It can be really overwhelming at first - I have found (at my local store) there are basically three types of diapers that I can easily get to. All in ones, pockets, and shells/prefolds.
All in ones are basically like washable disposables! One used, then you put the whole diaper in the wash.
Pockets are like all in ones, but you stuff them themselves. I like them because I can stuff them even more at night, and it helps my LO sleep better
Shells/prefolds are more like the old school but sooooo much easier. You can just literally lay the prefold in the shell and snap it (or velcro) it up.
Oh okay, so those expensive ones that are like $20 are the shells? And you can use those over and over before you have to wash them if you put the prefold in right? That's not too bad then if that's the case.
Yeah, well actually I have found that the all in ones and pockets are more expensive than shells. The shells at the local stores range from 10 to 15 dollars, with prefolds being around 3. Yeah, you reuse the shells and put in different prefolds, which is why you need around 24 prefolds, but only like 4 or 5 shells.
Course it really depends on whether you are looking for convenience (all in ones) or saving money (prefolds and shells). Pockets, for me, help at night (the prefolds don't really cut it for my LO.. what a pee monster!) but they aren't really terribly convenient, since you have to stuff them, or very cheap. However they do dry faster than the all in ones.
Also if you have a water conserving washer then you have to make sure you can wash them well, but you can check with whoever you buy them from for that. If you have other questions about washing, look on the various threads on the natural parenting board. (or you can ask me, but I may or may not know!!)
All of them vary in price and convenience, even down to velcro vs snap. I love snap ones, because the poop doesn't get stuck in the velcro. This always happens to my Grovia shells, and my one BumGenius all in one velcro. Also I have been told that as they grow older, the babies tend to try to take the diapers off and snaps are harder, but this is my first and haven't had to go through that yet.
I also plan on doing the flushable liners when she starts solids.
Good luck. I think if they weren't as cute I might not do it, but I have found that cloth was a lot easier than I thought, and I was really overwhelmed at first. It seemed like there were so many options, and I have tried them all. Everyone is a little different, so I'm sure that you will find whatever style fits you the best, and in the end no matter what you go with it will save you money.