Why Are Baby Sheepskins Different from Regular Sheepskins?
One of the questions we’re asked most often is:
“Can’t I just buy an ordinary sheepskin for my baby?”
Although a baby sheepskin may look very similar to a standard sheepskin rug, there are some very important differences behind the scenes. The way it is tanned, tested and certified is what sets it apart.
If you’re choosing a sheepskin for a newborn, it’s worth understanding exactly what makes a genuine baby-safe sheepskin different.
Not All Sheepskins Are Produced the Same Way
A standard sheepskin rug is designed as a beautiful home furnishing. They’re wonderfully soft, naturally warm and perfect for adding comfort and character to your home.
A baby sheepskin has a very different purpose.
Because it is intended for use around babies, it is specially produced using a different tanning process and independently tested to meet recognised safety standards.
This is where the Relugan® process comes in.
What Is Relugan®?
Relugan® is a specialist tanning process developed specifically for medical and baby sheepskins.
Unlike conventional tanning methods, Relugan® produces a sheepskin that is:
- Chrome free
- Metal free
- Exceptionally soft against delicate skin
- Machine washable (when cared for according to the instructions)
- Suitable for baby products when independently tested and certified
The result is a beautifully soft sheepskin that retains all the wonderful natural properties of wool while being specially prepared for close contact with babies.
Why Does Chrome-Free Matter?
One of the biggest differences between a baby-safe sheepskin and a standard decorative sheepskin is the tanning process.
Many decorative sheepskins and leather products are chrome tanned using chromium salts. This is a common and effective tanning method throughout the leather industry, producing soft, durable leather for a wide range of everyday products.
However, when a sheepskin is intended for babies, a higher standard is required.
Our baby sheepskins are tanned using the specialist Relugan® process, meaning they are completely chrome free and metal free. This is one of the key reasons they differ from standard decorative sheepskins.
In fact, when we were developing our own handmade baby toys, we had samples of standard chrome-tanned sheepskin independently tested against the relevant toy safety requirements. The chrome-tanned sheepskin did not meet the required standard due to the presence of chromium. As a result, every one of our baby toys is made using the same certified chrome-free baby sheepskin that we sell separately.
For us, this wasn’t simply about meeting regulations—it was about ensuring that if a curious little one cuddles, chews or mouths one of our toys, we’ve chosen the most appropriate sheepskin available for that purpose.
This is why we would never recommend using a standard decorative sheepskin as a baby’s sheepskin unless it has been specifically produced and certified for baby use.
Independently Tested to the Highest Standards
When you’re buying something for your baby, reassurance matters.
Our baby sheepskins are independently certified to the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD Product Class I, the highest product class within the OEKO-TEX® Leather Standard and one that is specifically intended for baby articles. The certificate also confirms that the sheepskins are metal-free (including chrome-free) tanned using the Relugan® process.
OEKO-TEX® certification means the sheepskin has been independently tested for a wide range of substances that could be harmful to human health. Product Class I has the strictest requirements, reflecting the sensitivity of babies and young children.
In addition to OEKO-TEX®, our baby sheepskins comply with REACH regulations and are Woolmark certified, providing further reassurance that they have been produced to recognised international standards.
Unlike ordinary decorative sheepskins, these certifications mean our baby sheepskins have been specifically manufactured and independently assessed for their intended purpose.
Naturally Temperature Regulating
One of the remarkable qualities of genuine sheepskin is its ability to naturally regulate temperature.
Each wool fibre can absorb moisture while allowing air to circulate, helping babies stay comfortable throughout the changing seasons.
Warm in winter yet breathable in summer, sheepskin has been appreciated by families for generations because of these unique natural properties.
Wonderfully Soft and Naturally Unique
The dense wool fleece creates a beautifully cushioned surface that feels wonderfully soft against delicate skin.
Every baby sheepskin is completely natural, meaning no two are ever identical. Each one has its own subtle markings, shape and character, making it as unique as the baby who enjoys it.
Many parents choose a baby sheepskin for use in a pram, pushchair or during supervised playtime, always following current NHS safer sleep guidance and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Why We Only Sell Certified Baby Sheepskins
At Sheepland, we’ve always believed there should never be any uncertainty when buying products for babies.
That’s why we choose genuine baby sheepskins that are specially tanned using the chrome-free Relugan® process before being independently certified to recognised international standards.
We could simply offer one of our standard sheepskin rugs, but we don’t believe that would be the right thing to do.
When a product is intended for a newborn, we believe parents deserve complete confidence that it has been manufactured specifically for that purpose
A Natural Gift to Treasure
A genuine baby-safe sheepskin is much more than a smaller sheepskin rug.
Behind its beautifully soft fleece is a carefully controlled production process, chrome-free tanning, independent certification and decades of expertise, all designed to provide reassurance for growing families.
If you’re choosing a sheepskin for your own baby or looking for a thoughtful newborn gift, always look for one that has been specifically produced, independently tested and certified for baby use.
It’s a small difference that makes a very big one.
Please Note
Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat mattress in accordance with the latest NHS safer sleep guidance. A baby sheepskin should only be used in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations and should never replace safe sleep practices.
| Feature | Standard Decorative Sheepskin | Our Certified Baby Sheepskin |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Home furnishing | Designed specifically for babies |
| Tanning | Usually chrome tanned | Chrome-free Relugan® tanning |
| Chromium | Contains chromium salts | Chrome free & metal free |
| OEKO-TEX® | Not usually certified for baby use | ✓ Product Class I (Baby Articles) |
| REACH Compliance | Varies | ✓ Yes |
| Woolmark Certified | Varies | ✓ Yes |
| Machine Washable | Not usually | ✓ Yes (following care instructions) |
| Used in Our Baby Toys | No | ✓ Yes |
