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When it comes to choosing the right sleepwear for your baby, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. From TOG ratings to fabric blends, the choices seem endless. But one of the most important decisions you can make? Choosing the right type of Merino. At SnugBags, we don’t just use Merino wool — we use Merino fleece, and there’s a big difference. Here’s why Merino fleece offers superior warmth, safety, and peace of mind for your baby’s sleep. 🌡️ Babies Can’t Regulate Temperature Like Adults Newborns and young babies lose heat quickly and don’t yet have the ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. That’s why their sleep environment — including what they wear — matters so much. Too cold, and they’ll wake frequently. Too hot, and it can become a safety concern. Merino wool is a natural thermoregulator, helping your baby stay at a stable, comfortable temperature all night long. But not all Merino is made the same.  🧵 Merino Fleece vs. Merino Jersey: What’s the Difference? ➤ Merino Jersey
➤ Merino Fleece (what we use at SnugBags in our High Country Range)
❄️ Why Fleece Is Better for Sleep Think of it like this: Merino jersey is like a lightweight sheet. Merino fleece is like a breathable duvet — warm, cosy, but never stuffy. The soft, brushed texture of fleece traps warm air, creating a gentle thermal barrier around your baby’s body. It helps maintain warmth even if the room cools down overnight — something jersey fabrics can struggle to do on their own. 💤 Consistent Warmth = Better Sleep We’ve all been there — waking up multiple times to check if your baby is still warm, worrying they’ve kicked off the blanket again, or layering clothes that may be too hot or too cold. With Merino fleece, you get:
🌿 Natural. Breathable. Safe. Merino fleece isn’t just incredibly warm — it’s naturally breathable, fire-resistant without chemicals, and gentle on sensitive skin. It helps reduce the risk of overheating while still keeping your baby comfortably warm. That’s why every High Country SnugBag is made with Merino fleece and organic cotton — a combination that supports safer, deeper, and more restful sleep. 💛 Why Parents Trust SnugBags Every High Country SnugBag is:
Explore our range of Merino fleece SnugBags → Shop now 
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As the winter chill sets in, keeping your baby warm, comfortable, and safe is top of mind for any parent. Among the countless options available for keeping your little one cozy, a SnugBags Merino baby sleeping bag stands out for its many benefits. Not only does it provide superior warmth and comfort, but by choosing a SnugBags Merino sleeping bag, you’re also supporting a New Zealand-made business — a country renowned for its premium wool production. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Merino wool is the ultimate fabric for baby sleepwear, how a SnugBags Merino baby sleeping bag can transform your baby's winter nights, and why supporting New Zealand businesses is more important than ever. 1. Merino Wool: Nature’s Miracle Fabric for Babies
Merino wool is derived from the Merino sheep, a breed that thrives in the harsh winters of New Zealand and Tasmania. This wool is fine, soft, and much finer than regular wool, making it gentle against a baby’s sensitive skin. Unlike coarser wools, Merino doesn’t itch or irritate, which is a common concern with traditional wool garments. Why is Merino Perfect for Winter? Thermal Regulation: Merino wool naturally regulates body temperature. It traps heat in cold conditions while allowing excess heat to escape if the baby gets too warm. This balance helps maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night, ensuring that your little one isn’t too hot or too cold. Breathable and Moisture- Wicking: Babies can get sweaty during the night, especially in warmer indoor environments. Merino’s breathable nature allows the skin to stay dry, preventing discomfort and reducing the risk of rashes or overheating. Odor-Resistant: Merino wool has natural antibacterial properties, which means it resists odors even after long use. This is perfect for baby clothes and sleeping bags that require frequent washing. Soft and Luxurious: The fine fibers of Merino wool are much softer than regular wool, making it perfect for delicate baby skin. Its natural elasticity also ensures that the fabric gently hugs the body without feeling restrictive. 2. Why a SnugBags Baby Sleeping Bag is a Great Choice When it comes to sleeping bags, the primary concern for parents is ensuring that their baby sleeps soundly and safely. Here’s how a Merino baby sleeping bag can help: Safe Sleep Environment: Sleeping bags eliminate the risks associated with loose blankets or sheets, which can potentially lead to suffocation or overheating. The sleeping bag stays securely on the baby, providing warmth without the dangers of loose bedding. Consistency in Temperature: Unlike blankets that can be kicked off in the middle of the night, a Merino baby sleeping bag ensures that your baby stays warm throughout the entire night. This consistent warmth promotes better, longer sleep — something every parent cherishes. Easy to Use: SnugBags Merino baby sleeping bags are designed with convenience in mind. Our unique Diagonal Zip Design allows for easy access, making nighttime diaper changes simpler and faster. The soft, flexible fabric also allows for freedom of movement, which is vital for babies who are still learning to roll, wiggle, or stretch. 3. Supporting New Zealand-Made Businesses Merino wool is synonymous with New Zealand. Our country is one of the largest producers of Merino wool in the world, and New Zealand-made Merino products have built a reputation for their quality and craftsmanship. Supporting these businesses is more than just a feel-good purchase; it’s a commitment to sustainability, ethical production, and local economies. Why Support New Zealand-Made Products? Quality You Can Trust: New Zealand is home to some of the world’s finest wool producers, known for their strict farming practices that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability. By purchasing from New Zealand-made businesses, you’re ensuring that you’re getting the highest quality products that are ethically sourced and made. Environmental Sustainability: The Merino wool industry in New Zealand is built on sustainable farming practices. Unlike synthetic fabrics, wool is biodegradable, renewable, and requires significantly less energy and water to produce. By supporting our Snugbags Merino wool, you’re also supporting a greener planet. Local Economy: Small businesses in New Zealand rely on the support of global customers. When you choose to buy a SnugBags Merino baby sleeping bag made in New Zealand, you’re directly helping the local economy and encouraging innovation and growth in a country known for its high-quality wool products. 4. The Winter Advantage: Comfort and Peace of Mind As a parent, nothing is more important than the comfort and safety of your baby, and our Snugbags Merino wool sleeping bags provide just that — a natural, breathable material that’s warm, soft, and safe. By investing in a SnugBags Merino baby sleeping bag, you’re choosing a product that helps your baby sleep peacefully through the colder months without the worry of overheating or discomfort. At the same time, supporting a New Zealand-made business means you’re contributing to an industry that prioritizes both quality and sustainability. So, when you make that purchase, you're not just giving your baby a cozy night’s sleep — you’re helping a small business continue to thrive, while also making a positive impact on the environment. Shop now and give your baby the warmth they deserve while supporting a New Zealand-made business! Visit www.snugbags.com today to explore our range of premium Merino baby sleeping bags. The Clean + Conscious Awards celebrate exceptional products that work in perfect harmony with our bodies, our environment and our society. Now running in their third year, the Awards celebrate products that are safe, ethical, sustainable and socially responsible. SNUGBAGS IS FINALIST ACROSS 2 CATEGORIES: THE SLEEPING BAG + PYJAMAS  Founded as the Australian Non-Toxic Awards back in 2019, the Awards are the brainchild of blogger, mother and practising Optometrist Emily Fletcher, who founded the Awards when she identified the need to celebrate safe and socially responsible products. Emily, who has postgraduate qualifications in Pharmacology and has studied Advanced Chemistry at university, says “These Awards provide a valuable resource to consumers who seek products that are both clean (healthy for their bodies) and conscious (aligned with their values).
“By supporting the businesses that prioritise the wellbeing of their customers along with the livelihoods of communities and the health of our planet, we are sending a powerful message that cannot be ignored.” The Awards, which are 100% independent and unaffiliated with any brands, corporations or media organisations, are judged fairly and transparently by a diverse and inclusive Expert Panel made up of eco-leaders, beauty experts, authors, sustainability educators, wellness experts, change makers, ethical fashion advocates and many more. The Awards Expert Panel plays the all-important role of hands-on testing and scoring finalist products to help decide the winners of the Clean + Conscious Awards 2021.  The Baby Maternity Awards seals are a distinguishing mark of achievement and desirability. The BabyMaternity Magazine's Awards Program is unique in that all products submitted are reviewed by expectant mothers, new moms and baby caregivers. Products are not reviewed by any one person. They are reviewed by many people - the very people who would purchase them.
Each year, a two day event is held in Henderson, NV where over a 50 guest reviewers are invited to a local convention center to attend our product review. All products are divided into categories and displayed at various stations. Guest reviewers are asked to sit and review each product at every station. This allows for each product to receive multiple reviews.
SNUGBAGS WINS GOLD & EDITORS CHOICE FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW IN 2020 NON-TOXIC AWARDS!22/6/2021 The prestigious Australian Non-Toxc Awards celebrate only the highest quality products that work in perfect harmony with our bodies, our environment, and our society.  WHY THE EXPERTS AWARDED US WITH GOLD AND EDITOR'S CHOICE:
The fabric is beautifully snuggly and warm. I liked the feel of the fabric and the obvious quality of the product. The philanthropic nature of Snugbags is absolutely commendable. I love that they are giving back to the community and the fact that every order contributes to a Clean Birthing Kit for vulnerable mums really warmed my heart. — Samantha Christian Beautifully made and very cleverly designed, this is super snuggly and my son adores it and sleeps so well. Made from natural fibres, this bag is suitable for a wide range of temperatures and with the ability to shorten through poppers or have feet or tuck them in, it is incredibly adaptable. I think the large area of merino wool over the back, the ‘SnugSpot’, is the cosiest thing ever! — Emily Fletcher This is such a fun sleeping bag – my two-year-old loves poking his feet through the velour foot holes and waddling around like a penguin in the morning! Love the option to have feet in or out (bub keeps them in at night for extra warmth). It’s incredibly soft and snuggly and I love the soft marle grey organic cotton outer – feels like my favourite sweater. The merino fleece inner keeps bub both warm and cool. — Emma Freeman WHY ARE OUR SNUGBAGS THE BEST SLEEPING BAGS ON THE MARKET? Safe – Made from excellent non-toxic materials. GOTS certified organic cotton knit (outer and inner lining). Australian merino fleece filling and ‘SnugSpot’. GOTS certified organic cotton/bamboo velour feet attachments. YKK zips made from recycled PET bottles. Responsible – Every SNUGBAGS order contributes towards a Clean Birthing Kit containing basic essentials for a cleaner and safer birth for mothers in some of the most vulnerable parts of the world. For the last 5 years, they have partnered with Auckland-based charity ‘Give A Kid A Blanket’ and are a collection point for this charity who distribute preloved and new blankets throughout the less fortunate communities in Auckland. The SNUGBAGS office and warehouse are carbon neutral (offset by EKOS) and the company is also a Native Forest Restoration Trust Silver Carbon Partner. SNUGBAGS is also a business member of the Keeping New Zealand Beautiful Charity. The company packages garments in re-usable calico bag packaging (no plastic packaging) and are posted using plant-based home compostable postage bags. These Awards celebrate the safest, most ethical, sustainable and responsible products in Australia and New Zealand. "Our Gold, Silver and Bronze rosettes symbolise the best of the best in quality of ingredients and function as well as ethics in manufacturing and environmental footprint."  WHY DID THE JUDGES THINK OUR SNUGBAGS ARE THE BEST SLEEPING BAGS ON THE MARKET?
Emily Fletcher“The SNUGnGo FeetBag is the snuggliest, most beautifully made, cleverly thought out, adaptable sleeping bag I’ve ever come across. There are so many features which I love which make this sleeping bag an absolute stand out. The FeetBag is generously sized and has press stud buttons to reduce the size of the arm hole and also the length, allowing this to be suitable from 6 months to over 2 years, or for the next size up from 2-5 years! I love how the length is adjustable and not just the arm holes, it really is a fantastic innovation. The FeetBag has amazing warmth and temperature regulating properties due to the beautiful natural fibres used in its construction, making it suitable to be used for room temperatures between 17-22 degrees. The FeetBag also obviously has feet! These are made from the softest organic cotton and bamboo velour. The feet attachments are long enough that warm air won’t escape from the bag whilst sleeping and they are stretchy enough that they are a small enough opening that a child won’t suddenly find their feet out in the night. They are however easy enough for an older child to pop their feet out when they wake up and it enables them to safely potter around whilst still all warm and snuggly in their sleeping bag! I love that the feet holes are open as I do worry about slipping when walking around with their feet covered in other bag options. This sleeping bag also lives up to its SnugBag name with the SnugSpot. It is a large area of merino fleece on the back of the sleeping bag which adds extra warmth and snuggliness for a child’s back. It is so soft and cosy and such a great feature. My 19 month old is so snug and cosy in the FeetBag. He sleeps really well in this bag and it is convenient to be able to put him in the sleeping bag early and pop his feet out of it so he can move around whilst I read him books before bed. I found this sleeping bag to have amazing heat retaining properties and when he did leak out of his nappy, the sleeping bag actually didn’t become cold like cotton bags do and he didn’t wake cold and upset. A beautifully made sleeping bag made with the highest quality materials and with so many clever features. Highly recommended.” Corrine Sultana“The SnugnGo bag is a gorgeous and clever bag. It has all the usual functionality of a sleeping bag but with the addition of feet opening for the child who likes sleeping with their feet out or who would like to get up and move in it. A 0-2 size bag so it will last many seasons. Organic cotton outer and merino inner dyed with organic dyes. I just love this bag. I think it looks really cool, feels amazing and has very fine, high quality sewing. The bag has closed shoulder seems, underarm poppers, a single way bottom to top zip and side poppers to decrease the length. This one has a Merino Fleece SnugSpot in the back inside – adding extra warmth and snuggly-ness. The only thing I would like to be added is a tag to show season / tog etc. as it’s not noted (size is ) I also love the manufacturing story: “All our cutting of garments is done by hand by master cutters locally in Auckland and sewn by highly skilled sewers that are mums returning to the workplace”. They have a huge commitment to some amazing charities and pride themselves on a high level of certification. I was quite taken with their company info. If they had an adult SnugnGo – I’d love one! Material: Organic cotton outer, merino wool inner Washing process: Machine washable Australian Owned / Operated: No – New Zealand Operated Australian Made: No – New Zealand made Emma Freeman“The first thing that stood out to me about this sleeping bag is the design. This was orchestrated with baby’s comfort in mind; from the soft organic cotton inner layer to the bamboo velour feet openings and the beautiful circle of merino wool positioned against baby’s back to keep him warm or cool and help him dream that little bit deeper. The middle layer of merino wool keeps baby ‘snug’ in winter and cooler during spring and Autumn (this bag would most likely be too warm during the Sydney summer). What I really love is the story behind how these bags are made. The bags, which are made with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, are sewn by New Zealand mothers who are returning to the workforce, from the comfort of their own home in Auckland. And for every Snugbag purchased, a clean birthing kit is donated to a mother-to-be from a country where safe and clean birthing resources are scarce. Such a beautiful product!” Roxanne Cambridge“Absolutely love the idea of the feet bags, this will be great for winter when baby starts to walk. Another beautiful product.”  Why Organic Cotton? 🌿
We at SnugBags only use GOTS certified Organic Cotton for our sleeping bags - which is the gold standard for Organic fabrics 🌸 The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognised as the world's leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres. It defines high-level environmental criteria along the entire organic textiles supply chain and requires compliance with social criteria as well. By only allowing certified organic fibers to qualify for GOTS certification, GOTS promotes organic and biodynamic farming and avoids GMOs, toxic pesticides and fertilizers 🌱 Why is this important? A large part of what children absorb in their body happens through the skin (the rest is food, liquid and air — gastrointestinal and respiratory absorption). Our skin is our largest organ. It protects us, helps regulate our body temperature, and plays many other essential functions. It also absorbs a lot of what we put on it. A baby's skin is up to 5 times thinner than adult skin, they have higher metabolisms and lower weight making them extremely susceptible to absorbing toxins and more sensitive to chemicals. Since Organic cotton is grown naturally and sustainable, without herbicides, pesticides or any other harmful chemicals. Choosing organic means limiting your baby’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals found in non-organic garments. And not only that, Organic Cotton is know to be much softer and more comfortable to wear and it has shown to be much stronger and last longer than conventional cotton too! Our SnugBags GOTS Organic Cotton is 🌸 the safest choice for your little one 🌱 the best choice for the environment 🌈 free from toxins and chemicals 🌸 much softer than conventional cotton 🌱 & much stronger than conventional cotton We are committed to only using the purest & organic fabrics to provide a truly non-toxic sleep environment for your little ones and thus keeping them safe and snug all night x www.snugbags.com | Organic + Safer + Made in New Zealand |  Even though bottle propping is an unsafe practice that goes back many years, it is now receiving increased attention as society, including the baby sleep consultancy industry, tries to sell a "solution" for everything. If you haven’t heard of bottle propping, it simply means that you use a pillow, blankets or a device to hold (prop) your baby’s bottle in place while they feed. This is usually done with a baby too young to hold the bottle up themselves, and it leaves a parent’s hands free. But both of these factors are what can cause dire consequences. Tragically, bottle propping can be fatal. Young babies may not have the head control or strength to move away from the flow of the milk that is being aided by gravity. Quite simply they can choke to death as they cannot escape from the milk, or inhale it as the bottle becomes displaced. It was recently brought to our attention that one of the Baby Sleep Consultancies here in New Zealand are promoting the unsafe practice of bottle propping as part of their techniques to help babies sleep better, Not only is this extremely irresponsible, it is also unfortunately a testament of how unregulated this industry is. The American Academy of Pediatrics says: “Never prop the bottle and let your baby feed alone; not only will you miss the opportunity to bond with her while she feeds, but there’s also a danger that she’ll choke or the bottle will slip out of position. “Propping the bottle also increases the risk of ear infections. We do not recommend devices to hold a bottle in a baby’s mouth—they could be dangerous”. The CDC has similar guidelines, and also lists concerns about tooth decay as a reason to never bottle prop. They also advise that bottle propping increases the likelihood that you will overfeed your baby, because when you aren’t watching your baby for hunger cues, your baby is more likely to eat more than they need. Feeding your baby is so much more than providing nutrition - a warm, loving experience where you cuddle your baby closely, gaze into her eyes, and coo and talk to her. When we are feeding babies in our arms, and they gag or choke we can easily remove the bottle. We can sit them up and pat their backs making sure they are safe. This information is to help increase awareness of a common practice that can have serious consequences. Please do not ever prop your babies bottle, and please do not believe any baby sleep consultants endorsing this practice and telling you it is safe. www.snugbags.com | Organic + Ethical + Made in New Zealand | SnugBags are merino & organic cotton baby sleeping bags that are specially designed to keep little ones safe, warm and snug at night.  For centuries parents have been sleeping their babies in the natural fibres of wool to keep them warm and comfortable, and there is now scientific evidence that sleeping on or under wool actually improves the quality of sleep and helps little ones thrive better. Research shows that the rate of weight gain in underweight newborns was 61% higher when sleeping on a wool underlay compared to a cotton sheet. Jaundiced newborns sleeping on wool were more settled when sleeping compared to those on cotton – around 30% of babies on wool cried compared with 67% on cotton.  Researcher Dr Paul Swan, from the University of Sydney, said: "Not so long ago sleeping under wool bedding was the norm, and science is now rediscovering the benefits of sleeping in wool. Maybe it is not a coincidence because wool regulates your body temperature far better, keeping you in what is known as 'the thermal comfort zone'. You therefore not only fall asleep quicker, sleep longer, but also have deeper, better quality sleep." If your baby is unsettled, one reason for their unrest could be down to the environment they’re sleeping in and the type of bedding parents are using in their cot. Simply sleeping your baby in the natural properties that merino wool provides could make all the difference to a good quality sleep and helping your little one to thrive. Merino wool is naturally breathable In contrast to synthetics, wool is an active fibre that reacts to changes in the body’s temperature, keeping the wearer comfortable. Accordingly, wool garments are one of the most breathable of all the common natural fibres types. Merino wool has natural temperature regulating properties Babies are not as adaptable as adults to temperature change. Because infants and children have a higher surface area to mass ratio than adults, they can lose heat rapidly, as much as four times more quickly than adults. When babies are cold-stressed, they use energy and oxygen to generate warmth. Studies have found that by sleeping babies in merino wool and thus keeping babies at optimal temperatures, neither too hot or too cold, they can conserve energy and build up reserves. When using merino wool, baby’s temperature is regulated and maintained and subsequently babies will become more relaxed, gain weight faster and sleep longer. Merino Wool has natural moisture regulating properties Merino is one of Nature’s most amazing fibres. It breathes and controls moisture which means it has the unique ability to maintain the ideal temperature between body and bedding. Unlike any other fabric Merino has the capacity to remove large amounts (up to 35% of its own weight) of moisture from the skin surface, keeping baby dry and comfortable all night. "Enjoying good sleep has become increasingly difficult in modern times, and so anything that helps is great for your mental and physical health." Dr Paul Swan, from the University of Sydney says. Kim Snel, owner of SnugBags Merino for Kids says: "We acknowledge the importance of sleep and the amazing qualities and benefits of merino wool. We have specifically designed products that are made using only the finest merino wool to ensure a better night’s sleep for little ones. Because we know when baby sleeps, everyone sleeps. A well-rested baby is a happy baby, which also makes for well-rested and happy parents." Visit SnugBags extensive range of merino baby & toddler sleeping bags here. www.snugbags.com | Organic + Ethical + made in New Zealand |  Do you check fabric details when buying sleep garments for your little one?Another one of NZ’s leading ‘organic’ baby wear & sleep brands have started using polyester (35%) in their sleep garments. Synthetic fibres (aka plastic) do not breathe and can increase your baby's risk of overheating in their sleep. When babies overheat or sweat, they then can then rapidly cool down because their sweat cannot not evaporate through the fabric. Overheating has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bruce Epstein, M.D., a paediatrician from Florida, explains the link saying: "babies sleep deeply when they're hot, making them difficult to arouse, which may increase the risk of SIDS." Last year a large ‘natural’ NZ sleeping bag brand started mixing their merino fleece with 25% polyester. Most Australian, European and American sleep brands use polyester for the wadding in their sleeping bags and sleep suits. Or even worse, use polyester (Polar Fleece) for the entire sleep garment. Why do these companies do this? Because it is cheap. Using polyester and mixing it with merino or organic cotton drops the price of the fabric significantly. Using polyester as a filler for wadding is cheap as chips. So is polar fleece. Unfortunately, clever marketing techniques make parents think they are buying a natural and organic product because the polyester is used in combination with merino or organic cotton. It is extremely irresponsible and unsafe to use such large quantities of polyester in babies sleep garments and it is really sad to see that some of the bigger companies are misleading their customers by marketing themselves as ‘Natural’ and ‘Organic’ and making parents believe they are making a safe decision for their little ones while their products are in fact filled with polyester. Please please please read garment labels and when purchasing online, read the ‘Product Details’ to see the fabric and wadding composition. And if it contains polyester do not buy it. Polyester should not be used in babies sleep garments. It is not safe. Sleep garments should be made from natural fibres only, like merino, wool, (organic) cotton or bamboo. www.snugbags.com | Organic + Ethical + made in New Zealand |  |
Author
Kim is the owner of SNUGBAGS - Merino for Kids. Together with her partner James and their little girl Neeva Rose, she lives in a little beach town called Piha on the West Coast in New Zealand. They love surfing, building sandcastles and all things natural and organic. Categories
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