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When it comes to choosing a swaddle blanket for your newborn, the fabric you select plays a crucial role in their comfort and the planet’s well-being.
Many parents often wonder: ‘Is bamboo or organic cotton better for babies?’”
Both organic cotton and bamboo are considered ideal fabrics, not just for babies, but also for adults with sensitive skin, such as those suffering from eczema.
But to ensure they meet your needs, it’s essential to consider specific properties of each fabric.
In this blog, I will discuss both options to help you know what is the best fabric for a baby swaddle.
Tips for Choosing Safe, Sustainable Fabric For Your Baby
Both Organic cotton and fabric are great options for your little one, but there are some differences between them.
Understanding Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a way of farming without using synthetic chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers.
Unlike conventional cotton that use them, which consumes lots of water, harms the soil and affects the environment badly.
To make sure the cotton is organic, you have to look for a GOTS certificate, issued by the Global Organic Textile Standard.
It means that the product not only follows environmental standards but also social standards and supply chain integrity.
Understanding Bamboo
Bamboo is a fiber made from bamboo plants. It absorbs carbon dioxide, releases more oxygen than trees, and requires minimal water, making it a sustainable option.
It can be grown without pesticides or chemicals, and it’s also biodegradable, unlike synthetic fibers that rely on petroleum.
Not all bamboo fibers are eco-friendly; look for OEKO-TEX certification, which ensures that the fiber is sustainable.
Is bamboo or organic cotton better for babies?
There is no standard answer for this question; it depends on many factors:
Factor | Bamboo | Cotton |
| Softness | Silky soft, luxurious feel; ideal for sensitive skin | Soft, and become soft with each wash |
| Breathability | Good breathability | Highly breathability |
| Temperature Regulation | Excellent moisture-wicking, keeps baby cool in summer and warm in winter | Less effective in temperature regulation but still breathable |
| Durability | Less durable, especially when wet | Highly durable, especially when wet |
| Ideal for | A warmer climate like summer, and babies with sensitive skin | A cool to moderate climates, and babies who have eczema, and have sensitive skin |
| Price | High prices due to the luxurious feel and processing requirements | Affordable prices, (higher than conventional cotton, and less than bamboo) |
Overall, both options are good, but I prefer organic cotton baby blankets for many reasons:
- Organic cotton is the number one fabric for people who have eczema like me, according to the national eczema society. Which makes it ideal for sensitive skin.
- It’s more affordable than bamboo, making it a great choice for parents on a moderate budget.
- It’s more durable than bamboo and doesn’t lose its softness, so you can use it with your next child if you plan to have another child.
How to Care For Bamboo and Organic Cotton Swaddles
It’s important to follow the best care practices to keep both fabrics soft and durable as much as possible.
Don’t forget to wash your baby’s swaddle before first use to remove any lingering chemicals or residues that may still be present from the manufacturing process.
Always check the care instructions for specific washing and drying guidance to preserve the fabric’s softness and durability.
In general, here are the caring instructions:
Care Instructions | Bamboo Fabric | Organic Cotton |
| Washing Temperature | Cold or lukewarm water (under 30°C) | Cold or lukewarm water (under 30°C) |
| Drying | Air dry preferred, low heat if tumble | Air dry preferred, can tolerate low-medium heat |
| Fabric Softeners | Avoid softeners, which can reduce softness | Avoid softeners, can damage fabric |
| Ironing | Only if needed, a low-heat steam iron | Can be ironed, low-medium heat |
| Shrinkage | Sensitive to heat, shrinks easily | More durable, slight shrinkage possible |
| Durability | More delicate, prone to damage from heat | More durable, tolerates higher heat |
The Environmental Impact of Bamboo and Organic Cotton
Hundreds of Millions of Farm Workers Poisoned by Pesticides Each Year.
When you choose eco-friendly baby products like bamboo and organic cotton, you’re not just doing your baby a favor, you’re helping the planet, too.
Both of these materials are sustainable and renewable.
- Bamboo grows quickly (it’s one of the fastest-growing plants in the world) and requires little water to thrive. It’s a great option for reducing the environmental footprint of fabric production.
- Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and promotes healthier soil, making it a much better option for the environment than conventional cotton.
Choosing these fabrics reduces the demand for synthetic materials like polyester, which are made from petroleum-based resources.
In addition, they are biodegradable and won’t contribute to microplastic pollution, which is an issue with synthetic fabrics.
Best Brands for Organic cotton and bamboo swaddle blankets
There are a lot of brands that sell organic cotton and bamboo swaddle blankets. I have listed some of them below:
Little Unicorn
Little Unicorn has a collection of organic cotton swaddles.
These swaddle blankets are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and are OEKO-TEX certified.
They are versatile and large enough to use as a nursing cover, burping, and tummy time.
They are absorbent and soft, making them a must-have in your diaper bag for all the spills and thrills of parenthood.
And the good news is that their swaddles are highly rated on Amazon. Their average price is approximately $28 to $41.
Under The Nile
Under the Nile is the first US baby clothing company to become GTOS certified.
They are using Egyptian organic cotton in their blankets, which is one of the best organic cotton in the world.
It’s known for its softness and durability, and good for swaddling, stroller blanket, nursing cover, or even a fun game of peekaboo.
Their average price is about $24, my only concern about them is that they don’t have variety in their swaddle blankets collection. But overall, they are good.
Aden + Anais
Aden + Anais is GOTs certified, they market their swaddle blankets highlighting their countless uses that include burp cloth, nursing cover.
Tummy time mat, changing mat, and receiving blanket. Their average price is from $30 to $50 approximately, the $30 is for 2 pack, which is good.
Also, they have a tutorial about how to swaddle your baby step by step. You can check it here.
In Conclusion, What Is The Best Fabric For A Baby Swaddle?
In conclusion, neither fabric is inherently better than the other; it depends entirely on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for an affordable, durable, and long-lasting fabric that’s also sustainable, organic cotton is a fantastic choice.
Especially for babies with eczema. It’s particularly well-suited for cool to moderate climates, making it a great option for spring, fall, and cooler winter months.
If you prioritize luxury, softness, and a temperature-regulating fabric, bamboo could be a better option.
Especially for warmer climates or for use year-round, due to its natural ability to keep babies cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
