Why Use Wool For Diaper Covers?

100% Wool 25x Magnification (left side) | 250x Magnification (right side). Copyright © 2000 Marc Pehkonen of fuzbaby. Used by permission

At a microscopic level wool consists of a series of overlapping scales (called cuticles) which have a tendency to repel water droplets. This structure, in combination with a thin coating of lanolin (an oil secreted from the sheep's skin) causes water to run off the fibers. (The duck's back effect is also a sheep's back effect.) Natural water repulsion makes wool a good candidate for a diaper cover.

But there's more. Many artificial fibers also repel water, but that alone does not make them a good choice for a diaper cover-a plastic bag would fill this condition. It is important that the fabric also be able to breathe, or the temperature next to baby's skin will rise. Breathability (and hence reduced skin temperature) is an important factor in preventing diaper rash. When a woven wool fabric is boiled, the fibers become entangled and they form a lofty mesh with many tiny air pockets. This process is called fulling. Fulled wool is a highly water-resistant, breathable fabric.

But there's (yet) more. There are artificial fibers that both repel water and breathe-Goretex is one such fabric. The third important property of wool is that it also has the ability to absorb moisture at a microscopic level. Beneath the water-repellent outer cuticle of the wool fiber is a highly porous core. The voids in this core can store minuscule water droplets-up to 30% by weight of the fiber itself-so that wool is able to both absorb and transmit moisture simultaneously. This is a very elegant, balanced mechanism, and there is no artificial fiber that can do this.

This threefold combination of water-repellence, breathability and moisture absorbency make wool unparalleled as a choice for diaper covers.

It is also worth noting that even if an artificial fiber could be manufactured that exactly duplicated the properties of wool, it would still be a less desirable choice. Without exception, attempts to mimic nature are highly energy and resource intensive, even if they achieve their goal. Simple wool keeps sheep dry. It will keep your baby dry too.

Would you like to try wool diaper covers on your baby? Wool soakers (pull-on covers) are easy to make. Knit or crochet your own wool soakers from the Down Under Diaper Cover pattern at Born to Love.

copyright © 2000 fuzbaby

About the Author: Marc Pehkonen is a Materials Scientist and an enthusiastic supporter of the family business, fuzbaby, run by his wife, Lori Taylor.  Marc has worked on sheep farms in New Zealand, sheared sheep, spun wool, and he is a knitter.  He is the father of two cloth-diapered, wool-covered children.  They love wool diaper covers, wool coats, wool blankets, wool sweaters, wool hats, wool shoes.  This family loves wool.

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