A wool nappy consists of two parts: The wool cover and absorbent inserts (and optionally a nappy liner)
Jovoh wool nappies are a 2-component system that combines a wool cover with moisture-absorbing inserts. The cover must be greased with lanolin, a natural wool fat that is obtained from sheep, to get water repellent. It is then combined with absorbing inserts that are either placed directly in the cover or folded around the child. What makes Jovoh nappies so special? We attach great importance to using natural and organic materials and to offer a system that makes diapering with wool easy. For a healthy childhood that goes hand in hand with awareness and trust. Below we look at the materials used, the system in general, and some introductory words on wool care.
The wool cover forms the water repellent barrier. There are two type of covers: 100% organic merino wool or a combination of merino wool (lining) and organic cotton (outer fabric).
Absorbing inserts absorb moisture and form the heart of a wool nappy. Therefore we use natural fibres only, namely organic cotton and hemp. No polyester. No viscoses. Promised!
The nappy liner catches the solid poop, which is thrown in the bin afterwards. Hence, the poop goes not into the washing machine. The use of a nappy liner is optional.
The wool nappies from Jovoh offer plenty of freedom of movement, are washable and the right choice for sensitive baby skin. For you, your baby, and the environment.
Natural fibres with a focus on sustainability and wellbeing
For our wool covers we use finest organic merino wool and optionally (organic) cotton fabrics. The wool is sourced from European mulesing-free and organic farms and is spun in Germany under fair conditions. It is dyed with vegetable dyes. The main dyes used are madder root, mignonette, indigo, yellowwood, logwood, and redwood. A wonderfully natural fabric whose components are sustainably sourced and processed. Also the cotton fabrics are certified, meaning they meet strict requirements and don’t contain any harmful substances. And the elastics that are used for the wool covers (at the back and the legs)? We have also made a conscious choice and are very pleased that we only use elastics made of natural rubber combined with organic cotton.
For all our absorbing inserts we use natural fibres only, such as certified organic cotton and hemp. Both are cultivated in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. No chemicals and no synthetic fibres come into contact with your child’s sensitive skin. Unlike many other manufacturers, we use yarn and labels that are made from certified organic cotton and not polyester. So you get an absorbent insert that consists of 100% natural fibres – from yarn to fabric. No plastic. That’s a promise! To find out more about why we prefer natural fibres, take a look at our blog.
Production on demand conserves resources
All wool nappies are made when an order is received. This means that the fabrics are cut and the cover is sewn at this moment. Of course, this process takes more time as we do not produce in advance, but it has a big advantage. Namely that resources can be conserved as only as much fabric is cut as is actually needed. There are therefore hardly any production errors. And yet there is still fabric left over when the wool is cut. This is how we sew our popular ‘Zero Wast’ covers. It’s a wool cover that combines colourful cotton or wool fabrics with organic merino wool on the outside – all from leftovers.
However, the absorbent inserts are produced in advance. This would be logistically difficult to achieve otherwise. They are manufactured in a small atelier near Utrecht. There is a place here for people who feel unseen or rejected in society, people who are looking for connection and who want to feel themselves again through their craft. A wonderful place full of warmth.
The structure of a merino wool cover
The wool cover is made from either 100% organic merino wool or a combination of organic merino wool (lining) and cotton jersey (outer fabric). The lining is the heart of a wool cover, which consists of merino wool from organic animal husbandry where no mulesing is applied. Mulesing is a painful method of protecting sheep from fly infestation and is not used in organic farming. Merino wool is soft and cosy and holds reliably tight after being treated with lanolin (a natural wool fat).
Combined with absorbing inserts, the wool nappies offer plenty of freedom of movement. The leg cuffs fit snugly against the thighs to keep moisture out. The elastic on the cuffs is extra soft to prevent chafing and is made from natural rubber and organic cotton. The back is cut a little higher to nicely cover your baby’s bum.
The wool nappies close with snaps that are positioned so that they do not touch the child’s skin. All snaps are reinforced to prevent them being pulled out.
A multi-size system for the perfect fit
Jovoh wool nappies are available in three sizes: Size 1 (approx. 4-7 kg), Size 2 (approx. 7-12 kg) and Size 3 (approx. 11-16 kg). The weight information of each size is an estimate as the fit will vary depending on the child’s stature.
Jovoh’s multi-size system is certainly one of the other special features, as most manufacturers offer two sizes: A cover size for newborns and a so-called ‘One-size cover’. The One-size cover suggests that it will always fit, regardless of the child’s stature. However, the transition from the newborn size to the next size is often difficult and the One-size cover may be too big, resulting in leakage. This is where Jovoh’s size 2 comes in. It sits between the newborn size and the One-size and provides a perfect fit.
Sizes 1 and 2 both have an extra snap on one of the wings to allow slender children to transition easily from one size to the next.
Jovoh wool nappies are made from stretchy fabrics. Both the merino wool and the cotton fabrics. This is particularly important in the central area so that the nappy can be pulled over the absorbent inserts easily. It usually ensures that the nappy fits better. However, there is one area in which the nappy is not stretchy: this is the area around the tummy where the snaps are located. This is important so that the cover does not slip and thus ensures a secure and good fit.
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. Here are three main systems that can be used in combination with cloth nappies: Flats, prefolds and muslin nappies.
Only the best natural fibres for your child’s sensitive skin
Absorbing inserts: Hemp and organic cotton
Absorbent inserts are, simply put, layers of fabric. However, anyone who deals with cloth nappies will quickly realise that there are many different types, compositions and sizes. In general, you can distinguish between fast and slow absorbing inserts, as well as strong and weak absorbents. At Jovoh we only use organic and natural fibres for our wool nappies. 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 for putting on top. A layer of hemp, for example, is placed underneath. Hemp absorbs moisture more slowly and is suitable for long nappy changes or children who pee a lot. You can read more about the absorbency of the different fibres in our blog.
At Jovoh we offer a range of inserts made from organic cotton and/or hemp. You can choose between inserts that are folded and placed directly in the cover or inserts that are placed around the child. In general, you can use all absorbent inserts from birth till your child is potty trained. However, some absorbent inserts are more suitable for newborns than others. We have summarised a description of all inserts types and when it is best to use which in our blog.
True allrounders: Cotton and hemp flats
Flats are larger pieces of fabric that are folded and directly placed in the wool cover. At Jovoh we have two flats: One made of 100% cotton and another of hemp/organic cotton. Pure organic cotton flats are recommended for newborns as they have a high pile structure, absorb liquid stool and prevent the cover from getting too dirty. If more absorption is required, a hemp booster can be placed under the cotton flat. For longer changing intervals, a hemp flat is ideal as it stores more moisture, but it must be combined with a cotton liner that absorbs moisture quickly.
Prefolds combine a flat with a high-absorbing core
A prefold is an organic cotton flat that is multi-layered in the centre (where most absorption is needed) and single-layered at the edges. It is folded around the child like a nappy and held together with a nappy fastener. A prefold is particularly suitable for babies. When the child grows up, the prefold can be folded up and put directly into the cover. This way you can use it for a long time until your child is potty-trained. Our prefold is available in two sizes: small (for newborns) and large. With its wide wings made of soft organic cotton, it’s easy to wrap around your child. A core of organic cotton and hemp ensures high absorbency.
The “old fashion way”: Muslin nappies
Muslin nappies are folded so that they are multi-layered in the middle (where most absorption is needed) and single-layered at the sides. They are folded around the child like a nappy and held together with a nappy fastener. This is basically the old-fashioned way of swaddling. They are particularly suitable for newborn babies and toddlers because the thin faeces is kept inside the cloth. Muslin nappies can also be folded and used as an insert that goes directly into the nappy. In this way, they can be used until your child is potty-trained.
Washing and greasing of wool nappies
One of the benefits of merino wool is its self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. After use, the wool cover is aired and washed routinely every 2-3 weeks only or if it is dirty. In this case, the cover is thoroughly washed with wool detergent or olive soap and re-greased with wool fat (lanolin). A good place to start with basic information about washing wool is our blog. More detailed information about washing, greasing, and drying wool can be found at “simple laundry”.
Small stains occur on the wool? These can be removed with a special wool detergent, a so called lanolin soap (or wool washing soap). The soap contains lanolin and slightly greases the wool during washing. For more information on how to use the lanolin soap, see our blog.
Washing of absorbing inserts
The absorbent inserts, on the other hand, can be washed in the washing machine at 60°C and tumble dried at low temperature. It is important to wash absorbent inserts at 60°C, otherwise bacteria may remain and the inserts may start to smell. Are you wondering where to put poop? Then I can reassure you, there are hygienic and simple solutions for this too. Breastfeeding poo dissolves in water, so in principle you don’t need to do anything to it and it can go straight into the washing machine. When the faeces become more solid, there are handy insert sheets that you put on top of the other absorbing inserts to catch the poo, so called nappy liner. And no worries, poop will not get in your washing machine!
Store the soiled absorbing inserts in a wet bag or bucket with lid for maximum 2-3 days.
What you need to diaper full-time with wool nappies from Jovoh
The information given below is the minimum you will need to diaper with wool full time, for example with a newborn. For more relaxed diapering, i.e. less frequent washing or not panicking when suddenly all the wool covers are dirty, then a few more absorbing inserts and/or 1-2 wool cover(s) are advisable.
For the day – In principle, you can diaper with 3 wool covers only. All absorbing inserts are usable till the end of the nappy time. In total you need approx. 30 flats (cotton or hemp). Combine the hemp booster with a flat to increase absorption capacity. In direct contact to the child needs to be a fast absorbing cotton insert, while hemp comes below.
For the night – Since a newborn doesn’t sleep through the night an extra cover is not mandatory. You can simply use the day-covers. For older children you will need extra wool covers and probably high-absorbing inserts (e.g., hemp flat).
Wool care products – In total two tins of lanolin is sufficient for the entire nappy time plus approx. 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.
Start diapering with our “Packages for Beginners”
You want to try Jovoh nappies and start diapering with wool? Great! The package is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of wool nappies, for beginners and experienced cloth nappy users. It includes one wool cover of your choice, lanolin for greasing, a sample bag of olive soap flakes, lanolin soap, and different absorbing inserts. Get your starter package today!