Keeping your sleeping babe cosy all year round

Keeping your sleeping babe cosy all year round

How choosing merino or cotton bedding can lead to a better night’s sleep

Merino and cotton have been clothing humans for thousands of years and for good reason. Now that we can produce amazing high-tech synthetic fabrics, have natural fabrics like merino and cotton done their dash? We don’t think so, and here’s why:

 

Keeping the temperature just right

Knowing how to dress little ones overnight is tricky. They’re not usually great at letting you know if they’re too hot or too cold. Instead, they rely on you to come to their aide in the middle of the night for some detective work. Natural fibres help babies sleep better because they stop their temperature from jumping around overnight. Babies can’t regulate their temperature until around 18 months to two years old, so until then, borrowing the talents of the merino sheep can help!

Merino, in particular, has the amazing ability to capture air in its tiny fibres to insulate when the temperature falls. Both cotton and merino have hollow fibres which allow excess heat to escape and absorb moisture (sweat) as the room temperature rises. On the other hand, synthetic fibres are tightly woven and lock in heat – resulting in sweaty babies who will then cool down quickly as the moisture continues to sit next to their skin.

According to this study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia, merino can absorb up to 35% of its weight in liquid, cotton around 24% and synthetic fabrics sit around 1%.

So with merino or cotton, if it’s a cold night, they’ll stay snug and if it’s a hot night, natural fibres will keep them cool and comfortable. The result is better sleep for everyone!

 

Molehills instead of mountains of washing

The amount of washing created by these cute little creatures can be overwhelming, so anything that helps on that front is a mum-win in our book! Wool and cotton are naturally more odour and dirt-resistant than their synthetic counterparts and need a lot less washing.

Best of all, they’re happily thrown in the washing machine (check the individual item’s care label) and can withstand multiple washes without falling to pieces. The elastic ‘memory-like’ properties of merino mean it stretches to accommodate your wriggling babe, and will bounce back to its natural shape when not in use.

While natural fabrics can have a higher cost, their durability (and less washing!) make it all worthwhile.

A tip: soaking merino isn’t advised as it can cause the fibre to deteriorate. You’re better to spot clean (vinegar is a natural and effective way to remove most stains from merino) and pop in the regular wash.

 

Say bye-bye to irritation

Not only can moisture sitting next to your babe’s skin cause irritation and rashes, the rough feel of synthetic fibres can also be harsh on delicate skin. Natural fibres like cotton and merino are silky and soft, hold antibacterial properties and are naturally hypoallergenic – meaning they’re less likely to lead to itchiness and skin problems.

The planet-friendly choice

Natural fabrics leave a very light footprint on the planet. They are renewable and biodegradable, which is particularly important in our world of fast fashion. According to this article, it’s estimated that manufacturers worldwide are producing 80 billion garments a year, a 400% jump from just twenty years ago, with a lot of this clothing being low-cost synthetics that have a short life span.

Synthetic clothing is made using chemicals and industrial processes with a heap of harmful inputs. Not only does the process (fossil fuels and pollution) harm the environment, but once the garments reach the end of their relatively short life, they break down extremely slowly in landfill.

In contrast, our friends the merino sheep need to be shorn and will go on to produce more amazing merino wool – just add water and grass. Cotton can be grown sustainably and free of harmful pesticides (organic cotton is best). When it comes to the end of its (much longer) lifecycle, it’s biodegradable and will go back into the earth from where it came.

Best of all, because natural fabrics tend to be more durable, they can be passed on to family and friends rather than winding up in landfill.

 

How to dress your little one for a dreamy sleep

From gowns to sleeping bags and everything in between, merino and cotton are the best fabrics to clothe your babe for a dreamy night’s sleep. These are some of our favourites:

Wee Babes

  • Organic Cotton bodysuit – soft and gentle on the skin, this provides the perfect base layer for dressing your little one for sleep.
  • 100% merino gown – perfect for night-time nappy changes without a dome in sight! The drawstring bottom keeps babies’ feet cosy and fold down mittens will keep night scratching at bay.
  • Merino sleep pod – an easy zip swaddle that gives your baby that snug, womb-like feeling.

Bigger babes

  • Merino Pyjamas – stretchy and snug, these merino pyjamas will keep your toddler warm and comfortable.
  • Sleeping bag – a combination of cotton, bamboo and merino make up this luxurious duvet-weight sleeping bag. Perfect for wriggly toddlers on those cooler nights.

Essentials

  • Wool and delicates wash – keep your natural items soft and luxurious with this gentle laundry liquid.
  • Fitted cot sheet – this soft, lightweight, and breathable jersey cotton fitted cot sheet will keep your babe comfortable all year round.
  • Merino eyelet blanket – 100% fine merino and perfect as an all-purpose blanket in a bassinet, cot, or stroller.
  • Soft cotton blanket – a double-layer blanket that is snuggly and airy and can easily be tucked away in a nappy bag for when an extra layer is needed.

 

Merino and cotton – the best choice

These silky wonders are the best choice not only for your little one but for the planet too. And keeping a growing babe comfortable at night all year round means better sleep. For everyone. Who wouldn’t want that?