Ashwin Lewis
Sheepskin is a popular product for newborns and infants, used for everything from rugs and play mats to bedding and sleep sacks. The natural wool fibre is known to regulate body temperature, keeping babies warm in winter and cool in summer, and its lanolin content helps to keep their skin moisturised. Sheepskin is also believed to have a calming effect on babies, reducing muscular tension and stimulating circulation. However, parents often wonder whether it is safe for newborns to sleep on sheepskin. While research has found that placing infants on their backs on sheepskin does not increase the risk of SIDS, it is generally recommended that sheepskin be used for supervised play or sleep only.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Research suggests that infants placed on their backs on sheepskin are not at an increased risk of SIDS |
| The Lullaby Trust does not recommend young babies sleeping on any soft surface, including sheepskin, if unattended and in the prone position | |
| It is recommended that sheepskin is used for supervised use only | |
| Sheepskin should be covered with a sheet or muslin to ensure the baby can breathe clearly | |
| Sheepskin should be medically tanned to ensure no harmful chemicals are used in the process | |
| Benefits | Sheepskin is a thermo-regulator, keeping the baby warm in winter and cool in summer |
| Wool is rich in lanolin, which is naturally moisturising for the skin | |
| Sheepskin is an electrical semiconductor, creating a calming effect, eliminating muscular tension, and stimulating circulation in the tissues | |
| Sheepskin is anti-bacterial, with its 100% protein fibres creating an environment unfavourable to the development of bacteria | |
| Sheepskin's deep pile conforms to the baby's body, creating a cosy mat for tummy time or general playtime | |
| Sheepskin is durable and sustainable |
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What You'll Learn
Safety guidelines for newborns sleeping on sheepskin
Sheepskin is a popular choice for parents to keep their newborns warm and comfortable. It is a natural product that is known for its durability, sustainability, and health benefits. While it is a great option for newborns, there are a few safety guidelines to keep in mind when using sheepskin for newborns sleeping on it.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the sheepskin is medically tanned. This means that no harmful chemicals, particularly chrome-based ones, are used in the tanning process, eliminating the risk of the baby breathing in something harmful. Look for manufacturers that produce baby care products, as they will be safer for newborns.
Secondly, while sheepskin is a natural temperature regulator, keeping newborns warm in winter and cool in summer, it is essential to be cautious about overheating. Sheepskin should be used with a sheet or muslin covering to ensure the baby can breathe clearly and not overheat. It is also recommended to only use sheepskin under supervised conditions.
Additionally, according to the Lullaby Trust, while sleeping on sheepskin does not increase the risk of SIDS when babies are placed on their backs, they do not recommend young babies sleeping on any soft surface, including sheepskin, when unattended and placed in the prone position. Some parents choose to wait until their baby is around six months old and can easily roll over unassisted before using sheepskin for sleeping.
Finally, ensure that the sheepskin is kept clean and well-maintained to provide a safe and hygienic sleeping environment for the newborn. Regular washing and proper care will help extend the life of the sheepskin product while also keeping it safe for the baby.
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Sheepskin as a natural product
Sheepskin is a natural product that has been used for baby care for generations. Its natural durability and health benefits for babies have proven to be superior. Sheepskin is a natural wool fibre that is warm in winter and cool in summer, making it the perfect natural fibre all year round. The natural wool fibre is also an excellent thermoregulator, keeping your baby's skin cool and dry. The lanolin in sheepskin is naturally moisturising for the skin.
Sheepskin is also an excellent electrical semiconductor, creating a calming effect, eliminating muscular tension, and stimulating circulation in the tissues. The softness of the fur is gentle on the baby's skin, and many parents report longer and deeper sleep when a sheepskin is used in a crib or bassinet. Babies thrive in a warm and cozy environment, and sheepskin delivers just that. Its natural insulating properties ensure your little one is snug and warm, promoting longer, more restful sleep.
Sheepskin is also naturally antimicrobial, reducing the occurrence of colds and sickness from harmful bacteria. A study in Germany also found that sleeping on sheepskins decreased the chances of developing asthma and allergies later in childhood. Sheepskin's deep pile conforms to a baby's body and creates a cozy mat for tummy time or general playtime. It can also be used as a liner for bassinets, Moses baskets, strollers, car seats, and rockers.
However, it is important to ensure that the sheepskin is medically tanned, meaning that no harmful chemicals (particularly chrome-based) are used in the processing. Several products are also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified to the highest grade, ensuring suitability for babies and children. It is also generally recommended that sheepskin be used for supervised play only and covered with a sheet or muslin so that the baby can breathe clearly but still have soft comfort.
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Benefits of sheepskin for newborns
There are several benefits of sheepskin for newborns. Firstly, sheepskin is a natural insulator and temperature regulator, keeping newborns warm in winter and cool in summer. This is due to the complex active 3D structure of the fibres, which allows air to flow through, creating pockets of air that help to regulate body temperature. Additionally, the lanolin in sheepskin helps to keep a baby's skin dry by drawing moisture away from the body.
Sheepskin is also beneficial for newborns because of its calming and soothing properties. The softness and texture of the fur provide sensory stimulation, aiding in the development of cognitive and motor skills. It eliminates muscular tension, creating a relaxing environment for newborns and improving their sleep quality. The natural wool fibres are gentle on sensitive skin and can soothe inflamed skin and rashes.
Furthermore, sheepskin has natural antimicrobial properties, creating an unfavourable environment for bacterial growth. This helps to reduce the occurrence of colds and sicknesses caused by harmful bacteria. Research has also shown that sleeping on sheepskin can decrease the chances of developing asthma and allergies later in childhood.
While sheepskin offers these benefits, it is important to prioritise the safety of newborns. Some sources recommend using sheepskin purely for supervised use or covering it with a sheet to ensure the baby can breathe clearly. It is generally advised to follow safe sleeping practices and guidelines provided by local childcare researchers or organisations like the Lullaby Trust.
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Sheepskin for supervised play
Sheepskin has been used for baby care for generations. It is a natural, sustainable product that is durable and has many health benefits for babies. It is a good idea to use sheepskin for supervised play, as it provides sensory stimulation, aiding in the development of cognitive and motor skills. Its deep pile conforms to a baby's body, creating a cosy mat for tummy time or general playtime. It can also be used as a liner for bassinets, Moses baskets, strollers, car seats, rockers, and pram walks.
Sheepskin is a thermo-regulator, keeping your baby warm in winter and cool in summer. It allows baby's skin to breathe, as air flows through its fibres, creating pockets of air that help to regulate your baby's body temperature. The lanolin in sheepskin is naturally moisturising for the skin, and the fibres are gentle and soft enough to provide a soothing environment for a contented baby. It is also anti-bacterial, as its fibres are made of 100% protein, creating an environment unfavourable to the development of bacteria.
If you are thinking of using sheepskin for your baby to sleep on, it is recommended that you cover it with a sheet or muslin so that your baby can breathe clearly but still benefit from the soft comfort of the sheepskin. It is also important to ensure that the fleece is medically tanned, meaning that no harmful chemicals, particularly chrome-based ones, are used in the process. This ensures that there is no danger of your baby breathing in something harmful.
Research has found that infants who are placed supine (on their backs) on sheepskin are not at an increased risk of SIDS. However, the Lullaby Trust does not recommend young babies sleeping on any soft surface, including sheepskin, unattended in the prone position. Some parents choose to wait until their baby is old enough to easily roll over unassisted (typically from the age of 6 months old) before using sheepskin to sleep on.
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Sheepskin for tummy time
Sheepskin is a popular choice for parents to use during their baby's tummy time. Tummy time is when babies, who are typically placed on their backs to sleep, are placed on their stomachs while they are awake. This helps to strengthen their neck, shoulder, and back muscles, and it also helps them develop the muscles needed to crawl.
Sheepskin rugs are soft, cosy, and warm, creating a comfortable and familiar space for babies during tummy time. The lanolin in sheepskin is also naturally moisturising for the baby's skin, and the fibres are gentle and soft enough to provide a soothing environment. Sheepskin is also naturally breathable, making it suitable for all-year-round use, and it is hypoallergenic.
Many parents also use sheepskin to line prams, bassinets, Moses baskets, cots, car seats, and rockers. It is important to note that while sheepskin is considered safe for tummy time and play, it is recommended that babies are placed on their backs to sleep, and not on their stomachs, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The Lullaby Trust, a reputable source for safe sleeping guidelines, advises that babies should not sleep on soft surfaces, including sheepskin, unattended in the prone position. However, research has found that infants placed on their backs on sheepskin are not at an increased risk of SIDS. It is also recommended that parents ensure the fleece is medically tanned, meaning no harmful chemicals, particularly chrome-based ones, are used in the tanning process.
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Frequently asked questions
There are differing opinions on whether it is safe for newborns to sleep on sheepskin. Research has found that infants who are placed on their backs on sheepskin are not at an increased risk of SIDS. However, the Lullaby Trust does not recommend young babies sleeping on any soft surface, including sheepskin, if they are unattended in the prone position. It is generally recommended that sheepskin is used purely for supervised use.
Sheepskin is a thermo-regulator, keeping your newborn warm in winter and cool in summer. It is also calming, soothing, and anti-stress. It can increase circulation, soothe inflamed skin and rashes, and provide a naturally antimicrobial sleeping environment, reducing the occurrence of colds and sickness from harmful bacteria.
If you are laying your newborn on sheepskin, it is recommended to use shorn lambskin for younger babies since its dense pile provides optimum support. It is also important to ensure that the fleece is medically tanned, meaning that no harmful chemicals are used in the process.
If you decide against letting your newborn sleep directly on sheepskin, there are still many ways they can enjoy this natural product. You can use sheepskin for pram walks, as a liner for bassinets, Moses baskets, strollers, car seats, and rockers, or as a soft mat for tummy time or general playtime.
Many parents find that sheepskin helps their baby sleep and is a gorgeous natural product that is sustainable and will last for many years. However, some parents choose to wait until their baby is old enough to easily roll over unassisted (typically from the age of 6 months old) before using sheepskin to sleep on.
