Sheepskin or wool liner for your baby — what is the difference?
A soft fleece under your newborn baby feels intuitively right. Yet many parents ask themselves: is a sheepskin actually safe? And what exactly is the difference with a wool liner like the one Moalie makes?
They are two products that at first glance look similar, but differ significantly in use, safety, and properties. And especially now that temperatures are rising, it’s a question I hear more often: what should I put under my baby when it’s warm? Isn’t wool too hot then?
In this blog, I explain it step by step so you can make a choice that truly suits your baby, even in the summer months.
What is a sheepskin and why do parents use it?
A sheepskin is the untreated or lightly processed hide of a sheep, with the wool fibers still intact. The long, loose fibers give that recognizable fluffy appearance and feel soft. Parents often choose it because it looks warm and cozy, and because wool naturally insulates well.
In the past, sheepskin was a popular baby accessory as a liner in the stroller, crib, or as a play mat on the floor. In some cultures, it is simply part of the tradition.
What are the disadvantages of a sheepskin for babies?
This is where it becomes important. From my background as a neonatal nurse, I want to be honest about what we know.
The safety guidelines are clear: large organizations like the RIVM advise keeping loose, soft materials away from babies' sleeping surfaces (especially in the first six months). A sheepskin with long, loose fibers falls into that category. Not because it is inherently dangerous when used during the day or under supervision, but because the risk during unsupervised sleep is real.
There are also practical disadvantages:
- Difficult to clean. A genuine sheepskin is not always machine washable, or becomes stiff and misshapen after washing. Hygiene is not a minor issue with babies.
- Uneven thickness and firmness. The fleece is not uniform; some areas are softer and thicker than others, meaning the surface is not stable.
- Hard to verify origin and treatment. Not all sheepskins are tanned or treated with the same care. Residues of tanning agents or chemicals can irritate sensitive baby skin.
- Allergic potential. The long, coarser fibers of a regular sheepskin can cause skin reactions in some babies, which is very different from the fine Merinowool fiber.
And in summer? A sheepskin insulates heat, which is exactly what you want in winter, but in warmer weather it can quickly become too much. The thick, loose structure traps heat without effectively releasing it. Babies cannot yet regulate their body temperature themselves, and a sleeping surface that is too warm is something parents need to be alert to, especially in the summer months.
What is a wool underlay made of Merinowool?
The Moalie underlay is made of 100% Merinowool in a teddy structure. That may sound technical, but it’s actually quite simple to understand.
Merinowool comes from the Merino sheep, a breed that naturally produces an extremely fine fiber. This fineness (measured in microns) determines how soft something feels. The lower the micron count, the softer the fiber. Merinowool is so fine that it can be worn directly against a baby's skin without itching or irritation.
The teddy structure arises from the way the wool is knitted: the fibers are set upright like a pile, creating a soft, fluffy surface similar to the fabric of a teddy bear. But unlike a loose sheepskin, the structure is stable, uniform, and firmly anchored to the base layer. The underlay does not sink under the baby's weight.
How does the teddy structure differ from a loose pelt?
| Characteristic | Sheepskin | Merinowool underlay (teddy) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Unprocessed or lightly processed sheepskin | 100% Merinowool, textile form |
| Fiber length | Long and loose | Short and anchored in the pile |
| Surface firmness | Uneven, soft, and flexible | Stable and uniform |
| Washability | Limited, risk of deformation | Machine washable on wool program |
| Skin friendliness | Depends on processing and fiber thickness | Fine Merinowool fiber, also suitable for sensitive skin |
| Safety during sleep | Not recommended for unsupervised sleeping | Flat and stable surface |
| Temperature regulation | Insulates but struggles to dissipate heat | Actively regulates — even in summer |
Warmth, breathability, and safety — even in warm weather
Wool is known for its ability to regulate temperature. But this works fundamentally differently with Merinowool than with a sheepskin, and this difference is especially noticeable in summer.
A sheepskin insulates well, but due to the irregular thickness and loose structure, heat can be retained unevenly. A baby lying in one spot for a long time can become warmer there than elsewhere. This effect is enhanced at higher outdoor temperatures.
Merinowool regulates differently: the fiber absorbs moisture and releases it, which ensures a constant, pleasant temperature both in winter and summer. This is also called the temperature-regulating effect of wool. The fiber responds to the baby's body temperature and helps keep it stable.
Babies cannot yet regulate their body temperature independently. That makes breathability not a luxury, but an essential advantage, all year round.
The teddy structure of the Moalie underlay combines softness with a stable, flat surface. There is room for air circulation, the fiber breathes along, and the baby does not sink into it. These are exactly the qualities you want all year round — even on a warm summer day.
Is a woolen underlay not too warm in summer?
This is a question I often get, and I completely understand it. Wool sounds warm. But Merinowool does not work like a sweater or a blanket that retains heat.
The Merinowool fiber has a unique structure: it absorbs moist heat from the baby's environment and gradually releases it again. This ensures that the surface never feels clammy or unpleasantly hot. Where a synthetic underlay or a thick fleece stores heat, Merinowool breathes along.
In practice, this means that the Moalie underlay is also comfortable when it is 25 degrees outside. The baby lies on a soft, stable surface that supports rather than disrupts its temperature.
Do you want to be extra airy in summer? Then combine the underlay with a light Merinowool romper or bodysuit, and ensure sufficient shade and ventilation in the room. This way, the material works optimally.
When to choose what?
A sheepskin can be pleasant as a decorative element, as a background for photo moments, or as a seat in a rocker or bouncer where the baby is awake and closely supervised. Do not use it as a sleeping surface for babies younger than six months.
A Merinowool underlay from Moalie is suitable as:
- Underlay in the crib, carrycot, or Maxi-Cosi
- Changing pad
- Soft underlayer on a play mat
- Bed in the stroller
- Place to lie in summer and winter — the material adapts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sheepskin safe for a newborn baby?
A sheepskin is not recommended as a sleeping surface for babies, especially not in the first six months. The loose, soft fibers and uneven firmness do not comply with safety guidelines for a safe sleep environment. During the day, when awake and supervised, the risk is different but it is still important to remain alert.
Does Merinowool not prick?
No, that is precisely the big difference with regular wool. Merinowool has an extremely fine fiber that bends rather than pricks. Most babies (including those with sensitive skin) tolerate Merinowool well. If in doubt, start with a short test on a small skin area.
Is a Merinowool underlay also suitable for summer?
Yes, and this surprises many parents. Merinowool does not act as an insulating layer that traps heat; the fiber actively regulates with the baby's body temperature. It absorbs moist heat and releases it gradually, keeping the surface comfortable even at higher temperatures. A sheepskin does not do this in the same way: it mainly insulates, which can feel too warm in summer.
How warm can it be when my baby lies on a wool underlay?
That depends on the overall sleep environment: the room temperature, the clothing the baby wears, and whether there is ventilation. The Merinowool underlay itself contributes to a stable temperature but is no substitute for a cool, well-ventilated room in extreme heat. During persistent warm nights above 25 degrees Celsius, it is wise to monitor the sleep environment closely, regardless of the material. If in doubt, discuss it with the child health clinic.
What is the difference in temperature regulation between a sheepskin and a Merinowool underlay?
Both materials insulate heat, but Merinowool has a more active regulating effect: the fiber absorbs moisture and releases it, keeping the temperature more stable. A sheepskin insulates more strongly and dissipates heat less well, which is a disadvantage in summer.
My baby has sensitive skin — what is the best choice then?
Merinowool is usually the better choice for sensitive baby skin. The fine fiber is less likely to irritate than the coarser fibers of a standard sheepskin. Does your baby have a specific skin condition? Then discuss this with your doctor or the child health clinic.
How old should my baby be to use a wool underlay?
From birth. A flat, stable Merinowool underlay complies with safety guidelines for newborns — provided it lies on a firm surface and the baby does not sink into it.