Reproduced from 'Essence' magazine
Volume 41, Number 2
Exclusively for ABA subscribers

by Judy Gifford, honorary member, counsellor, Erina NSW

Did you know that our association - Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia (NMAA) as it was then known - pioneered the use of lambskins as underbedding for infants?

It was the brainchild of association adviser, honorary member and second president, Jude Laird when she first joined the executive committee (now known as the board), in 1968. In her work as a nurse, Jude was aware of the use in hospitals of lambskins as underbedding for the elderly and those confined to bed for long periods. She recognised that lambskins would also be beneficial for babies. Her family background was in the wool industry and she had personal contact with the CSIRO wool division in Geelong who had pioneered lambskins for use in hospitals.

The NZ Wool Research Authority had done preliminary tests, which showed that babies derived more comfort on lambskins than on conventional bedding. Through her father, Jude had contacts with the Australian Wool Board. In 1969, this board, with a degree of hesitation gave her 12 lambskins to use in trials.

These trials were so successful that even before they were completed, NMAA was selling the lambskins at a cost of $9.50 plus postage! The results of the trial were published in the September 1970 Newsletter (the association's magazine, now known as Essence). Lois Urquhart compiled the report from hundreds of forms.

Mothers reported much less washing, the reassurance their babies received from the familiar object when travelling as well as the comfort in all weathers, from extreme heat and humidity to cold. ABA sells two qualities of lambskins - medical and infant care. Both are machine washable and the medical ones can be tumble-dried.

Originally, the only colour available was coral pink. Fathers objected to their sons being placed on this colour so Jude used her considerable powers of persuasion to get the Wool Board to agree to the production of gold lambskins. Other colours over the years have included pink, blue, white, cream and green. These days they are available in natural, beige and silver.

In 1971 it was decided to use the trade name of Tarweena Lambskins. Tarweena means piccaninny in the Georgina River area of Northern Queensland. This trade name was to differentiate our skins from other (inferior) skins coming onto the market.

In the 70s and 80s, most members had lambskins. It was common to see mothers come to meetings and lay their young babies on the floor on their lambskin. They were used in strollers, cots and as car seat covers. I know I sold hundreds in my time as sales coordinator and group leader in Wagga in that period - not only to mothers but also to people like the local doctor who bought them to send to friends overseas. I used them also in my children's beds - much safer than electric blankets. My mother and grandmother had them on their favourite chairs. Now my grandchildren use them.

By the early 1980s we had sold something like 200 000 lambskins and of course competitors came onto the market with cheaper or different types of lambskins. An article in the March 1980 Newsletter reiterated our commitment to getting the best quality lambskins.

The type of lambskin we use is principally from the Border Leicester/Merino cross lamb which is produced in northern Victoria and southern NSW. This wool combines the fineness and density of the Merino with the upright, non-stapling character of the British breed. The skin is specially tanned for the production of infant and medical lambskins, to standards laid down by the Australian Wool Board. Since the objective is to allow air circulation under and around the baby, the density of the wool follicles per square millimetre is important. Tarweena skins are clipped, combed, dry cleaned and the finished wool length of 20mm is to ensure even support for the baby and to eliminate the risk of the baby sucking, and possibly choking, on a long staple of wool.

Looking back over old Newsletters, one can find many letters from mothers extolling the virtues of lambskin use. Here are some:
'Marvellous. When baby was tiny he wouldn't settle down after feeds until he had his lambskin. I am thinking about getting lambskins for the rest of the family.'
'She always looks and feels so cosy and comfortable. It is wonderful to feel her bed nice and dry in the morning. Very easy to sponge and air the skin everyday.'
'Our baby has always been a poor sleeper and very unsettled. Since the first time he slept on it, he has been happier and sleeps better.'
'Baby has had no heat rash since using the skin. She appears to snuggle into it and loves to feel it with her fingers and toes.'
'After using the skin, I would never consider using sheets and waterproofs again. I recommend it to everyone I know with a baby.'
'My washing was cut in half. It washed very well and didn't seem to retain stains.'

Frequently Asked Questions

It looks snug but how can it be cool in summer?

Air is able to circulate freely through the fibres, which readily absorb and dissipate moisture. The minimum of clothing is required, in fact, the more lambskin/baby contact the better, in any weather.

How can it help with skin problems?

It is beneficial for heat rash as the surface of the fleece transmits pressure over a wider area so there is less friction under pressure points - one reason lambskins are frequently used for people confined to bed. Babies with skin problems benefit from the need for less clothing.

Is laundering a problem?

Providing the lambskin is shaken and aired daily, frequent laundering is not needed. One member I knew used to wash it monthly on her baby's 'birthday' - the baby was born on the 8th so she used to wash it close to that date every month. Accidents can easily be sponged and the skin shaken and aired.

Why does ABA sell lambskins?

NMAA/ABA has always had a range of mothering aids and literature to help support our work. Lambskins are an excellent mothering aid and we sell them with pride.

Lambskins may be purchased direct from Mothers Direct or via your local group