Can Baby Wear Merino?

I displayed a baby cloche crocheted with merino wool on my craft fair table. A woman stopped by and exclaimed that babies should never have wool next to their skin. Truth or myth?

Soft and fine, merino wool is natural and wearing it helps regulate temperature. A natural crimp in the fibre insulates and keeps warmth in. It is breathable, allowing moisture to move from the surface of the skin and escape. It keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. Merino is comfortable for babies, children, and adults. On top of all that, it is machine washable.

You might wonder why it doesn’t itch. High quality merino wool has fibres of very small diameter that bend as you move and do not scratch. Grades of fine, extra fine, superfine, and ultra fine (fibre diameters <17.5-20.5 microns) are especially silky.

Next time you are out shopping, have a look at and feel clothing and accessories made from merino wool or merino wool blends. You will find an array of T-shirts, sweaters, base layers, socks, scarves, and headwear.