Materials and quality

The best material is the one that suits the product and how it is used. Here is an overview of materials in our range, what to look for and how to care for them day to day.

At Tutternas, you will find merino wool, cotton, textile blends, leather, wood and technical outer materials, among others. Materials have different properties: a warm midlayer has a different job from rain protection, and a soft toy needs different care from a wooden block. Always follow the individual item's label and the manufacturer's instructions. These take priority over the general advice on this page.

Merino wool and wool – warm layers with a soft feel

Merino wool is used in baby blankets, all-in-ones, hats and other layers for cooler days. Wool fibres can absorb moisture and help create a comfortable balance of warmth and ventilation. How warm a product feels also depends on the thickness of the knit, the surrounding layers and how it is used. Wool does not guarantee that a child will not overheat.

Our range includes different wool products from brands such as Lenne, Wool In Love, Woolish and Patulove. Their washing instructions can vary considerably. A finely knitted merino all-in-one is not necessarily treated in the same way as a dense wool fleece, and 100% merino wool does not automatically mean an item is machine washable.

Care: Air wool between uses and wash as needed. Use a mild wool detergent without bleach or protein-digesting enzymes. Only use a machine's wool programme if the care label allows it. Avoid rubbing or wringing wet wool; reshape gently and dry flat when instructed. Wool In Love specifies a wool programme for its products, while the Woolish baby blankets in our range are labelled for cold hand washing or dry cleaning.

Cotton and organic cotton – from bodysuits to hats

Cotton is a plant fibre used in bodysuits, T-shirts, leggings, hats and sleeping bags, among other items. Weaving and knitting make a big difference: a lightweight jersey, a rib fabric and a thick sweatshirt can all contain cotton yet feel and perform differently.

Organic cotton describes how the cotton fibres are grown. It does not, on its own, explain how the entire finished item is produced or whether it is certified to a particular textile standard. Read both the composition and the specific certification information for the item.

A small amount of elastane adds stretch and helps clothing move with the wearer. Cotton blends are used by brands including Karloova, Lenne and Zezuzulla; percentages vary between styles.

Care: Sort by colour, turn printed clothing inside out and follow the temperature on the label. Use a suitable detergent and avoid bleaching unless expressly permitted. High heat can affect fit, colours and elastane. Only tumble dry when the care label allows it.

Terry, velvet and fleece – a surface is not the same as a fibre

Terry has loops that give it a distinctive texture, velvet has a soft pile, and fleece describes a brushed or soft surface. These names do not in themselves tell you whether a fabric is made from cotton, polyester, wool or a blend.

This matters for products such as Patulove bath ponchos, MeowBaby textiles and warm fleece layers. Terms such as “bamboo” should be read alongside the full fibre composition: the word alone does not describe how the fibre has been processed. Fillings and covers may also be made from different materials.

Care: Check whether the cover can be removed and washed separately. Close zips, wash gently according to the label and let every part dry fully before reassembling. Do not machine wash foam filling unless the manufacturer expressly allows it. Avoid fabric softener on terry if the manufacturer advises against it, as it can affect absorbency.

Softshell and technical outer materials – function in layers

Softshell typically combines a durable outer surface with a soft inside and may have a membrane between them. Polyester, polyamide and elastane are used because they can offer durability, low weight and freedom of movement. Our range includes softshell from Nuckö and Paul Berg, as well as technical outerwear from Lenne.

Water column ratings, breathability, seam construction and the specific treatment need to be considered together. A water column rating for the fabric alone does not make a whole garment suitable for prolonged rain. Check the manufacturer's description of the exact model you choose.

Care: Empty pockets, close zips and hook-and-loop fastenings, and follow any instructions to wash inside out. Use a detergent suitable for technical clothing when recommended. Avoid fabric softener and bleach if instructed by the manufacturer. Tumble drying and reproofing depend on the item; do not use high heat as a general shortcut.

Leather, felt and soles – consider the whole slipper

Depending on the model, Hip-Hop slippers include leather, velour, felt and rubber details. Some styles use leftover leather. The particular upper, insole, outsole and fit together determine how a shoe feels and how it can be used.

Outdoor footwear uses other constructions, such as Stonz booties with synthetic outer material, insulation and a model-specific sole. These do not necessarily need the same cleaning as leather slippers.

Care: Gently remove loose dirt and use a slightly damp cloth or suitable brush if the material allows it. Let leather dry at room temperature, away from radiators and direct heat. Do not soak or machine wash leather shoes without explicit instructions. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for synthetic booties.

Wood and plywood – structures for curious hands

Wood is used in puzzles, stacking toys and Montessori-inspired activities from BusyKids and Woopie Let's Go Green, among others. Some products use solid wood; others use plywood or composite boards. The individual product description should state the material; a wooden surface does not necessarily mean that every part is solid or untreated.

Care: As a general starting point, gently wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth and dry with a dry cloth. Avoid soaking, dishwashers and strong cleaning products unless the manufacturer instructs otherwise. Check regularly for loose parts, damage and splinters, and stop using damaged toys.

Soft plastics and biobased components

Sensory balls and soft building blocks may be made from different plastics or elastomer materials. “Biobased” means that some or all of the material's raw ingredients are of biological origin. It does not automatically mean plastic-free, compostable or biodegradable.

For example, Gerardo's Toys has building blocks made from a material that, according to the product information, is partly derived from sugar cane. The precise composition and cleaning method must be assessed for each item, rather than for the whole brand at once.

Care: Follow the toy's cleaning instructions. Avoid boiling, steam sterilising, dishwashers and immersion unless expressly permitted. Pay particular attention to openings, sound components and electronics that could be damaged by water.

Care products for mums – read the ingredients and directions

Our collection for mums includes skin and body care from Vegan Fox and Usva Cosmetics. The ingredients list, directions and any warnings are what matter here. “Natural” or “vegan” does not in itself mean fragrance-free, hypoallergenic or suitable for babies.

Storage: Follow the product's instructions on temperature, shelf life and the period after opening. Use clean, dry hands or the supplied tool, close the packaging after use and avoid adding water to products that should remain water-free.

Certifications and labels – what do they tell you?

A label is only relevant when it applies to the specific item or stated material. Certified fibres, certified fabric and a certified finished product are different things. We do not use one brand's information as a blanket quality endorsement for the whole range.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

A textile label based on testing for harmful substances against the standard's limits. Requirements depend on factors such as use and skin contact; product class 1 covers babies and young children up to three years old. The label does not automatically mean a textile is organic. A stated certificate can be checked using OEKO-TEX Label Check.

GOTS

The Global Organic Textile Standard covers textiles made from organic fibres and sets requirements throughout textile processing, including chemicals, environmental conditions and social conditions. A statement about GOTS-certified cotton must be read within its precise scope; it does not automatically mean the entire finished item is GOTS certified.

FSC®

FSC labels concern the origin of forest-based raw materials and controls in the supply chain. Different labels, such as FSC 100%, FSC Mix and FSC Recycled, have different meanings. FSC is not, in itself, an assessment of a toy's age suitability or washability.

CE marking and toys

CE marking is the manufacturer's declaration that a toy meets the relevant EU requirements. It is not an organic certification or an independent quality label. Age recommendations, warnings and instructions must still be followed. A product for children over three should not be chosen for a baby simply because it looks simple and natural.

Our approach to quality for children

For us, quality for children means choosing according to the child's age, the product's purpose, the material composition and the accompanying documentation. Natural materials are not automatically better for every job, and synthetic materials are not automatically a poor choice. What matters is that the properties suit the use and the information is specific.

Find the full material composition, relevant certifications and care information on the product page and label. If information is missing, contact us with the product name before choosing a washing method or placing an order. You can also get to know the manufacturers on Our brands.