Wool diapers: advantages, limitations and realistic care
Coralie Mabouledecouche
Everything you need to know about wool diapers
Quick summary
Wool diapers offer natural, breathable, and soothing protection for babies. They work thanks to the partial absorbency of the fiber and waterproofing achieved through lanolization. Effective at night, they do, however, require specific care and can be bulkier than modern PUL diapers.
The questions that parents are really asking themselves
Is wool really waterproof for babies?
Why is it necessary to lanolize a wool diaper?
Does wool keep you warm in summer?
Should it only be used at night?
What is the difference with a modern PUL protection?
Summary
To further your understanding of washable diapers:
1. Why choose a wool diaper?
Wool offers a natural comfort that babies greatly appreciate:
- Breathable – limits maceration and heat.
- Thermoregulating – mild in winter, temperate in summer.
- Waterproof after lanolization thanks to lanolin.
- Eco-friendly & biodegradable .
- Natural comfort without plastic.
2. How does a wool diaper actually work?
Partial absorption
Wool absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture, smoothing out the humidity and allowing gradual evaporation.
Lanolin waterproofing
Lanolin creates a hydrophobic barrier. The dosage is crucial:
- Too much → greasy and inefficient wool.
- Not enough → rapid leaks.
- Poorly melted → stains & inconsistent effectiveness.
3. The real advantages
- Ideal for nights thanks to natural humidity management.
- Self-cleaning : limited odors.
- Maximum breathability .
- Soft material for baby's sensitive skin.
4. Important limitations
- Technical care (gentle wash + long drying time).
- Stains that are sometimes difficult to remove.
- Larger volume under clothing.
- Waterproofing dependent on lanolization.
- Sensitivity to heat & rubbing.
5. Wool vs. PUL: Understanding the Differences
Wool
- Superior breathability .
- Thermoregulation .
- More technical discussion.
- Larger.
PUL
- Thin and discreet .
- Stable waterproofing .
- Easy maintenance .
- Ideal for daycare & everyday use.
6. When to choose/avoid wool?
Preferred if:
- Baby has very sensitive skin.
- Use at night & for long naps.
- You like natural materials.
Avoid if:
- You are looking for total simplicity .
- You do not wish to lanolize.
- You prefer a system that's thin and discreet under clothing.
7. Myths & Realities
“Wool retains urine” — False: lanolin neutralizes it.
“Wool makes you sweat” — False: it regulates moisture better than a synthetic textile.
“It smells bad” — False: unless saturated or poorly lanolized.
“We can put it on a TE2” — False: useless and too hot.
8. Maintenance & Lanolination
Absolutely avoid:
- Too much lanolin → greasy film.
- Not enough → leaks.
- Hot water → shrinkage.
- Rubbing → felting.
- Rapid drying → deformation.
9. Wool vs. PUL Comparison
10. FAQ – Woolen Diapers
Is wool really waterproof for babies?
Yes, but only after lanolizing. Without lanolin, the wool absorbs and eventually leaks.
Why is my wool diaper getting greasy?
An excess of lanolin. Simply allow it to drain and reduce the dose during the next lanolization.
Are the stains easy to remove?
No, wool never rubs: some stains remain visible.
Is wool suitable for nighttime?
Yes, even its strong point: excellent moisture management and maximum breathability for baby.
Conclusion
Wool diapers are a natural, breathable, and comfortable solution for babies, especially effective at night. However, they require specific care and a little experience to master. For simpler everyday use, breathable PUL remains the most practical option.
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