The Magic of Merino Wool

As the seasons begin to shift and the long summer nights gets shorter and colder, we begin to think about how the temperature changes affect our little ones. Newborns do not have the ability to control their body temperature, so they can often get colder and warmer than we realise. With this in mind, it may be time to think of how baby’s autumn/winter wardrobe can keep them warm and cosy as the temperature drops.

Merino wool has been a wonder fabric for parents across the ocean in New Zealand for many years, and it has now become a staple for many parents in the UK too. With a host of amazing features, merino wool should be a staple for your little one’s wardrobe too!

What is Merino Wool?

Merino sheep originated in Spain but were domesticated decades ago in Australia and New Zealand, which is why the benefits of their soft fleece were first discovered and cultivated in those areas. Merino sheep can survive the extreme temperatures - up to 35 degrees in the summer and down to minus 20 in the winter.

Their ability to thrive in New Zealand’s wide spectrum of weather conditions is down to the properties hidden within their beautiful fleece. But what are the properties that make it such a magical fabric?

• It’s a natural temperature regulator

We all know that wool is one of the materials we associate with warm winter nights curled up by the fire, whether it’s a cosy woollen jumper or a snuggly blanket. But, did you know that the Bedouin tribes of the Sinai desert wear merino wool in temperatures up to 80 degrees? As an active fibre, it reacts to our body temperature; its breathable due to its ability to let out moisture when necessary, allowing baby’s body to breathe.

• It’s super soft on baby’s sensitive skin

Some people associate wool with being itchy, but this is not so with merino! Merino wool fibres are ultrafine, with the diameter being five times less than that of a human hair. This is perfect for babies, whose skin is brand new and therefore very sensitive. At Natural Baby Shower, we understand that mums and dads want to know their baby is cosy, and merino wool can put minds at ease.

•  It’s incredibly absorbent!

Another wonderful benefit of merino wool is its level of absorbency. As a material, it can absorb up to 35% of its own weight before it starts to feel wet and soggy, like cotton for instance. Not only does it absorb water, it also works by siphoning it away from the skin and breathing it in to the air. This keeps skin dry, and reduces the chance or irritation.

• It has been proven to help baby sleep

Scientific studies have shown that babies who sleep either in merino wool and/or on merino bedding, fall asleep quicker. Moreover, they slept more efficiently and for longer! A combination of all the above points leads to less irritation, less fussing and more hours of restful sleep – which we all know makes the next day all the better.

The Best Brand for Merino Wool

We’ve long supported the magic of merino wool, which is why we were so excited to become the official UK distributor of New Zealand-based company Merino Kids.

Coming from the country that championed the global use of merino wool – as well as the natural parenting movement – we knew it was the perfect brand through which to show UK parents the wonders of this fabric.

To learn more about Merino Kids and their wonderful ranges, read our blog Merino Kids - The Must-Have Brand for Autumn & Winter