Soft, warm, fleeced Merino wool is the gentlest fabric for your baby or toddler - the organic cotton adds durability making it durable enough for outdoor wear, flexible for the wriggliest child and water and dirt resistant too. Great for squishing into slings and comfortable for the pram, and good for exploring hills and gardens too.

• well made and cosy, with little wooden buttons
• a wool fleece coat creates a light, comfortable insulating layer - even when damp!
• unlike polyester, this wool coat will allow skin to breathe, absorbing moisture from the skin and keeping your baby comfortable

This garment is made from a fabric blend comprising of 60% wool and 40% organic cotton. This blend combines the thermo-regulating properties of soft fine wool with the durability of organic cotton.

The Merino sheep usually thrive in mountainous areas at high altitudes resulting in wool which has many benefits when worn next to the skin and about the body.

Wool absorbs moisture into the centre of the fibre, so that it still feels dry on the outside. This is very healthy for your skin - your skin stays dry while the wool can absorb up to 33% of its own weight while feeling dry.

Wool "breathes", releasing its moisture out into the atmosphere. It does this dynamically in response to the environment, so if you or your child is active and sweating more, wool works harder for you. Wonderful. Wool is also naturally anti-bacterial, dirt-resistant and very stretchy, making wonderful clothes that are easy to put on and take off, excellent for dressing babies and children.

Merino wool has also been proven to absorb UV across the whole range of the spectrum, giving excellent lightweight sun protection in the summer too.

Wool is therefore a wonderful temperature-regulator, slowing down the effects of changes of temperature and helping prevent sweatiness by absorbing moisture and releasing it in response to the environment. Find out more about the properties of wool here in our blog here.

The health benefits of wool are being revealed time and time again. Studies have shown that it's better for the health of premature babies if they are nursed on wool rather than cotton and it's better for the skin of hospital patients if they lie on wool rather than polyester.

Wool helps sleep too. At least two studies show that people get a better night's sleep with wool around them - people go to sleep more quickly, sleep longer and have better quality sleep too.

Please note that under EU labelling regulations, stating the type of wool is not allowed, only a statement of "100% wool" or "new wool" is allowed. However, this garment is certified Merino wool.

Combining the Merino wool and organic cotton gives this garment the softness and temperature regulating properties of wool and the durability of organic cotton.

This garment can be hand washed warm or machine washed on a 30C wool wash. Use a detergent designed for wool which protects and replenishes wool's natural oils as sold in our fabric care category here.

Air-dry naturally avoiding direct heat. So, hanging on a drying rack over the bath is good, or on a clothes horse. Mine often end up over the back of chairs or on the washing line in the shade (I haven't had a problem with the the heat of the English sun being too hot, yet, but direct sunlight is not good for wool).

Re-shape while still damp.

Cosilana is one of the best German brands for high quality Merino wool, silk and organic cotton underwear and sleepwear. Their fabrics are of the highest quality, certified organic by independent regulators including SKAL and IVN.

All of Cosilana's products are made in Germany. All the dyestuffs used are free from heavy metals and free from harmful AZO-dyes. The wool is certified by IVN to be a natural textile of high quality. Cosilana say “The future of our children is in our hands. In addition to a healthy and pollution-free diet, we can improve our personal well-being by wearing environmentally-friendly textiles. Our skin is our largest and most important organ. Our goal is to produce a natural, healthy and eco-friendly product. High quality at a fair price. That is our philosophy.”