Bambino Merino Blog

This week we have a guest post from Mark Crawford – a Dad in the US with his view on baby sleeping bags.  Thanks Mark for the post.  Hope our readers in the States (and all around the world!) enjoy it.

Most parents assume that a baby’s tendency toward fitful sleep is something about which little can be done.  While there is no magic solution that will ensure an eight to ten hour period of uninterrupted sleep, there are things that parents can do to create an environment that is more conducive to rest.  Whether this rest is in a crib, a car, an airplane or a stroller, a baby sleep bag can help keep a constant temperature in changing conditions, make a baby feel secure in any environment and allow for easy movement from one place to another while your baby sleeps soundly.

In the early stages of development, babies are far less capable of internally regulating their body temperature than adults are.  This means that a difference of even a few degrees may be enough to wake them.  A baby sleep sack made with merino wool is designed to minimize these fluctuations, regardless of the ambient temperature.  In cold weather, the close fit and thickness of the wool keeps a baby warm and comfortable.  When temperatures rise, the wool absorbs sweat in a way that synthetic materials cannot. 

Safety is of course the most important consideration, even more so than comfort.  While these bags are relatively new to the United States, they have been available and widely used throughout Europe for over 25 years.  Over decades of use, merino wool bags have proven to be the most effective at keeping babies warm and ensuring that they maintain a sleeping position that reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  The manner in which they fasten keeps blankets away from a baby’s face while they sleep, even if your child is an active sleeper.  They also encourage children to sleep on their back as experts recommend.  Most are made with 100% organic fibers and dyes, which cuts down the risk of allergic reactions.  Not only that, but the high quality materials also make them more durable and less likely to fade after multiple washings. 

A good baby sleeping bag can have a huge impact on how soundly an infant or young child sleeps.  For the most consistency, choose a model that is indicated to use the broadest age range.  They can be adjusted to grow with your baby and will ensure that she always feels at home when she is put down for a nap or a night’s rest.

(Bambino Merino ship to the US and worldwide daily)

Did you know . . . . ?

• Merino fibres create a microclimate around your baby’s body, controlling the flow of warm air and moisture to keep him warm in winter and cool in summer.  It’s like having his very own natural air conditioning system!

• Merino fibres breathe and prevent your baby from overheating (a risk factor associated with SIDS)

• Merino is silky soft and won’t itch or irritate your baby’s delicate skin

• Merino has a great memory (much better than ours!).  It is super stretchy and remembers what shape to return to after stretching

• Due to its temperature-regulating and non-irritant properties (see amazing facts 1-3 above), merino is suitable for most babies and children with skin allergies, including eczema

• Merino is naturally stain and odour repellent.  That’s good news for Mums as merino requires less washing and can often simply be aired between each wear

• Merino can absorb a third of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, preventing that clammy feeling on baby’s skin that comes with polyester-filled baby sleeping bags

• Even when merino gets wet, it stays warm so if your baby’s nappy leaks in the night, it won’t make him cold and uncomfortable

• Merino is naturally fire retardant, self-extinguishing and doesn’t melt.  It is one of the safest fibres you can dress your baby in

• Merino is a 100% natural, renewable and sustainable resource.  When you choose Bambino Merino for your baby, you’re not only caring for your baby, you’re caring for the environment too