Reusable shell AIO's and what about WOOL?

[happeeevraftr]

Alrighty, I have a few questions now...

I like the idea of a AIO that you can reuse the shell a couple of times with a new soaker, and the ones I made were like that. This is how Daisy Doodles are made and everyone says they can use them 2-3 times before washing.

Problem is, mine stink after just one use. I mean, even if it doesn't have any pee on the shell, it's still had a pee drenched soaker sitting in it for a couple of hours. And also, Christa at DD says you only have to wash the shells on cold with your regular wash (unless they get poop on them), but I don't feel like they're really getting clean that way. Does cold water really get rid of pee and pee smell?

Does anyone else have this problem? Is this why many of you don't use that kind? I thought it would be a really economical way to go since microfiber soakers are so cheap to make. But if I can only use it once anyway, it's no different.

So now I'm also considering wool. I've never used wool--I don't think I've ever owned anything wool! But I've read that you can use it for a couple weeks without washing! And I ask you: HOW?

Something about antibacterial properties? But doesn't it still STINK? I mean, urine gets on it! Maybe I should be asking this in the regular diapering board, but you ladies know so much about different types of materials. And I'm also wondering what you think about making the same type of diaper but with wool fabric? (Wool interlock/jersey? I have no clue! What's the difference, and what would be better?) I guess it would be very much like the woolinone on Jessica's sewdiapers site. But I just don't understand how wool works. Would I have to wait for the shell to dry before using it again? And would I really be able to use it for a week or two before washing? And is it expensive to wash?

Is wool absorbent? Like would I use it as a soaker material or should I just use it for the shell and then use something else (birdseye?) for the soaker?

I'm starting to really like the idea of natural materials. But is there anything natural that can wick away moisture? I don't want my baby's little bum to be all red from sitting in wetness. Does velour help keep dry? But that's not even 100% cotton either, is it?

Oh, I have so many questions! But I've come to the right place! You ladies are fabulous!

[FitMOmmyOf2]

Good questions!

Sorry if I might disappoint you now with posting here as I myself have NO clue whatsoever! I'm curious myself to find out!!!

[Jillbob]

We use mostly fitteds and wool, I keep AIOs on hand for outings though. I was reeeeeallly hesitant to try wool. I didn't get it. But I think it's one of those things you have to see to believe.

Originally Posted by happeeevraftr

So now I'm also considering wool. I've never used wool--I don't think I've ever owned anything wool! But I've read that you can use it for a couple weeks without washing! And I ask you: HOW?

I hardly ever wash my wool : I wash a cover/soaker when poop gets on it or I've realized I can't remember the last time I washed it.

Something about antibacterial properties? But doesn't it still STINK?

Yes, wool is naturally antibacterial. I've NEVER had wools stink, I've heard that others have had a faint urine smell when it's been too long between washing.

And I'm also wondering what you think about making the same type of diaper but with wool fabric? (Wool interlock/jersey? I have no clue! What's the difference, and what would be better?)

It's a personal preference, I like wool flannel for night time (two layers unfelted) and jersey/interlock for day time, jersey is thinner, so you'll probably need two layers, I believe you can get by with one for interlock (don't quote me on that one though lol)

Would I have to wait for the shell to dry before using it again?

I have a shelf above the changing table that has hooks underneath. If the cover is slightly wet on the inside, I'll hang it up to air out and it's dry by the next time I change her. If it's dry, I'll just put it right back on.

And would I really be able to use it for a week or two before washing? And is it expensive to wash?

AT LEAST a week or two between washing. I have some that I only wash around once a month (since learning to knit, I've gone on quite a bender lol, we have a ton of wool). I usually use baby shampoo to wash it, you can get yummy smelling wool wash too (I just ordered some from www.monkeysuds.com, can't wait to get it)

Is wool absorbent? Like would I use it as a soaker material or should I just use it for the shell and then use something else (birdseye?) for the soaker?

I wouldn't use it for the soaker, wool can absorb 30% of its weight in liquid, but not fast enough to catch a stream, so while it would probably absorb some, more would get on the floor

I'm starting to really like the idea of natural materials. But is there anything natural that can wick away moisture? I don't want my baby's little bum to be all red from sitting in wetness. Does velour help keep dry? But that's not even 100% cotton either, is it?

I don't think any natural fiber wicks. I do really like velour/organic velour for inners. You can get 100% cotton velour, I think www.diapershop.com carries it. I don't know about where to find organic though, I ordered some through a co-op but I haven't seen a new one in a while.


And with wool, you have to lanolize it to help it remain water resistant. There are tons of directions on how to do it online, you can just use leftover lansinoh, or I got a tub or lanolin from the health food store for $6 and I'm only about halfway through it six months later (I use it for my skin too).

[amysuen]

Originally Posted by happeeevraftr

Something about antibacterial properties? But doesn't it still STINK? I mean, urine gets on it!

My thoughts exactly... until I tried it. Now I wool! I don't have much, but what I do have I love. It really doesn't stink, and it does feel light and barely damp even when the diaper underneath is soaked : I was amazed, you have to try it to believe it!

[happeeevraftr]

Wow, you gals are really convincing!

So what about poop though? Doesn't it get on the cover? Especially little baby's with runny poo--do you use wool for newborns?

With older children, would you just not have wool on them when you think they're going to go? My dd is pretty consistent now. But sometimes it's still pretty mushy and I would be afraid of it getting on the cover. Especially if I make them the way I want them---which brings me to my other question:

Would a wool daisy doodle type diaper work? I mean very trim cut wool shell with several soaker pads to change out. Can you see potential problems with this?

[onediaperinmama]

You know, I never re-use AIO shells that are PUL/micro or even diaper covers. I'm just not organized enough to air them out and give them another go 'round. BUT with wool shells, I totally re-use those, I have some wool in ones I made and some from Righteous Baby and I reuse those shells until they start to smell (about a week of heavy use) or until they get pooped on.

I use mini diapers with the ones I've made and the elasticized legs keep the poop pretty contained, I think on a newborn with runny bf poop you'd run the risk of soiling the shell more often, but Nathan is almost a year and a half so his are pretty solid.

BUT I do use wool on newborns, I felt like Nathan soaked through EVERYTHING so quickly during his first couple of months, the only way I could keep us relatively dry was with a thick prefold, hemp doubler and wool soaker pants. He lived in those for the first two months.

Sure, a trim diaper would work as long as there is a good elastic seal around the legs - you might try experimenting with gussets too, those keep the poopies where they belong. When I'd get poopy leaks on my wool pants or shorts, it was usually when I had him in a prefold... no elastic

Originally Posted by happeeevraftr

Wow, you gals are really convincing!

So what about poop though? Doesn't it get on the cover? Especially little baby's with runny poo--do you use wool for newborns?

With older children, would you just not have wool on them when you think they're going to go? My dd is pretty consistent now. But sometimes it's still pretty mushy and I would be afraid of it getting on the cover. Especially if I make them the way I want them---which brings me to my other question:

Would a wool daisy doodle type diaper work? I mean very trim cut wool shell with several soaker pads to change out. Can you see potential problems with this?