Article: What is merino wool? Discover why it's so lovely for babies in summer and winter

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Wat is merinowol? Ontdek waarom het zo fijn is voor baby's in de zomer én winter

Aug 5, 2026Alles over wol

What is merino wool? Discover why it's so lovely for babies in summer and winter

When many parents think of wool, they immediately picture cold winter days, chunky jumpers and warm blankets. So it's no surprise that merino wool isn't the first thing that springs to mind in summer. Yet that's exactly what makes merino wool so special.

While many materials are mainly suited to one season, merino wool helps keep your little one comfortable all year round. Warm when it's cold, and light and breathable when it's warm.

But what exactly is merino wool? What is merino wool made from? And what makes it so different from ordinary wool? Let us explain.

What is merino wool?

Merino wool is a natural type of wool that comes from the merino sheep. These sheep often live in areas where temperatures can climb high during the day and drop sharply at night.

To cope with this, the merino sheep has developed a special fleece that helps regulate temperature and moisture. It's exactly these properties that make merino wool so popular for babies and young children.

"What is merino wool?", "What is merino?" or "Merino wool, what actually is it?". These are questions we hear a lot. The answer is surprisingly simple: merino wool feels completely different from the wool many people remember from their childhood. Thanks to its fine fibres, merino wool feels exceptionally soft and is a comfortable choice for delicate baby skin.

No stiff or itchy fibres, just a beautifully soft fabric that feels lovely against delicate baby skin.

What is merino wool made from?

A question we're often asked is: what is merino wool made from?

Merino wool is made from the fleece of the merino sheep. The wool fibres are much finer than those of traditional sheep's wool, so the fabric feels softer and breathes better.

What's more, the fibres can absorb moisture without feeling wet or clammy. This keeps your little one comfortable while sleeping and playing, whatever the season.

What's the difference between wool and merino wool?

Many parents wonder what exactly the difference between wool and merino wool is. Although merino wool is still wool, there are big differences between traditional wool and merino wool.

Ordinary wool	Merino wool
Thicker fibres	Fine, soft fibres
Can itch	Feels soft
Less breathable	Breathable and moisture-regulating
Mainly suited to cold days	Suitable for every season

Whether you're comparing lambswool and merino wool, merino and lambswool, or merino and virgin wool, one key quality always stands out: merino wool has exceptionally fine fibres, so it feels much softer than many other types of wool. It's precisely that softness and comfortable feel that make merino wool so popular for babies and young children.

Gebreide babydeken 70x100 cm van merinowol – warme en zachte wiegdeken geproduceerd in Europa.

Welke soorten wol zijn er?

There are many different kinds and types of wool, each with its own properties.

For example:

Merino wool
Lambswool
Sheep's wool
Alpaca wool
Cashmere
Yak wool

For babies, merino wool is often seen as one of the nicest choices thanks to its combination of softness, breathability and natural temperature regulation.

Wat zijn de eigenschappen van merinowol?

The main reason so many parents choose merino wool is the fibre's special properties.

The most important properties of merino wool are:

temperature-regulating;
breathable;
moisture-regulating;
dirt-repellent;
odour-resistant;
soft on sensitive skin;
comfortable in every season.

It's exactly this combination that makes merino wool so unique.

Waarom is merinowol zo fijn in de zomer?

Perhaps the biggest surprise for many parents. Although wool is often associated with warmth, merino wool actually has a cooling effect when needed.

1. Merino wool helps release heat

When your little one gets warm, merino wool helps release excess heat. This keeps the temperature around the body better balanced.

2. Fewer clammy necks and backs

Merino wool absorbs moisture and then releases it outwards again. That's why the fabric feels dry and comfortable.

3. Merino wool keeps breathing

The fine fibre structure allows air to circulate around your little one's body. A reassuring thought, especially on warm summer nights.

4. Less washing

Merino wool naturally repels dirt and odours. Often a quick airing is all it needs.

Baby ligt op voedingskussenhoes in de kleur beige

Waarom is merinowol zo fijn in de winter?

Whereas merino wool helps to keep you cool in summer, in winter it does just the opposite.

1. Merino wool retains warmth

The wool fibres create tiny air pockets that hold warm air around your little one's body.

2. Warm without quickly getting too hot

One of the biggest advantages of merino wool is that it keeps breathing. That's why it feels comfortably warm without becoming stuffy.

3. Ideal for changing temperatures

Cold mornings, warm afternoons or a bedroom that cools down at night: merino wool adapts to the conditions.

Onderlegger ligt in een cosleeper met een dekentje en knuffelmaantje

100% merinowollen slofjes voor baby’s – zachte en comfortabele pasvorm van Kico Label.

Waarom kiezen zoveel ouders voor merinowol?

Merino wool feels wonderfully soft on delicate baby skin and helps regulate temperature, making it suitable for both warm summer days and cold winter nights. It's also breathable and moisture-regulating, and thanks to its natural properties it needs washing less often. Whether your little one is sleeping, playing or out and about, merino wool helps create a comfortable, natural climate. That's why you see merino wool more and more in baby products such as fitted sheets, underlays, blankets, booties and sleeping bags.

Ons advies

Merino wool is much more than just a warm winter material. It supports your little one's natural sleeping and living environment all year round. From chilly winter nights to warm summer days.

And perhaps that's exactly what makes natural materials, and merino wool in particular, so special. They don't work against your little one's body, but with it.

OUR MISSION

When we became parents ourselves, we discovered how special merino wool is: soft, breathable, temperature-regulating and so kind to delicate baby skin. Qualities every little one deserves.

That's why we lovingly make products that are not only comfortable and safe for your baby, but also sustainable and timeless.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is merino wool and is it suitable for my little one?

Merino wool is a natural type of wool that comes from the merino sheep. It's known for its fine, soft fibres, which is why it's so often used for baby clothing and accessories.

What makes merino wool special is that it's naturally temperature-regulating. It helps keep your baby warm when it's cold, and stops your baby from getting too hot when it's warmer. Wool is also breathable and absorbs moisture without feeling damp.

Merino wool is a lovely choice for delicate baby skin, precisely because it's a natural material that moves with the body and adapts to the temperature. Magical, if you ask us!

What is the difference between wool and merino wool?

Merino wool has finer fibres than traditional wool, which makes it feel softer. Merino wool is also highly breathable and moisture-regulating.

My woollen item is bobbling – is that normal?

Noticing some fluff after use? That's completely normal. Wool is made of fine fibres that sometimes need a little time to 'settle'. After a few wears or airings, it disappears on its own.

Why do so many parents choose merino wool?

Because of its combination of softness, temperature regulation, breathability and comfort in every season.

Is merino wool suitable for summer and winter?

Merino wool helps wick away heat and moisture when it's warm, supporting a comfortable sleeping environment. Merino wool is a lovely choice in winter too. The fibres hold in warmth, while the material stays breathable.

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