Choosing what bub wears isn’t just about cuteness (though we love that too!) – it’s about comfort, safety, and making those early months a little bit easier. At Rai and Co, we know how important fabric choice is when dressing your newborn, so we’ve put together this simple guide to help you choose the right one.
What Should You Look for in Baby Clothing Fabric?
The best baby clothes are soft, breathable, durable, and gentle on delicate skin. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Temperature control: Choose fabrics with good TOG ratings to match your local weather
- Breathability: Natural fibres allow airflow to keep bub comfy
- Stretch and softness: Look for a little spandex or elastane for flexibility and fit
- Skin-friendliness: Hypoallergenic, chemical-free materials are a must
The Best Fabrics for Newborn Clothes
Cotton
Cotton is soft, durable, and easy to care for. It holds its shape well and is ideal for layering or wearing alone.
Rai and Co products using cotton:
- Basic Singlet Bodysuit – a true everyday essential made with soft, breathable cotton for comfort and ease
- Ribbed Onesie – a cosy midweight option with an embroidered rib design, higher neck, and windproof feet, ideal for cooler months
- Apple Onesie – our thicker cotton blend onesie for added warmth during winter, while still offering breathability
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is known for its buttery soft feel. It's lightweight, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin, making it ideal for newborns. It's also naturally hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and thermo-regulating, helping bub stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Plus, it’s a more sustainable option.
EcoCosy
EcoCosy is a lightweight fabric perfect for warmer days. It has a silky soft texture, offers excellent breathability, and is produced with a lower environmental impact.
Rai and Co products using EcoCosy:
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Lightweight Eco Onesies – soft, breathable, and ideal for hot weather
Merino
Merino wool is a natural fibre that regulates body temperature, keeping your baby warm in winter and cool in summer. Unlike traditional wool, it’s incredibly soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin. It’s also odour-resistant and antibacterial, which means fewer washes and longer wear. Being natural and biodegradable, it’s a more sustainable option too.
What About Muslin?
Muslin wraps are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-absorbing, making them a great choice for newborns. Our wraps, sourced from Fibre for Good, are made from organic undyed cotton and feature six soft layers. They’re hypoallergenic and chemical-free, offering peace of mind when swaddling your little one.
FAQs
What fabric should I avoid for newborn clothes?
Polyester and other synthetic fabrics. They can trap heat and irritate a baby's delicate skin.
Should baby clothes be 100% cotton?
Not necessarily. A small amount of elastane or spandex blended with cotton can provide helpful stretch for movement and fit.
Wrap Up: Rai and Co’s Favourite Fabrics
We carefully select the fabrics we use to ensure they’re safe, soft, and practical for every season. Whether you're after a lightweight EcoCosy onesie for summer or a thicker Apple onesie for winter, Rai and Co has bub covered.
Explore Rai & Co’s entire collection to discover your bub’s new favourites!