Merino for Safer Baby Sleep

superior insulation

Merino is the world’s finest natural fibre, one-tenth the thickness of a human hair. Since merino fibre is much finer than synthetic fibres for a given weight, it contains more air spaces for better insulation. Unlike smooth synthetic fibres, a merino fibre has tiny scales that increase the surface area available to resist the passage of air for even greater insulation. This superior warmth-to-weight ratio explains how merino baby sleeping bags can be both comfortably lightweight and very warm.

allergy-safe

Merino is unlike standard wool in that each merino fibre has a silky outer layer, creating an extremely soft, fine texture. Superfine merino fabric is lightweight, comfortable to wear without itch, and safe to use for babies with eczema, allergies and sensitive skin.

naturally fire resistant

Merino is naturally fire resistant. It doesn’t readily catch fire and even when it is burned, it self-extinguishes when the source of flame is removed. When merino is exposed to flame it doesn’t melt and stick to the skin like synthetic fabrics. That’s why fire-fighters’ uniforms incorporate merino. In contrast, synthetic fabrics present a high fire danger and are often required to be treated with fire-retardant chemicals which can irritate sensitive skin.

highly durable

Merino garments are long-lasting, as merino fibres can bend 20,000 times without breaking. The natural elasticity of merino fibres means they stretch with the wearer then return to their natural state so there is less chance of garments sagging or losing their original shape. Merino garments can be gently machine-washed with a wool detergent and tumble-dried on a low heat setting. They do not require frequent washing if aired regularly because merino fibre has a protective layer which repels stains and odours.

body temperature-regulating

Babies can take as long as a year to develop the full capability to regulate their own body temperature. Just a few degrees of variation in room temperature can cause them to overheat or wake up cold. Only merino fabric has the remarkable natural ability to regulate a baby’s body temperature to create the perfect safe micro-climate around their body. Merino fabric responds to changes in a baby’s body temperature to trap air to keep them warm in cool rooms and releasing heat and moisture when the room temperature rises.

reduced risk of overheating

Merino fabric ‘breathes’ exceptionally well, which means it is able to absorb perspiration from the skin and release it as vapour into the air to help prevent a baby from overheating and waking up damp. Laboratory tests conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) show that merino fibre has an amazing capacity to absorb moisture - up to 35 percent of its own weight - compared with polyester fabrics which are commonly around one percent absorption. For this reason, babies sleeping in merino are much less likely to overheat than babies sleeping in polyester sleeping bags or blankets. The UK Department of Health reports that overheating can increase the risk of cot death and risk of overheating is an important consideration when choosing nursery bedding.

the royal fibre

The merino sheep was bred secretly in the mountains of mediaeval Castile and the luxuriously fine soft textiles produced from the merino wool were the private reserve of the aristocracy of Spain. Ownership of merino flocks was restricted to the Castilian nobility, with exporting of merino outlawed and punishable by death to protect the valuable breed. Only in the 18th Century did merino start to reach the rest of the world, when the Kings of Spain gave prized merino sheep as gifts to their royal cousins in other countries. Today the aristocratic merino has found a new home in the spectacular Southern Alps of New Zealand, where mountain flocks produce the world’s finest, softest wool.