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Wool Covers

Wool Covers. What, How, and Why

Why would you want to use a wool cover? Well, there are many benefits of wool. Wool is flame resistant, antibacterial, cool in summer and warm in winter ( it keeps your body at an even temperature). It absorbs moisture while being water resistant. It is very wear resistant, it can be bent up to 30,000 times without the threat of damage or breakage.

The way the wool works in a cover is by wicking away the moisture from the baby. Once it is wicked away it then evaporates and dries up. So there is a cycle of drying up to a point until the baby needs to be changed. The wool is also antibacterial and can be used for up to about 3-4 weeks without it having a bad odor or needing a wash. Instead of blocking moisture like synthetic covers, wool absorbs moisture in its liquid state and then it evaporates before bacteria can breed. You can choose to wash whenever you prefer but, it isn't needed very often unless the cover gets soiled. The lanolin is the oil that coats the fibers that cause it to be antibacterial and water resistant. Lanolin helps the wool to be self cleansing when it comes in contact with baby's wetness. Lanolin also makes cleaning a soiled cover very easy it rinses right off then needs to be washed. You will need to relanolize the cover when washing so you can keep it water proof and smelling fresh.

Using wool as a diaper cover is like your favorite pair of jeans; the more you wear it the better they feel, the better it works, and the better it fits . It will become more and more felted and waterproof in all the right areas with more use. We recommend giving your wool repeated uses during the day before expecting to use them at night. About 2-3 weeks of daily use will make them bulletproof, maybe less depending on your baby.

Washing wool covers-

I have read that many people suggest washing wool covers in the washing machine. I do not recommend doing that unless it is a completely felted cover. The abrasion will shrink the wool. I have learned from experience, (I have shrunk many expensive covers). So, to keep your investment wash by hand!! Well there are many different ways to wash wool covers. You can wash with a lanolin wool wash or make your own. Do NOT use Woolite it is not made for wool covers, it is made for clothing. Always wash with lukewarm water, on the cooler side, hot or cold water will shock the fibers. Mix with the correct amount of woolwash. Then roll it around in the sink with the wash you can let it soak for 10-20 minutes. Some wool washes say to not rinse, that is an option but after a few times of washing you will develop your own preferences. Then, gently squeeze out by hand then lay out flat to air dry. Laying out flat will help keep its shape. Hanging to dry can stretch the cover to a different shape. Do not dry in the sun, as this will encourage shrinking.

Home-made Lanolizing Wool Wash

What you will need-

-Lanolin, some mothers use Lansinoh for breastfeeding. You can also buy lanolin from your local health food store.

-Coffee mug half full of water.

-About 2-3 tablespoons of baby shampoo or castile shampoo. Generally you will want a very mild soap with no fragrances or perfumes. Essential oils are fine if you want them to be next to your baby. Make sure there are no dyes or perfumes in the shampoo that you don't want in your covers.

-optional- essential oils about 5- 10 drops, for sweet smelling covers (my personal favorite is lavender).

-Then mix all ingredients in the coffee mug. Use it to wash your covers.

Sometimes the lanolin will be lumpy in your mug. If you mix the lanolin in the mug with hot tap water and soap, it will help to break it up. Do not use the hot water on your covers directly. Mix the wash with the water first so it can cool.

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