Wool FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Q. How do you care for wool?
A. To care for a wool cover- Hand wash every 1-2 weeks using Eucalan wool wash. Lanolizing should be done every 6-8 washings. To lanolize, heat up a mug of hot water and add a 1/4" or less line of lanolin and stir until dissolved. Add it to a 1/2 gallon of water and stir it in, add freshly washed cover let it soak for a few minutes then wring it dry. Don't rinse. Hang to dry and you're all set! More on washing wool.
Q. Why choose wool?
A. Because, it's natural, it's easy, and it's great for you babies skin! Wool breathes, unlike most other diaper covers, and allows air to reach your babies bottom, keeping the skin healthy. It comes from sheep! What better thing to do than use a natural fiber to top off your already natural choice to cloth diaper?
Q. Why NOT to choose wool?
A. Some people don't seem to want to bother with the hand washing. Trust me it's no big deal! Once every 1-2 weeks I gather all my wool covers and wash them in a luke warm water in the sink with Eucalan then hang to dry. It takes about 10 minutes. It's rare but some people have an allergy to wool, particularly kids who are prone to excema.
Q. How many wool covers do I need if I plan to use wool full-time?
A. For newborns (0-3 months), we recommend 7-8 wool covers. After each diaper change you will need hang them to dry somewhere and once they are dry you can use them again. Newborns get changed so frequently and poop so often you still need quite a few more than for an older baby.
For older babies, 3+, 4-6 wool covers would be optimal, but 3-4 covers would suffice if you are willing to do emergency poop washings. *wink*
Q. Isn't wool hot and itchy?
A. Some wool fabrics can be itchy, but remember, these diaper covers were designed with soft baby skin in mind, so they are not the itchy, scratchy wool some imagine them to be. And as for temperature, wool is known for warmth but it is also quite breathable, making it cooler than PUL or nylon covers and certainly cooler than disposables.
Q. Can wool covers be machine washed?
A. If you have a hand wash cycle on your washing machine you may be able to use it to wash your wool. But be warned that too much agitation and/or hot or cold water will cause shrinkage. This is why we recommend hand washing your wool with Eucalan wool wash. |
