I received these items at no cost to facilitate my review. All opinions remain my own.
“Why did we wait so long to try wool?!” I said to Trail Dad, halfway through our damp and difficult 9-hour hike, “we are carrying so much less, diaper changes are faster and he seems so cozy!” I may have also made some weird comments about dressing myself head-to-toe in merino wool, with perhaps a diaper in there too, but you don’t need to know how my mind works on long hikes.
Now, I don’t know about you, but the less I can take with me anywhere, the better. And this is especially true while hiking and backpacking. And if I can make a chilly diaper change in the woods a little bit faster, I’m going to do it. So when I heard about how great wool diaper covers were for hiking, I had to try one myself. And let me tell you, it has revolutionized diaper changes in the backcountry! Step aside, PUL, we may have just become a woolly family!
But why wool? Anyone who spends any length of time in the outdoors has probably heard about merino wool. It is marketed as a great material for socks, underwear, bras, base layers, hats, scarves and more. It is breathable, odour and stain resistant and wicks away moisture, leaving you feeling dry. It keeps you warm when it’s cool, and cool when it’s warm. It also doesn’t need to be washed with every use, in fact, that is discouraged.
I approached Melanie at Gentle Nest with my excitement in learning about wool diaper covers and she was more than happy to help us test drive them in the backcountry. We received our BabeeGreens wool diaper cover and longies with literally just enough time to prep them [https://www.gentlenest.ca/pages/cloth-diapering-laundry] before our latest camping trip and then we put them to the test on a 2-night stay in the woods. Not knowing how our new woolly friends would perform, I packed a few extra PUL diaper covers just in case. How silly of me! Our BabeeGreens wool diaper cover was all we needed for our trip. Well, we have a pretty specific nighttime setup that works really well for us right now, but for the many diaper changes in a day, we used that same wool diaper cover and paired it with the longies for a cozy, dry, happy hiking baby. At the end of our trip you couldn’t tell that we had used the cover or longies but for the puckering in the knees. Both the diaper cover and longies were dry, ordourless and ready to be worn again. And again. And again!
The Stars of the Show: BabeeGreens Wool Diaper Cover & Longies featuring…
- Upcycled wool diaper cover in “Shades of Brown” (because these covers are upcycled, each one is a little bit different).
- Two sets of snaps for the perfect fit around waist and legs.
- Soft but snug elastic to contain messes without digging in to fleshy thighs.
- Wool diaper liner (sold separately) – the perfect natural fibre alternative to a fleece or disposable liner OR a booster for extra absorbency!
- Wide snug waistband for a comfortable fit.
- Upcycled wool longies in “Shades of Brown” with lots of room for a fluffy bum or a growing babe.
- Wide snug ankle cuffs to keep longies from riding up the leg into shorties.
What we love about our BabeeGreens Wool Diaper Cover & Longies:
- They are lightweight but absorbent! I can’t say enough good things about wool. I need more of it in my life, especially if it’s in the form of a cute diaper cover or some little pants. But the biggest advantage of using wool is that it is super light and super absorbent. Hours of hiking and several uses later, our wool was still dry and not feeling any heavier!
- They are breathable! Wool is a naturally wicking material which means that it moves moisture generated by the body away from the body. This keeps Baby feeling dry and prevents diaper rash.
- They are sized (accurately)! We have a lot of one-size diaper covers, and they are great! But sometimes a more fine-tuned fit is needed. BabeeGreens wool diaper covers come in three sizes: Small (0-6 months or 8-18 lbs.), Medium (6-12 months or 15-25 lbs.) and Large (12-24 months or 20-35 lbs.). The longies also come in three sizes with similar age and weight ranges. We grabbed both the wool diaper cover and longies in a large as Huckleberry is about 25 lbs., and both fit him splendidly with room to grow.
- They are so cute and cozy! Even the cream coloured items are adorable! But who can say no to some upcycled wool sweaters turned baby clothes? And merino wool is oh-so-soft!
- They can be paired with any insert or a fitted diaper! Whether you use flats, prefolds, fitteds or any other insert for that matter, you can use a wool diaper cover or longies.
- They stay put! The diaper cover is nice and wide in the crotch and doesn’t bunch or shift, which is very important to us while hiking. And the longies are generous in the crotch, to accommodate a fluffy bum, and cuffed at the ankles, to keep them from slowly becoming shorties.
- They are easy to care for! I was definitely in the “intimidated by wool” camp at the beginning of our cloth diapering journey. But lanolizing was so easy! And washing is even easier! And neither of those things needs to be done very often.
- The longies are dual-purpose! They can be used on their own (as a diaper cover) or to add another layer of protection or warmth. While out frolicking in the woods, we’ve been using our longies as a base layer, keeping Huckleberry cozy warm, and as insurance, containing and possible leaks. He’s also been wearing them as pants, and we get a lot of compliments!
- You get incredible value for price! With any cloth diaper purchase, you’re getting great value for price in terms of use and reuse, but wool goes above and beyond the normal standard. You can take less with you on an outing, do less laundry, and keep Baby just as clean, dry and happy.
- BabeeGreens is a “made here” company! They manufacture ALL of their products in North Carolina, USA. They don’t outsource anything! Which, on top of their upcycling, makes them pretty darn eco-friendly and pretty darn awesome!
- BabeeGreens has high quality standards! They use only the highest quality, eco-friendly fibers in their cloth diaper products. They use Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified Merino Wool and Upcycled Cashmere for their products. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a globally uniform testing and certification system for all stages of textile production. This certification ensures that products are free from harmful substances. There is no finer certification than the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It goes beyond the organic label!
What we would change if we could:
- There isn’t a ton of room to grow in the longies. There is plenty of room to grow in the diaper cover, but Huckleberry might be out of these longies before the winter is over and he will only be just over 1 years old. We realize he’s a big boy, 98th percentile and all, but the large size does say 8-24 months or 25-35 lbs., and he is at the bottom of both of those ranges. However, this is just me estimating, and who knows, perhaps he’ll wear them until this time next year without issue.
Looking to get your hands on some adorable, oh-so-cozy and perfect-for-the-backcountry wool products? Well, you’re in luck! Gentle Nest has lots in stock and is having a sale just for you! Between October 27th and November 3rd, receive 15% off all BabeeGreens wool products at Gentle Nest. Don’t delay, jump on that sale today! And while you’re waiting for your brand new wool products to arrive in the mail, how about a giveaway?
BabeeGreens & Gentle Nest have joined forces to offer one lucky winner their choice of one in-stock wool or upcycled cashmere diaper cover and one in-stock pair of wool or upcycled cashmere longies!
Terms & Conditions: Open to residents of Canada and the USA, 18 years of age or older. Confirmed winner(s) will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Prize fulfillment is the responsibility of the sponsor(s). Canadian winners must successfully complete a skill testing question. For questions or to see your product featured on Maman on the Trail blog contact Monica at http://www.mamanonthetrail.com/contact-me/
Pingback: Maman's Top 10 Most Popular Posts - Maman on the Trail
not posting for the giveaway, its over anyways. just like to say this set looks amazing to keep leaks away.
After our little walk today maybe a pair of wool longies would be a good idea. Even an hour after the walk (with snowpants, pants, tights and wool booties) babies legs were still rather cool. :/ Might prove to be a problem snowshoeing this winter!
I would definitely substitute wool for the tights and then possibly fleece for the pants. You want to have air space, not too many tight layers. Tight layers and no airspace is a recipe for cold bodies!
These are super cute!
Pingback: Holiday Gift Guide for Cloth Diapering Families
Thanks for such a great review on this brand on wool diapers! I have yet to try wool for diapers, but it sounds amazing! The set you reviewed is adorable as well. 🙂
I haven’t tried wool yet for diapers. It sounds ideal though as I love my merino wool shirts and long johns!
I have never tried wool but definitely want to because I really like natural products and I love how much you can use them before washing.
I love using wool at night! Keeps the crib sheets dry! We need more longies, my daughter grew out of the ones we have.
I love wool! Always have. Hope to win for my little man!
I’m a huge fan of wool – it is my favourite over fitteds to ensure no leaking! Would love to try this brand after reading the review 🙂
We love wool ! Expecially for over nights, and its fabulous during our cold winters as an extra under layer.
I would like to try the wool blend because its highly absorbent and wool will keep the buns warmer in the winter.
I would love to give wool a try. I hear only great things about it and would love it not only for a night time option but for daytime as some of the wool longies are so cute and perfect for fall
I want to try wool because is seems more breathable than PUL covers and I’ve heard it’s so great for overnight protection.
We love wool longies and would like to try these.
I haven’t tried wool yet, but I would like to because a coworker said it worked the best for her son.
I haven’t tried wool, mainly because the baby is not born yet, 10 weeks to go 🙂 and I don’t really like how wool looks on the bum… but this cover looks perfect to me! That is totally different from what I have seen. And I would definitely check this out and will think about buying one!
I’d love to win for a dear friend who’s expecting her 5th…. She loves wool!
I haven’t tried wool before. I like that it is supposed to be easy to clean and doesn’t need to be washed after every use.
I have used wool before and love how breathable it is!
I have tried wool and I liked it. My cover I bought used ,got put in the dryer by my husband and I could use another one. Would be happy if I won.
I have not tried wool but I hear it’s great for overnights
Ive just dabbled in trying wool. I liked the idea of it but didnt have the right product for out needs.
I haven’t tried wool yet. I just purchased some used wool covers and need to wash and lanolize. I’m excited to try, as I’ve heard they are great for nighttime, and our LO has sensitive skin and I heard that helps as well
I have tried wool! I love everything about it. It’s breathable, low maintenance, soft, and adorable. I don’t have any longies, but I would love to have some.
Yes yes! love wool! most of my kids is upcycled by me but we’re due with another winter baby and need some small woolies to keep him warm. we’ve already had snow here!
I love wool especially for nighttime
I tried wool to ease my baby’s red skin in the morning and try to diminish the smell of his overnight diaper. I was so glad it worked! And more: got away from leaks at the seat time.
Would love to try these covers 🙂
I have had a lambswool quilt for 40 years and I have had it redone (recarded) a couple of times. I love it all seasons. It keeps just the right temperature so I am a believer in wool therefore I would like to win this so my daughter-in-law and son can try wool for their child. They are active people and also camp.
I’ve never tried wool covers before and to be honest my curiosity is piqued! Would love to give it a try!
I did a lot of research on cloth diapers before my son was born and decided wool was actually one of the most economical options. I bought a few used wool sweaters and upcycled them into covers. We use them with used prefolds and homemade fitteds. They work much better than the PUL covers we have! We don’t have any longies though, and I’d love to try these!
Wow! That is amazing! I need to learn to make things like that…I can sew if my mom holds my hand, haha!
For the upcoming giveaways, maybe some of the teething necklaces, like the one seen here: https://www.gentlenest.ca/collections/clothing-accessories-2/products/natural-and-eco-friendly-teething-and-nursing-necklace-maple-yang-or-teardrop
Pingback: Cloth Diaper Giveaways - Roundup for 10/28/16
I have never tried wool before. I would love to try it if it was in our budget. Winning this would be awesome!
In the grand scheme of things, it costs no more than 2-3 PUL covers and replaces more than that. You can make it fit in your budget for sure!
I have not tried any wool yet, but I am looking for a solution for my daughter who seems to be the heaviest wetter ever!
I would like to try wool because it is super light and super absorbent.
Wool is the best! We just started using it with baby #2 in April/May of this year and it’s my new favorite thing! It’s the only thing we can use on her at night, cloth diapering-wise, without breaking her out in a rash.
I don’t think my daughter has tried wool – yet! I will be sending this post to her to read. These sound like they would be a great addition to her stash.
Have not tried wool before but I would like to try. Love everything about cloth 🙂
I have not tried wool before but would love to as it is soft and a natural product. We are going to try and use natural products as much as possible for our baby.
Just purchased a wool cover and am so so excited to be able to try it out!!
I haven’t tried wool (for diapering) before but I would like to because it is more natural than PUL and I have heard great things.
I’m actually vegan so don’t use wool myself, but my SIL is pregnant and it would be a great gift.
I use wool covers at night over fitteds, and I love them! Low maintenance and effective. I’ve been thinking about getting some longies now that the weather is getting cooler.
I haven’t tried wool yet, but I am keen on all natural fibers.
I haven’t tried wool yet, if I knew more about it I would!
I love the idea of wool and have read so many great things about it. This giveaway would be a great chance to give it a try.
I have not tried wool on a baby, because we don’t have any nor is our LO born yet! 😮 (I have wool socks and a sweater that I like though! ;-)). I want to try wool for LO because for one I have heard that wool diapers are fantastic, and your review notes that as well. And I think that the wool longies would be nice and cozy for our chilly winters!
I would love to try wool because I’ve heard from so many people how amazing it is! It doesn’t hurt that is cozy and adorable also!
I would like to try wool as a winter layer. I think it would be excellent for warmth without bulk in a carseat.
I’m currently trying out one cover. I’m not sure I’m doing it right, as I find there is a lingering urine smell. I only have one fitted diaper to go with it and was told that liners or refolds wouldn’t hold enough. So we are using a wool cover overnight once per week at the moment
We have only used it with inserts and prefolds so far and they work great! Did you lanolize the wool before using it? That would prevent the urine smell from sticking around. We used Sheepish Grins lanolin, super simple to use! http://www.sheepishgrins.com/
I would really like to ttry wool after rreading the review.
Those longies look amazing and so snugly for winter!
We love wool for overnight but would love to try some with snaps! Have never tried longies before but I think in an Alberta winter they would be nice and warm.
We currently use wool because our baby girl has a super bad skin sensitivity issue and is allergic to synthetic fabric. We love wool because even during our super hot summer here in northern Nevada she was still cool and now going into a likely harsher winter she will be kept nice and cozy – without the rashes she got from other diapers!
Wool is magical, isn’t it?!
I want to try wool because everyone always recommends it!
I have tried wool. It makes a great nighttime solution.
I’ve never tried wool covers before. Would like to try as i hear it’s comfortable for baby.
I love wool! Its soft and helps regulate temperature keeping baby cool when hot and hot when cold. my toddler loves how snuggly it is and always asks for his wool. its the most comfortable option!
I want to try wool because I have heard a lot of good things about wool covers that they are excellent in waterproofing and Comfort. Besides the wool cover above is designed like a true diaper cover and it’s so so cute..I want to win this.
I have been using wool covers for night time and they are amazing! They are so comfy and cozy and wick away moisture and stop leaks amazingly. I also love that they don’t need to be washed each time.
My first baby is due on November so I haven’t tried them yet but will love too since everyone raves about their absorbency
I have never tried wool, but am very curious. I understand that it is simply the best for absorbency.
We’ve tried wool and love it! It’s so absorbent at nighttime!
I have tried wool on my little guy with good results! He has very sensitive skin – breaks out in a rash at the slightest provocation – and it’s worked very well on him at night. I’d love to try more, and especially beautiful stretchy stuff like these!
i’ve tried wool, i liked it, some i knitted, some recycled sweaters
I haven’t tried wool before but intend to mostly out of curiosity of how well it works as a cover. I think that hiking is a good example where you need to pack less so they double as pants and even when just using the cover you don’t need several covers since you wash these even less than hybrid shells.
I just wrote a whole post about how wool helped us pack less on our latest backcountry camping trip!
No, we have a heavy wetter
These looks so worm and cosy I really want to try the cover and pants together for bedtime. That would be the best night combo ever.
It just occurred to me that that would be genius! I just need more longies now lol…can’t have him wearing his PJs all day!