Merino wool or cotton for babies – which is better?

When it comes to baby clothing, one question comes up quickly: merino wool or cotton? Both materials are natural, kind to the skin and a good choice. But they have different strengths. Which suits better depends mainly on the season and how it is used. Here is the honest comparison.

Cotton: the versatile all-rounder

Organic cotton is soft, breathable and easy to care for. It can be machine-washed without any problem and copes well with frequent washing, which is worth gold in everyday baby life with its little mishaps. Cotton absorbs moisture, is ideal as the layer directly on the skin and can be worn all year round. Look for GOTS-certified organic cotton – then it is free from harmful finishes. What is behind the label is explained in our guide GOTS-certified organic cotton.

Its limit: when cotton gets damp, for example from sweating, it cools down and dries rather slowly. For cold, active days outdoors it is not ideal on its own.

Merino wool: the clever temperature regulator

Merino wool is finer and softer than conventional wool and does not usually itch. Its particular strength is temperature regulation: it warms when it is cold and cools when it gets warm. Even when damp it still keeps warm, which makes it ideal for outdoors, for winter and for babies who spend a lot of time in the fresh air. Merino is also naturally odour-resistant, so it needs washing less often – airing is usually enough. Fine merino pieces for the littlest ones can be found at HVID, for example.

Its limit: merino needs more delicate care (usually hand wash or wool cycle) and is more expensive to buy.

What suits when?

• Directly on the skin, all year round: organic cotton (bodysuits, shirts)
• Outdoors, winter, walks: merino wool (vests, snuggle suits, hats)
• In-between seasons: both combined – cotton as a base, merino as a warming layer

In practice the two do not exclude each other – they complement each other. A cotton base layer plus a merino layer on top is the most flexible solution for almost any weather. How best to combine the layers in winter is shown in our guide to layering.

Frequently asked questions

Does merino wool itch on baby skin?

High-quality merino wool is much finer than conventional wool and is tolerated by most babies without any problem. For very sensitive skin, a thin cotton layer underneath helps.

How do I wash merino wool correctly?

On the wool cycle with wool detergent or by hand, no tumble dryer, dry flat. Often airing overnight is enough – merino neutralises odours by itself.

What is better for summer?

For hot days, light organic cotton directly on the skin is the first choice. Thin merino qualities can also be pleasant in summer because of their cooling effect – for sleeping, for example.

At HVID you will find fine merino wool products for newborns, at Engel Natur high-quality natural textiles made of organic cotton and merino – read more about the brand in our Engel Natur portrait. For outdoors, take a look at our outdoor collection.