I always found cloth diapers way easier than disposable. It's easier to do a load of laundry when you're running low than it is to go to the store for more disposables. My oldest child is nearly ten and we STILL have a pile of the Chinese prefolds around that we use for cleaning things, soaking up messes, mopping floors, etc. I don't know how people live without them. We also used cloth wipes--a stack of cheap baby washcloths dunked in a mixture of water, baby soap, baby oil and a few drops of tea tree oil. When we used disposables, I liked Pampers best, but I've heard that a lot depends on how your baby is shaped--chubby legs do well with some brands and skinny legs do better with others. I can't remember which now, and they've all changed their designs so much that I don't know if it makes a difference anymore.

Boudreux's butt paste is the best diaper ointment I've ever used. Same zinc oxide as the active ingredient like most rash ointments, but much better smell and texture, and it washes out of cloth diapers easily. Makes a great anti-chafe lotion as well.

I liked the book "Super Baby Food"--has lots of instructions for making your own baby food as well as recipes for older babies/toddlers and some kitchen craft ideas.

Sarah