ENGEL NATUR: basics in merino wool and silk
Wool and silk instead of cotton
ENGEL NATUR from Germany is known for clothing made of merino wool and silk – a combination that can accompany babies all year round. Merino wool warms without causing heat build-up and wicks moisture away from the skin; the silk makes the surface smoother and more pleasant for sensitive skin. All pieces are GOTS-certified and made in Germany. How wool and cotton differ is covered in our guide merino wool or cotton.
Long-sleeved baby bodies
The long-sleeved body in natural or walnut is made of 70% merino wool and 30% silk. It is feather-light, regulates temperature by itself and is therefore suitable as a first layer all year round – under a jumper in winter, on its own in summer. Practical note: the bodies run slightly larger.
Sleeping bag in merino wool terry
The sleeping bag in 100% organic merino wool with long sleeves has continuous snap buttons – which makes laying the baby in considerably easier. It comes in 50 cm for newborns and premature babies as well as 62 cm. With a TOG value of 0.5 to 1, the rule of thumb is: at 18 to 21 °C a long-sleeved body underneath, at 21 to 24 °C a short-sleeved one, above that just the sleeping bag.
Blanket in wool fleece
The blanket in thick wool fleece measures 80 × 100 cm and is made of pure merino sheep's wool. Thanks to the lanolin it contains, it is naturally dirt- and water-repellent – frequent washing is unnecessary, airing usually suffices. Lovely as a base, in the pram or as an extra layer.
Fine rib trousers with a tummy band
The fine rib trousers in walnut made of merino wool and mulberry silk have a wide tummy band that warms without cutting in. They warm in the cold and cool in the warmth – ideal as a base layer following the layering principle.
Caring for wool and silk
Wool and silk largely clean themselves: airing usually suffices, because the material is dirt-repellent. When washing is needed, use the wool cycle or wash by hand in lukewarm water – do not wring, do not rub, otherwise the wool felts. That way the pieces stay beautiful for years. More on materials and labels in our guide GOTS and organic cotton.
Frequently asked questions
Which sleeping bag size fits?
Size 50 is intended for newborns and premature babies, size 62 for the months after. Important: a sleeping bag should not be bought to grow into – if it is too big, the child can slip down inside it.
What does the TOG value tell you?
It describes how warm a sleeping bag is. At TOG 0.5 to 1 this one is in the light range and is adjusted to room temperature through the clothing underneath: 18 to 21 °C a long-sleeved body, 21 to 24 °C a short-sleeved one, above that just the sleeping bag.
How do the sizes run?
The bodies run slightly larger – worth bearing in mind on a first purchase. With wool a little room is right anyway, because the fibre can only regulate temperature when it is not stretched tight.
How often does wool and silk need washing?
Rarely. The material is dirt-repellent and regenerates through airing. If it is needed: wool cycle or hand wash in lukewarm water, no wringing and no rubbing – otherwise the wool felts irreversibly.
You will find the whole selection in the ENGEL NATUR collection – more basics in the collections bodies and thermal clothing.