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)

Bambino Merino in the new online shopping town

We’re always interested in trying out new ways of shopping and have come across a quirky new  Online Shopping Town.  The town, which launched last year, provides a fun and useful way to explore the UK’s best online shops and boutiques.  You’ll find us on the Baby Clothes Street.  And don’t forget to vote for favourite stores while you’re there…

• 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

My first instinct was to stroke it to my cheek – beautiful fabric, silky soft and luxurious to touch.  The t-shirt itself was very well made; seams and hems finished nicely – no excess fabric or cotton threads.  The colour was great, just right for a mucky little boy who adored the rocket motif on the front.  Great website – very informative, enjoyed reading the blog and had no idea that Merino wool was so versatile.  Excellent – extremely well made, nicely finished and looked a quality piece of clothing. Very practical for my little one, and although long sleeved – he did not mind wearing it on a warm day. Absolutely excellent – I’m a real convert to Merino wool.  T-shirt kept its shape throughout the day and did not stretch out of proportion.

Yes, very comfortable, he was reluctant to take it off!  Ideal for Kepler and soft and gentle against his skin, no irritation None what so ever.  I was a bit dubious about washing  initially but just used my machine’s wool wash and soap nuts – all grunge removed and shape retained. T-shirt was hung out on the line to dry and was folded up and popped into drawer – no ironing required! Although the item of clothing is excellent, the price for one t-shirt is a little high.  I am not sure that at this price and of course, the rates at which children grow whether that’s a really realistic staple of every little person’s wardrobe. I am definitely a merino wool convert! Excellent product, fantastic benefits for wearing merino wool and was impressed with the wear & tear ability – however, would suggest neutral colours so that it can be perhaps handed down to siblings considering the price. Superb t-shirt, suits all climates and washes and wears extremely well for a woollen item.  Georgena Bowdidge – Kepler Aged 2 Years 6 Months.

Full review from Bizziebaby.co.uk

Somewhere between 18 months and 3 years of age most toddlers are ready to make the transition from a cot to a ‘big bed’.  This may be for a practical reason, like having learned  to climb out of her cot or to make way for a new baby, or it may just be that your little one is ready to take the next step towards growing up.  Moving from the security of a cot to a grown up bed can be both an exciting and unsettling time for parents and children.  Many children – even those who have previously been great sleepers – have difficulty going to sleep when the sleep cues they have become familiar with are no longer present.  

If you’re moving your toddler in to a bed because you’re expecting another baby, most experts suggest you time the move 6-8 weeks before you are due so that the older child is well adjusted to their new bed before they see the new baby ‘taking over’ the cot.

Here are our 5 Top Tips for a smooth transition . . . .

1. Discuss the change excitedly leading up to the event and involve your child in shopping for his/her new bed together
2. Position the new bed in the same place as the cot was – children can feel disoriented when they wake in an unfamiliar bed or location
3. Retain some familiar sleep associations, such as the same pillow and cuddly toy.  If your child is used to sleeping in a baby sleeping bag which is getting too small, upgrade to the next size (we now stock merino sleeping bags for 2-4 year olds too).  This saves you endlessly pulling up the duvet when your toddler inevitably kicks it off and wakes up cold in the night.  The novelty of being able to get out of bed by him/herself will soon wear off.  In the meantime a sleeping bag can be useful for discouraging toddlers from repeatedly getting out of bed at sleeptime
4. Consider using a guard rail at first for extra safety whilst getting used to the ‘big bed’ – better than putting pillows on the floor!
5. Praise your child for getting in to bed in the evening and again in the morning, for staying in bed all night

Read the full review here

Expert baby sleeping bag advice featuring Bambino Merino

The experts at Practical Parenting magazine have published their guide to baby sleeping bags in the latest issue (August).   The five step checklist starts by making sure you have the right weight sleeping bag and suggests readers try a Bambino Merino baby sleeping bag.  They say “a bag made from merino wool won’t have a tog rating but will naturally regulate your baby’s temperature – keeping her cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cold.”

It’s great to hear the message is getting out there – with our 100% natural baby sleeping bags you never have to worry about which tog (warmth rating) to buy.  Let’s face it, with babies there are so many things to worry about but choosing a merino baby sleeping bag means you never have to worry if they are too hot or cold and there’s no possibility of overheating.  Phew, that’s one less thing!

As the days and nights warm up here in the UK, we’re getting some funny looks when we recommend merino wool sleeping bags for babies at this time of year.

Surely a wool sleeping bag is too hot?

No! They’re perfect, and here’s why . . .

New Zealand merino sheep live high in the mountains, where it is freezing cold in winter and very hot in summer. They have to adapt each season so they don’t get too hot or cold. Our garments are made from millions of their lightweight merino fibres. Each one ‘breathes’ and when knitted together, they allow moisture and heat to pass through the fabric. In warm weather, excess heat and moisture are gently drawn away from babies’ skin, absorbed through the fabric and released in to the air. This regulates babies’ body temperature and prevents overheating. Clever isn’t it?

Wearing a Bambino Merino sleeping bag with just a nappy underneath will keep baby cool and comfortable as the temperature climbs towards 30° this summer.

After three years of photographing babies in sleepwear indoors, it was great fun to get out in the sunshine with our 3 and 4 year old models – Harry, James and Lily.
Our intrepid photographer led us deep in to the woods where the children delighted in running through and climbing the trees. It was sunny with a light breeze so they were just right in their lightweight merino tops. We love the simple designs and naturally stain-resistant merino – the ice cream drips just wiped straight off!