Choosing The Best Fabric For Baby Clothes: A Comprehensive Guide

18 Aug.,2025

 

Choosing The Best Fabric For Baby Clothes: A Comprehensive Guide

4 Season® Basic Baby Sleeping Bag, Merino Wool, Butterfly - $79.00

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Choosing the perfect outfit for a baby is not only a delightful task for many but also a crucial decision that extends beyond eye-catching prints and designs. One essential factor that often goes overlooked is the fabric choice. This matters a lot, but how do you choose the best fabric for baby clothes? There are a lot of options out there.

You can dress your baby in almost any kind of material, including wool, cotton, polyester, silk, muslin, bamboo, fleece, and more. With such a vast number of options, it’s hard to know where to start. Whether you’re thinking about daytime attire or you’re wondering how to dress a baby for sleep, it’s crucial to understand the effects of the different materials.

Today, we’re going to look at the advantages and drawbacks of different kinds of fabric, helping you to choose the best type of material to ensure your little ones' comfort. Let’s read on to find out more!

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

Several factors come into play when determining the ideal 'fabric for babies.' Foremost among these are safety and comfort, aspects that directly influence your baby's daily well-being. 

Fabrics that are harsh and scratchy can cause discomfort, leading to a fussy baby, while any materials with potential safety issues must be ruled out entirely.

Further considerations include the fabric's durability — essential to prevent frequent clothing replacements — and its ease of maintenance. There's little value in gorgeous baby clothes if they remain unworn because they're too complex to wash.

Many parents also incorporate environmental considerations into their choices, opting for fabrics that have a minimal environmental impact. After all, the health of the planet their baby will grow up in is a significant concern. With all these factors at play, who knew that buying a few onesies could be such a thoughtful process?

Ecolino® Adjustable Baby Sleep Bag, 100% Organic Cotton, Universal Size: 2 Months - 2 Years, Triangle - $49.00

The Different Types of Fabrics for Baby Clothes

Given the considerations, let’s check out the most popular baby clothing fabrics and how they measure up to each of the above factors.

  • Wool: Known for its remarkable insulating and temperature regulation properties, wool can keep babies warm in colder conditions whilst ensuring that they don’t overheat. This natural fiber is highly breathable and moisture-wicking, good for both warm and cold climates. This makes wool – such as that used in Woolino's merino sleep sacks – a great 'fabric for babies.' However, care must be taken to choose high-quality, fine wool to avoid potential skin irritation.
  • Cotton: A hypoallergenic material, cotton is often recommended for babies with sensitive skin or allergies. It is easy to care for and can withstand high temperatures during washing, making it hygienic. However, cotton tends to lose its shape over time and may not be the most durable choice so make sure that any cotton product that you are buying is of good quality.
  • Organic Cotton: Made without harmful chemicals, many parents prefer organic cotton for their little ones – like Woolino’s organic cotton sleep sacks – as it carries all the benefits of regular cotton but with the added advantage of being eco-friendly. It's softer and more comfortable for a baby's skin. Keep in mind, though, that organic cotton may fade faster due to the absence of chemical treatments. So again, make sure that your buying quality.
  • Bamboo: This versatile material has been praised as a fabric for baby clothing because it’s extremely soft, has thermo-regulation abilities, and it’s hypoallergenic. Bamboo fabric is highly absorbent – more so than cotton – ensuring your little one stays dry. Bamboo baby clothing can be expensive and does need to be washed with special care to retain its shape and softness.
  • Polyester: Known for its durability, polyester retains color and shape well, making it a practical choice for everyday baby clothes. However, because it's not as breathable as natural fibers, it may not be suitable for sleepwear or hot weather clothes.
  • Fleece: Lightweight and warm, fleece is excellent for the outdoors and winter clothes in general. It's also easy to clean, making it a practical choice for parents with a messy baby. It’s worth noting that fleece is a synthetic material and may cause overheating if it isn’t used properly. Consider for outdoor clothing for your baby, choose something else for pajamas and indoor bodysuits.
  • Muslin: Suited to warm weather conditions, muslin is made up of a lightweight cotton fabric that is often used for swaddles, blankets, and a range of summer clothes. It's soft which allows for the utmost comfort for your little one whilst also breathable, which helps to keep your bundle of dry cool. Disadvantages of muslin include its lack of durability compared to other materials whilst also, not providing an abundance of insulation to keep your baby warm.
  • Modal:  A kind of rayon, modal is soft and stretchy, making it comfortable for babies to wear. Known for its resistance to shrinkage and pilling, it makes an excellent material for long-lasting baby clothes. It also has a silky texture, which can make it a comfortable choice for sleepwear. It does tend to be quite an expensive option so bear this in mind if you're baby is growing quickly! As a downside, its production process is not as eco-friendly as natural fibers so again, bear this in mind if you are opting for environmentally friendly clothing.
  • Nylon: Nylon is durable and strong, meaning it will last well, but it doesn’t breathe the way natural fibers do. Babies dressed in nylon may be hot and uncomfortable, so it’s not the best material for baby clothes.

Each fabric has its strengths and weaknesses, so your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences.

4 Season® Ultimate Baby Sleep Bag, Merino Wool, 2 Months - 2 Years, Night Sky™ - $109.00

Introduction to Wool - The Super Fabric

Wool has been used in bedding of all kinds for thousands of years. It’s sometimes referred to as a super fabric, with merino wool being the best of the best. It’s an excellent choice for baby clothes, for a whole range of reasons. 

One of the key factors is its ability to regulate temperature. Wool’s ability to absorb moisture from the body keeps your baby’s skin dry, meaning that they don’t get too hot or cold.

This thermoregulation feature positions wool as an ideal 'fabric for babies' in different climates. While it's often used for warm garments and winterwear, it’s surprisingly good at remaining cool in hotter climates and will prevent your baby from getting sweaty and uncomfortable.

However, wool can sometimes be itchy - and this is where Woolino steps in. Committed to providing baby clothing that is comfortable, safe, and of high quality, Woolino has crafted products using merino wool, which retains all the benefits of wool and offers even more.

Merino wool is especially good for infants because the fibers are particularly fine, this means they are very soft against the baby’s skin. It’s, therefore, one of the best materials for baby clothes, and because it’s hypoallergenic, it’s very unlikely to cause irritation. 

It’s perfect for swaddles, blankets, sleepwear, and many other kinds of bedding. Your baby will stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the day and night, and the super soft fabric will be gentle on their sensitive skin. That’s what Woolino is all about!

4 Season® Baby Sleep Bag with Feet, Merino Wool, Birch Gray - $129.00

Caring for Baby Clothes

An important aspect to consider when it comes to infant clothing is garment care. Different items require different cleaning methods, so it's important to review the manufacturer's instructions prior to washing all clothing. While a significant number of baby clothes are designed to withstand a standard washing machine, others require more delicate handling.

Materials such as cotton and polyester can generally be added directly to your washing machine. However, garments made of certain materials like bamboo require a more cautious approach. Following these instructions correctly will help prevent any damage to these items.

A noteworthy advantage of wool as a 'fabric for babies' is its self-cleaning properties, reducing the need for frequent washing. Often, simply airing it out is sufficient, although there will be instances where a thorough wash is necessary.

Understanding that parents would prefer not to spend extended periods figuring out how to clean delicate garments, we’ve developed our own specialized wool wash

Engineered to effectively remove stubborn stains and dirt from our sleep sacks, it's available in both scented and unscented versions. With this wool wash, all you need to do is put the garments in the machine, let them dry, and they're good as new!

Signing Off

The fabric of your baby's clothes truly makes a world of difference in how they feel. As a new parent, it's crucial to bear this in mind when shopping for those adorable onesies and sleep sacks. Natural fibers are often more breathable and comfortable for your child, but it’s important to find options that will keep them warm enough in the winter, and cool enough in the summer.

Choosing the right fabrics can be a challenge, but it’s worth taking the time to do this for the comfort of your infant. Finding the right material will keep your baby safe and content. It may also require a bit of trial and error to find a fabric that you’re baby is comfortable with.

It’s particularly important at night when your baby will be less closely supervised and is at particular risk of getting too hot or too cold. Woolino’s wonderful sleep sacks have a whole host of benefits, but comfort and thermoregulation properties are among the most important!

Check out our full range of merino wool baby clothes to find the perfect clothes for your little one, so they are always at the right temperature and feel comfy.

FAQs

What makes merino wool suitable for baby clothes?

Merino wool is particularly well-suited for baby clothes because it’s so comfortable. Merino wool is the softest sheep’s wool there is, so you can take advantage of its temperature regulation properties without having scratchy fibers irritating your child’s skin. 

How do I wash and care for merino wool baby clothes?

Wool is essentially self-cleaning, meaning that you will rarely need to wash merino wool baby clothes. Instead, hanging items up to air and putting them in sunlight will be enough to clean them. However, babies may throw up or experience diaper leaks. This is where Woolino’s special wool wash is the perfect solution.

What should I look for when buying baby clothes?

Always look for breathable fabrics that are going to be soft on your baby’s skin. Babies aren’t good at regulating their temperature and are prone to overheating or getting too cold. That means you need to choose fabrics according to your climate and season, but also think about things like washability, cost, durability, and environmental impact.

Are Woolino’s merino wool clothes safe for babies with sensitive skin?

Yes, Woolino’s merino wool clothes are safe even for babies with sensitive skin. It’s hypoallergenic, meaning it’s less likely to cause a reaction, even if your baby’s skin is easily irritated. Of course, any material can be problematic, so always check your baby is comfortable in their clothes.

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How does wool compare to other fabrics for baby clothes?

Wool has been popular for centuries, and there are excellent reasons for that. It’s also an eco-friendly option because it depends on natural fibers that are not particularly intensive to harvest, and that will decompose naturally at the end of the product’s life. It’s comfy, temperature-regulating, and hypoallergenic, ticking all the boxes to create one of the best fabrics for baby clothing.

FAQ | High-performing, Clean, Sustainable Baby Care - Coterie

We created The Diaper with the goal to make parents lives a little easier—for us, that means high performance, premium materials, and clean ingredients. It has an ultra-soft feel and is hypoallergenic, making it gentle on baby's delicate skin. It minimizes the likelihood of leaks, blowouts, and diaper rash, by incorporating an absorbent core that can hold over 16 oz of liquid (based on our lab testing of The Diaper in Size 4). This ensures that The Diaper stays dry for a long time, even overnight (we're big fans of uninterrupted sleep and not changing crib sheets at 2 AM). Our products undergo thorough third-party testing and we carefully consider customer feedback to continuously improve their quality. For more information on product transparency, you can read our full Diaper Safety Report.

The Diaper's absorbent core is made of sodium polyacrylate (SAP) and Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) wood pulp from sustainably managed forests. The nonwoven backsheet is made from polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene, and the topsheet is made of polypropylene. Our high loft nonwoven acquisition layer is made from polyester and the hook tab fastening system is made of polypropylene / polyethylene, film and adhesive. The Diaper is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, but we recommend consulting with your doctor if you’re concerned about a certain allergen, fabric, or medical condition. Please note that we cannot say that our products are vegan because that classification is reserved for food products. In any case, our products do not contain any materials from animal sources. For more information on product transparency, you can read our full Diaper Safety Report here.

Coterie wipes are dermatologist tested, pediatrician approved, and formulated with only clean ingredients.They are EWG Verified (R), proven hypoallergenic, and accepted by The National Eczema Association as suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. See below for what makes each wipe unique.

The Wipe & The Soft Wipe
The Wipe and The Soft Wipe were designed with utmost care and attention to detail for the whole family to use. They're soft, strong, and up to 30% larger than other wipes. They’re clean for babies and the planet, made with 100% plant-based, plastic-free, sustainably-sourced fibers.

For parents seeking to cleanse, moisturize, and help support the developing skin barrier, The Soft Wipe does just that, all in one plush wipe enhanced with premium cotton. For parents seeking only the essential cleansing agents in a pared-back ingredient list, The Wipe is made with 99% purified water and just 5 essential ingredients.

For more information on product transparency, you can read our full Wipes Safety Report here.

The Flush Wipe
The Flush Wipe is the perfect partner as toddlers reach the potty-training milestone, giving generous coverage that helps them feel confident, clean, and in control.

Made with 100% plant-derived fibers and a hypoallergenic lotion that’s 99% purified water, it’s crafted for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Eight in ten parents told us it feels noticeably softer than toilet paper.

Flush worry-free: The Flush Wipe is sewer- and septic-safe and complies with IWSFG PAS 1: and INDA/EDANA GD4 flushability guidelines. Its plant-derived fibers are purposefully designed to disintegrate as well as toilet paper when flushed (two wipes max per flush), achieving 99.5% disintegration in less than 30 minutes, based on lab testing.

For more information on product transparency, you can read our full Wipes Safety Report here.

Coterie wipes are dermatologist tested, pediatrician approved, and formulated with only clean ingredients. They are EWG Verified (R), proven hypoallergenic, and accepted by The National Eczema Association as suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. See below for specific ingredient information by product.

The Wipe
The Wipe’s cleansing solution contains 99% Purified Water; the other 1% is made up of 5 gentle ingredients—Sodium Benzoate (mild, food-grade preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (skin conditioner + preservative), Citric Acid (naturally occurring pH balancer), Glycerin (natural humectant), and Decyl Glucoside (plant-derived cleanser). The Wipe is made of 100% plant-based, plastic-free, sustainably-sourced fibers—a blend of VEOCEL™ lyocell and VEOCEL™ viscose.

The Soft Wipe
The Soft Wipe’s cleansing solution contains Purified Water, Glycerin (humectant), Dimethicone (skin conditioner), Cetyl Isononanoate (skin protectant), Ceteareth-20 (surfactant + stabilizer), Cetearyl Alcohol (skin conditioner), Sodium Benzoate (food-grade preservative), Glyceryl Stearate (emollient), Citric Acid (pH balancer), Ethylhexylglycerin (skin conditioner), Caprylyl Glycol (skin conditioner + preservative), Cetyl Palmitate (emollient), Ceteareth-12 (skin conditioner + surfactant), Benzoic Acid (preservative), and Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract (antioxidant). The Soft Wipe is made of 100% plant-based, plastic-free, sustainably-sourced fibers—a blend of VEOCEL™ viscose and at least 15% premium cotton.

The Flush Wipe
The Flush Wipe is designed for toddlers and up and made with the same gentle cleansing solution as The Wipe, containing 99% Purified Water; the other 1% is made up of 5 gentle ingredients—Sodium Benzoate (gentle, food-grade preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (skin conditioner + preservative), Citric Acid (naturally occurring pH balancer), Glycerin (natural humectant), and Decyl Glucoside (plant-derived cleanser). The Flush Wipe is made of plant-derived fibers that are purposefully designed to disintegrate as well as toilet paper when flushed, achieving 99.5% disintegration in less than 30 minutes, based on lab testing.

While many wipes are made with some form of plastic, Coterie wipes are made with 100% sustainably-sourced, plant-based, and plastic-free fibers. They should not be home composted if they’ve been used to clean feces as they may contain bacteria from gut flora. We can’t certify that the wipes will decompose as landfill environments can drastically vary.

The Wipe & The Soft Wipe
Soiled wipes should be discarded in the trash. Please note that The Wipe and The Soft Wipe are not flushable!

The Flush Wipe
The Flush Wipe is sewer- and septic-safe and complies with IWSFG PAS 1: and INDA/EDANA GD4 flushability guidelines. Its plant-derived fibers are purposefully designed to disintegrate as well as toilet paper when flushed (two wipes max per flush), achieving 99.5% disintegration in less than 30 minutes, based on lab testing.

The Wipe & The Soft Wipe
The Wipe and The Soft Wipe are safe to use on all areas of your baby's delicate skin. However, they aren’t just for babies! Many of our customers also love it for cleaning up, removing makeup, or freshening up after a workout. They are formulated for not only their ability to clean, but also their gentleness on the skin. Please note that Coterie wipes are for external use only(avoid the inside of the eyes, noses, mouth, etc.).

The Flush Wipe
The Flush Wipe was designed for potty-training toddlers and older (adults included!). They’re safe and gentle, and are optimized for bathroom messes (think toilet seat, bums and/or hands if needed in a pinch). For everyday face, hand, or diaper changes, we recommend The Wipe or The Soft Wipe, which are formulated and tested for full-body use from day one.

Our Sizing 101 page is a great place to start, but we know that all babies are built differently. When it comes to choosing the perfect size, we consider weight, waist circumference, body type (height and build), and age.

We like to think that The Diaper and The Pant run true-to-size, but in some cases, they may run small. If your baby is in between sizes on our sizing chart, we recommend sizing up for a better fit since leaks and blowouts are often a sign that it’s time to size up.

For our Auto-Renew customers, we offer the option to add single packs of The Diaper and The Pant to your next order, allowing you to conveniently try another size. You can add up to two packs to your next Auto-Renew by choosing a 'One-time add-on' from your account page.

If you're still unsure, feel free to reach out to us at Opens in a new tab. with your baby's specifics (weight, waist circumference, body type (height and build), and age) and we'd be happy to help you find the perfect fit.

If you’re already using The Diaper, we recommend ordering the same size in The Pant. However, The Pant runs a bit longer, so if our diaper you’re currently using is at or above the belly button or the tabs are almost overlapping, we recommend sizing down in The Pant.

If you’ve used Pull-Ups, Easy Ups, or other training pants, you'll want to size down in Coterie as The Pant fit slightly larger.

For more information about sizing and fit, check out our Sizing 101 page. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact us at Opens in a new tab. and provide your baby's specifics (weight, waist circumference, body type (height and build), and age) and we'd be happy to help you find the perfect fit.

Our products are carefully designed to meet the needs of babies at different stages of development. The Diaper is perfect for newborns and non-crawling infants, effectively wicking away moisture to minimize diaper rash and keep delicate skin dry. Our sizing can accommodate babies up to 41 lbs.

The Pant is designed for active babies, allowing for more flexible movement and a gentler transition into potty training. It can grow with you all from just crawling through potty training. Our pant sizing begins at 14 lbs and can accommodate children up to 62 lbs, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit throughout the transition period.

When to switch from The Diaper to The Pant depends on your baby's individual needs and your own preferences. To find the perfect fit for your little one, be sure to check out our Sizing 101 page for guidance on choosing the right product based on your baby's size and stage of development.

Auto-Renew is the same as a subscription, but with the added benefits of personalization and flexibility. Our Auto-Renew program is designed to ensure that you never run out of your diapering products, and to save you time in the process.

We’ll also send you an and SMS reminder (if you're opted into Text Order Management) 2 days before your next shipment processes, giving you the ability to make any changes. You’ll have the option to edit your size, shipping address, billing information, frequency (automatically set to 28 days), or simply delay or skip that shipment. You can also cancel at any time in your Account page or by emailing us at or texting us at 951-467- if you're opted into Text Order Management. See the full list of Coterie Concierge SMS commands here.

With the exception of our newborn and size 1 bundle, we currently offer all sizes in packs of six of The Diaper, or packs of four for The Pant. At this time, we are unable to mix sizes within a monthly box.

We do offer the option to purchase Single Packs for our Auto-Renew customers if you are in need of extra supply, want to trial the next size up, or want to try a different product. You can conveniently add up to two packs to your next Auto-Renew by choosing a 'One-time add-on' from your Account page. Alternatively, if you need a pack before your next Auto-Renew, you can purchase single packs as a one-time purchase by choosing 'Order Single Packs Now' in the lower section of your Account page.

If you’re traveling to another destination in the U.S., here are a few options for you:

1. If you're an Auto-Renew customer, you can order a single pack of diapers or pants to be delivered directly to your travel address by selecting 'Order Single Packs Now' in the lower section of your Account page
2. Ship your full Auto-Renew shipment to your travel address by editing your address from your Account page or by texting EDIT to 951-467- if you're opted into Text Order Management
3. Delay your Auto-Renew shipment by editing your next shipment date from your Account page or by texting DELAY to 951-467- if you're opted into Text Order Management

See the full list of Coterie Concierge SMS commands here.

Thanks for being part of our Coterie community!

At Coterie, we thoughtfully engineer our products and experiences with parents in mind, and this includes our community online and in real life. Our mission is to create a space as welcoming, soft, and trustworthy as our products.

To meet the collective goals of our community, it’s important that all members feel safe and supported. To help ensure parents have the best possible experience, please reference our guidelines below.

Respect & Peace of Mind:

Our community is a space where parents can come together to find support and share their thoughts and feelings on the chaotic, magical, and incredible journey of parenthood. We treat each other with care, kindness, respect, and patience.

We believe all families, regardless of how they are formed or structured, deserve to be treated with respect. We understand that parenthood is a unique journey that looks different for everyone, and trust that families will make the best decisions for their individual needs.

Our goal is to foster a positive, empowering, and uplifting environment for all parents.

Safety:

We do not tolerate hate speech of any kind, and we refrain from using discriminatory or shameful language.

In the event that someone violates these guidelines, we will take action to protect other members of our community. This might include hiding or deleting comments (in the event of spamming or discriminatory language), blocking (in the event of extreme/repeat behavior or the use of hate speech and/or discriminatory language), or disabling post comments.

If you experience or witness any behavior that doesn’t follow our community guidelines, please contact us directly at Opens in a new tab..

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