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The suitability of New Zealand Merino for infant wear and bedding lies in Merino's unique ability to manage key factors such as temperature and moisture within an overall package tailored for both comfort and health.

How does merino help manage a child's micro environment?

The ability to absorb moisture is an important function attribute of Merino fibre, but equally important is its ability to release moisture. In contrast to most synthetic fibres, Merino has the capacity to remove large amounts (up to 35% of its own weight) of moisture from the skin surface before the fibre even begins to feel wet. Merino can prevent the 'clamminess' that can occur in environments of high humidity.

NB: Because infants and children have a higher surface area to mass ratio than adults this makes thermal regulation particularly challenging, and choosing the right garment or sleep system for children becomes extremely important.

Why is merino the healthy, safe choice for babies and children?

Bacteria and other micro-organisms can build up on the skin and in clothing/bedding, and their growth is enhanced in the presence of sweat secretions or other textile soiling. Merino outperforms competing fibres in terms of its resistance to the build-up of bacteria and odour. Therefore using merino against skin helps greatly reduce build-up of bacteria and controls odour by actively moving sweat and other moisture away from the skin.

Merino is a low fire danger fibre?

Merino fibre has flame retardant properties exceeding those of all other commonly used textile fibres and affords excellent protection to wearers in terms of preventing ignition, but also in terms of the nature in which it burns (self extinguishing, non-melting)

Why is merino important for temperature control in babies & toddlers?

Babies - Unless the nighttime temperature is 24 degrees plus, then your newborn baby will either need several layers of clothing and bedding or natural body temperature regulating fabrics like 100% pure merino. Using merino against the skin will ensure that when your baby needs the warmth (because they can't regulate it themselves), then the properties of merino will retain and circulate the body heat. Likewise, when you put your baby to bed during the day or early at night when the heat is still in the sun the merino properties will draw and release moisture away from the baby. Premature babies may also need an extra layer of clothing until their weight is more full term - merino is really the only fabric to use.

Toddlers - Like with babies merino is perfect for toddlers, especially ones who kick off there covers and blankets, then wake between 3-5am because they are cold. Our merino/cotton sleeping bags combined with merino Pajamas or sleepsuits work together to prevent this.

The benefits of swaddling

Swaddling is used to help newborn babies remain sleeping on their back, which has in been proven to reduce occurrences of SIDS. It helps soothe and settle a fussy baby, especially one that is colicky and irritable. Newborn babies are not able to regulate their body temperature, so using natural merino swaddling will help this. And most importantly, evidence suggests swaddling helps babies sleep longer and more deeply with fewer incidences of awakening and an increased ability to resettle themselves. Meaning everyone gets a better night sleep.

You might feel that swaddling could make your baby feel confined, but that is simply not true - babies love being swaddled. Swaddling is suitable for babies up to 3 to 5 months old.

The benefits of sleeping in merino sleepsuits, pajamas and gowns.

Feeling cold is one of the most common reasons overlooked for babies and toddlers waking during the night. As they sleep, your baby's body temperature lowers. Using merino sleepwear essentials help absorb and release moisture and trap or circulate air as needed to regulate babies and toddlers temperature throughout the night and the seasons.

This is especially important for newborn baby's as they are not able to regulate their body temperature - using merino against their skin helps regulate this for them.

As it is a pure natural fibre it helps soothe and settle babies with sensitive skins.

And most importantly, because it helps regulate temperature - babies sleep longer and more deeply with fewer incidences of awakening between 3-5am because they are cold - Meaning everyone gets a better night sleep.

Caring for merino?

Pure New Zealand merino is a delicate, natural product and therefore hash washing and wring will damage it. Baby Caterpillar sleepwear merino essentials are designed to be machine washable, provided you use a gentle or wool wash, with a wool approved detergent only. Dont leave merino to soak or use any bleach as this may result in holes.

DRYING: Our merino sleepwear essentials can be tumbled dried on a low heat setting, or dried flat away from direct sunlight.

AIRING SLEEPING BAGS: Between washes we recommend you hand your sleeping bag over the cot inside out to air.

NB: Like with any fine garment, merino is a delicate fabric and not all stains can be prevented or removed. With proper care and cleaning you can expect your Baby Caterpillar merino sleepwear essentials to last a very long time.