It’s easy to think baby’s clothes are a tiny version of adult apparel. It’s not true. The fabric used for baby’s clothes needs to withstand the energy of a child and yet be soft enough to protect delicate skin.
So what’s the safest fabric to choose for a baby?
The baby’s health depends on these personal choices, if you want to compromise on quality or you want to give the best to your baby.
Parenthood is full of choices: what kind of plastic should be used for milk bottles, choosing a diaper brand that fits your budget and works well with your baby’s skin, deciding when to introduce solids.
Here is a breakdown of the most common fabric options — good and bad — for parents to choose from.
Cotton
Cotton is soft and highly absorbent, and it is gentle against a baby’s skin. Its hypoallergenic properties can also soothe and protect the most sensitive of skin.
Famous for moisture absorption and breathability, cotton is a hard fabric to beat. It has been used for generations and has become the most popular choice for kid-proof garments. Soft yet long-lasting, a 100% cotton material can keep up with even the most active child.
This lightweight soft 100% cotton fabric with a high thread count, is very much suitable for making kids’ clothes, especially baby clothes.
Cotton knit for baby clothes is suitable for all seasons and easy to wash and dries up faster.
Are all produced cotton Organic?
Organic fabric, and organic cotton fabric in particular, is the perfect choice for babies, as it is grown without the use of chemicals and fertilizers. With cotton in high demand, sometimes cotton farmers use additional chemicals throughout the process that can cause skin irritation.
Muslin
Muslin is an extremely fine, loosely-woven cotton fabric dating back to ancient India. This is a cotton fabric available in many different weights — from very thin to somewhat dense, even coarse. The thin muslin is great for making baby clothes as it allows for air flow while keeping little ones snug and warm.
Muslin is usually used for making cloth diaper covers, swaddle clothes, burp cloths etc rather than clothes as it is not very glamourous looking. This fabric is very suitable for lining and for making petticoats to wear under dresses.
Jersey Knit
Jersey knit is breathable and easy to work with, making it an excellent choice even for sewing novices. It resists pilling and is very stretchable. This is the stretchy fabric baby vests, baby-grows, or sleepsuits are made from. The edges of jersey knit fabric can curl after washing.
Usually cotton-based, the fabric can also be made from polycotton or polyester. Pay attention to the fiber content to make sure you get the right one for your environment. A poly jersey is no good in hot climates.
Are Jersey Knit better for active newborns?
Ideal for wiggle-room, this fabric not only allows the baby or child to move freely, but it can also expand to give even more space. Knit is very accommodative of constant body movements and growth spurts; you know how kids grow. Other favourite knit fabrics for making children’s clothing include interlock, double knit, cotton spandex. When it’s made from cotton, the material is great for temperature control and breathability.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is an ultra soft yet durable rayon fiber derived from bamboo plants. It’s great for sensitive skin, is hypoallergenic, mold resistant and is thermal-regulating, meaning that it will adjust with a child’s temperature and is therefore less likely to become too hot. This attribute makes bamboo a wonderful choice for layering.
Is Bamboo fabric as safe as advertised?
Bamboo fabric is made from the wood pulp of the plant to form a viscose solution. It takes chemicals to turn the wood pulp into a substance soft enough to make fabric. Those chemicals could irritate delicate young skin, so it’s best avoided if your little one is sensitive or suffers from eczema.
Fleece
Fleece fabric for babies is a common choice when it comes to outerwear and blankets. Fleece dries quickly and is extremely soft, making fleece materials the perfect fabric for babies. Best of all, fleece is simple to wash and resists stains.
Is fleece good for colder regions?
With heat retaining properties, many parents rely on this fabric during colder months to help little ones stay warm. Mostly used as a swaddling blanket or kid jackets. Easier to care for than wool, fleece is a polyester-based material known for its softness and heat retaining properties.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material derived from petroleum. A non-breathable fabric resistant to water, it is used for outer garments and activity wear. Due to being waterproof, it is also used to make playmats and the outer linings of diapers.
How harmful is Polyester for babies?
Babies need a fabric that can regulate body temperature and keep them dry. Since polyester is not as breathable as other fabric choices such as cotton, it should be kept away from skin, like a cloth or carrier’s outer lining. The amount of the chemicals used in the production process of polyester can cause irritation even if your child doesn’t have super sensitive skin.
Linen
This fabric has several qualities perfect for taking care of delicate young skin. From the sun protecting properties of flax-based linen to the lightweight breathability of handkerchief linen. All versions are beneficial to both babies and children. As it is lightweight you can sew dresses with gathers, peats, as well as smocking without the unwanted bulk.
Is Linen a good choice for daily use baby clothes?
However, it is a fabric known to crease easily. Combining linen with the energetic movement of kids could be a recipe for disaster. Or at least a lengthy session at an ironing board.
Cashmere Silk
Quite an uncommon fabric, cashmere is a good choice for blankets. It’s incredibly soft wool with hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial qualities. Cashmere is a delicate fabric that needs careful laundering.
Is silk worth the extra cost?
While OK to use for bedding or throws, everyday wear for kids might be a bad idea. With kids being little dynamos of energy prone to falling over, spilling things, and generally creating a mess, silk won’t stand a chance.
Cashmere is one of the softest and finest wool available and can be an expensive choice. The pure luxury and comfort it can give to kids may be worth the extra cost.
Nylon
This man-made fabric will not absorb moisture and as a result traps in heat. This can leave your baby feeling sticky and sweaty, not to mention at an increased risk for overheating. Nylon fabric is manufactured with chemicals such as synthetic dyes and bleaching agents, causing irritation. We do not recommend using nylon in any for baby clothing or bedding.
What Are the Worst Fabrics for Baby and Children’s Wear?
Babies and children need fabrics that are durable, comfortable, and allow free movement. There are some materials unsuitable for use in kid’s clothing because they don’t possess those qualities.
Artificial Fur
Fake fur has a tendency to shed fibers which if inhaled or swallowed by the child can lead to choking or suffocation. Always keep it well away from babies and children under 3 years of age.
Vinyl
Vinyl can cause rashes and allergic reactions due to the chemicals used in its production. Although the fabric can create decorative embellishments for baby clothes, you don’t want to make clothing out of it.
Silk
The reason silk is on the no-go list isn’t because they’re too rough for newborn and toddlers. Silk is delicate and requires a tender touch. This is a shame as it’s a soft, luxurious fabric any child would feel super comfortable in.
The best fabric for babies and children should be breathable and comfortable with plenty of wiggle room. At the end of the day, parents want what is best for their little ones and that includes what they wear and sleep in.
Every child is unique, and the best fabric for baby clothes will depend on them. There’s a fabric out there that will safely work for them!
Whatever material you go for, this article will help you make an informed choice — allowing you to pick the best fabric for you and your newborn.
Let me know in the comments if you liked the article. What this helpful for you to decide on the best fabric for your child’s clothing and accessories ?
