Blankies
Baby blankets made from organic merino wool and organic cotton
Whether for snuggling up, keeping warm or as a soft underlay when out and about: a baby blanket accompanies your child through many moments – big and small – in everyday family life. At hessnatur, you’ll find cosy blankets made from natural materials such as fine organic merino wool and organic cotton. Depending on the design, these offer different properties. This means you can choose the right baby blanket for different seasons and uses.
Virgin wool or cotton: what our baby blankets are made of
For our baby blankets, we use two natural materials: merino wool and cotton. Both of these natural fibres are sourced from certified organic farms and each has its own unique qualities. This means you can choose the right option to keep your baby warm and comfortable, depending on the situation.
- Organic merino wool: This baby knitted blanket, made from pure organic merino wool, is knitted from fine merino wool and, with its lightweight, cosy fine knit, is incredibly versatile. The wool fleece cosy blanket is also made from pure organic merino wool. The fleece is raised to create a fluffy texture with many small air pockets, which can contribute to the blanket’s warming properties. The product name specifies merino wool, whilst the fibre is labelled as virgin wool on the label in accordance with textile labelling regulations. In line with our product information, the wool used for this comes from certified organic livestock farming. All our knitted and wool fleece blankets are GOTS-certified, as indicated in the product description.
- Organic cotton: Both the Baby Softfleece blanket and the reversible Softfleece and muslin blanket are made from pure organic cotton. In the Softfleece blanket, the cotton is gently brushed to create a soft texture, whilst the reversible blanket combines two different surfaces: soft Softfleece on one side and lightweight muslin on the other. Like all our virgin cotton fibres, the cotton comes from certified organic cultivation.
- Certification: The merino and cotton blankets listed are certified in accordance with the guidelines of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS sets out criteria for organically produced natural fibres, as well as their processing and manufacture throughout the textile supply chain. This includes environmental, human rights and social criteria. You can identify which products are GOTS-certified by the note in the product description.
- Manufacture: The manufacturing process depends on the material used. The baby knitted blanket is produced using a fine-knit technique. The woollen fleece blanket is made from merino wool, which is processed into a soft fleece, and is manufactured in Lithuania. For the cotton versions, soft fleece or a combination of soft fleece and muslin is used. These are grown and manufactured in India. The product description for each model specifies which material is used and where it is manufactured.
Knit, fleece or muslin: a comparison of blankets
Whether it’s knitted, fleece or muslin: every material has its own advantages. Depending on the material and design, a baby blanket is suitable for different everyday situations. The table below gives you an overview of the various cosy blankets. It will help you compare materials, designs and uses to find the one that best suits your needs.
| Blanket | Material | Method of manufacture | Usage as per the product page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby knitted blanket | Merino wool | Fine knit with an ajour pattern | Mat, play mat or cosy blanket |
| Wool fleece blanket | Merino wool | soft, brushed fleece texture | at home and on the go |
| Baby soft fleece blanket | Cotton | brushed on both sides | Prams, playing, crawling |
| Reversible Softfleece blanket with muslin | Cotton | Muslin and soft fleece | Prams, crawling, breastfeeding |
To complement our baby blankets, our range also includes matching bedding, mattress toppers and lambskins for babies. They round off the natural sleeping experience.
For prams, sofas and cold days: where baby blankets come in handy
A cosy baby blanket is incredibly versatile in everyday life and can serve a wide variety of purposes depending on the situation.
- On the go: Whether out for a stroll in the pram or enjoying a cosy visit with the family, a familiar blanket can provide a sense of security even in unfamiliar surroundings. It can protect against a chilly breeze and serves as a soft underlay in the pushchair. It can also be combined with other baby products for when you’re out and about. This makes the baby blanket a familiar companion even away from the comfort of home, one that can be used flexibly in everyday life.
- At home: Within your own four walls, the baby blanket is a versatile companion for moments of relaxation. It provides a soft surface on the floor and is perfect for snuggling up together on the sofa. Depending on its size and material, it can easily be laid out wherever it’s needed.
- Cold season: During the cooler months, a thick natural-fibre blanket can be used as a warm winter blanket. Which blanket is suitable depends, amongst other things, on the room temperature and the baby’s clothing. It is important that the extra layer is appropriate for the situation at hand and is not chosen solely on the basis of the season.
- The early days with your baby: As a constant companion from birth, a baby blanket can be a practical addition to your initial layette. As a classic first blanket, it can be kept handy wherever you go or at home. The most suitable size and material will depend on how you plan to use it, the time of year and your personal preferences.
An overview of sizes, colours and patterns
As well as the choice of material, size and appearance also play a part. hessnatur’s baby blankets are available in a range of sizes, colours and designs. This means you can find the right one to suit your needs.
- Sizes: Our cosy baby blankets are available in sizes 70 × 100 cm, 75 × 100 cm and 80 × 100 cm, depending on the model. The size of each blanket is specified in the relevant product details. This allows you to choose the size that best suits your intended use.
- Colours: The range also offers a variety of colour options. You can choose from subtle shades of beige, blue, grey, lilac and natural. This allows you to opt for either a subtle natural colour or to add a deliberate splash of colour.
- Patterns: Visually, the blankets also feature a variety of textures. The selection ranges from plain to mottled blankets. The knitted blanket offers a distinctive look with its characteristic ajour lace pattern.
Care: How to look after woollen and cotton items
To ensure that the baby blankets retain their qualities for as long as possible, care instructions depend on the specific material. Always follow the instructions on the care label.
- Merino wool: Blankets made from organic merino wool can help neutralise odours thanks to the natural wool grease (lanolin). It is therefore often sufficient simply to air them out in the fresh air. If washing is necessary, follow the instructions on the care label. Different care instructions may apply depending on the design, which is why the specific recommendations for the product in question are decisive.
- Cotton: Items made from organic cotton are considered easy to care for. The instructions on the care label also apply here. Care instructions may vary depending on the design. You should therefore follow the specified washing temperature and the recommended wash cycle for the blanket in question.
- Drying: The care label is also crucial when it comes to drying. It will tell you whether the baby blanket can go in the tumble dryer or should be air-dried instead. Follow these instructions to protect the blanket’s material and construction.
- Storage: It is best to store the blankets in a dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid folding them up whilst damp. When stacked loosely in a cupboard, the natural fibres generally retain their loft and stay pleasantly fresh.
What parents need to know about baby blankets
Is merino wool the same as virgin wool?
No, it is not exactly the same thing, but rather a more precise description. The Merino sheep is a breed known for its fine, soft fibres that help regulate body temperature. Merino wool is one of the highest-quality types of wool and, in our baby blankets, always comes from certified organic livestock farming. Its soft fibres ensure it feels comfortable against the skin.
Under the Textile Labelling Act, it is classified as virgin wool provided it meets the relevant requirements. ‘Merino’ therefore refers to the breed of sheep from which it comes, whilst ‘virgin wool’ is the technical term for the fibre.
Can a blanket be put in the cot?
To ensure your baby sleeps more safely, it is recommended that you let them sleep in their own cot, on their back, wherever possible. A baby sleeping bag can be an alternative to a loose blanket. Whether or not to use a blanket in the cot depends on your child’s age. It is best to follow the latest recommendations for safe sleep.
Is a baby blanket suitable as a play mat?
On soft surfaces such as carpet or a sofa, the baby blanket provides a base for playing. Measuring between 70 × 100 cm and 80 × 100 cm, it gives your baby plenty of space to explore. For longer periods of crawling and playing, a classic play mat with suitable padding may be more suitable. However, the baby blanket can also be placed on top as a cosy extra layer.
How many blankets do I need for my baby’s initial layette?
Even right from birth, a soft baby blanket can be a practical addition to your initial layette. You don’t necessarily need several blankets for your initial layette. How many blankets you actually need depends entirely on your daily routine. The key factors here are your individual washing routine and where and how often the blankets are used. A second blanket is particularly handy for everyday use. That way, you’ll have a spare to hand straight away if your favourite one is in the wash.