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best fabrics for babies: clothes, blankets, bedding

baby laying on cotton musling swaddle

Parenthood is full of choices: what kind of bottle to use (or not to use one at all), choosing a diaper brand that fits your budget and works well with your baby’s skin, deciding when to introduce solids. These are all personal decisions for parents.

One choice that many parents don’t realize will be important is the choice of fabric for baby clothes and bedding. Not all fabrics are made the same, and not all fabrics on the market are safe. There is a wide variety of options out there, and parents need to consider a few things before choosing what is the best material for baby clothes and bedding for their children.

When choosing a material for infants, it’s important to look at what fabric is the safest for babies. Little ones tend to have more sensitive skin than adults, so fabric choice is key in keeping their skin rash free (a goal of every parent!). In addition to quality, parents need to consider the durability of fabric and how easy it is to clean. The fact is: babies are messy, and their clothing should be made with that in mind.

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What to Consider When Choosing Fabrics for Babies?

When choosing fabrics for babies, there are several factors to consider, including:

  1. Softness: Look for fabrics that are soft and gentle on a baby's delicate skin. Cotton, bamboo, and muslin are all great options.
  2. Breathability: Fabrics that allow air to circulate easily are ideal for babies. This helps prevent overheating and keeps babies comfortable. Look for lightweight cotton or bamboo fabrics.
  3. Durability: Babies can be messy, so it's important to choose fabrics that can withstand frequent washing and wear. High-quality cotton or bamboo fabrics are usually the best choices.
  4. Hypoallergenic properties: Some babies have sensitive skin, so it's important to choose fabrics that won't irritate their skin. Look for fabrics that are labeled as hypoallergenic, or choose natural fibers like cotton or bamboo.
  5. Safety: Avoid fabrics that pose a choking hazard, such as loose weaves or small embellishments. Also, be sure to choose fabrics that are flame-retardant and free of harmful chemicals.
  6. Ease of care: Choose fabrics that are easy to care for and can be washed frequently without losing their softness or shape. Cotton and bamboo fabrics are typically easy to care for and can be machine-washed.

Overall, it's important to choose fabrics that are gentle, safe, and comfortable for babies. Remember to always follow the care instructions on the label to ensure that the fabric stays soft and durable.

Featuring aden+anais organic cotton muslin swaddle in earthly

 

What is the Best Material for Baby Clothes?

This depends on what you are looking for! When it comes to choosing fabric for your child’s clothes, you will want to consider the unique needs of your infant.

If your little one has extremely sensitive skin, it is best to go with soft, natural materials such as cotton, organic cotton, or muslin for baby clothes and blankets.

If your home always runs hot, you will want to avoid heavier fabrics such as fleece or polyester. But on the other hand, if you live in a colder climate or your house tends to be on the cooler side, fleece or minky polyester are both a soft fabric for baby blankets.

If your baby is starting to be more active and mobile, you will want to consider something durable and stretchable to move and grow with them. Cotton or jersey knit would both be excellent fabric choices for this.

What is the Softest Fabric for Baby Clothes, Swaddles and Blankets?

The softest fabric for baby clothes, swaddles, and blankets is subjective, as different people may have different preferences - as well as babies having different needs and preferences. However, some of the softest and most popular fabrics for babies include:

Cotton Muslin

Muslin is a lightweight, breathable cotton fabric that's known for its softness and durability. It's also easy to care for and gets softer with each wash.

Featuring cotton muslin swaddle in tanzania

 

Jersey Knit

Jersey knit is a soft, stretchy fabric that's comfortable for babies to wear. It's made from cotton and can come in a variety of weights, making it a versatile choice for baby clothes and blankets.

Featuring comfort knit swaddle in zebra plant

 

Bamboo Infused

Bamboo fabric is known for its softness, breathability, and hypoallergenic properties. It's also moisture-wicking, making it ideal for babies who tend to get sweaty or have sensitive skin.

Featuring silky soft swaddle in indigo shibori

 

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, making it a safe and gentle choice for baby clothes and blankets.

Featuring organic cotton muslin swaddle in above the clouds

 

Cotton Muslin

Cotton muslin is a parents favorite fabric for their littles for many reasons. Firstly, it is a natural fabric made from cotton, which means it's gentle and safe for a baby's delicate skin. Cotton is also a breathable fabric, which helps to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating, making it an ideal fabric for baby clothes, blankets, and swaddles. Additionally, cotton muslin is lightweight and soft, which adds to the comfort level of the baby. It's also a durable fabric that can withstand frequent washing and wear, which is important for baby items that will be used and washed frequently. Finally, cotton muslin is an affordable fabric, making it accessible to a wide range of families. Overall, cotton muslin is a practical, comfortable, and safe choice of fabric for babies.

Popular items to buy made from cotton muslin are:

 

Jersey Knit

Jersey knit is a good choice of baby fabric for several reasons. It is a soft and stretchy fabric that is gentle on a baby's delicate skin. It's also a breathable fabric that allows air to circulate freely, helping to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Jersey knit is also a lightweight fabric, which adds to the comfort level of the baby. Jersey knit is also a durable fabric that can withstand frequent washing and wear, making it a practical choice for busy parents. Finally, jersey knit comes in a wide range of colors and prints, making it easy to create a cute and stylish wardrobe for babies. Overall, jersey knit is a comfortable, practical, and stylish choice of fabric for babies.

Popular items to buy made from jersey knit are:

 

Bamboo Infused

Bamboo infused fabric is a type of textile that is made by blending bamboo fibers with other materials, such as cotton or polyester, to create a soft, durable, and sustainable fabric. It is incredibly soft and gentle on a baby's delicate skin, providing comfort and reducing the risk of skin irritation or allergies. Additionally, bamboo infused fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, helping to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. This is particularly important for newborns who have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Bamboo infused fabric is also easy to care for, machine washable, and resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage, making it a practical choice for busy parents.

Popular items to buy made from bamboo infused fabric are:

 

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton for babies helps little ones who have extra sensitive skin! With cotton in high demand, sometimes cotton farmers use additional chemicals throughout the process that can cause skin irritation. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides, chemicals, or genetically modified seeds, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice for parents who want to reduce their environmental impact and protect their baby's health. Choosing organic fabric for your baby guarantees a higher quality protection. Additionally, organic cotton fabric is durable, easy to care for, and can withstand frequent washing and wear, making it a practical choice for busy parents. It is by far the best fabric for baby products!

It is important to make sure that the organic products you are purchasing for your little have a reputable certification. The most common certification in the baby fabric category is GOTS. Learn more about GOTS certification here.

Popular items to buy made from organic cotton are:

 

Other Materials Common in Fabrics for Babies

In addition to the best baby fabric materials listed above, there are several other common fabrics found in baby products, including:

  1. Fleece: Many parents associate fleece with winter wear, which leads them to ask, “Is fleece safe for babies?” The short answer is, yes! In fact, fleece fabric for babies is a common choice when it comes to outerwear and blankets. With heat retaining properties, many parents rely on this fabric during colder months to help little ones stay warm. We love snuggling our little loves in micro-fleece swaddles to keep them warm.
  2. Flannel: Flannel is a soft and cozy fabric that is commonly used to make baby pajamas, blankets, and burp cloths. It is warm and absorbent, making it ideal for colder weather.
  3. Polyester: Since polyester is not as breathable as other fabric choices such as cotton, while it is considered safe to use, the amount of the chemicals used in the production process can cause irritation even if your child doesn’t have super sensitive skin. For these reasons, we suggest using polyester fabrics sparingly and for non-clothes use. For example, minky fabric is a soft polyester that works great for blankets and soft plush toys.
  4. Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that is often used to make baby towels, washcloths, and bibs. It is absorbent and quick-drying, making it ideal for use during bath time.
  5. Wool: Wool is a natural and warm fabric that is often used to make baby sweaters, blankets, and hats. It is soft and breathable, making it comfortable for babies to wear.
Featuring HALO Sleep Microfleece Swaddle in baby blue

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