Make your own wool pad to protect the mattress?

[LaydieBugs]

I'm expecting my first next month and co-sleeping is unquestionably part of the plan, I just want to get outfitted for it ...

I LOVE the looks of some wool pads I've seen for beds, rather than a plastic one. I know *I* am super sensitive to breathing petroleum products and other chemicals, and to temperature when I sleep - kiddo will probably be even more so! Since I can't stick with my longtime addiction to a feather mattress, I just bought this fantastic chemical free mattress topped with 100% latex, bamboo, etc ... I don't want to put plastic on it!

BUT ... $75-ish for a pad big enough to protect against his wetting, and my leaking?

I'm sure I could buy a piece of wool, felt it, and even lanolize it if needed for a lot less than that.

Has anyone done this? Which kind of wool fabric did you use? Or maybe it doesn't matter? I was reading to use crepe or jersey for diaper covers, not suiting or coating, but it didn't say why.

Or - other suggestions for protecting the bed?

[LCBMAX]

Any kind of sheep's wool works great, and you can look up lanolinizing techniques online really easily. I honestly haven't noticed that it makes a big difference though. What does make a difference is itchiness! Try sleeping naked on any wool you might use to check for subtle itchiness that your hands can't detect. So no, you don't have to buy anything, just troll the thrift stores.

Having said that, my son LOVES his sheepskin which was a gift. Sleeps great on it. I wish we had one that fit the whole bed.

[StoriesInTheSoil]

We use a wool blanket from army surplus under our fitted sheet. Didn't lanolize but it works great anyway!