Questions about hidden PUL dipes and WIO's

[lhowlett]

It's me, again
You know those dipes with PUL sandwiched inbetween the inner layer and the outer flannel? Do they work normal, like the PUL doesn't wick? Are they a lot thicker?
Would it work with fleece?

Also, I was thinking about it the other day. I love the absorbancy of wool. Could it be used as the outer layer of a dipe? I'm guessing it would have to be not 100%, or if it was 100% it'd have to be felted, so it could be washed, right? I think I've heard of WIO's. Anyway, I'll be awaiting all of your ingenious thoughts!
:

[amysuen]

I have a couple of hidden PUL dipes and they wick a little faster than regular PUL ones - except our minkee Potbelly Pig. Generally I prefer non-hidden PUL outers.

WIO are actually WI2s because you need to separate the wool outer from the non-wool soakers for washing. Most have snap-in soakers that you replace and keep using the same wool shell.

[lhowlett]

BUt if you use wool with some or all acrylic to it wouldn't that then be washable? I just don't really see any difference between a WI2 and a cover and fitted.

[arinst1]

Originally Posted by lhowlett

BUt if you use wool with some or all acrylic to it wouldn't that then be washable? I just don't really see any difference between a WI2 and a cover and fitted.

Because you have to wash them separately, that is the same.
But, you can put the WIO on the babe in one swoop, as opposed to putting on a fitted and then wool cover.
The beauty of wool is that is doesn't need to be washed everytime it is used, just aired out between wearings. You could wash every 2 weeks or so if the wool didn't get poopy. When you add acrylic or other fibers to the wool, it looses this property. Wool also usually needs to be lanolinized. If you are throwing it in the wash everytime it is used(such as in a true AIO) it either won't get lanolinized, or if it does, so does the absorbant inner (you don't want that!) If you are still confused, ask away....

[lhowlett]

No I totally understand that. I love the proporties of 100% wool! We use it all the time. But I think what I'm looking for is the breathablility and absorbancy of wool, but also something I can put on in one step. To me snaping a fitted in, putting a cover over a fitted, and stuffing a pocket I suppose are all steps.
And yes it couldn't be lanlolized, but if I'm only using it one use at a time, maybe it would still have enough absorbancy for that one time.

[arinst1]

OK, I think I get what you are saying. I don't think you will be able to use wool *exactly* like a traditional AIO. If you have enough WIO's you can have them already and just fasten them on baby, but you will need to unsnap after use and put the inner in the pail. I think what would work better for you would be a wool wrap with a lay in prefold or contour diaper. You would jusn need to lay in the contour or trifolded prefold then shake the prefold into the diaper pail when dirty and air out the wool shell. If your wool wrap was felted enough initially you could wash it in the washer, but I'd let it have a few uses first and wash it with delicates, not diaper laundry. If anyone else has more insight in this feel free to chime in

[lhowlett]

Thanks for all your help!
So what about sewing the wool right onto the inner layer and making a pocket?

[jorie]

I understand what you are going for, but wool just isn't going to behave the way you want it to. You can't treat wool like a diaper. First it will felt, then it will fall apart, leaving you with a icky mess in your washer and all over your dipes. You want polar fleece. It was created to minic wool, which means it is breathable like wool (though not absorbent), but can be washed with the dipes. I've made a bunch of AIO with MM windpro--they work great I have had some compression wicking with them, but you can get that with wool, too, so I just don't use them when we are going to be in the car alot.

[lhowlett]

I'm finally defeated! You're right, the washer mesh would be awful!

I've used fleece and like it, DS's skin just seems to object to anything synthetic. I love all the prints and colors though!

Thanks mamas!