sheets and pajamas, but denser and thicker). Flannel is the softest against the skin as well as the most absorbent. A combination of terry and flannel is also quite absorbent.

Diapering systems (basically a diaper with a protective outer shell) are superior to plain diapers in terms of absorbency, fit, and leak control and spare you the hassle of safety pins. But they are also more expensive. Major brands of cloth diapers and cloth diapering systems include Basic Comfort, Bellies and Buns, Bumkins, Earthwise Basics, Fuzzi Bunz, Gerber, Hana's Generation, Kushies, and Sweet Pickles. Cloth diapers and diapering systems are available at baby, toy, and mail-order stores, as well as on Web sites such as www.kushies.com.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

No question, cloth diapers are much less convenient than disposables. If you don't use a diaper service, you have to soak the soiled diapers between laundry loads. And the demands of a new baby can make keeping up with the diaper onslaught a daunting proposition. But there are ways to lighten the burden if you decide to go this route.

A diaper service can make cloth diapers easier to deal with, although the expense can boost your diapering costs to the same level as disposables. For that reason you may want to drop hints with friends and relatives that you'd welcome diaper service as a shower gift.

Diaper types. There are three main types of cloth diaper: unfolded, prefolded, and preshaped.

Unfolded diapers are rectangles of flat fabric that you fold to fit your baby's shape, holding them in place with diaper pins.

Prefolded diapers are also rectangular but have extra or absorbent layers in the center. Contrary to their name, they may require some folding when you put them on your baby. They also require pinning. With both folded and prefolded diapers, you'll also need to use waterproof pants.

Preshaped diapers have a narrow crotch and wide wings that wrap around baby's waist. Some require diaper pins, but others have snaps. With preshaped diapers, you have to buy different sizes as your baby grows. Some have a moisture-resistant vinyl outer covering sewn onto the diaper, eliminating the need for waterproof pants. But the outer covering may not launder thoroughly (allowing detergent to remain or bacteria to grow), and the diaper may take longer to dry.

Price Range: Diapers, $1 to $2 each; Waterproof pants, $2 and up.

Diapering systems. Diapering systems are the most expensive cloth option. They include a moisture-resistant covering of nylon or polyester into which you insert a folded diaper or washable liner.

The outer covering comes in a range of sizes to accommodate a baby's growth. Velcro fasteners or several rows of snaps (for different fits) keep the covering closed. The most absorbent inserts use multiple layers of thick flannel resembling dense cotton velvet.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The type of cloth diaper you choose (as well as whether you go with cloth at all) is a matter of personal preference. If you choose cloth diapers, you will need two to three dozen to begin with, plus four to six waterproof outer pants. Most companies that sell diapering systems offer sample packs of their various brands, so you can determine which works best for you.