FAQs


Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy your merino gear?

We currently sell all of our products through this website and Amazon US and Amazon UK. We ship throughout the United States, the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.

The sleep bag seems really lightweight. How can it be warmer than thicker sleep bags?

For those new to merino wool, this is a common concern. Merino wool is lighter than traditional wool as well as a lot of padded synthetic materials on the market. At face value, many believe that merino wool must be too lightweight to be warm in winter and because it is wool, it must be too hot for summer.

These are common misconceptions. Merino wool (just like when it is on the sheep) is built for extremes. The merino used in your product breathes and wicks away moisture (aka sweat) in summer, yet insulates in winter. It packs incredible warmth for weight, while being exceptionally soft.

When merino wool is layered, air is trapped between each fiber and layer to create a body of warm insulating air. These same fibers naturally wick away moisture. While heavier and bulkier synthetic fibers and cotton can seem 'warmer' they actually trap body moisture against the skin, causing your baby to sweat, and do not help your baby to regulate his or her own body temperature.

When can by baby start using your sleep bags?

Our sleep bags are designed to fit an average baby from approximately 3 months up to and beyond 2 years of age. You can start using the sleep bag when you feel your baby is big enough and you are ready to transition from a swaddle, however we recommend waiting until your baby weighs 5kg (11lb) before using this sleep bag.

For safety purposes, please use the under arm fasteners to adjust the fit to ensure the baby's head cannot pass through the neck opening when the sleep bag is fastened for use. And remember, never use the sleep bag with other quilts or comforters.

Why don't your sleep bags have sleeves? Won't my baby get cold?

Our sleep bags are sleeveless to ensure there is adequate air circulation around the baby's body. The sleeveless style is a requirement to be compliant with safety standards associated with child sleepwear.

If you are concerned your baby's arms are cold, we recommend adding an additional layer to the baby's upper body under the sleep bag. Check the baby's body temperature behind their neck or on their tummy to ensure they are a comfortable temperature. We have created a handy layering guide for more info.

What is your sleep bag's TOG rating?

The “TOG” value is the international standard measurement of all blankets’ thermal effectiveness (how well it keeps you warm). The TOG rating describes the warmth or ‘Thermal Resistance’ of a fabric, and is widely used to describe warmth levels of duvets and sleeping bags.

Merino wool is unique. It is highly breathable and naturally regulates body temperature by insulating or releasing excess heat based on the external environment. As a result, traditional TOG tests (which are designed to test synthetic fabrics) are not an accurate indicator of the warmth of merino products. The Antipodes Merino sleep bag is equivalent in warmth to synthetic sleep bags between 1 and 3 TOG and used year round in temperatures ranging from 15 to 27°C (57-81°F). Simply adjust the clothing layers worn under the sleep bag to suit the surrounding temperature in accordance with our layering guide.

How long are your sleep bags?

The full length from shoulder to the bottom edge is approximately 90cm (35"). The long length ensures your child has enough room to move its legs (which promotes healthy hip development) and means you don't have to buy multiple sizes as your baby grows. They are designed to fit babies from 3-24 months.

Please allow for up to 5% shrinkage after repeated washing.

What should my child wear underneath their blanket or sleeping bag?

External factors such as the temperature of your baby’s nursery and your baby’s health determine what clothing should be worn underneath the sleep bag. The layers required for a comfortable nights’ sleep will vary from baby to baby. Simply adjust the level of clothing your baby is wearing to suit the room temperature. See our layering guide for more information.

What bedding should I use with my sleep bag?

Baby sleep bags are designed to be used on their own – without top sheets or blankets. Never use a baby sleeping bag with a quilt or duvet. If you're worried about your baby getting cold just layer up under their sleeping bag! Consult our layering guide for more info.

How do I care for my merino gear?

Due to the wonderful, natural properties of merino, you don’t have to wash your merino wool products nearly as often as your synthetics. They will retain less odors, air out naturally, and dry very quickly.

When you do need to wash them, always follow the care instructions on the product labels. Merino garments should be washed using wool detergent only. They can be machine washed on the delicate cycle using water below 30°C (86°F). Merino garments should never be soaked, bleached, washed in hot water, soaps, or spot cleaned. Dry your merino gear flat in the shade away from direct sunlight.

How often should I wash my merino gear?

Merino fibers naturally draw moisture away from the body and either absorb or release this moisture, which eliminates clamminess and ensures that the items remain odor-free. The fibers work this way in both your merino gear and on the merino sheep. Because merino does not absorb odor like synthetic fibers or cotton, you do not need to wash it as frequently. Instead, hang it over a cot railing or chair to air it.

Will the merino pill like other wool?

Pilling is a natural process for most natural fibers, including merino. This pilling is because the shorter wool fibers are working their way to the surface of the fabric. It is not a reflection of the quality of the fabric.

The best way to avoid pilling is to wash our gear within the first 3 wears. To alleviate any pilling, we suggest that you wash the item with a coarser fabric such as jeans. The fabric will improve over time as the shorter fibers are removed and will always feel super soft.

How can I remove stains?

As with most stains, it is best if they are treated as soon as possible. Most stain removers are not suitable for use on woolen garments.

We recommend putting some liquid wool detergent directly on to the stain and leaving it for 30 minutes before washing. For stubborn stains, soaking in a mixture of white vinegar and water is a safe and effective remedy. You can also try the age old method of putting the stain in direct sunlight for a day or two.

Where do you source your merino wool from?

Our extrafine merino wool from New Zealand and Australia. The merino sheep there live in the mountains and have adapted their fleeces to survive the country's hot summers and cold winters. As a result, these sheep produce some of the world's finest merino wool.

My child has skin allergies. Isn't the wool too itchy to wear against their skin?

Unlike traditional wool used in blankets and adult knitwear, merino wool fibers are much finer and softer and are gentle against delicate skin. As a comparison, the superfine merino wool we use is typically half of the thickness of traditional wool fibers and a quarter of the thickness of a human hair. It's perfect for babies!

Isn't merino wool too hot for summer?

It's hard to believe, but no, merino wool isn't too hot for summer. In fact, it is perfect for all seasons. Merino wool creates a micro-climate around your baby's body allowing them to regulate their body temperature as the air temperature changes. When it is hot, merino wool wicks away any moisture from the baby's skin (more effectively than cotton and synthetics) and allows it to evaporate. Simply adjust the clothing underneath the merino layer to suit the external temperature.

Which countries do you ship to?

We ship throughout the United States, the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. If your country is not on the list, please contact us for pricing, and we can arrange shipment to other countries.