When Bailey Bowman welcomed her first child, she faced a significant challenge. Her baby struggled with severe bedwetting, making it tough to find a properly fitting diaper that could prevent leaks. There are few things quite as disheartening as holding a wet baby in a public place.
Living in Prince George, British Columbia, Bowman felt the chill of the weather. If she didn’t change her son’s clothes immediately after an accident, he would be uncomfortable in no time.
Then, things changed with wool diaper covers. Suddenly, leaks were no longer an issue. The absorbent wool kept the baby dry without any unpleasant smells, and the fit wasn’t overly fussy.
Armi Mills switched to wool diapers for a different reason. Her second child had severe eczema, and neither disposable nor cloth options were effective. Wool diaper covers contain lanolin, a natural fat that sheep produce in their fibers, which helps soothe sensitive skin. “I needed something that would calm my baby’s skin,” she notes, emphasizing its moisturizing properties.
At first glance, wool diapers may seem unusual, but for these mothers, they addressed a very real problem.
Additionally, as awareness about toxins in disposable diapers grows, wool offers a potentially safer alternative.
Last year, a study published in toxic substances found phthalates—synthetic chemicals in some disposable diapers—in babies’ urine. The researchers warned that these chemicals could potentially harm DNA and make infants more prone to chronic illnesses.
Cloth diapers have long had a reputation. For years, it was thought that only a niche group of parents, those with a particular lifestyle, would consider them. But now, wool diapers are changing perceptions and appealing to a wider range of parents, crossing political lines.
Wool diapers work as a two-part system. The first component is an insert, typically cotton, acting like a pad that absorbs waste. This is fitted inside a wool cover that keeps it secure.
Dr. Sabbat Ameen, a pediatrician at Henry Ford Health in Michigan, mentions that wool is hygienic and lasts longer. When urine interacts with lanolin, it breaks down into harmless substances, allowing parents to reuse the covers. At the end of the day, they can simply air dry the cover.
One big plus of wool covers, Mills adds, is that even when urine seeps through, the wool can self-clean, meaning parents don’t have to wash them frequently—sometimes for weeks.
“Wool fibers have natural antibacterial properties,” Mills explains. “With proper care, moisture evaporates quickly.” However, if solid waste leaks into the wool cover, it’s time to wash it, which requires a bit of know-how.
The price for a wool diaper cover ranges from $40 to $100, but you usually don’t need multiple covers. Some brands offer comprehensive sets, like the one Bowman mentions, covering birth to potty training for about $750. In contrast, disposable diapers can set parents back around $900 yearly, which isn’t feasible for many families.
While the initial investment in wool might seem high, for parents willing to devote some effort, it can be cost-effective.
Used wool diapers are also popular on the resale market. “When they pop up second-hand, they’re gone in a flash,” Bowman shares. “It’s funny—used underwear feels off, but used cloth diapers? It’s worth a try!” Their experiences led both Bowman and Mills to launch their initiatives and become advocates within the cloth diaper community.
Mills founded her company, Mimi & Co., in 2020, and it gained recognition on Shark Tank just three years later. There’s been a noticeable uptick in demand for wool diapers, according to Mills.
Bowman has noticed trends in their customer base shifting over time. Initially, wool diapers appealed mostly to affluent, educated mothers, but the conversation has broadened, especially post-pandemic. Parents are now increasingly aware of the environmental and health implications of plastic, leading more families to consider wool options.
Caught in Fluff
From Ameen’s viewpoint, a diverse range of parents—across backgrounds—often seek advice about cloth and wool diapers, particularly regarding diaper rash solutions. “Diaper rash can arise from extended contact with moisture,” she notes. “Even with wool, if they aren’t changed regularly, issues can arise.”
This highlights the need for adequate time and financial resources for parents, especially mothers, to learn about, maintain, and manage wool diapers.
In childcare settings, policies vary regarding reusable diaper acceptance. If children adapt, parents must be ready— often with a baby in one arm and a bag of used diapers in the other— to navigate these challenges.
