July 21, 2004

A Sheepskin Rug - The ultimate in comfort for you, your home or your baby

'Mothers with babies first' as the saying goes, and a sheepskin rug for baby and mother is a great gift. When we began researching sheepskin rugs, we just thought of those beautiful, fleecy throw rugs that are so soft to your feet. However we discovered that a sheep skin rug has dozens (or more) uses we had not realized. The wool from these choice New Zealand sheep has so many properties that make sheepskins a treasure to own.

For baby, placing a sheepskin in a playpen or area for crawling is comfortable, however they are not recommended for sleeping. Small rugs made from a lambskin keep baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer due to the natural 'air conditioning' property of wool. Wool also helps keep baby dry since it can absorb moisture up to 30% of its own weight. Infant sheepskin rugs made in New Zealand must meet tight specifications regarding the tanning process, which include having minimal fiber loss and being free from foreign materials. They must also be unbleached and sterilized. Sizes vary and small ones are available for infant seats, or traveling. Larger skins can be used on the floor for playing, but recent studies in the United States urge that they not be used for taking naps, as they could contribute to SIDS.

Multiple sizes create multiple uses

A sheep skin rug can be used anywhere, whether home or office or automobile. They are great as a throw draped over a chair or used on the bed. Sizes depend on whether or not it is a single pelt or joined pelts. For larger sheepskins, the pelts are carefully matched and then joined together, in sizes up to six or eight. Custom sizes can also be ordered.

A sheepskin can be dyed in a number of colors, however, our favorites are the creamy white ones and the honey colored ones for baby. There are artificial sheepskin rugs on the market, but don't settle for one of those. Genuine wool rugs, primarily from New Zealand, will be the prettiest, the most serviceable and the longest wearing.

Medical care for long-term bed patients

Another important use for a sheepskin rug is for long-term bed care. These soft wool throw rugs can do wonders to prevent skin problems for bed patients. Some of their discomfort can be eased by lying on a sheepskin.

Sheepskin rugs are very easy care when it comes to cleaning. They can be washed in the washing machine, rinsing thoroughly through the spin cycle and then hung out to dry in the shade. A mild liquid detergent or a lanolin based washing product meant for washing wool is definitely recommended. Never use bleach or harsh detergents to wash your sheepskin rug, and do not place it in the dryer. Use a wire brush or dog brush to restore the fluffy appearance after it is washed, as the wool may resort to its curly state when washed.

Sheepskin rugs will give you a lifetime of use, and they are really economical when you consider the beauty and service. We have only touched the surface about all the uses of these great wool rugs, but we think you will be happy if you try one for yourself.

Recommended Merchants :: Sheepskin Rug

Naturalarearugs.com: Lowest prices - Save up to 80% on sisal, jute, seagrass. Satisfaction guaranteed.

RugArea.com: Lowest prices available on all styles, including famous designer rugs.

To select from a variety of related products and services, choose from the following styles of quality area rugs:

About The Author:

Shirley Sims is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-area-rugs.net. An informational source, buyers guide and review of the best styles from leading manufacturers including sheepskin rug.