Responsibly Cosy: The Perfect Organic Wool Blanket For Babies
If you’re looking for the perfect organic wool blanket for your baby, you can rest easy – literally – because I’ve found it for you.
It was a hard task involving lots of draping and relaxing, but I persevered and found a beautiful, comfy blanket with none of the guilt that can come with big-brand, mass-produced blankets.
We tend to think of wool as an extremely natural product and it’s all too easy to forget about the effects of wool farming on the sheep as well as the environment. Even something as simple as swapping to an organic wool blanket can make a big difference.
We all want the best for our children, and blankets are no exception. This merino wool blanket from Germany is our top pick for cuddles, stroller rides and supervised playtime.
Important safety note: blankets don’t belong in a sleeping baby’s crib. The NIH Safe to Sleep campaign says to keep blankets, quilts and pillows out of baby’s sleep area, because loose bedding raises the risk of suffocation and SIDS. For sleep, use a wearable blanket or an extra layer of clothing instead.
Criteria
As with every product you’ll buy for your baby, you want to make sure it’s safe, gentle and will actually work.
When it comes to blankets, there are lots of options out there, and it can be hard to know who to trust and where to look.
In terms of material, I’d suggest steering clear of acrylic and polyester, and sticking with gentle cotton and wool items, which soothe and protect young skin.
Merino wool is a great choice because it breathes well. According to the wool industry, it can absorb and release up to 35% of its own weight in water, which helps it feel comfortable across temperatures.
Still, overheating is a SIDS risk, so dress your baby for the room temperature and skip extra layers.
Of course, color and style are important for some parents out there, and there’s no shame in that. You spent months planning, painting and arguing over the nursery, so you may as well buy a blanket that matches!
Think about what theme you’ve gone for in the nursery, and take a couple of snaps on your phone before you head out shopping. Trust me, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by fabrics and forget what you’re meant to be looking for!
Why Organic?
When it comes to wool, I prefer to go for something organic.
Sure, organic veg and free-range eggs are pretty commonplace now, but organic wool is a little harder to find.
It means the wool comes from sheep raised under organic livestock standards, which set rules on feed, pesticide use and animal care.
If you see certified organic wool, it’s a good sign the farm follows those rules.
It feels just as soft and lovely as everything you’ll stroke on a stroll around IKEA. By stroll, I mean the four hour trek you’ll inevitability embark upon as you pop in for one thing and end up stuck in their maze of flat-pack furniture and alluringly-cheap cutlery.
Product Overview
This beautiful merino baby comforter is the best wool blanket for anyone looking for an alternative to mass-produced, high-street options!
It measures 40 by 31.5 inches, so is the perfect size for snuggling up with your little one.
It comes in a number of different colors, but I love this red one the most, with pretty scalloped edges. The pattern is simple but cutesy enough to go in a nursery.
It’s also made of 100% organic wool, which means it’s good for the environment and the animals.
This blanket is lightweight but adds a cozy layer for cuddles, feeding or a stroller ride while you’re watching.
The merino wool is soft and breathable.
This blanket is made in Germany and comes in several styles and colors. Check the listing for current pricing.
It’s a lovely, bright shade but is toned down just enough by the print to match pretty much any decor.
Pros And Cons
My favorite thing about this blanket is how much better it is for the world than most supermarket/ homeware store options out there.
I’ve already converted to vegetarianism for the sake of the environment. For those unwilling to give up their hangover-bacon, buying organic wool can still make a difference!
This is a lovely lightweight wool blanket for awake time. It’s not as thick as some blankets, which makes it easy to carry.
It doesn’t shed much wool, so you don’t need to worry about it molting in the stroller. Just make sure to follow the laundry instructions and this blanket will last and last.
So far, no let-downs. For some, a thicker, larger blanket is desirable, but this is a good size for cuddles and stroller use.
If you swaddle, use a swaddle designed for that purpose, always place a swaddled baby on their back, and stop swaddling at the first sign of rolling. Never put a loose blanket in the crib. Organic wool is on the rise, thankfully, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding an alternative.
Conclusion
So, there we have it: our favorite organic wool blanket for babies and little ones.
Use it for supervised awake time, and keep the crib bare for sleep. This is one of those blankets that will start off being used for swaddling and will end up being taken to college by your grown-up baby as a comforting keepsake!
Sources
- Ways to Reduce Baby's Risk, Safe to Sleep (NIH)
- Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby?, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
