Parents have been having heated discussions in relevant online forums for years. Does lambskin belong in the stroller? Are you allowed to do that? Does that actually do anything? And why do many lambskins actually have this unnatural yellow tint? For some, lambskin has become an indispensable part of strollers and baby seats – for others, the natural fur is not very cheap. These are intended to protect the sleeping offspring from the creeping cold during winter walks – and also ensure a pleasant sleeping environment in the stroller in the summer (click here for the large stroller test 2024).
In this article you can read about the advantages of the controversial lambskin pad for the stroller, how exactly it regulates body heat, what types of lambskin there are and what you should pay particular attention to when buying.
Basically, lambskins come from juvenile sheep, which are called lambs until their first birthday. In order for natural skins to end up in a stroller at some point, they sometimes have to be tanned at great expense – to put it simply: cleaned and made durable. Depending on who the lambskins are intended to keep warm later, different tanning processes have become established. Skins that come into contact with small children are usually medically tanned with so-called aldehyde tannins. The reason is quite simple: This process is not only relatively gentle on the skin and hair. Above all, the fur is thoroughly disinfected and freed from all foreign bodies. You can easily recognize the finished lambskins by their yellow color, which is somewhat reminiscent of chicks. In addition to the cozy wool, what later reminds you of the lamb is the slightly unique smell. You have to like it or get used to it.
But the most important message for parents of mess-happy children is: Most medically tanned lambskins – one of which is available here – are not only dirt-repellent; In the worst case scenario, they can be conveniently cleaned in the washing machine at 30 degrees using a special sheepskin or lambskin detergent.
Tip: When buying detergent, make sure that it contains wool wax (lanolin).
In addition to medical tanning, the most common processes include tanning with aluminum salts and chromium salts. The former is considered ecological and gentle – but lambskins tanned in this form are only suitable to a limited extent as a base for strollers. They are sensitive to moisture and cannot be washed because the water would wash the salts out of the fur and destroy it. The hallmark of these skins is that they retain their natural color despite being tanned. If chromium salts are involved, lambskins are usually dyed. Machine washing is not recommended, but is possible if necessary. Important: Skins tanned with chromium salts fade when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.
Once parents have decided on it, lambskins can be used in a variety of ways. Depending on the size of the child, you can easily move from the stroller to the baby seat or buggy. If necessary, they can be used as a changing mat, a substitute for a seat cushion on a bench, for cuddling up on the sofa or as a makeshift play mat on cold floors. If you need the lambskin for a buggy or baby seat, you should make sure before buying that there are appropriate belt slots so that the child can be strapped in properly. A universally applicable, medically tanned lambskin is available here.
No matter which lambskin the expectant or young parents ultimately choose: the natural fur requires more care than inserts made from synthetic fibers. If this is too complicated for you, you should look for an alternative. The good news: Lambskins have the practical ability to clean themselves up to a certain level of dirt. They are also naturally dirt-repellent. In contrast to bibs and the like, the washing machine only needs to be used in an emergency. But then caution is advised.
You should pay attention to this when washing lambskin:
In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves whether the stroller, bicycle trailer or baby bed for their offspring should be equipped with lambskin. If you are worried about the origin of the fur, don’t like the distinctive smell or are afraid of allergies, it’s better to stay away from lambskin and choose a synthetic alternative. Otherwise, the lambskin for the stroller is a practical gadget that makes life for the little rascals a little cozier in winter and a little more bearable in summer.
Transparency note: This article was first published in January 2021.
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