cloth nappies: smelly mess or cleaner world?

When I was pregnant I looked into doing things with the green touch, being more nature friendly. I asked around about cloth nappies and the main response I got was 'too messy', 'too smelly' and 'takes up too much time'. So I was thoroughly put off and looked into a more eco throw away nappy.
I did find them and have tried them, but my little man is a big wetter and somehow manages to poo outside his nappy explosively!
I had to think of something else. I looked all over the world of the Internet and came out completely confused! There are so many different styles, sizes, colours and brands that once I thought I liked one I'd read about another.
I contacted a lovely lady called the nappy lady and she helps parents review their needs and recommends nappies at a reasonable price.

http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/ 

She helped guide me in the right direction but I still wasn't ready to commit to a whole collection which is still an investment.
I heard about a website where you could buy secondhand nappies so you wouldn't lose a fortune if it didn't suit you after all.

www.naturalmamas.co.uk

I bought my first lot.

Pros:

• 9 x motherease one size with a couple of easyflow wraps.
• Plain white inner, soft, absorbent, 'bomb proof' and will grow with baby
• the wrap is to stop leakages and works very well and have cute little pictures
• easy to use
• great for night time: I add an extra booster
• easy to wash: I use an extra rinse and then add it to my normal wash with a little powder only as liquid and softener stop absorbency
• if badly stained put them in the sun or dye them! ( a tip I read)

Cons:

• bit bulky
• takes longer to put on as its 2 parts
• not as pretty as others

I have used paper liners but to be honest the pooey nappies have been easy to rinse and the stains have washed out straight away unlike in his old clothes.
I have stored them in a small bin in my bathroom and unless disturbed you don't really smell them. I have washed them every other day as the bin is only small and so is my nappy stash.
I am glad I started with these as they have shown me what my baby needs and as another mama said 'they are essential in a good nappy stash'.