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That's understandable! There are so many options these days that it can be really overwhelming. Here's an introduction to the current types of cloth diapers that are available:
Flats: Flat diapers may be what you're thinking of when you hear "cloth diapers." Flats are thin rectangles of gauze cloth (usually cotton or hemp) which are folded to build up an absorbant area and then folded to fit your baby. They are fastened with a pin or a Snappi (a stretchy, y-shaped fastener with grips on the ends like for fastening an ace bandage). Flats are not waterproof alone; in order to be waterproof, they require a cover to be worn over them. Flats dry very quickly after being washed because the fabric is so thin.
Prefolds: Most often used as burp cloths today, these flat, rectangular diapers are "pre-folded" and sewn so that they're thicker and more absorbant in the middle. You still fold them a bit to fit your baby (they just require less folding than flats), and you can fasten them with pins or a Snappi. Depending on your baby and what kind of covers fit, you may prefer to lay a prefold or contour diaper inside the cover without fastening the diaper first. The fasteners of the diaper cover will hold everything on. Look for Diaper Service Quality (DSQ) prefolds, as these will be more absorbant and of better quality than non-DSQ prefolds.
Fitteds: Fitted diapers are shaped like disposables (no folding needed) with gathered elastic in the legs and in the back. Fitteds fasten with either snaps or velcro. They also need a diaper cover to prevent leaks. Some (especially those with encased soaker pads) take a while to dry, but others are made with layers that unfold or snap out.
Contours: Contoured or shaped diapers are a cross between prefolds and fitteds. They lack leg elastic and fasteners, so you fasten them with pins or a Snappi.
All-in-ones, or AIOs: These are shaped like fitteds, but include a layer of waterproof fabric inside, so you don't need a separate cover. These are very similar to a disposable in fit & convenience. AIOs fasten with either velcro or snaps. Like some fitteds, AIOs can take a long time to dry, so you may want to look for AIOs that have soaker pads that snap out.
Pockets: Pocket diaperss consist of a shell that is waterproof on the outside and soft fleecey material on the inside. In between the layers (in the "pocket") you stuff an absorbant insert. These diapers are also very much like a disposable, and you can vary the absorbancy by stuffing them with inserts of different quantities or fabrics (hemp, microfiber, prefold diapers, etc.). They dry very quickly, too, because you pull out the inserts.
Diaper Covers: These provide the waterproof barrier between baby's diaper and baby's clothes. No longer the rubber pants of yesterday, the most common fabrics for covers are PUL (polyurethane laminate; fabric coated with a waterproof layer), nylon, wool, and fleece. Diaper covers are needed for flats, prefolds, fitteds and contours. You don't need a cover with AIOs or Pockets.
PUL and nylon covers can be found with hook & loop fasteners, snaps, or in an elasticized pull-on style. Many of them can be machine dried, but they'll last longer if you hang them to dry.
Wool covers are often made of stretchy jersey knit or felted wool. They are often also referred to as "soakers" when knit or crocheted into covers. You can also find wool shorts or "longies" (wool pants). Wool is a fantastic fiber for diaper covers because it is naturally antimicrobial, breathable, and highly absorbant. You don't have to wash wool covers after every use; you just let them air out between uses and wash when they no longer smell fresh or they get pooped on. They usually must be washed by hand, allowed to air dry, and lanolized periodically (every couple of months, usually) to improve their waterproofing ability.
Fleece covers are breathable and can be machine washed and dried.
Where to Buy: Unless you have a store nearby that sells things like wooden toys and natural baby products, you'll probably have the best luck shopping for cloth diapers online. You won't find good quality cloth diapers at a store like Babies 'R Us (which does sell Gerber prefolds, but these are very inabsorbent). I really enjoy buying diapers online, because I buy them from work-at-home moms and help support their families.
Price: Prices for cloth diapers vary. You can find new flats/prefolds for around $1-3 each, and there are a large number of fitted, AIO and pocket options in the $10-20 range.
Many online stores have package deals that include a variety of diapers and covers for you to try. Some will let you use them for a length of time & then send back what you don't like. If you don't mind buying used diapers, diaperswappers.com is a great resource for getting diapers at a cheaper price than buying new.
Make Your Own: If you're on a tight budget, you can sew your own diapers from old clothing, towels, and sheets. Diaper covers can be made from shrunken wool sweaters. There are a number of patterns online, too, and of course you can make diapers from new fabric if you don't want to recycle old items. Check out One Stop Diaper Shop for a very nice selection of patterns, fabric, notions, and information.
Finding What Works: Every single person I know who uses cloth diapers has their own preferences for styles and brands. What works for one kid may not be as good on a kid of another body type (chunky thighs versus skinny), and Mom might like pinning prefolds, but Dad and the nanny might like to use a pocket or AIO.
I really recommend getting a few different kinds and trying them out to see what you like. I have tried most of the above styles (excluding contours and fleece covers), and right now I like pockets for going out & for nighttime, and fitteds (without a cover) for at home during the day. I also use prefolds laid flat in a felted wool cover. My favorite fitteds are Swaddlebees Cotton Terry, and my favorite pockets are FuzziBunz and bumGenius one-size cloth diaper. My favorite diaper covers are homemade wool soakers. When I decide to try something new, I usually check out Diaper Pin, which has reviews on different brands and stores.
