Although babies may seem similar to adults, their skin, body, and overall physiology are fundamentally different. Factors that might not have much of an impact on an adult human's health can cause significant harm to a baby. In this context, the choice of fabric for baby clothing becomes extra important. This blog explores how to choose infant clothes and things to avoid when shopping for the little ones.

Why Choosing the Right Fabric Matters for Babies

To understand why buying clothes for babies is more effort-intensive than buying clothes for adults, think of a baby as “brand new”. Their fragile immune system is still in the process of learning new things and can easily get overwhelmed if exposed to irritants. Here is why it is critical to choose the right fabric for baby and infant clothes:

Delicate Skin

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is also the part that is fully in contact with clothes. Baby skin doesn’t only appear soft and delicate, it actually is thinner than an adult’s. This inherent fragility makes it highly prone to irritation, rashes, chafing, and inflammation when in contact with rough fabrics and chemical irritants.

Untrained Immune System

Synthetic fabrics have a rough texture, which can trigger bouts of Atopic Dermatitis or Contact Dermatitis in babies, leading to redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort. A baby's skin is also very sensitive to harsh chemicals like synthetic dyes, which may be commonly found in some fabrics. Hence, choosing a hypoallergenic baby fabric that is free of such irritants is a prudent choice.

Temperature Regulation

Breathability is another crucial requirement for baby clothes. Babies are still developing the ability to regulate their body temperature. They are also unable to raise their temperature effectively in cooler environments. For this reason, choosing breathable fabrics for baby clothes, along with appropriate layers, is the best way to ensure comfort and safety.

Mobility

Babies are always kicking their little feet and eagerly exploring their surroundings. During this active phase of life, restrictive fabrics with no stretchability can lead to discomfort, chafing, and rashes.

Ease of Use

The impact of baby clothes extends to parents as well. For easy care and maintenance, baby clothes need to be machine-washable, resistant to pilling, and highly absorbent. 

Sleepwear

Safe fabrics for baby clothes need to be flame-resistant and have a comfortable fit. This is particularly true for sleepwear, as very loose, dense, or low-stretch fabrics carry a risk of suffocation. Synthetic fabrics are generally flammable and tend to melt, making them unsuitable for baby clothing.

Top 5 Fabrics for Baby Clothes

Appropriate clothes materials for babies need to fulfil several criteria to be deemed safe for use. The five best and softest fabrics for newborns are as follows:

1. Organic Cotton

2. Cotton Blends (E.g., 95% cotton, 5% elastane)

3. Bamboo viscose

4. Muslin cotton

5. Soft merino wool

When it comes to finding reliable options for baby clothes, Lilax Shop stands out as a trusted online retailer for baby clothes shopping. Its wide collection of baby outfits is made of 100% cotton to ensure maximum comfort, breathability, and durability. Lilax Shop’s versatile layette sets, cozy baby blankets, and baby boleros use pure cotton fabric that is moisture-wicking, soft, lightweight, and porous. Even the more formal collections like Baby 3-Piece Tulle & Satin Bow Detailed Polka Dot Dress Set, and the Newborn 4-Piece Tuxedo Suit Set use 100% cotton for the lining and inner shirts for safe wearability.

What Makes a Fabric “Baby-Safe”?

For parents, shopping for baby clothes can seem like a daunting task; however, there is a simple solution to choosing safe fabrics for babies. In essence, these are the key factors that make a fabric “baby safe” and hence the right choice to buy:

• Breathability and porosity

• Temperature regulation

• Hypoallergenic

• Highly absorbent

• Soft and lint-free

• Flame-resistant

• Durable

• Resistant to piling

• Slightly stretchable

• Quick drying

• Machine-washable

• Free of harmful chemicals

Tips for Washing and Caring for Baby Fabrics

Choosing appropriate fabrics for baby clothes is not the only step for parents; Proper care and cleaning of safe fabrics like organic cotton baby clothes is essential as well. Here are some valuable tips for washing and caring for baby clothes that will ensure maximum durability and easy maintenance: 

• Be sure to pre-wash all clothing after buying

• Wash heavily stained items separately to ensure proper cleaning

• Use a baby-specific detergent

• Avoid using chemicals like bleach, brightener, fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc.

• Wash at temperatures that correspond to the washing label

• Use the extra rinse cycle and air dry where possible

• Wash baby clothes in a separate load from the rest of the family

• Read the washing label carefully

• Wash clothes inside out and fasten all zippers and buttons before washing