The best fabrics for children's skin
Complete guide to the best textile products for little ones
The skin of newborns and young children is wonderfully soft but also extremely delicate — it takes very little to irritate it, such as a rough seam, an overly harsh detergent, or a non-breathable fabric. Choosing the right materials that touch their skin every day — from bodysuits to blankets and sleeping bags — is far more important than it might seem.
In this guide, we’ll explore which fabrics are truly friendly to children’s skin, how to recognize them, and why some “trendy” fibers are not always as natural as they appear.
Natural fabrics or technical fabrics: what’s the right choice?
Natural fibers: comfort and gentleness
Organic cotton
A timeless classic that, in its organic version, also becomes a conscious choice: no pesticides, no chemical residues, just softness and breathability. Perfect for bodysuits, sheets, and muslin cloths.
Organic cotton interlock
This is a double-knit, cross-woven structure of organic cotton that makes it softer, stretchier, and more durable than traditional cotton.
The fabric is dense yet soft, with a “caress” effect on the skin and superior shape retention over time. It’s ideal for garments that remain in close contact with the skin — such as sleeping bags, pajamas, and nightwear — because it ensures constant thermal comfort and maximum skin gentleness.
Merino wool
It naturally regulates body temperature, keeps warmth without causing sweating, and thanks to its fine fiber, it doesn’t itch. Ideal for blankets and winter underwear.
Linen and hemp
Fresh, antibacterial, and durable: great allies in warmer seasons for their ability to let the skin “breathe.”
Technical fibers: sustainable innovation
Tencel™ (Lyocell)
Derived from eucalyptus wood, it’s one of the most eco-friendly materials available today. Extremely soft, antibacterial, and breathable — perfect for summer rompers and pajamas.
Recycled polyester (rPET)
Used for padding and winter clothing, it’s strong and lightweight. Thanks to its ability to maintain a constant body temperature, it’s ideal for sleeping bags and stroller footmuffs, where thermal comfort is essential. rPET is also hypoallergenic, naturally anti-mite, easy to wash, and quick-drying — characteristics that make it perfect for everyday practical and hygienic use. It’s important that the inner lining, in contact with the skin, is made of natural fiber to ensure maximum well-being.
Bamboo: ecological hero or myth to debunk?
In recent years, bamboo has been presented as the ultimate “green” fiber, but beware: in most cases it’s bamboo viscose, produced through chemical processes that are anything but natural.
Some manufacturers today use more sustainable methods, similar to those of Tencel™, to produce eco-friendly and safe bamboo fibers. It’s soft and antibacterial, great for the skin, but it’s always important to check certifications and the production chain.
Fabrics for bedtime: comfort that promotes good sleep
During sleep, a child’s body must stay dry, warm, and ventilated at the same time. The best nighttime fabric choices are:
- Organic cotton for sheets and pillowcases — always gentle.
- Organic cotton interlock for sleeping bags, rompers, and pajamas: maintains constant body temperature, is very soft, and provides a natural hug-like sensation on the skin.
- Merino wool for the colder months, thanks to its self-regulating warmth.
- Tencel™ for summer: light, silky, and naturally antibacterial.
Sheet and blanket or sleeping bag? The sleeping bag is the safest way for a baby to sleep
Pediatric experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend using a sleeping bag instead of blankets to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other unsafe sleep situations. Today, sleeping bags are considered the most secure and comfortable choice for sleeping because they:
- maintain a stable temperature throughout the night, avoiding heat fluctuations;
- are safer than blankets and sheets, as they don’t move or cover the baby’s face;
- promote deeper and calmer sleep thanks to the cocooning sensation similar to the womb;
- help create a bedtime routine, making rest time more predictable and relaxing.
Moovo Dreams is the line of Nuvita sleeping bags, made of GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified organic cotton interlock; the perfect combination of natural comfort, safety, and practicality, respecting the delicate skin of newborns and small children.
- 100% organic cotton interlock: soft, hypoallergenic, and free from chemicals, it provides an ideal microclimate and a naturally comforting feel on the skin.
- Recycled rPET filling: maintains constant body temperature, is hypoallergenic, anti-mite, easy to wash, and dries quickly.
- Practical and functional design: side zippers for easy nighttime diaper changes, flat seams to avoid irritation, and sizes designed to grow with the baby.
Certifications that really matter
Choosing a certified product means protecting your baby’s skin and the environment; these are the main certifications:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – Guarantees organic and sustainable production throughout the supply chain.
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – Ensures no harmful substances are present in finished fabrics.
Interesting facts about children’s fabrics
- Neuroscience of touch: fabric softness influences a child’s emotional well-being. Pleasant tactile sensations promote calm and relaxation.
- Natural UV protection: linen and hemp offer a natural barrier against sunlight — ideal for summer clothing.
- Natural stain-resistant fabrics: today there are eco-friendly treatments that repel water without using toxic substances.
Practical washing tip for fabrics that touch children’s skin
- use eco-friendly, hypoallergenic detergents without fabric softeners;
- rinse twice to remove any residue.
Choosing the right fabrics for your baby is not just a matter of comfort but also of care and prevention. The winning combination remains: organic cotton, organic interlock cotton, merino wool, and Tencel™ — gentle on the skin, eco-friendly, and perfect for accompanying your child through every season.
For nighttime, a sleeping bag in organic interlock cotton with rPET filling like Nuvita Dreams is the safest, most practical, and most natural choice: a hug that protects, comforts, and gently accompanies your baby’s dreams while respecting their delicate skin. Always, every night.
