Woven Wrap Fiber Spotlight: Wool

This new series highlights the different fibers that are used in woven wraps. Keep in mind that fiber content is only one factor in how a wrap works.  Brand, weave structure, and thickness also impact how a woven wrap works.

Didymos Teviot

Wool wraps bounce and stretch.

The diagonal stretch makes it easy to get a comfortable seat for your baby.  I love how my daughter can safely bounce on my shoulders without causing strain on my back.  You can get wool wraps that are thin but offer the support and cushiness that you usually only find in thicker wraps.  If you want the most cushy and cuddly wraps available you should try a thick wool wrap.

Wool is antimicrobial.

The antimicrobial nature of wool means that it is naturally resistant against bacteria and fungus.  This is why so many people love wool diaper covers. Some people are scared of washing wool but actually you don’t need to wash wool wraps as often as you have to wash other wraps. For example, if I sweat on one of my wool wraps I just set it aside to dry and a few hours later the wrap is almost as good as new. 

Wool goes on sale.

With a little patience, you can find wool wraps regularly going on clearance sales.  My theory is that buyers are wary of the care required by wool and that causes companies to end up with surplus stock.  I have bought many wool wraps at 50% off just by waiting for the next sale. 

Wool keeps you cool in the summer.

Wool wraps are comfortable in the Arizona summers.  Wool regulates your temperature because it wicks away moisture and heat.  Marathon runners sometimes wear wool socks for this very reason.  Another reason wool is cooler in the heat is that by using wool you get a thinner wrap without sacrificing support (a common problem with cotton wraps).  Wool is what I always reach for in heat and humidity. 

 

Didymos Firebirds

Wool is good with newborns as long as they don’t have reflux.

A thin wool wrap is wonderful with newborns.  They aren’t lost in the thickness of a heavy wrap and the fibers aren’t scratchy like a bad wool sweater.  However, if your baby has eczema or reflux, wool might not be for you.  Eczema can cause wool to feel itchy for some people.  And while spot cleaning will work for spit up, if you have a baby who frequently spits up, you will probably prefer a wrap that you can easily throw in the washing machine. 

Wool wraps also handle toddlers and heavy babies.

Wool wraps are wonderful for heavy kids!  The wool is supportive and the bounce makes them feel extra cushy on your shoulders.  I usually choose wool when I wear my toddler.   I love how a thin, airy wrap can feel supportive and cushy when there’s wool content. 

Natibaby Bikes Mavi

Wool has some problems.

Wool wraps are more expensive than many 100% cotton wraps.

Wool wraps take longer to wash than other blends because you can’t use a machine. The agitation can cause them to felt, making them unsafe to use. 

Some people find wool to be itchy.  It especially affects people with eczema.  If wearing wool causes you or your child to get a rash, you probably won’t like wool wraps. 

Because of the more involved washing routine, wool wraps might not be the best choice if you are wearing a sick child or have a baby who spits up a lot. 

Washing wool wraps

Washing wool wraps is easier than it seems.  The main thing you want to avoid is felting it, which happens when it’s wet, soapy, and agitated.  If you can avoid those elements together then you have nothing to worry about.  You should wash your wool wrap before using it because wearing while still in “loom state” can cause the threads to shift around, creating weak spots in your wrap. 

Steps to wash wool wraps:

1.  Get a detergent meant specifically for wool.  I like Euclan, but there are other good detergents out there.  You want a brand that doesn’t contain enzymes.
2.  Fill your sink, bucket, or tub with room temperature water and a splash of your detergent.
3.  Then gently submerge your wool wrap, pushing down and gently turning to make sure it is wet all over.  Don’t scrub or agitate it against itself. 
4. Let it sit and soak for an hour.  It’s fine if you need to leave it longer. 
5. Then drain the water and gently press the wet wrap to remove more water.  With Euclan, rinsing is unnecessary. 
6. Spread the wrap across several towels, folding if needed.  Roll up the towels and press on the towels to absorb more water.  Unroll the wrap and either lay flat to dry or lay evenly supported on a drying rack to dry.
7. When drying on a rack, you should avoid long sections of the wrap hanging down because it can cause misshaping or stretching.
8. Once your wrap is completely dry, you can use an iron on the wool setting and steam iron it. 

 

Didymos Pink India, Audrey, and Night Owls.

Have you ever tried a wool wrap?  Did you like it?  Share your experiences here!