A wool nappy consists of three parts: The wool cover, absorbing inserts, and optionally a fleece liner
For our wool covers we use organic merino wool and optionally (organic) cotton fabrics. The cover must be greased with lanolin, a natural wool fat that is obtained from sheep, to get water repellent. It then is combined with absorbing inserts that are either directly placed in the cover or folded around the child. For all our inserts we use natural fibres only, such as organic cotton and hemp. Both are cultivated in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. No chemicals. No synthetic materials.
The wool cover forms the water repellent barrier, and is made of organic wool and optionally organic cotton.
Absorbing inserts absorb moisture and form the heart of a wool nappy. Our inserts are exclusively made of organic cotton and hemp.
The fleece liner catches the solid poop, which is then thrown away. The poop does not go into the washing machine.
The natural wool nappy offers plenty of freedom of movement, is washable and just the right choice for sensitive baby skin. For you, your baby, and the environment.
What to do with the cover, inserts and fleece liner after use
Thorough cleaning of the wool cover is done every 2-3 weeks only. Normally the wool cover is aired-out after use. This is possible because of the self-cleaning effect of wool and its antibacterial properties. If the wool cover gets dirty or leaky, there are little tricks to get it back up and running quickly.
The absorbing inserts are stores in a wet bag/ bucket with lid for maximum 2-3 days.
Your baby pooped? Throw the fleece liner with the poop in the bin. Alternatively give the poop in the toilet, but please still throw the liner in the bin. The material does not decompose easily and it can lead to blockages. Your baby only peed? Give the fleece liner to the absorbing inserts. Most brands can be washed a few times.
The washing routine
Wool covers can be washed either by hand or by using the wool-washing program of your washing machine at maximum 30 degree celsius. However, washing wool covers by hand removes dirt and residuals more thoroughly than the washing machine, especially on the long-term.
The absorbing inserts are washed in the washing machine every 2-3 days at 60°C. You can also wash the load together with towels and/or bed linnen.
Few tips about drying
Never wring wool because it could get damaged or felted. The best way to dry wool is rolled up or folded in a towel. Then lay it flat on the ground and trample on it. That way the water is gently pushed out of the wool without applying any friction. Afterwards lay the wool cover on a drying rack to dry completely. Don’t hang it up by the leg elastic, otherwise they will permanently stretch out.
The absorbing inserts (and optionally) the fleece liner can be put in the tumble dryer or on a drying rack. Depending on the weather and the material (cotton or hemp) they dry within 1-2 days on the drying rack.
What you need to diaper full-time with wool
The information given below is the minimum you will need. For more relaxed diapering, i.e. less frequent washing or not panicking when suddenly all the wool covers are dirty, then a few more absorbent inserts and/or 1-2 wool cover(s) are advisable.
What and why
For the day – In principle, you can diaper with 3 wool covers only. The type and amount of inserts are chosen in such a way that they can be used till the end of the nappy time. In total 30 flats (cotton or hemp). The hemp boosters can be combined with all flats to increase absorption capacity. A cotton liner is placed on top of the hemp flat, in direct contact to the child.
For the night – Since newborns don’t sleep through the night an extra cover is not mandatory. You can simply used the day-covers. For older children additional covers are required. This because you will change less but more frequently due to the fact that the wool is exposed to urine for longer periods.
Wool care products – In total 2 tins of lanolin is sufficient for the entire nappy time plus minimum 2-3 wool washing soaps. In addition, green olive soap flakes for preparing the lanolin emulsion and an olive soap bar for deep cleaning of the wool cover(s).
You got your first wool nappy? Wonderful!
Here are a few steps to take before using the covers and absorbent inserts for the first time.
Wool cover
- Wash the cover by hand or in the washing machine using the wool program at max. 30° Celsius
- You can use either conventional wool soap or olive oil soap (curd soap or soap flakes) for washing
- Then the wool cover can be greased directly
- To do this, follow the instructions under Care of wool nappies
- Express the cover in a towel, but do not wring
- Dry it flat on a drying rack
- It is recommended to grease the cover two times before first use
Absorbing inserts
- Inserts must be washed several times before they achieve their full absorbency
- The rule of thumb is here about ten times
- You can speed up the process and soak the inserts in water overnight
- Then wash it in the washing machine at 40-60° Celsius
- You don’t necessarily have to wash the inserts ten times before using it. Then just remember that they’re not sucking enough yet.
Our Starter Packages for Beginners
You want to try wool nappies? The package is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of wool nappies, for beginners and experienced cloth nappy users. It contains one wool cover of your choice, lanolin for greasing, a sample bag of green olive soap flakes, and five different inserts. You can choose between a wool cover made of 100% organic merino wool or a cover that is a combination of organic merino wool and (organic) cotton.
We offer two Starter Packages, one with a 100% wool cover and the other with a wool cover made of wool and (organic) cotton.
