Wondering what a wool soaker is? What are longies, shorties, and sleep sacks? Think wool is just for cloth diaper users? Think again! Read to the end to find how wool can be a fantastic solution for naps & nighttime for disposable diaper users as well. Say goodbye to wet clothes and sheets!
Wool soakers, longies, shorties, skirties, sleep sacks, and woolies are all garments made of 100% wool (no superwash) that go over cloth diapers. The pants form (longies) can be made in any length from shorts (shorties) to capris, bloomers, pantaloons, etc. Sleep sacks are long well, sacks, that are usually worn by newborns and very young babies. There is an opening at the bottom for easy access during diaper changes – similar to newborn gowns.
Wool is wonderfully breathable and keeps baby’s skin at a good temperature. Babies who are prone to diaper rash seem to do much better with cotton cloth diapers and woolies. Wool can also absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before it begins to feel damp. The only challenge you might have is what’s called compression wicking. This is when additional clothing is put on over woolies. The pressing of the additional clothing against the wool can cause the wool to become damp prematurely. I have always felt though that if you’re going to knit (or purchase) wonderfully made woolies – why in the world would you want to cover them up! Show your wool proudly! Wool is great choice, and of course, can be incredibly cute. It’s especially a favorite amongst cloth diaperers for nighttime. Wool soakers (all woolies) only need to be washed when soiled or every week or so. Truth be told, I have often gone much longer than one week between washings for my little one’s longies & soakers. Especially with a young baby. See how I wash our wool soakers here.
And one last note, even if you don’t plan to use cloth diapers; longies, shorties, sleep sacks, and soakers are still darn cute for baby and can then be made of any fiber content that you like. Though I will say that during our recent move we had our two that are still in diapers in disposable diapers and found that wool soakers over their disposable diapers kept all of our sheets dry! That’s right – disposable diapers often leave baby, their clothes, and the sheets wet after long naps or during nighttime. The solution is wool soakers or longies! Knit up some fun Butt Knits patterns in 100% wool (not superwash) and say goodbye to wet clothes & sheets! Be sure to check out question #3 on the Butt Knits FAQ page to find out how to easily make Butt Knits patterns fit disposable diapered babies.
A few helpful links…
DiaperKit.com offers cloth diaper patterns as well as pre-cut, ready to sew cloth diaper making kits. Fitted diapers are a great choice to go under wool soakers & longies. Butt Knits patterns are also available at DiaperKit.
