Can someone educate me on wool covers?

MrsErinnElizabeth · August 2009

What are the positives and negatives of wool covers? How do you clean them? Are they uber bulky? Better for night or day (or both)? What are the different kinds (shorties, longies, etc)? Are they more or less waterproof than PUL covers? Where is the best place to find them?

I'm very intrigued by the whole wool concept, but don't have a clue how it all works! TIA

alumsden1 · August 2009

i definitly am not an expert, but I have heard that they are pretty much unbeatable in avoiding leaks of any kind...and for that reason are good for night use.

I am intrigued too, because wool has always made me itch and they are SO expensive. But some mom's just completely rave about them, so I hope a wool expert chimes in, because I'm curious too!

crackerjackprinter · August 2009

I haven't found any negatives about them yet. They're very easy to care for, essentially you only have to wash them every 2-3 weeks depending on how often they get used. Care involves handwashing in mild soap in cool or tepid water. After that you lanolize, and there are a myriad of ways to do that. You can buy a wool wash with lanolin in it, use Lansinoh lanolin or spray lanolin. There are some good instructions here with more info on wool too.

They aren't bulky at all, in my experience, as long as they're the correct size. You can use them for day or night and they work great for either. You can get regular covers (soakers), shorties, longies, skirties, etc. They are not waterproof like PUL covers, but are water resistant. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, and the lanolin helps neutralize the urine so that it doesn't stink. The important thing to know is that it will not prevent all leaks. For instance, if a diaper is leaking out the leg holes it won't stop that because it can only absorb moisture slowly. It will, however, absorb most moisture that gets to the outside of the diaper. It is still important to have a diaper with enough absorption underneath.

Best places are hyenacart and etsy really. You can also make your own if you are so inclined. Patterns are available on those sites as well.

I love using wool and making it too. It's such a unique cover and the breathability is great. I'm super lazy when it comes to caring for stuff but it's not bad at all!

crackerjackprinter · August 2009

I also wanted to add that I was so taken aback by pics of someone wearing sweaters in the "summer" but then I realized why!

MrsErinnElizabeth · August 2009

crackerjackprinter:
I also wanted to add that I was so taken aback by pics of someone wearing sweaters in the "summer" but then I realized why!

LOL! I get that a lot nowadays

Thank you SO MUCH for all that info! It's so helpful. I'm off to search for some wool cuteness

kelbrian · August 2009

alumsden1:
i definitly am not an expert, but I have heard that they are pretty much unbeatable in avoiding leaks of any kind...and for that reason are good for night use.
I am intrigued too, because wool has always made me itch and they are SO expensive. But some mom's just completely rave about them, so I hope a wool expert chimes in, because I'm curious too!

It doesn't all have to be expensive - I've bought wool from Etsy for cheap :O)

One size 50% mohair/50% acrylic diaper cover - $15

This thing is a super soaker. It is amazing. We call her wooly mammoth butt when she wears it. https://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6829276

Medium longies made from recycled wool sweater - $15

https://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6112616

Medium soaker made from a recycled 100% cashmere sweater - $16

https://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5433845

Lili generally just wears the wool longies or shorties as her bottoms if we go out and she has them on. Works perfectly fine.