Ever heard of wool covers for cloth diapers? They might sound out of place in sunny (and humid) Singapore, but they can be a real game-changer, especially for those long nights!

Think of wool covers as a natural, breathable, and leak-resistant layer that goes over your cloth diaper. 

Why Wool? What's So Great About It?

So, why would you choose wool over PUL (the waterproof plastic-y stuff in most diaper covers, like our Duo Wrap (Snaps) or Duo Wrap (Hook & Loop))? Here's the lowdown:

1. Amazing Absorbency: Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in liquid without feeling wet! That's serious leak protection, making them perfect for nighttime when you don't want to change diapers every few hours.

2. Breathable Bliss: Unlike plastic, wool allows air to circulate. This helps keep baby's skin cool and prevents that hot, sweaty feeling that can lead to rashes, especially in our humid Singapore weather.

3. Naturally Antibacterial: Lanolin, the natural oil in wool, has antibacterial properties! This helps keep smells at bay and can even prevent infections. Less stink = happy parents!

4. Self-Cleaning Magic: Wool is naturally self-cleaning! You don't need to wash it every time. Just let it air dry, and the lanolin will work its magic.

5. Temperature Regulation: Wool helps keep baby comfortable, whether it's a hot day or a cool air-conditioned night. It's like a natural thermostat!

Wool Covers: Perfect For...

• Nighttime Diapering: Say goodbye to midnight leaks! Wool covers are super reliable for those long stretches of sleep (for both you and baby!).

• Heavy Wetters: Does your little one soak through everything? Wool can handle it!

• Babies Prone to Rashes: The breathability and antibacterial properties can help prevent and soothe irritated skin.

How to Use, Wash, and Lanolize Wool Covers:

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's how to care for your wool covers:

Using Wool Covers:

• Simply put it over your fitted diaper, prefold, or insert. Make sure the absorbent material is completely covered!

• They work great with fitted diapers at night or with a prefold during the day.

Washing Wool Covers:

• Frequency: Only wash when they start to smell or feel stiff (usually every few weeks).

• Handwashing if you prefer tender loving care:

  • Use cool water and gentle wool wash (we recommend Unicorn Clean). You can use the Strucket Mini to help agitate and wash easily without dirtying your hands!

  • Gently squeeze the water through the cover. Don't rub or twist!

• Machine Washing (Handle with Care!):

  • If your machine has a wool cycle, use it!

  • Always use a mesh laundry bag to protect the cover.

• Avoid: Hot water, harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners!

Lanolizing Wool Covers:

Lanolizing is the key to keeping your wool covers waterproof! It replenishes the natural oils that get washed away.

• When to Lanolize: After washing and when the cover starts to leak.

• How to Lanolize (as recommended by Bumby Wool):

  1. Water & Emulsion Prep

     • 🔥 Heat about ½ cup of water to near boiling before adding lanolin for proper emulsification.

     • 🥄 Add emulsion blocks or soap to the hot water, along with 1 tablespoon of lanolin.

     • 🏺 Stir until the mixture turns milky white—undissolved lanolin won’t absorb evenly.

     • ⚖️ Even filtered water can be quite alkaline, which is great for our health but not ideal for lanolin.

     • 🏺 Use a mason jar with distilled water—this allows for easy microwave heating and clean storage.

     • ❄️ Store any leftovers in the fridge—using distilled water helps reduce contaminants.

     • 🥄 Pour a small amount of the mixture into a bowl and slowly add distilled water while swishing to regulate the temperature and keep the lanolin blended.

     • 👀 If you see a few floaties, that’s fine—but large clumps indicate an issue that needs troubleshooting.

     Applying Lanolin

     • ✨ Start with a small amount—less is better! You can always add more.

     • 💦 Dip the wool wet zone first—this area needs the most lanolin.

     • 🎨 If lanolizing multiple colors, start with the lightest to reduce dye transfer.

     • 🤲 Gently rub the garment after dipping to help distribute lanolin evenly.

     🔁 Repeat As Needed

     • 🧴 If the wool feels dry, repeat the lanolizing step.

     • ❄️ Save leftover emulsion—store it in the fridge for future use.

     🚿 Rinsing & Drying

     • 💦 Rinse in cool water to remove excess emulsion block residue.

     • 🌀 Spin out excess water in the washer to speed up drying (optional).

     • 📏 Lay flat to dry—never hang wool, as it can stretch.

     • 💨 Use a fan to speed up drying—wool dries faster than cotton.

A Few Extra Tips for Singapore Weather:

• Make sure your wool covers are completely dry before storing them.

• Air dry them in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold.

• You might need to lanolize more often in humid weather.

Wool covers might seem a bit intimidating at first, but they're definitely worth a try! They offer amazing benefits for your baby's comfort and your peace of mind, especially for nighttime use. 

For nighttime diapering - we recommend Bumby Wool :)