Tell me about wool

BAM_2780

I was going to use organic pocket diapers for our baby.  My plan was to start on disposables and then switch between 6 and 8 weeks to cloth.  I just started questioning and researching the PUL on most of the ones I was considering.  Now I'm changing my tune.

I'm thinking organic fitted diapers and wool covers.  I feel so lost though.  I knew the lingo, the brands, etc.  This is a whole new world!  Here are some questions, but tell me anything I should know, please:

1.  Is there a reason to use fitted diapers instead of prefolds?  Are they that much easier and that much less work?

2.  Which soakers/fitted diapers do you like?  Do you prefer one size or sized?

3.  How many wool covers do you like?

4.  Really dumb ? - any wool covers that don't feel like wool?  I'm not a fan of wearing wool sweaters unless I have a shirt underneath.

5.  Are there other options I'm not considering that don't involve wool or plastic?

Thanks all! 

kimilane

BAM_2780:

1.  Is there a reason to use fitted diapers instead of prefolds?  Are they that much easier and that much less work? I prefer fitteds instead of prefolds. The prefolds just are NMS. Also, I prefer leg gussets. I've also heard they're better for containing EBF poop.

2.  Which soakers/fitted diapers do you like?  Do you prefer one size or sized? I like the Fab Fitteds (they're sized).

3.  How many wool covers do you like? I don't use wool covers full time, just overnight. I have 1 atm, but 1 more is on its way.

4.  Really dumb ? - any wool covers that don't feel like wool?  I'm not a fan of wearing wool sweaters unless I have a shirt underneath. I don't like wearing wool without a shirt under it, either but the Disana cover we're currently using feels soft...not scratchy at all and DD seems to like it.

5.  Are there other options I'm not considering that don't involve wool or plastic? I don't know. We use PUL covers during the day...

Thanks all! 

Dr.Loretta

1. Prefolds aren't that much more work (at least initially), but it's nice to have the option of a fitted you can just strap on and go. And as the baby gets older and squirmier, fitteds are way more convenient.

2. I liked KL0s and VeryBaby fitteds for the newborn stage. I like Thirsties Fab Fitteds now, but I'll admit it's all I've tried at this age. I was not aware there were one-size fitteds.

3. How many should I have, or how many brands do I like? I made some, and I bought a couple. A half dozen should suffice. As far as brands, I like LittleFriendsbySarah on Etsy. If you knit/crochet, there are a ton of free patterns on ravelry.

4. Yes. There are many, many different types of wool, some softer than others. You can look for something made with a softer wool like merino, but it will probably cost you. None of DD's wool soakers are scratchy.

5. Not that I can think of, but I don't see an issue with PUL. Is there a major reason you don't like it?

flyer23

1. Prefolds vs. fitteds: They both have their benefits and drawbacks. Prefolds are a LOT cheaper, usually trimmer, and virtually indestructible. Fitteds are easier to learn, cuter, and usually more absorbent. Just depends on what's important to you. Price is a huge concern for me, so I prefer prefolds.

2. What soakers/fitteds do you like? For covers, I've made most of mine, out of wool sweaters, using the Katrina pattern (for soakers) or the Rita's Rump Cover pattern (for wool wraps).

For fitteds: Goodmamas (one size) for DD as a toddler, but they were WAY too bulky on DS as an infant. For him, I prefer Dream-Eze fitteds (sized), but they are now discontinued

3. How many wool covers? You don't need a ton, because you don't have to wash them that often (maybe once a month). I had a bunch for DD, but that was because I used them to coordinate with different outfits, not because I was running out of them or anything. I haven't been using wool a ton with DS, but I could probably get away with 3 or 4 covers if I wanted to use it full-time.

4. Wool comes in so many different textures. Some of it is scratchy, but some is SUPER soft. I recently made a cover out of a wool skirt, so it doesn't look/feel like a typical wool sweater at all. It has a very tight weave, it is very trim, and it is not stretchy.

5. Other options: Fleece is a nice option as well, breathable like wool but washable like PUL.