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What’s the best fabric to use for babies and toddlers? Comparing Fibres & Knit Types

What’s the best fabric to use for babies and toddlers? Comparing Fibres & Knit Types

When it comes to babies, there’s a wealth of information to sift through and hundreds of choices to make. Too many decisions sometimes! From choosing your baby's first bed, to their first outfit to when to start solids, there are lots of decisions to make.

One decision which parents might not think about too much is different fabric types and which might be best for their baby. Newborn babies in particular can’t regulate their temperature well, so it’s wise to look for natural fibres which offer superior breathability and won’t overheat a baby. But there are other considerations like whether the fabric is hypoallergenic, how durable it is and more.

Fabrics all have different properties which makes them more suitable for some products than others, for example cotton sateen is great for bedding, whereas muslin is multi-purpose for bedding, shade, spills & more. Each fabric has different benefits depending on the season and how it will be used.

So, with all of that in mind, what’s the best fabric to use for a baby? We look at both fibre type and knit type with the help of Amanda, our Production Manager.

What are the best fibres for baby clothing and sleepwear?

Merino

We’re not shy to say it, we love merino for babies! It helps keep little ones warm in winter and cool in summer thanks to its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. It’s also naturally flame resistant and is slower to burn than other fibres such as nylon or polyester.

And for parents / caregivers, merino is also great. Modern merino garments can be machine washed (on a wool cycle), are quick drying and odour resistant, so you’ll spend less time washing and drying!

Merino comes in a variety of weights, so a lightweight jersey style merino is a good option for summer and a heavier weight rib style more appropriate for shoulder seasons and winter.

A merino singlet makes an excellent base layer for winter. The natural crimp of merino traps the warm air to create a microclimate around the body and thus insulate it from the cold. Merino breathes with the wearer so there’s no unpleasant 'clammy' sensation when the baby is too hot. Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, don't have this ability to breathe.

Merino is biodegradable & renewable so it’s a win for the environment too.

4 month old baby wearing deluxe merino short sleeve bodysuit - almond

Cotton

Cotton is another breathable 100% natural fibre, helping babies to regulate their temperature. Cotton is easy care and can usually be hot washed and tumble dried which makes it perfect for babies who often spill or have the occasional explosion!

Cotton is a heavier weight than muslin, but it is still good for the height of summer and through winter, depending on the knit and weight of the fabric.

Cotton is heavily used in clothing and bedding and you’ll find a range of knit styles, from jersey to sateens and more. Some cotton garments are organic, meaning they’re produced without harmful chemicals and can be better for the environment and baby’s skin.

Toddler sitting wearing cotton rib pyjamas

Silk

Silk is probably not the first option you’d think of for bedding, but it has a host of benefits which may make it a good option for your little one. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic so if your little one has asthma, eczema or sensitive skin, silk sheets or pillowcases might be something to consider. It also repels dust mites, which along with a mite guard mattress protector may help reduce wheezing or itching in your little one.

Silk’s smooth texture can also help retain moisture in the skin. So if your baby has dry skin or eczema, again silk might be good to consider.

And for the parents of babies or older children with lots of hair, one of the best benefits of a silk pillowcase may be that it reduces tangles! No more waking up to a bird's nest in your child’s hair and no more tears over tangles & brushing. Win-win!

toddler girl lying on silk pillowcase

Linen

Another 100% natural fibre, linen is made from flax fibres. It has an open weave, similar to muslin and allows superior airflow, which is why it’s often associated with summer. Linen is unusual in baby products, but as your baby grows, you’ll likely find more clothing & bedding options for your little one. Linen is a popular choice for linen for bigger beds (think single and above) due to its breathability, durability and softness. It will soften further with each wash.

Muslin

Renowned for its softness, lightness and breathability, muslin is a beautifully soft fabric to use when caring for your newborn baby. A baby's skin is very delicate, so the buttery-soft properties of muslin is super-gentle on their skin and the more you wash it, the softer it will get. Usually made from 100% cotton (check the product label), Muslin is a lovely natural fibre.

You'll most likely be familiar with large squares of muslin, which are often used for swaddling, but this wonder fabric is also regularly used for sleeping bags, cot sheets & bedding. It is highly absorbent so is a great option for bibs, burp cloths or change pad covers.

Muslin is a superb fabric for swaddling in summer. Its open weave makes it highly breathable & lightweight and it's these properties which make it perfect for babies who can't regulate their temperature well. Because it allows plenty of airflow, it's also an ideal fabric for shading a pushchair or baby capsule whilst on the go or for mum to use as a breastfeeding cover.

muslin swaddle wrap

Merino Fleece

Merino fleece is completely different from what you may remember as 'polar fleece' from your childhood. Merino fleece is created by brushing 100% merino wool, to 'fluff' it up, making it extra soft and snuggly. This is miles away from synthetically made polar fleece, which can easily overheat your little baby and should be avoided.

Merino fleece makes for a super snuggly blanket for the cot or buggy and super warm pyjama’s for toddlers and older children. We don’t recommend merino fleece sleepwear for babies younger than approximately 6 months old.

merino fleece blanket hanging on a rack

Tencel

Tencel is light and versatile fabric produced from wood chips. It can be used in a wide range of products, from t-shirts to underwear and activewear. Tencel has a lower impact on the environment compared to other fibres such as cotton because it uses less water and energy during the production process. And because it’s made from wood, it breaks down naturally at the end of its life.

The Sleep Store All Seasons Merino Tencel Blend Styles hanging on a rail

The best knit types for babies & children

Pointelle

Pointelle is a type of cotton knit, which has tiny holes, often chevron shaped, throughout it. It’s these ‘holes’ which give pointelle garments their superior airflow for the summer months. It’s a classic & timeless style and is often used for singlets & bodysuits.

Flannelette (Flannel)

Your memories of flannelette may be associated with your grandparents as many think of flannel as an old-fashioned fabric. But, it has so many properties that make it a good, solid option for babies & children.

Flannelette is soft & cosy. It’s warmer to the touch than a sateen cotton and therefore is a good option for newborn sheets, especially in the winter months. Think transferring your sleeping baby to a warmer surface than a cooler sateen sheet - a flannelette should be less likely to startle a baby with a cold surface than a sateen sheet, hopefully keeping your little one asleep - yay!

Flannelette is also highly absorbent which makes it a good contender for burp clothes or to have on hand in general for spills and more. It’s why it was often used for traditional cloth nappy squares.

For toddlers & pre-schoolers flannel is a lovely option for winter PJ’s due to its cosy, fluffy properties.

Sateen

Sateen is a type of weave that makes a shiny, smooth fabric, often used for sheets and clothing. Think of getting into bed onto cool, smooth sheets and it’s likely to be a sateen sheet that you’re using. Sateen is frequently used for sheets, but can also be used for baby sleeping bags. It can be weaved with elastane for a little stretch.

Jersey Knit

A jersey knit is commonly used in clothing - think a stretchy t-shirt and it’s highly likely to be a jersey knit. Jersey knits are known for their softness and stretch, which is what makes it so good for clothing. Because of the natural stretch it doesn’t need any elastane or similar stretch fibres to be added. The jersey knit was first made from wool, but is now most likely to be made from cotton or merino fibres with garments made from synthetic fibres such as polyester.

Double Faced (Double Knit)

A double knit fabric is two pieces of single knit jersey knitted together. It means the back and the front of the fabric look identical with each side equally as lovely and soft as the other.

With high moisture wicking properties and structural air pockets for warmth it is another perfect addition to your babies winter or should season clothing / sleepwear.

Rib Knit

In a nutshell, a rib knit is a very stretchy and comfortable fabric which fits nice and snug. It’s perfect for keeping little ones cosy and warm. Rib knits have high fabric retention, which means they can stretch and spring back - very forgiving for growing babies. Rib knits are durable, yet delicate and they make a great base layer for next to skin basic layering. A rib knit is equally soft on both sides and creates air pockets between the rib knit for added warmth.

Organic Fabrics

Organic fabrics are grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals, so they’re better for both the environment and our bodies, however organic fabrics are no softer than conventionally grown cotton. It's a personal preference as to whether you choose organic fabrics for your baby.

Where to next?

At The Sleep Store we have everything you need to keep your baby comfortable & to make your life easier.

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Made from Merino

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Made from Cotton

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Made from Muslin

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Organic

Some of our favourite clothing & sleepwear brands

The Sleep Store

Woolbabe

Little Unicorn

Ergopouch

Wilson & Frenchy

Nature Baby

 

 

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