I'll say that cloth diapers work differently from disposable diapers. The fabric doesn't absorb the same amount and you'll have to add extra layers. I enjoy both diapers.
Cloth diapers are less wasteful, you can also make them as thick you'd like, without sacrificing more money for the extra booster pads or additional diapers for disposables. You can wear these so many times that they'd pay for themselves over time.
I don't mess my cloth diapers, because I don't want to deal with the cleanup. I also would rather not stain my diapers. I know that you can create leak guards simply by rolling up the sides to help contain it, but depending on the mass, it should keep everything in just as disposables would with the plastic pants over the cloth diapers.
When dealing with cloth, press out is an issue when it reaches beyond capacity. You can feel it better when a change is needed.
I would advise you to buy a sewing measuring tape to get accurate. measurements of your body. It will. prevent ordering the wrong size, saving you money, and buyers remorse. You won't typically be able to get a refund when you do order the wrong size due to the nature of the product. This method can be used to buy other accessories such as onesies and other clothing.
You should learn how to take care of your diapers. Never use bleach or fabric softeners. They will deteriorate and will create a layer of a substance that will significantly reduce the acquisition rate and the capacity of your cloth diapers.
They have different types of diapers out there to consider, and each have their pros and cons.
AIO (All In One) diapers:
Pros: The easiest to work with they are very similar to disposables. They use snaps or velcro fasteners that are attached. You toss it in the washer and clean. Most have leg gatherers, and a lining similar to disposable to feel less wet. These are basically a reusable disposable diaper.
Cons: They aren't very durable, the cloth fabric will outlast the waterproof liner by far. As easy as they are to clean, they will contain odor after some uses and won't be 100% clean because of the waterproof lining restricting the flow of water through the diaper. You can soak it and squeeze out over and over, but you'll never get it as clean as it was new. Drying takes longer because of the waterproof liner as well ,the air doesn't get to flow through. You're only able to add so many layers until you compromise the containment of the waterproof lining.
AI2/Pocket Diaper (All In Two) is similar in style except that the diaper is in two pieces. The padding(inserts) or Pre-Fold is inserted in to a pocket of a garment that has the waterproof lining and the same feel dry lining on the inside.
Pros: Everything I've said about AIO but including it will be cleaner, and more odorless, but some have padding sewn in it.
Cons: Although the waterproof part of the diaper is separated from the padding, the garment part is considerably more expensive than a typical pair of plastic pants and won't last as long as the padding. The padding will most likely be a contoured shape or a simple rectangle for the center of the crotch, but you won't have coverage in the wings. They can only be as thick as the diaper permits.
Pre-Folds and Plastic Pants: These are the traditional cloth diapers.
Pros: Easiest to keep clean and free of odors. Dries faster. These are the most customizable in fit, thickness, fabric type, look, and usability. Plastic pants can be any color you choose. They can have snaps, or simply be pull-on. They can be as tall and as wide in the crotch as you want. You can have them as quiet or as loud as you want. You can layer much more layers to the desired thickness and add as much capacity as you want. Plastic pants are cheaper than buying an AIO when the previous ones have deteriorated.
Cons: They are more difficult to put on, until you can gain experience. They do have options beside pins like Snappi Fasteners, Boingo Fasteners that make it a breeze to put on.
I love disposable diapers and wear more often than cloth, but I love wearing cloth diapers too. Cloth diapers are definitely harder to conceal in public and the thinner it is the less capacity it has. I love how thick I can make them. I love ridiculously thick diapers and cloth diapers help me make a usable, less wasteful to wear ridiculously thick diapers.
Having cloth diapers on hand allows you to have a diaper around when otherwise you can't afford them.