Baby wool allergy – facts, myths & what really causes it

"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 regularly. And I completely understand it. Almost all of us have a memory of that one hand-knitted jumper from childhood that scratched terribly. If you know that feeling, you want to keep it far away from the soft skin of your newborn baby.

And yet it is a shame to write off wool immediately. Because did you know that there is a big difference between "scratching" and an actual allergy?

In this article I take you through the facts so you can make the best choice for your little one.

The difference between irritation and allergy

When parents say their baby is allergic to wool in 98% of cases it is not an allergy but irritation. This has everything to do with the thickness of the fibre.

Imagine a human hair. When it is short and stiff it pricks. When it is fine and soft you can barely feel it. With wool it works exactly the same way. "Old-fashioned" wool fibres are often coarser (thicker than 30 microns). When such a fibre touches the skin it does not bend — it pricks into the skin. That causes that unpleasant itching and red spots.

Why merino wool is different

At Moalie we work exclusively with high-quality merino wool. The fibre of the merino sheep is many times thinner and finer than regular wool.

The secret? This fibre is so fine that it immediately bends when it comes into contact with the skin. As a result it does not prick but instead feels like a silky soft second skin. Research even shows that superfine merino wool can reduce the symptoms of eczema because it lets the skin breathe and regulates moisture. Discover our merino wool collection and see for yourself.

When is it actually an allergy?

Does a wool allergy not exist at all then? It certainly does. A small group of people is allergic to lanolin (wool fat). This is the natural layer of fat found in sheep's wool.

If your baby has been diagnosed with a lanolin allergy then wool is indeed not an option. Safety and comfort always come first.

What is the best alternative?

If your baby has a true allergy I am often asked: "What should I choose then?"

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

Synthetic fabrics (such as acrylic, polyester or fleece) are made from plastic fibres. They may be soft but they do not breathe. They trap heat which means your baby cannot release their warmth and starts to sweat. That feels clammy and uncomfortable. Cotton like wool is a natural product. Although it insulates less well than wool it does breathe and is gentle on the skin.

Still not sure?

If your baby has no confirmed allergy but you are hesitant due to previous experiences with scratchy jumpers? Then I can almost guarantee that merino wool will make a world of difference.

The unique property of wool — regulating temperature, keeping your baby warm when it is cold and cool when it is warm — is simply unmatched by any other fabric. And every baby deserves that. Take a look at our merino wool baby clothing and find the perfect piece for your little one.

With love,

Daniëlle

Neonatal nurse & Founder Moalie