A wool mattress pad is the best product to protect your mattress as well as create a safe sleeping space. Unlike plastic, wool is completely natural and non toxic, biodegradable and eco friendly to produce. If you are pottying your baby, toilet training your toddler or need an incontinence pad for your bed, wool might just be your best friend.  If you haven’t already discovered wool and all its amazing properties, read on to find out all you ever wanted to know about WOOL. 

Why is wool so amazing then?

Wool has been used since primitive times as a durable, versatile fabric that no man-made fibre has ever been able to match. Lets take a look at some of the key benefits of wool.

Advantage 1: It naturally repels liquids of all kinds including urine:

Caught soon enough, liquid it just beads up and rolls right off! This makes it ideal for using as a waterproof barrier anywhere, but especially in bed. Why? Because unlike a plastic mat (which does not absorb at all), wool will eventually absorb and hold the liquid without allowing it to penetrate to the surface underneath. In fact, wool can soak up 30% of its own weight in moisture.  And this means you can chill;  your mattress is safe.

How?

The science is in the fibres, naturally. Their unique properties mean the liquid and dirt don’t penetrate it. You get even more water and dirt-resistance when you add lanolin, the natural oil produced by sheep to protect their coats: pretty smart!

 

Advantage 2: It won’t smell!

When urine combines with lanolin and dries, it neutralises it (making salt), and this is why it won’t smell. Mother nature really does know best and thanks to this natural chemical reaction, you won’t need to wash a urine-soaked puddle pad after each soaking, you can just let it dry and it will still smell clean and fresh, saving you time and money. Joy!

Advantage 3: It feels warm and dry even when it’s wet

Yep, you heard me right.  Wool will feel dry where it counts – against your baby’s skin. And that means more sleep for you if you encounter a nappy leak at night. In fact, wool actually generates heat when its wet!  So, even if your little one does end up in a pool of liquid, time will be on your side when it comes to cleaning up.  Sleep easy!

Advantage 4: It’s breathable and won’t overheat your baby

Wool is great as a nap or night-time sleep surface as it naturally regulates body temperature. This is thanks to the tiny pockets of air naturally present in each fibre, which make it a great insulator. Wool creates the perfect sleeping environment for you and your little one.  Oh, and did I mention its also naturally fire resistant?

Advantage 5: It’s completely natural, biodegradable and will age well

As well as being 100% made by nature, wool is also naturally stain, mold and mildew resistant. This means that even after lots of use, it will retain its original personality and identity (I only wish the same could be said of sleep-deprived mums and dads).  Due to it’s crimped structure, wool is also naturally elastic and will return to its natural shape after stretching, making it resistant to wrinkling and sagging (as mere humans, we have to live with this unfairness….).

Once you have finished using it as a puddle pad, it will enjoy a new life as a pet blanket or travel mat. And when the time comes to truly lay it to rest, it will biodegrade naturally, giving back valuable nutrients to the earth.

Advantage 6: Its safe

Unlike plastic alternatives, it won’t harbour bacteria, go yellow or be ruined by an accidental tear in the wash. More importantly, it won’t “off-gas” toxic chemicals right into your baby’s environment. And of course, its also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with allergies, asthma or eczema.

Advantage 6: Its strong

When looked after, wool is tear-resistant and bendy. Yes; bendy! Do you know that wool can be bent back on itself over 20,000 times without breaking? Stronger than steel.

Advantage 7: It’s easy to look after

A Little Bunny Bear Wool puddle pad or mattress protector can be washed in a washing machine and some can even be tumble-dried, but you will find they doesn’t need much drying time, especially if it’s been spun first.

OK, so what now?

Why not have a go at making your own with my FREE DIY puddle pad guide here. Otherwise, I have plenty of organic and repurposed wool ones available in my shop, where I’ve already done the hard work for you. You can also read a fully impartial review of my puddle pads here, via the baby and family blog www.leonina-frei-geborgen.com/ueber-leonina