Soft, comfortable, and easy to wash: it’s no wonder you see cotton everywhere once you start shopping for baby clothes.
But why is cotton used so much for babies, anyway? And is every cotton garment the same?
Why cotton can be great for babies
A baby's skin is different from an adult's, and, furthermore, clothing is in direct contact with the skin for a large part of the day.
Comfort is therefore important.
Cotton has a number of properties that make it widely used in baby clothing. It generally feels soft, absorbs moisture, and is relatively easy to care for.
And let's not underestimate that last point.
Milk. Spit-up. A diaper that has given up on its job. Baby clothes sometimes end up in the wash several times a week.
Is cotton breathable?
Cotton is a natural fiber and can absorb moisture. This can make it comfortable for clothing worn directly against the skin.
That said, the material is not the only thing you should look at. The thickness of the fabric, the fit, the ambient temperature, and any other fibers in the garment also play a role.
100% cotton or cotton with elastane?
You may have seen it on a clothing label before:
95% cotton, 5% elastane.
Why not just 100% cotton?
A small amount of elastane can make a garment stretchier. That can be nice for baby clothes that need to be put on and taken off regularly while also fitting nicely.
Think, for example, of a onesie or leggings.
At Besito Baby, we use this combination for various baby essentials, including The Wrap Bodysuit and The Modular Legging.
What does OEKO-TEX mean for baby clothes?
You will regularly come across the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 label on textiles.
This is a certification system where textile products are tested for a range of regulated and non-regulated substances according to the criteria of the quality mark.
For baby and children's products, stricter requirements apply under STANDARD 100 than for some other product classes.
It is therefore useful information to take into account when choosing clothing, in addition to things like material, fit, and construction.
How do you wash cotton baby clothes?
Always check the wash label of the specific garment first.
A few simple habits help keep clothing looking good for longer:
- sort light and dark colors;
- close any buttons or zippers where relevant;
- treat stains as soon as possible;
- do not automatically use a hotter program than necessary;
- follow the drying instructions on the label.
Should you wash new baby clothes first?
Many parents choose to wash new clothes before their baby wears them for the first time.
When doing so, follow the washing instructions for the garment so that the fabric and fit remain in the best possible condition, and do not use detergent with a lot of perfume, as this can irritate baby skin.
Ultimately, it's about comfort
There isn't one material that is automatically the best choice in every situation.
Look at material, construction, fit, temperature, and your baby's comfort.
At Besito Baby, we design our essentials with exactly that in mind: clothing should look nice, but above all, it should be convenient in everyday life and comfortable for your little one.
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