A wool nappy consists of two parts: The wool cover and absorbing inserts
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.
One advantage of wool is its self-cleaning property. After use, the cover is aired out and washed only when it is dirty. In that case the cover is thoroughly washed and re-greased with wool fat (lanolin) in a lanolin emulsion. The absorbing inserts on the other hand are washed in the washing machine at 60 degree Celsius, and can also be put in the dryer at low temperature. A full bath is generally performed every 2-3 weeks, whereas smaller stains can be removed with a special wool washing soap. The soap contains lanolin and slightly greases the wool during washing. For more information about the washing and greasing routine please click here.
The wool cover
Sustainable and organic fabrics
The wool cover is made either from 100% organic merino wool or from a combination of organic wool (as lining) and cotton (outer fabric). The lining is the heart of a wool cover, which consists of merino wool from organic animal husbandry where no mulesing is used. Mulesing is a painful method to protect sheep against fly infestation, which is not applied in organic farming. Merino wool is very soft and cosy and holds reliably tight after is has been greased with lanolin.
The wool cover offers a lot of freedom of movement. The leg cuffs fit snugly on the thigh and reliably prevent moisture from escaping. The elastic bands on the cuffs are extra soft to prevent skin marks and are made from pure organic cotton. The back is cut a little higher so that the little baby bum is completely covered.
The cover closes with snaps, which are attached in such a way that they do not touch the child’s skin. All snaps are reinforced to prevent them for being pulled out.
Size guide
The wool cover is available in three sizes: Size 1 (ca. 4-7 kg), Size 2 (ca. 7-12 kg) and Size 3 (ca. 11-16 kg). The weight information of the sizes is an estimate, as the fit depends on the stature of the respective child.
The type of outer fabric also makes a difference on how the nappy fit. Wool covers made from stretchable fibres (e.g., jersey and wool) tend to adapt better to the child’s stature and are suitable for stronger children. According to experience, they also fit longer than covers made from non-stretchy fibres (e.g., pure cotton). Non-stretchy covers on the other hand are more likely to retain their shape and are recommended for slim children. They also give the nappy more stability.
The sizes 1 and 2 both have an extra snap on one of the wings to allow slim children to wear the next size in smooth transition.
The wool cover prevents moisture from escaping. However, the right type and number of absorbent inserts are just as important as a well-fitting cover. In the following, three important systems are briefly explained that can be combined with the wool covers: Flats & boosters, prefolds, and muslin nappies.
Only the best natural materials for the child’s sensitive skin
Absorbing inserts
Absorbing inserts are, simply put, layers of fabric. However, anyone who deals with cloth nappies will quickly find that there are many different types, compositions, and sizes. In general, you can distinguish between fast and slow absorbing materials and strong and not very absorbent. At Jovoh you find organic and natural materials only. Organic cotton and hemp require much less water than conventional fabrics and are produced without harmful chemical substances. Cotton absorbs moisture quickly but does not store large amounts. It is ideal to be put on top. Below comes, for example, a layer of hemp. Hemp absorbs moisture slowly, but in larger quantity and is suitable for long changing intervals or for children who pee a lot.
Flats & boosters
At Jovoh we offer a variety of inserts made from organic cotton and/or hemp. One can distinguish between inserts that are folded and directly placed in the cover or around the child. Terrycloth fabrics are recommended for newborns as they have a high-pile structure, absorb the still liquid poop, and prevent the cover for getting too dirty. If more absorption is needed flats made of organic cotton and hemp are great as they store larger amounts of moisture, however, they must be combined with a layer of cotton that quickly absorbs the moisture. All flats can further be combined with boosters made from hemp/cotton to increase absorption capacity.
Prefolds
A prefold is a cloth of organic cotton fabric that is multi-layered in the middle (where most absorption is needed) and single layered at the sites. It is folded around the child like a nappy and are held together with a nappy fastener. A prefold is especially suitable for babies. When the child grows up the prefold can be folded and directly be put in the cover. This way, it will accompany you for a long time until your child is potty trained. Prefold “Lottje” is available in two sizes: small (for newborns) and large. Due to its wide wings that are made from soft cotton fabric it’s easy to fold around the child. A core of organic cotton and hemp ensures high absorbency.
Muslin nappies
Muslin nappies are folded in such a way that they become multi-layered in the middle (where most absorption is needed) and single layered at the sites. They are folded around the child like a nappy and are held together with a nappy fastener. This is basically the old-fashioned way of swaddling. They are especially suitable for newborns and baby’s because they keep the thin faeces inside the cloth. Muslin nappies can also be folded and used as an insert that is directly placed in the cover. In this way, they will accompany you until your child is potty trained.
Washing and greasing of wool
The wool cover – Before first use the wool cover must be greased with lanolin, a natural wool fat that is obtained from sheep, to get water repellent. After use the cover is aired-out and not, as other cloth nappies made of polyester, put in the washing machine. This is one great advantage and 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. Deep cleaning and a full bath in a lanolin emulsion (as you do it with a new wool cover before first use) is approximately needed every 2-3 weeks.
The absorbing inserts – An insert is a layer of fabric that absorbs moisture. At Jovoh you find organic and natural fibres only, namely organic cotton and hemp. Both require less water than conventional fibres and are produced without harmful chemical substances. After use the inserts are put in a nappy pail or wet bag, and are washed after 2-3 days at 60 degree Celcius in the washing machine.
What about poop? – The top layer in a nappy is a thin layer of nappy fleece, which is put (together with the poop) in the bin. No poop? Then it goes, together with the absorbing inserts, in the washing machine. Most nappy fleeces can be co-washed a few times.