Merino Kids = Why Merino Wool?
Using her background in textile design and knowledge of merino wool as a 100% natural wonder fibre, Amie Nilsson launched Merino Kids in 2003 with her first product the Go Go Sleeping Bag. We're going behind the scenes to discover the wonders of merino and to tell you why we love it!
So, what is Merino Wool and why is it so amazing for your child?
Merino wool comes from a breed of sheep called the Merino, which is regarded as having some of the finest and softest wool of any sheep. The Merino sheep is built to survive the scorching summers and freezing winters of New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps, they can survive in these extreme temperatures because of the unique and incredible engineering of their wool. As a result, merino wool is a powerhouse natural fibre with a huge range of high-performance benefits which is super soft and luxuriously gentle on delicate skin.
We have picked out some of the top benefits of the material to explain why we use it in our 100% natural baby-wear.
It controls temperature... no need for TOG rating!
Merino fibres actively regulate body temperature, protecting your baby from extremes because it keeps them warm when it's cold, and cool when it's hot. For this reason, it does not require a TOG rating, unlike products made from synthetic fibres and can be used all year round.
Breathes and controls moisture
A unique feature of merino is that it absorbs perspiration from the skin and releases it into the air. This means your child will never feel clammy since humidity between skin and garment is lowered.
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.
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 in merino.
Swaddling with merino
Several studies have shown that swaddling babies reduces the likelihood of SIDS. Since overheating has been identified as a key factor in many cases of SIDS there is a strong case for using merino because of its previously noted ability to regulate heat and humidity.
It reduces skin allergies
Superfine merino is soft and silky and does not itch your baby's skin. Because it can respond to changes in temperature, it's among the most comfortable material you can put your baby in. Merino has also been linked with a lower incidence of skin allergies such as eczema.
It's comfortable
Super fine merino feels soft and silky next to your baby's skin. Our merino is a fine-spun fabric, making it soft and comfortable. It also has a natural elastic property, meaning our garments fit snugly every time.
Fire resistant
Merino contains natural fire retardants, further helping safe guard children's health. Did you know, a naked flame would fizzle out when in contact with merino wool!
Merino is easy to wash and look after
Merino fibres have a natural protective outer layer that helps prevent stains from being absorbed, making it perfect to be worn by your messy little ones. Because merino naturally resists odour, bacteria and stains, you don’t need to wash it as often or as rigorously as synthetics.
Fabric care
Simply machine or hand wash with wool wash.
For all these reasons, and many more, merino really is nature's best. It's a wonder fibre that has evolved over a million years to help us create the perfect sleeping environment for little ones.
Amie uses fresh innovative ideas based upon respect for nature. “We use 100% natural materials to create finer, safer garments that insulate and breathe better in both hot and cold environments, ensuring young children and babies are perfectly adapted to their sleeping environments.”
These values now run across a range of products designed to make a difference to the lives of families with young children. Their success is proven and global demand for the award-winning designs is growing daily.
Merino Kids, The Natural Choice.
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