I have seen some small nappies on Ozebaby - Poppets Place (???) I think - that were $6 ish dollars.
I think that flats at home and a few fitteds for going out would be a good choice for someone wanting to use cloth on a very tight budget. You would need to buy some quality covers and to cut some fleece liners and then you would be set.
I love my MCN but I still use flats around the house sometimes - they are so quick to dry and easy to wash.
I cant remember if you said anything about her making them but if nanna, mum, MIL or anyone in the family knows how to sew and is willing to help - buying a pattern and sewing a stash from second hand clothes and terry nappies could be an idea.
I tried fluffies and found they leaked and the fasteners rubbed on the skin leaving big read marks
so wouldnt recommend them. I contacted the company and asked what the "absorbant" part was made from and they told me that the wadding has air pockets which trap the fluids like a sponge - that is fine to say it traps the fluids but what happens when pressure is placed on a sponge?? the fluids leak out.
Good Luck to your friend - there is so much to look into and so many decisions to make.