Premature: warmth, rest and the power of natural wool

When your baby is born prematurely , your world stands still for a moment. You probably imagined your first moments with your little one differently. Instead of a maternity bed at home, you suddenly find yourself in an incubator, surrounded by beeping monitors and tubes. This is emotionally difficult – you worry, feel helpless and are simultaneously faced with practical challenges. Fortunately, you are not alone: ​​there are many parents who have been through this. In this blog, we offer recognition for your feelings and share loving, practical tips on how warmth, rest and natural wool can help you care for your premature baby.

A safe and warm nest in the hospital. An incubator mimics the womb with constant warmth and protection. As a parent, you can also contribute to that warmth and security, for example with skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) or soft woolen clothes as soon as that is allowed.

Warmth and rest: crucial for premature babies

Warmth = safety. A premature baby has a vulnerable temperature balance; he cannot yet keep himself warm. If a baby cools down too much, he uses valuable energy to warm up again – energy that he needs to grow and develop.

Warmth also provides comfort and peace. Babies who are cold often become restless: they cry a lot or suffer more quickly from, for example, intestinal cramps. Do you recognize that your little one has cold hands or feet and is difficult to comfort? Then try wrapping him up extra warm, for example with a soft blanket or a layer of wool, and notice how he often relaxes immediately. Warmth gives a secure feeling of love - exactly what your premature baby needs.

At the same time, you don't want your baby to get too hot. Fortunately , overheating is less of a risk with natural materials such as wool , because wool breathes and can dissipate heat

Tip: feel his neck or shoulder blades; if that feels clammy or very warm, one layer of clothing is enough. You can also look for signs: a red, heated face or a lot of sweating means he is too warm, while a marbled skin or cold ears/nose indicate cold.

Good temperature management is therefore crucial. All the energy that your baby does not have to spend on staying warm, he can use to sleep peacefully, grow and drink. And rest is essential: in all the hustle and bustle of hospital visits, feedings and monitoring, a premature baby mainly needs a low-stimulus, cosy environment to recover. Warmth and rest go hand in hand.

The benefits of wool for sensitive premature skin

Natural wool: soft, warm and safe. Premature babies benefit from clothing made of materials such as wool and silk, which keep their temperature stable without irritating the skin.

More and more parents are discovering the secret of natural wool baby clothes for their preemies. Wool is naturally temperature-regulating and breathable. It keeps your baby warm when it’s cold, and is airy enough to wear in warmer temperatures without overheating. Wool fibres provide excellent insulation against the cold, without making your little one clammy – wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture and still feel dry. Handy, because preemies can sweat or spit up a little quickly; their skin stays comfortable in wool and they don’t lose extra heat through a wet shirt.

In addition, wool is wonderfully soft and hypoallergenic . Many premature babies have extra sensitive or delicate skin, which is easily irritated. Wool (and especially a wool/silk mix ) is ideal: fine merino wool does not itch and silk feels silky soft on the skin. Together, wool and silk form a dream team for premature babies: wool/silk rompers keep your baby warm and protect his vulnerable skin. Silk has a slightly soothing, cooling property and wool provides the necessary insulation - this keeps the body temperature stable. Unlike synthetic fabrics, natural wool also contains no microplastics or chemical residues. That is a nice idea, especially because premature babies often wear clothing close to their skin for long periods of time. With clean, natural materials you prevent unnecessary irritations or allergic reactions.

Last but not least: wool is self-cleaning and antibacterial. You don’t have to wash woolen clothes after every wear – just letting them air out is often enough to get them fresh again. As a tired parent during this intensive period, that’s a bonus!

That is why wool clothing is also recommended by many maternity nurses, including at Natuurlijke Kraamzorg – who actively recommend natural materials such as wool.

Why there is so little color choice for preemies

If you search for clothes in size 40 or 44, something stands out: most premature clothes are white or ecru . This is no coincidence. Many brands limit themselves to the most neutral colors for the smallest sizes. Why?

  1. Production efficiency: Premature sizes are produced in smaller quantities. Because colour dyes are produced in batches, many brands therefore choose to offer only the base colour.
  2. Sensitive skin: Premature babies' skin is very delicate. That is why these sizes often use as few dyes as possible to prevent the risk of irritation.
  3. Incubator environment: Hospitals often request neutral, soft colours – which provide peace and do not visually disrupt medical procedures.

Why we at De Wevershoek do offer colour variations

We think it is important that parents can choose. Yes, ecru is safe and timeless - but sometimes you want something just a little bit more personal, a favorite color, or something that matches the birth announcement or the blankets in the incubator.

That is why we at De Wevershoek also offer some wool products in soft colours, such as sesame or old rose . These variants are made with skin-friendly dyes that meet strict requirements (for example GOTS certification or OEKO-TEX class 1) and are therefore also suitable for newborns.

We pay close attention to ensure that the products in these colours are still safe, breathable and soft, and we always give honest advice.

When to buy – and when not to buy?

Do this if:

  • Your baby may occasionally leave the incubator and needs clothes to lie against you.
  • You are looking for a natural, warm and breathable alternative to synthetic hospital clothing.
  • You are looking for a gift for parents of a premature baby and want to give something loving.

Better to wait a little longer if:

  • Your baby is still completely dependent on the incubator and medical equipment.
  • You are unsure about the size: size 44 is so small that you often only need one or two of them.

Are you in doubt? Feel free to send us a message. We are happy to think along with you about which products fit your situation.

Our selection for premature babies

At De Wevershoek you will find carefully selected products that are suitable for a premature baby, including:

A loving start – you are not alone

Your premature baby has an unusual start, but with lots of love, attention and the right support you can offer him/her a warm nest. At Atelier de Wevershoek we are ready to help you with that. On our special Premature collection page you will find all natural baby clothes that are suitable for premature birth - from rompers to blankets. Do you have any questions or would you like personal advice? Feel free to contact us (via info@dewevershoek.nl or for example Instagram ). We are happy to think along with you and can, if desired, put together a personal set that suits your baby.

Your little one deserves all the warmth and security in the world - and so do you as a parent. Together we ensure that your premature baby is enveloped in love, peace and natural warmth. You are not alone. ❤

❓Frequently asked questions about premature wool

What is better for premature babies: wool silk or pure wool?

For premature babies we recommend wool/silk . This combination is super soft, hypoallergenic and feels less 'irritating' than pure wool. Because the skin of a premature baby is extremely sensitive, wool/silk (70% merino wool, 30% silk) is most suitable for direct skin use.

👉 Check out our wool/silk rompers

How often should I wash premature wool?

As little as possible. Wool is self-cleaning and antibacterial. Often just airing it out is enough. If washing is necessary:

  • Use a wool detergent without enzymes
  • Choose a wool wash program or hand wash (max. 30 degrees)
  • Do not wring or rub

👉 Read our blog about washing wool in four simple steps

Are these clothes suitable for use in an incubator?

Yes. Especially wrap rompers are handy: they can be put on and taken off without straining the head, which is nice with medical tubes or monitoring. In addition, wool is breathable and keeps your child warm without overheating.

Can I get size 40 from you?

Yes. We regularly have woolen baby clothes in size 40. If it is not in the webshop, please email us - we will think along with you and can often deliver at short notice.

👉 Check out our current premature collection

How do I put together a small and practical premature set?

Start with:

Possibly expand with socks or a pacifier cloth . Contact us via info@dewevershoek.nl – we will help you choose.

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