If you’re thinking about using wool nappies for your baby, you’re in for something special. Wool is a natural, breathable, and eco-friendly material. For centuries, people have used wool for baby care, and it’s gaining popularity once again. However, using wool nappies does require a bit of a learning curve. We’ll provide you with all information you need, from choosing the right products to proper care and maintenance.
Before diving into the how-to, let’s quickly explore why wool is an excellent choice for cloth diapering. Wool is absorbent, soft, and naturally antimicrobial. It can absorb a significant amount of moisture before it starts feeling wet, which can help keep your baby’s skin dry. Wool is also breathable, helping to regulate temperature and reduce the risk of diaper rashes. Additionally, wool is a renewable resource and biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly option.
The wool nappy cover
The most essential item you’ll need is the wool nappy cover. One wears wool covers over a regular absorbing cloth (whether fitted, prefolds, or flats) to provide waterproofing and added absorbency. Wool naturally repels moisture, making it an excellent barrier to leaks. Wool cover come in a variety of styles: Overpants (pulled-up like a pant), knitted nappy (folded around the child and secured with a ribbon), and wrap/cover (closes with snaps or velcro).
How many covers do you need?
You’ll probably want at least 3 to 5 wool covers to rotate through. Wool can be reused multiple times as long as it isn’t soiled, so having a few on hand will make sure you’re never caught without one. This means that in principle you can get along with just 3 covers. Don’t forget to wash them immediately if dirty. One to two extra covers therefore give a little flexibility.



The absorbing material
Flats, prefolds, and fitted nappies work beautifully with wool covers, offering distinct benefits depending on your needs.
Flats and prefolds are larger pieces of fabric. They offer exceptional flexibility, allowing you to tailor the fit and absorbency to your baby’s specific needs. With a variety of folding techniques, you can adjust the layers for targeted coverage, making them ideal for different ages, sizes, and activities. Paired with a wool cover, they provide moisture control and breathability, ensuring your baby stays comfortable. This adaptable nature makes flats and prefolds a great choice for parents who want a customizable, hands-on approach to cloth diapering.
Fitted Nappies feature elasticated legs and waistbands, providing a secure, leak-proof fit. Their snug design ensures effective moisture retention, and paired with a wool cover, they offer reliable protection and comfort, especially for overnight use or long periods.
How many absorbing inserts do you need?
The number of absorbing inserts you need for wool nappies depends on a few factors, such as your baby’s age, the absorbency of the inserts, and how often you plan to change the nappy. However, a general guideline is:
Newborns tend to pee more frequently, so you may need around 8–10 absorbent inserts per day. Use the wool cover several time, unless soiled. As babies grow and their bladder capacity increases, you might only need around 6–8 inserts per day. You may also be able to use thicker, more absorbent inserts, especially for overnight use.
For overnight use, you’ll likely need a more absorbent insert or a combination of inserts to ensure it lasts through the night. Some parents use a booster or an extra layer of absorbency, especially if the baby tends to sleep for longer periods.
In total, having about 25–30 inserts is typically sufficient to rotate through for washing and reusing. This allows for frequent changes and ensures you always have a dry, absorbent nappy on hand.



Wool care
Maintenance of the natural water-repellent barrier
Wool naturally repels moisture. However, you should treat the wool with lanolin (the waxy substance found in wool) from time to time for optimum performance. Lanolin creates a barrier on the wool fibers, enhancing its water resistance and keeping your baby dry. How to lanolize your wool covers: You can either buy a lanolinizing solution or make your own by diluting pure lanolin in hot water. This needs to be done every few weeks, or whenever you feel the wool cover losing its waterproofing.
How to wash and dry wool
You don’t need to wash wool covers after every use unless they’re soiled. In fact, wool should be washed as little as possible to preserve its natural oils. Wool requires special care to maintain its softness and effectiveness. Regular laundry detergents can strip the natural lanolin from the fibers, reducing their water-resistance and softness. To protect your wool covers, use a wool-friendly detergent or a mild olive oil-based soap. After washing, you can also re-lanolize your wool to restore its moisture-wicking and protective properties. Always wash with lukewarm water and air dry to avoid shrinking or damage. Proper care ensures your wool covers stay soft, breathable, and effective.
You can find out more about the washing routine on our blog (with focus on general wool cleaning) and under ‘simple laundry’ (with a focus on the causes and washing options).
What wool care products do you need?
To properly care for your wool nappies, you’ll need a few essential products. First, a mild, wool-friendly detergent or olive oil-based soap is important for cleaning without damaging the fibers. You’ll also need a lanolinizing solution to reapply lanolin, which enhances wool’s water resistance. You may also consider using a wool washing soap with lanolin. This type of soap is specially designed to clean wool while preserving its natural oils. The lanolin helps to restore wool’s water-resistant properties, keeping your covers soft and effective.
At Jovoh we have all the essential products to care for your woollen nappies: From mild olive soap to pure lanolin and wonderful wool washing soap.



Conclusion
Wool nappies are a natural, comfy, and effective alternative to regular diapers. With just a little extra care, they can work wonders, keeping your baby’s skin happy. Once you’ve got the essentials – wool covers, absorbent inserts, lanolin solution, wool wash, and a drying spot – and follow a simple care routine, you’ll be well on your way to making wool nappying a success for you and your little one.
Additional information
You can also find further information on this topic in two other articles:
- The wool nappy system from Jovoh: Here we take a closer look at how the system works, how a wool cover is constructed and what type of absorbent inserts are used in the different situations.
- You can also find a few basic tips in another article on how to start diapering with wool from Jovoh.
Sources:
The different nappy systems: Wasbareluierwereld.nl