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Why Wool is Cool
There are many reasons that wool is the optimum material for cloth diaper covers. This list below highlights the factual ones, but there are others which can't be quantified like the simple appeal of the feel of natural fiber as you carry your child around, the sense of being connected to past generations, or a commitment to organic living.
* Lanolin is the natural oil produced by sheep to repel water. When a diaper cover is properly lanolized, it forces moisture to stay in the diaper until it is saturated, then the wool itself absorbs it's limit of liquid and begins to feel damp.
* Wool absorbs up to 35% its weight in liquid before feeling damp.
* Antibacterial qualities of lanolin kill germs. It neutralizes ammonia, which naturally cleans the cover when it is aired out between uses.
* When cover does not work as effectively and retains a smell between uses there is a lack of lanolin. This is a natural way to know when it's time to do the laundry.
* Wool diaper covers have very low laundry maintenance - many families only wash their hand knit cover when they get soiled or every few weeks.
* Wool is flexible and allows baby ease of movement through all stages of growth and exploration because fibers naturally bounce back.
* Even though wool is traditionally worn to keep warm, it is a natural temperature regulator. The wool fibers create pockets which allow air to pass through even when the wool is wet. Baby's natural body temperature inside the diaper will be maintained (unless the diaper contains synthetic materials, which counteract the breathability of the wool) regardless of the air temperature.
* Wool makes incredibly durable fabric - with good care, wool covers will look good even under hard use far longer than other materials, particularly synthetics such as microfiber.
* Wool is hypoallergenic, particularly when untreated by harsh cleaning chemicals during processing and/or dying.
* Wool is naturally fire resistant. Un-fire-proofed synthetics, on the other hand, will burn easily and melt ... the image that evokes is rather horrible.
* Wool is a renewable fiber, making it a great choice for those interested in green or sustainable living.
* It is rather easy to store wool if it is prepared properly. Read our Wool Storage article.
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