There are tons and tons of fabrics on the market, but which ones are the most beneficial, and why? We have compiled a small list of some of the most popular fabric choices amongst families today and why they are so loved.
1) Bamboo. Bamboo has many benefits not only for baby but for its environmental impact. Here are some of the reasons why bamboo fabric is a great option:
- Second Skin feeling. Bamboo is incredibly soft, making it not only a super comfortable choice, but an easy choice for baby’s already silky smooth skin.
- Hypoallergenic. Bamboo will never cause allergic reactions against skin. This is due to their natural moisture wicking, bacteria resistant properties.
- Antimicrobial and antifungal. Bamboo possesses an antimicrobial bio-agent called “Bamboo Kun” which allows it to flourish and grow in the wild without the use of pesticides. This unique quality remains in textile form which aids in killing bacteria, so the wearer feels fresher and odor free longer, also aiding in personal hygiene.
- Moisture wicking and breathable. Bamboo is naturally moisture wicking and breathable which means the fabric will pull moisture away from the skin keeping you feeling dryer. This is also beneficial for those with sensitive skin (eczema etc) as it will help keep the affected area dry, thus aiding in faster healing.
- UV Resistant. Bamboo is naturally UV resistant, protecting ones skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
- Temperature regulating. This fabric will aid in keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Eco-Friendly. Bamboo is extremely eco-friendly due to its super fast ability to replenish itself. Because of this and its abundance, bamboo also is a great source of fresh oxygen, which is necessary to balance out the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is also 100% biodegradable, which is why you also see more and more one time use products (such as take out containers and utensils) being made from bamboo.
2) Organic Cotton. Organic Cotton is a beautiful and popular fabric. Let’s see why:
- Chemical Free. Organic Cotton is produced without harmful chemicals, making it not only a great option to drape over your body but great for the environment.
- Better for your health + Better for the farmer’s health. Organic Cotton products are much safter for your body due to the non use of toxic chemicals. In turn, this also means it is better for the farmer’s health because they aren’t spraying, breathing in and handling harmful pesticides. It’s really a win-win for all involved.
- Less likely to cause allergic reactions. This (again, and we can’t stress it enough) is due to the natural production of the fabric and the non use of harmful substances during production. This is a natural fabric on natural skin, and tons of allergies arise due to the chemical retentions left on the fabric when chemicals are used.
- Organic Cotton is one of the safest options for your baby. It is no secret that anything organically grown is much better for ourselves and the environment, and this doesn’t exclude what we wear. Due to its natural production, Organic Cotton is one of the safest choices not only for ourselves, but for our precious babies.
- Organic Cotton is softer than regular cotton. I know you’re wondering what the heck I am talking about but hear me out. Regular cotton is usually machine picked due to it’s high demand. Machine picking interferes with the purity of the fibers and can also cause damage. Organic Cotton is hand picked. This means a gentler harvesting process, aiding in the careful removal of the fibers which helps with longer harvested fibers and less damage. A softer removal process = softer fabrics in the long run. Science!
- Organic Cotton uses less water to produce. Growing and harvesting organic cotton is said to use up to 91% less water than regular cotton. The majority of organic cotton is grown on smaller farms, many of which tend to be rainfed other than irrigated. Organic Cotton doesn’t involve genetically modified crops, which require the use of more water. Studies suggest that up to 95% of water that is used to grow organic cotton us green water (rainwater and water retained in the soil.)
3) Merino Wool. Surprising to some but not to others, Merino Wool is gaining popularity amongst families. This is for a vast number of legitimate reasons. Let’s look at some of the benefits:
- Excellent insulating properties. This fabric is extremely warm and is used vastly in cold environments to keep the body warm. It responds to your body’s natural temperature keeping you warm in freezing temperatures but doesn’t feel too hot when the sun comes out!
- It’s breathable. I’m not sure what’s gotten into these breathable fabrics, but we are here for it. Merino Wool is moisture wicking and can absorb up to 35% of moisture vapor while still feeling dry. This is known as “wicking” and it is super beneficial for your skin.
- Static resistant. Weird, but hear me out. The wicking ability in the fabric actually makes it static resistant. This means they wont stick to your body and won’t collect as much dog hair and dust.
- Super soft! Merino Wool has extremely fine fibers, making the fabric amazingly soft. This is not your average itchy and scratchy lamb’s wool ladies and gents. This one is the bee’s knees of softness!
- Odour resistant. I guess that depends how stinky you really get…but for the most part because the fabric is moisture wicking it aids in pulling sweat away and absorbing it, giving your pits a fresher feel and a much better smell.
There you have it, folks! If you didn't know, now you do. Happy shopping!