Is Linen Good for Baby Clothes?
As long as there's been warm weather, linen has been a go-to fabric for its durability and breezy nature. Linen is one of the oldest known fabrics (it's been used for at least 10,000 years - maybe longer!), and even with dozens of new "high performance" fabrics now available, linen continues to be a popular choice for its comfort and style. But you may be wondering, "Is linen good for baby clothes?" After all, there are other considerations than just style when it comes to choosing fabrics for your little one. They need to be soft, safe, and most importantly, washable for those inevitable baby spills. Here are a few reasons linen is actually an ideal, fuss-free fabric for baby clothes.
1. It's natural and non-toxic
Many of today's other synthetic fabrics are soft to the touch, but can actually cause irritation for baby's sensitive skin thanks to the chemicals used in production. In fact, during the textile manufacturing process, conventional fabrics - especially polyester - are treated with dozens of chemicals that are associated with everything from respiratory issues to hormone disruption to cancer. Linen, on the other hand, is woven from the fiber of the flax plant. At Babe Basics, we only use non-toxic dyes to give our clothing their pretty hues, so you can rest assured the final product is safe for your babe.
2. It's breathable and moisture-wicking
Linen's weave and structure promote airflow and shading, which gives it its cool, breezy properties even on the hottest days. It's also surprisingly absorbent, with the ability to hold up to 1/5 of its weight in water before becoming damp to the touch. And when it does become damp, its molecular structure allows water to evaporate quickly. All of that, paired with the loose, non-clingy nature of linen makes it great for keeping your little one cool and comfortable in warm and humid weather.
3. It gets softer and stronger with every wash
Most clothes shrink, fade, and pill when washed - but not linen! Linen is a rare fabric that gets better with time. Each wash leaves linen softer than before, which means it will only get better the more your little one wears it and it will make for great hand-me-downs once they outgrow it.
4. It's low maintenance
Linen is surprisingly durable and can be machine washed, which makes it perfect for babies and busy parents. We recommend using a cold, gentle cycle. Stains can be removed the same as any other garment, but avoid bleach. Linen dries quickly, so it's best to air dry or use a no-heat setting. And there's no need to iron! Linen has a naturally more rumpled look that most people choose to embrace rather than ironing. If you have more care questions, check out our FAQ!
5. It's timeless
Linen has truly withstood the test of time. All the way from early Egyptian times to today, linen has been treasured for its comfort, easy maintenance, and summery style. This means your babe will look stylish this season, and the piece will still look like new even after it's been handed down a few times.
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