What are proud to offer a range of intentionally designed, luxurious merino base layer tops and pants for young boys and girls, and bodysuits and leggings for babies. As parents ourselves we have experienced putting wee babies and children to sleep and the anxiety that often arises from this. Are they comfortable? Are they warm enough? Are they too hot, will they overheat? Are they safe? These are all questions that run through parents minds when making the decision of what to clothe their child in. While there are many factors that come into making a safe sleeping space for a child, clothing is a contributing one. Therefore we have developed a range of base layer sets that offer a safe, comfortable and premium sleepwear and daywear option that is not only good for the child, but good for the planet. Our Merino base layer sets are also designed to transition to the daytime, as a foundation layer to be worn underneath clothing. Protecting little torsos, arms and legs from the elements. Perfect for up the ski field or while out playing in the cooler temperatures.
The grade of merino wool that we use for our Merino base layers is a from New Zealand merino sheep and is a superfine 18.5micron blend. The ZQ certification means that the wool is sourced from farms with an audited commitment to sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. It also guarantees the quality of the fibre, which is classed by skilled professionals. The auditing of the standard is carried out by an independent third party, ensuring ZQ Merino is held accountable at all times. We also love merino wool as it is a local gift from nature that is right here on our back door-step in Queenstown.
Safe: safety is paramount for sleepwear, especially for babies and children. Clothing choices are an important factor in ensuring a safe night’s sleep. When considering safety there are a number of key attributes caregivers must look out for, such as – low flammability, natural fabrics, close fitting, no strings or toggles near the head and appropriate layers for the temperature of the room. Our merino pyjamas are all made from a superfine merino wool and have been designed to be close fitting. The reason close fitted garments are recommended is to avoid loose clothing catching on things and being caught up in heaters and fire etc. Merino Wool also has a low flammability rating and when on fire, burns away from the body – unlike synthetic fabrics which in general melt onto skin. Please note that clothing is not the only factor to ensure a safe night’s sleep – bedding, pillows, mattresses, toys and heating options all must be considered to ensure breathability, low flammability and safe sleeping areas for babies and young children. Please visit Plunket New Zealand website for further information regarding this topic.
Comfortable Fit: the comfort of a garment, its closeness of fit and appearance in use are all influenced by the extent to which fabrics will stretch and recover from extension. Merino wool yarns do not exhibit high stretch on their own, however the way in which they are knitted together in the manufacturing of the fabric allows for comfortable stretch. Comfortable stretch can be described as the clothing conforming to the body contours and not restricting movement. This is crucial for sleepwear, to ensure a pleasant night’s sleep and to avoid waking from annoying/ill-fitting nightwear.
Breathable: throughout the night the temperatures can change drastically. Wee bodies struggle to regulate their own temperatures therefore rely on clothing layers to keep warm. 100% Natural Merino fabrics offer breathability, to ensure kids do not overheat during the night. They are a wonderful layering option with another natural fabric overtop in those really cold months.
Multi-Functional: while these merino sets have been designed to be used as a set not only for sleeping – they can also be used separately as base layer garments in cooler temperatures. As base layer clothing is typically underneath outer layers and against the skin, they tend to not get dirty as often and can be worn continuously to take kids through from day to night. A simple airing and spot clean can be substituted for a full wash. Washing less frequently is a more sustainable way of caring for clothing and our planet.
Superfine Merino Wool: the body is constantly changing temperatures. As the body heats up, those layers of clothing closest to the skin must be superfine and soft to avoid irritation. During the night it is important that the garment layers kids wear contribute to a comfortable and warm night’s sleep. Our merino wool fabric is made from a superfine 18.5 micron wool, which is incredibly soft against the skin and will help to regulate temperature and prevent discomfort.
Low Flammability: factors that influence flame retardance in fabric include: fibre content, garment design (close or loose fitting) and finishing applied to fabric. Wool generally has a high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI), high ignition temperature and high moisture content – which all contribute to its low flammability. Another contributing factor to low flammability in clothing is its design - close fitting garments are less likely to catch fire. All our merino pyjama sets are made using 100% merino wool fibres and constructed as a close fitting garment, and are able to withstand washing – which has no effect on the flammability of the clothing.
Stretch: knit fabrics are manufactured through the use of loops. These loops allow for stretch when force is applied to them. Meaning they are form fitting and can be pulled over and onto various shaped and sized bodies. The type of knit our merino wool yarns are made into are a lovely light-weight jersey fabric, with no surface detail and a comfortable stretch which does not compress but sits closely against the body.
Layerable: sold as a set, our merino base layers are a lovely trans-seasonal sleepwear option for children. In winter they can be layered with merino socks, and a cotton button up top and pant. In the warmer months the merino pyjama set can be worn on their own with a light sheet over top. Designed to be close-fitting, they seamlessly fit under outer wear adding that extra layer of warmth while not being bulky.
What children wear next to their skin is an important consideration for any caregiver. Especially for young babies and children who are unable to regulate their own temperatures and are more susceptible to the elements. To ensure peace of mind while you and your child are asleep, Plunket recommends choosing pyjama’s that are made from natural fabrics, close-fitting to the body, free from cords and loose threads, and have a low-flammability rating. Our 100% NZ Merino Pyjama tops and pants offer a safe sleeping option that adhere to strict sleepwear safety regulations. Tried and tested on our own children for many years, our pyjama sets offer a comfortable, warm and safe sleepwear choice for children aged 1-8years old.
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