Why Merino Fleece Is Better for Baby Sleep Than Merino Jersey

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

• Thin, lightweight, and stretchy
• Often used for layering or as undergarments
• Great for warmer months or layering, but not ideal as a standalone sleeping fabric
• Doesn’t hold warmth in the same way as merino fleece

➤ Merino Fleece (what we use at SnugBags in our High Country Range)

• Soft, plush interior with a gentle loft
• Creates a natural insulation layer — without bulk
• Warmer and more effective in maintaining consistent core temperature
• Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking

❄️ 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:

• Consistent warmth around your baby’s core
• No need to layer heavily
• Natural moisture management (for sweaty little sleepers)
• A safer sleep environment with less fluctuation in temperature

And with our Snug-Spot™, we take it one step further — adding an extra layer of fleece right where your baby needs it most: around the core.

🌿 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:

• Made in New Zealand
• Filled with premium Merino fleece
• Designed with safety and sleep science in mind

So you can sleep a little easier, knowing your baby is wrapped in nature’s best — warm, calm, and protected.

Explore our range of Merino fleece SnugBags → Shop now