Little H&H · The Natural Nursery ·

Natural Baby Essentials: What You Really Need

The natural baby essentials worth investing in are the things that touch your baby every day: a breathable pram liner, a soft all-in-one for chilly days, and plenty of muslins. Choose natural fibres like sheepskin, merino wool and cotton: they breathe, feel gentle on skin and last.

Key facts

  • Babies who get too hot are at higher risk of SIDS, so breathable fabrics matter (The Lullaby Trust).
  • Itch comes from coarse wool fibres over 30 microns; fine merino on the other hand is far finer than a human hair, so it bends softly against skin rather than prickling (Woolmark). This is why all of our knitwear (from gilets to sherpa suits) is made from merino wool.
  • Opt for fewer, better pieces that can be passed down to siblings, cousins and friends.

The 3 natural essentials

  1. A breathable pram liner. Sheepskin keeps babies warm on cold walks and comfortable as it warms up. Ours adds WoolFlo™ ventilation, so heat isn't trapped.
  2. A merino all-in-one. One soft layer, head to toe, means no wrestling with layers on the doorstep. Our Italian Merino Sherpa Suit is made in Porto.
  3. Muslins. Burp cloth, bib, sunshade and comforter in one. Soft cotton that gets softer with every wash.

Infographic of the Dove Merino Sherpa Suit: naturally temperature-regulating, super-soft Italian merino yarn, hand-finished seams and foldable cuffs

Natural for you, too

Night feeds are easier when you're warm. A Hyde & Hare merino lambswool throw, woven in a British mill, is our favourite for the 3am shift. Our giant sheepskin beanbag is also a much loved nursery seat, perfect for a cosy, enveloping spot to sink into while breastfeeding and skin-to-skin time.

Mother sitting with her toddler on a giant Moonlight shearling beanbag beneath an oak tree

Quick answers

Are natural fibres better for babies?
Natural fibres like wool and cotton breathe, helping babies avoid overheating. Fine merino and sheepskin also feel ultra soft on delicate skin, and last long enough to pass on.

How many muslins do I need?
Start with a pack of three: one for the changing bag, one for your shoulder and one in the wash.

Start with the essentials: our WoolFlo™ Pram Liner, Italian Merino Sherpa Suit and Printed Muslins, then build the rest of their natural nursery.

Shop the Nursery

Related: How to choose a pram liner · Best fibres for babies in winter

Sources: The Lullaby Trust · Woolmark

About the author: Piers Dickinson is the founder of Little Hyde & Hare.

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