When it comes to making green choices for children’s clothing, I’ll admit that most of the time I’m on the lookout for organic cotton, bamboo or soy materials. But recently, I’ve discovered the benefits of Merino wool, and not only for it’s eco-friendly properties, but its baby-friendly properties too.
Apart from the fact that its luxuriously soft and cuddly, which already makes it appealing, here’s a rundown of the other benefits of Merino that make it a really practical and healthy choice.
It’s naturally fire resistant
Unlike most baby clothing that is treated with potentially harmful chemical flame retardants (check the tag for “low fire danger”), merino fibre is naturally fire retardant, helping to safeguard children’s health.
It’s eco friendly and biodegradable
Since it’s a natural fibre (produced from the fleece of merino sheep mostly in Australia or New Zealand) it’s a natural and renewable fibre source. And when Merino wool fibre is disposed of, it takes only a few years to decompose. Most synthetics on the other hand, are extremely slow to degrade.
It breathes and controls moisture / temperature
A unique feature of merino is that it absorbs perspiration from the skin and releases it into the air, so humidity between skin and garment is lowered. Merino fibre actively regulates temperature, protecting your baby from extremes because it keeps him warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. Because merino is 100% natural, there is no need for TOG rating, unlike products made from synthetic fibres.
It improves sleep routines
Medical studies have proven that merino improves the sleep patterns of babies and infants. At the Cambridge Maternity Hospital in 1979, Scott and Richards revealed that babies sleeping on merino settled more quickly, cried less, fed better and gained weight faster.
It’s beneficial for premature and low-weight babies
The same medical studies investigating the effect of merino on premature and low birth weight babies found that they gained an extra 10g a day compared to babies that weren’t sleeping on merino.
It reduces skin allergies
Superfine merino is soft and silky and does not irritate your baby’s skin. Because it has the ability to respond to changes in temperature, it’s amongst the most comfortable material you can put your baby in. Merino is hypoallergenic and has been linked with a lower incidence of skin allergies.
It’s comfortable and easy to care for
Super fine merino feels soft and silky next to your baby’s skin. Our merino is a finespun fabric, making it soft and comfortable. It also has a natural elastic property, meaning our garments fit snugly every time.
Itty Bitty Greenie now offers gorgeous Merino snugglesuits for babies made with the finest New Zealand Merino by Nurtured by Nature. Click here for more details.
