Not many are aware that synthetic fleeces aren’t breathable and can increase the baby’s risk of overheating in their sleep. Polar fleece and mink are not recommended for newborns, says Leone Dunne from the Rotary Club of Somerville.
“Instead natural breathable fabrics like merino, muslin and cotton are highly recommended by birthing centres,” she says.
It’s one of the reasons why the Rotary Club of Somerville recently donated swaddling merino wraps and baby wear to young mothers at three birthing centres including the Botany Birthing Centre.
There were lot of smiles as some vulnerable, first-time mothers were really grateful for the gifts.
Mrs Dunne, who visited the birthing centres, says that some of the proceeds from the well supported Women in Rotary High Tea event organised earlier in the year by the service club has gone towards different women’s charities.
“It was well worth the effort,” she says. “We also made sure that we bought New Zealand-made Merino baby wraps so that we could promote local businesses.”
