Facts and myths about wool allergy in babies

"I absolutely cannot tolerate wool myself, so I won't put it on my child either."

As a neonatal nurse and founder of Moalie, I hear this statement often. And I completely understand. Almost all of us have a memory of that one hand-knit sweater from our childhood that was incredibly itchy. If you know that feeling, you want to keep it away from your newborn's soft skin.

Still, it's a shame to immediately dismiss wool. Did you know there's a big difference between itchiness and an actual allergy?

In this blog, I'll take you through the facts so you can make the best choice for your little one.

The difference between irritation and allergy

When people say they're allergic to wool, in 98% of cases it's not an allergy, but irritation. This is all related to the thickness of the fiber.

Imagine a human hair. If it's short and coarse, it pricks. If it's fine and soft, you barely feel it. It's the same with wool. The "old-fashioned" wool fibers are often coarser (thicker than 30 microns). When such a fiber touches the skin, it doesn't bend but pricks. This causes that annoying itch and red patches.

Why Merino Wool is Different

At Moalie, we work exclusively with high-quality Merino wool. The fiber from the Merino sheep is much thinner and finer than regular wool.

The secret? This fiber is so fine that it instantly flexes upon contact with the skin. This means it doesn't itch, but feels like a silky-soft second skin. Research even shows that superfine Merino wool can reduce the symptoms of eczema because it allows the skin to breathe and regulates moisture.

When is it an allergy?

So, is there no such thing as a wool allergy? Absolutely. A small group of people are allergic to lanolin (wool fat). This is the natural layer of fat found in sheep's wool.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with a lanolin allergy, wool is definitely not an option. Safety and comfort always come first.

What then is the best alternative?

If there is a real allergy, I often get the question: "What should I choose?"

My advice as a nurse: Choose cotton, and preferably not synthetic.

Synthetic fabrics (such as acrylic, polyester, or fleece) are made of plastic fibers. While they are soft, they don't breathe. They trap heat, preventing your baby from escaping and causing them to sweat. This feels clammy and uncomfortable. Cotton, like wool, is a natural product. Although it offers less insulation than wool, it is breathable and skin-friendly.

Are you in doubt?

Don't have a diagnosed allergy, but are you hesitant because of previous experiences with itchy sweaters? Then I can almost guarantee that Merino wool will make a world of difference.

Wool's unique properties—regulating temperature, keeping your baby warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm—are truly unmatched by any other fabric. And I want that for every baby.

Love,

Daniëlle Neonatology nurse & Founder Moalie