As a parent, I know all too well how unpredictable spring can be—especially when you have a little one who insists on choosing their outfit. My daughter, Gaia, loves being outdoors. Whether it’s a chilly morning stroll or sunny afternoon at the playground, she wants to be out. We often leave the house when it’s just 2°C, and by the time I pick her up from Kita, it’s suddenly 15°C and she’s running around barefoot in the garden.
Navigating this transitional season is tricky. On one hand, after months of battling winter infections, we want to keep our children warm and safe. On the other, we know how important it is to support their immune system by not overdressing them. But just when we’re feeling confident enough to leave the hat or socks at home, we’re met with a chorus of concerned voices: “Why isn’t she wearing a scarf?”, “She’ll catch a cold like that!”, “No socks? In April!?”
It’s exhausting, isn’t it? But I’ve found a quiet rebellion—and it’s called merino wool.
Merino Wool: The Unsung Hero of Transeasonal Dressing
When the weather changes drastically between morning and afternoon, you need clothes that adapt with your child. Merino wool does exactly that. It’s become my go-to solution for spring (and autumn, and actually… year-round).
Unlike cotton or synthetics, merino wool has natural thermoregulating properties. It keeps Gaia warm on our frosty morning walks but prevents overheating when the sun comes out. It's breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft enough that she doesn’t mind wearing it even close to her skin.
And here’s the magic: if she gets hot while running around, merino wool pulls the moisture away from her skin and helps her body stay at a comfortable temperature. No sweaty back, no damp chill afterward. It’s like nature’s technical gear—without any of the plastic.
Why Merino Wool and Silk Are Ideal for Children in Spring
These two natural materials are true champions of comfort and function. When blended together or worn separately, they offer a long list of benefits that make them perfect for children, especially in spring:
🌿 Thermoregulating – They naturally adapt to the body's temperature, keeping kids warm in the cold and cool when it’s warmer.
💨 Breathable – Unlike synthetic fabrics, merino wool and silk allow air to circulate, preventing overheating.
💧 Moisture-wicking – They pull sweat away from the skin and dry quickly, which helps prevent chills after active play.
✨ Odor-resistant – They stay fresh longer, even after a full day of wear (goodbye daily outfit changes!).
🧸 Gentle on skin – Merino and silk are soft, hypoallergenic, and perfect for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
🌱 Sustainable & biodegradable – These fibers are renewable and decompose naturally, unlike synthetics that linger in the environment.
🔁 Durable and elastic – They hold their shape, resist wrinkles, and last through many washes and hand-me-downs.
Why Layers Matter
Because spring can feel like winter at 8am and summer by 3pm, layering is everything. Our formula usually looks like this:
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A merino/silk base layer (we love long-sleeved bodysuits and leggings)
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A light wool or cotton pullover or a merino wool vest
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And if needed, a wind-and water-resistant outer layer (but one that breathes)
The beauty of merino is that you can strip it down or bundle it up without sacrificing comfort. Gaia can peel off her jumper and still be cozy in her base layer. And if she’s climbing, running, or just lying on the ground watching clouds, she’s not going to end up freezing or sweating through her clothes.
Why I Avoid Synthetic “Transeasonal” Jackets
Some well-known brands like Liewood and others offer transeasonal jackets made from recycled polyester. While I appreciate the move toward recycling, I choose not to dress Gaia in synthetic outerwear unless absolutely necessary.
Here’s why: polyester is plastic. Even when it’s recycled, it still traps heat, doesn’t breathe, and ends up creating more problems than it solves. It’s like wrapping your child in a plastic bag—it may keep wind out, but it also locks in moisture and can lead to overheating, especially during active play.
Polyester doesn’t have the magical properties of wool: no thermoregulation, no natural odor resistance, no breathability. And when it sheds microfibers in the wash, it contributes to ocean pollution.
The Takeaway: Trust Nature, Trust Your Instincts
Spring dressing doesn’t have to be a battle between keeping your child warm and avoiding another unsolicited comment from a stranger. When we dress our children in natural, breathable layers—like merino wool and silk—we’re giving them the comfort and protection they need without compromising their health.
We’re also empowering them to explore, move, and enjoy the season on their own terms. Whether it’s 2°C in the morning or 15°C by afternoon, merino adapts. And once you start layering with intention, you'll see how much easier (and calmer) your mornings become.
So next time someone says, “Isn’t that outfit too light for this weather?” — just smile. Merino and silk know how to handle the forecast.
