Need a reason to try wool? Here's FIVE!
1. Superior leak protection
Wool is a natural, breathable fiber that is the perfect compliment to cloth diapers. The outside fibers of a wool cover repel wetness while the inside fibers attract it, which means when worn over a cloth diaper such as a fitted or prefold, the outside of the wool stays dry (as do your child’s clothes and bedding) while the wetness inside is directed back to the diaper where it should be. Wool can also absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet.
2. Durability
The chemical composition of wool lends itself to being a very durable and strong fiber. A wool fiber can be bent 20,000 times before it breaks as compared to about 3,000 times for a cotton fiber, and its natural elasticity allows it to stretch up to 50% when wet and 30% when dry (http://www.woolsports.com/wool-info/benefits-of-wool/). Wool maintains its shape well with proper care and since it has a natural stretch, it resists tears.
3. Comfort
When most people think of wool, they think, scratchy and uncomfortable. Wool that is used for cloth diapering comes in two main forms – interlock and knitted, both of which, when made from high quality wool (most often, Merino wool), are as soft as any cotton product. Everyone knows that wool is a great insulator, but did you know that wool can also keep you cool? Moisture evaporates from wool almost as soon as it becomes wet, creating a cooling effect. And by keeping the skin cool and dry, the occurrence of heat rash is reduced.
4. Renewable and biodegradable resource
A renewable resource is one that can be replenished over time by a naturally-occurring process. Wool is procured from sheep and obviously, over time, that wool grows back and can be sheared again. Not only is wool a renewable resource but it is a biodegradable one as well. Once soakers, longies, and shorties have become unusable due to wear and tear (which takes a while, see #2!) and reach a landfill, they will biodegrade and actually act as a fertilizer. Wool is not only good for your baby; it is good for the Earth.
5. Easy to find and/or upcycle
Interlock and knitted wool products can be found at most major online cloth diaper retailers. There are even large online communities dedicated to various brands of woolies. But those aren’t your only options! Upcycled wool is a great alternative; typically less expensive that other types of woolies and also easy to DIY! Numerous tutorials can be found online if you possess basic sewing skills and a wool sweater, easily found at thrift shops or in your own closet! Websites such as etsy.com are also full of upcycled woolies sellers.Why did YOU choose wool?
