Choosing fabric for baby and children's items like clothing, bedding, and toys can be a difficult task. And for parents who obsess over every little thing their infants eat, drink, or come within 100 feet of, it’s important to use only the best fabrics for babies. Many parents are unaware of the dangers of certain fabrics, and just as unaware of the benefits of others.
To save you some trouble, here are a few fabrics you should and shouldn't be using in your home, especially if you have small children.
Fabrics You Shouldn't be Using
Fur
Fur is widely used in the fashion industry. But while fur is great for high fashion-minded grown ups, it's not a very suitable fabric to use for children. Fibers in fur can easily be pulled out and ingested, which poses a choking hazard. In addition, some children may have an undiagnosed allergy to certain types of fur.
Fabrics You Shouldn't be Using
Vinyl
Because your baby’s skin is more sensitive than that of older children and adults, 100% vinyl isn't a good choice of fabric for clothing, blankies or toys. Numerous experts will attest to the fact that vinyl is created using chemical processes that may be harmful to the skin, and rashes or other issues could ensue as a result.
Fabrics You Shouldn't be Using
Silk
While silk poses no threat to babies' or small children's health and is actually quite comfortable, it can be difficult to wash. If your child is prone to spills and messy foods -- and it would be a major miracle if they aren’t -- this might not be the right fabric to choose.
Fabrics You Should be Using
Cotton
Cotton is generally a go-to fabric for parents everywhere. It's breathable, soft, and easy to wash. Not to mention available in countless styles. It’s also perfect for crafty moms who enjoy DIY clothing and toy projects. However, don't forget to wash any cotton clothing before using it. And if you’re looking for the best affordable baby clothes, look for cotton-polyester blends.
Fabrics You Should be Using
Fleece
If you're looking for winter pajamas or warm clothing, fleece is a great option for humans of any age. It's extremely soft to the touch and has a long lifespan. With a small child, durability is often the number one priority. Additionally, it's easy to wash and maintain.
Fabrics You Should be Using
Linen
Parents tend to overlook linen, but the reality is that it's even more breathable than cotton. In fact, studies have shown that a person wearing linen clothing perspires 1.5 times less than a person wearing cotton. While linen clothes aren’t easy to find, this fabric is also a great choice for bedsheets, as it helps regulate temperatures to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Fabrics You Should be Using
Pima Cotton
Like Egyptian cotton, except better, Pima cotton is a hypoallergenic type of cotton from South America. It comes with all the benefits of regular cotton, except it’s extra, extra soft. That makes pima cotton the absolute best fabric for blankies.
Maybe it seems like overkill, stressing about what type of fabric is best for baby blankets. But if you can even distantly recall how attached you once were to your own special blankie, then you know your son or daughter deserves nothing but the absolute best.
LouAnn is pursuing a Master's Degree in creative writing while she works on a graphic novel. When she has a rare moment of free time, she loves to write about social issues like body positivity, parenting, and mental health.
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