Ideas for a Newborn "Stash"

Sample newborn/small stash for a modest budget.

3 Dozen Infant size prefolds
6 Thirsties, Bummis or Prowrap covers size newborn and 6 size small. Alternatively try Dappi Nylon Pull on pants in size newborn and small.
2-3 Dozen cloth wipes
1-2 Wet bags (for transporting wet/dirty diapers)
2 Snappi fasteners
2 Sets of pins
1 Pail liner (optional)
This stash would last from birth to about 15lbs.

Cloth diapering a newborn baby can be a scary thought for some. Newborns go through quite a few diapers each day and tend to have lots of "explosions"....if you know what I mean. I started with cloth diapers about a week after the babies birth. This was in part because I had several size newborn disposable diapers that were given to me and in part because I didn't want the meconium staining my beautiful new diapers. I have since discovered that using a diaper liner, either flushable or made of fabric (like an old cut up t-shirt), will protect the diapers from significant staining until the meconium passes.
I used newborn size fitted diapers for the next 6 weeks until the little one outgrew them. I had about 18 fitted diapers and I had 4 pocket diapers (Fuzzi Bunz) that I used also.
Most babies will outgrown there newborn size diapers and covers quite fast, usually between 6-8 weeks. Some can use them for the first 3 months. Newborn size diapers and covers are nice for most average size newborns of about 7 lbs. If you know that your baby will be small (5-6 lbs) start with preemie size prefolds and covers. If your baby will be large (9-10 lbs or more) start with size small covers. Babies will need a minimum of 3 dozen diapers, either prefolds, fitted diapers, all-in-ones or a combination of these. With the average newborn needing 12 or more changes a day, this will require you to wash every other day, having some extras on hand for wash day. I recommend a minimum of 4 diaper covers, with 6-8 covers being best. Newborn babies poop frequently and the covers will need to be washed more often because of this. More covers = more convenience. Some more sample ideas for a newborn stash would be:

Diapers: 2-3 dozen Newborn prefolds (These can be purchased at www.greenmountiandiapers.com)
1 dozen small/infant size prefolds (to have extras on hand and also for when baby has a grown spurt and no longer fits the newborn size)
Covers: 6 Newborn covers (examples are: Thirsties, Bummis Super Whisper Wraps, Bummis Super Brites, Imse Vimse, Prowraps, Dappi Nylon pants, Nikkys, etc....) Each brand of cover has its own recommended size range, so make sure to check this information. For example Bummis Super Brite newborn covers are quite small and could fit a preemie starting at 4lbs. Thirsties newborn covers size range from 6-12 lbs. Imse Vimse preemie size covers actually fit typical newborns quite well and there newborn size is generous and will fit longer that 6 weeks. Do your research on covers and try a few brands to find your favorites. Each will fit slightly different and one may be better depending on your babies weight and build.

If you have a larger budget you might want to add some fitted diapers. These will contain newborn runny poo quite nicely. This can be achieved with prefolds also if you use a snappi device or pins to fasten the diaper around the baby. All-in-one diapers are nice for quick changes and are Daddy or sitter friendly. A larger budget mainly pays for more convenience.
If you have a very limited budget try flat diapers. These come in one size and can work from newborns to potty training. Four dozen flats and 4-6 covers in each size would get you through the diapering years. Make your own cloth wipes and get a couple sets of pins or snappies and your set.