Picture this: you’re home from the hospital, exhausted but excited all at the same time, and you’re finally dressing your baby for their first walk in the park. You’ve got a tonne of cute outfits to choose from. You pick your favorite, the one you’ve been saving ever since the baby shower. You pull it over their tiny head, and it’s buttery soft, breathable, and gentle against their delicate newborn skin. Now imagine the opposite: scratchy, heat-trapping, stiff, and full of unknown chemicals. Choosing the best fabric for baby clothes isn’t about finding the cutest thing out there. It’s about protecting your baby’s sensitive skin, regulating their body temperature, and ensuring they feel as cozy as they look.

In this guide, I’ll cover the best materials for your baby’s first clothes (and beyond) and which ones to absolutely steer clear of, so that you can feel confident shopping for and dressing your little one.

Why Fabric Matters for Babies

Babies aren’t just miniature adults. Their skin is up to 30% thinner and more permeable, which means chemicals and irritants can be absorbed much more easily (Stürup et al., 2019). And because they’re still developing the ability to regulate their body temperature, the wrong fabric can lead to overheating, chills, or skin flare-ups (WHO, 1997).

Fabrics with synthetic dyes or harsh chemical finishes?
They’re more than just uncomfortable; they can trigger eczema, allergic reactions, or long-term irritation.

Non-breathable materials?
They trap heat and moisture, making babies more prone to heat rash and bacterial irritation, especially tricky when your little one can’t yet cool themselves down.

Here’s what I wish I’d known earlier:
In the U.S., there’s no federal regulation protecting babies from harmful substances in clothing.  No one is checking for formaldehyde, heavy metals, or toxic dyes before those garments hit the shelves. It’s not something many of us are told, but it means we have to do a bit of homework ourselves.

That’s why I’m so passionate about understanding what goes into our kids’ clothes, and why I always share what I’ve learned along the way.

The takeaway: the right fabric matters. A lot.

Recommended Fabrics for Baby Clothes

I’ll try to keep this part as simple as possible and post a summary table below it for ease of reference.

Organic Cotton

A staple in babywear, organic cotton is known for being beautifully soft and breathable, two things our little ones need. It’s grown without harmful pesticides or fertilisers, making it much gentler on sensitive skin and kinder to the planet, too.

That said, something I didn’t realise early on is that not all “organic” cotton is safe. In the U.S., brands can call cotton “organic” even if it’s later treated with harsh dyes or chemical finishes. That’s where certification comes in, and it makes a world of difference.

If you’re choosing organic, it’s worth making sure it’s GOTS-certified (or at the very least OEKO-TEX certified). These labels mean the fabric has been checked at every stage, from how the cotton is grown to how it’s dyed and processed, so you can feel more confident that it’s free from nasties like formaldehyde, phthalates, or heavy metals.

No guilt if you didn’t know this, I didn’t either at first. But once I learned, it completely changed how I shop for my kids.

Also, just to avoid confusion: organic cotton can come in lots of different fabric types, which sometimes sound like separate materials. Some of the most common ones you’ll see include:

• Cotton Jersey – stretchy and soft, used for tees and bodysuits

• Cotton Muslin – loosely woven, breathable, and gauze-like, ideal for swaddles

• Cotton Interlock – double-knit cotton, smooth and thick, often used for fall/winter items

• Cotton Velvet or Velour – plush feel, though often blended with synthetics (check the label for exact % composition)

Properties:

• Exceptionally soft – gentler on sensitive or eczema-prone skin

• Breathable – allows airflow to help regulate body temperature

• Hypoallergenic – fewer allergens and no harsh chemical residues

• Free from toxic pesticides and fertilisers – safer for skin and health

• No synthetic chemical finishes – unlike many conventional cottons

• Durable – strong natural fibers that stand up to washing and wear

• Absorbent – helps wick away moisture to keep skin dry

• Biodegradable – breaks down naturally, unlike synthetic fibres

• Better for farmers and the environment – grown using sustainable, non-GMO methods

Benefits for babies:

• Naturally gentle on delicate skin

• Allows skin to breathe, reducing the risk of overheating or rashes

• Withstands frequent washing without losing softness

• Free from irritants, ideal for babies with eczema or sensitivities

Linen

Linen is one of those fabrics I didn’t appreciate until I became a parent. It’s made from the flax plant, which just means it’s natural, breathable, and incredibly good in warm weather. It has this amazing ability to pull moisture away from the skin and let air flow through, which is especially helpful if your baby tends to run hot or gets sweaty in their sleep.

It’s also naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice if your little one has sensitive or eczema-prone skin. I’d also add that linen can be a fantastic choice for baby bed sheets, also. Fair warning: it can feel a bit crisp at first, but softens beautifully with every wash. It’s one of those rare fabrics that just gets better the more you use it.

And from a sustainability angle, it’s a quiet hero. Flax needs much less water and fewer chemicals to grow than cotton, and the fabric is super durable, perfect for handing down when your baby outgrows it.

As with all other fabrics, it’s important to look for certification. While linen is usually treated with fewer chemicals than cotton, it’s still worth being cautious. The gold standard is to choose GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified linen, which means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and processed in a way that’s safe for your baby’s skin and better for the environment.

Properties:

• Durable: Withstands rough handling and frequent washes without thinning or tearing.

• Highly breathable: Allows air to circulate, helping regulate your baby’s temperature.

• Moisture-wicking: Pulls sweat away from the skin to keep your baby dry and comfy.

• Antibacterial: Naturally resists bacteria growth, helping prevent odours and irritation.
  
  

Benefits for babies:

• Great for hot weather: Keeps babies cool and dry, even on the stickiest summer days.

• Gets softer with each wash: Starts crisp but turns buttery soft over time.

• Naturally gentle on skin: Hypoallergenic and ideal for babies with eczema or sensitivities.

Muslin

I first came across muslin when shopping for summer outfits for my kids, and honestly, I was surprised by how different it felt. It has a light, gauze-like texture that’s incredibly breathable, which makes it perfect for hot days or layering without overheating.

Muslin isn’t a separate fabric altogether; it’s a type of loosely woven cotton. You’ll often see it used for baby swaddles, blankets, and breezy summer clothes. So when you spot 'cotton muslin' on a label, know that it's still cotton, just a specific weave that makes it especially airy and soft.

That said, just like with any fabric, certifications matter. Even muslin can be finished with harsh dyes or treatments. Look for GOTS-certified organic muslin or, at the very least, OEKO-TEX certification to make sure it's truly safe and gentle for your little one’s skin.

Properties:

• Lightweight: Feels barely there on your baby’s skin, ideal for layering or warmer weather.

• Breathable: Its open weave allows heat to escape, helping regulate temperature.

• Soft: Becomes softer with each wash, making it perfect for even the most sensitive skin.
  
  

Benefits for babies:

• Prevents overheating: Helps your baby stay cool and comfy in hot or humid weather.

• Versatile: Great for swaddles, burp cloths, light clothing, and even nursing covers.

• Gentle on skin: A breathable, natural weave that lowers the risk of irritation or rashes.

Merino Wool

If you’d told me a few years ago I’d be dressing my boys (and myself AND my husband) in wool year-round, I’d have laughed. Like many of us, I associated wool with itchy jumpers and hand-wash-only drama.

But then I discovered Merino wool, and with it, an entire woolie community, yes, people who swear by wool for everything: base layers, undies, even swimwear. (I was shocked, too.)

What started as curiosity quickly turned into obsession — because once I saw how well it worked for my kids, especially on cold mornings, sweaty outings, or eczema flare-ups, I was hooked.

Here’s why wool, especially high-quality Merino, deserves a spot in every child’s wardrobe (even if just one or two pieces to start).

If you're trying it for the first time, just make sure to look for wool that’s both mulesing-free and properly certified. Mulesing-free means the sheep were treated humanely, and certification ensures the wool has been processed without harmful chemicals. The most trusted standards include ZQ Merino, OEKO-TEX, and GOTS-certified organic wool, all of which prioritise animal welfare, environmental safety, and skin-friendly processing.

Properties:

• Temperature regulating

• Moisture-wicking

• Odor-resistant

• Flame-resistant

Benefits for babies:

• Keeps baby warm or cool

• Minimizes sweat

• Naturally safer for sleep

• Great for layering and sleep sacks

Hemp

Hemp is one of those fabrics that’s quietly brilliant and massively under-explored. It’s naturally breathable, incredibly strong, and like linen, gets softer with every wash. But here’s something you might not know: it’s pretty rare to find baby clothes made from 100% hemp. That’s because pure hemp can feel a bit stiff at first, so it’s often blended with organic cotton to make it softer and more wearable for babies. If you spot a cotton-hemp blend, that’s usually a good sign: strong, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin.

From a sustainability point of view, hemp is kind of a hero. It needs barely any water to grow, doesn’t rely on pesticides, and it’s fully biodegradable. It’s also naturally antibacterial and UV-resistant — two great properties for babywear.

In my experience, even when blended, hemp doesn’t feel quite as cloud-soft as pure organic cotton, so I’d personally lean toward using it for outer layers or warm-weather pieces where durability and breathability matter more than softness against bare skin.

As always, make sure to check that your hemp blend is GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified. Even natural fabrics can be processed with unwanted chemicals if you're not careful.

Properties:

• Extremely durable: Withstands crawling, tugging, and repeat washes.

• Breathable: Helps keep your baby cool and dry.

• Naturally antibacterial: Fights off bacteria and odours.
  UV-resistant: Offers a touch of natural sun protection.
  
  

Benefits for babies:

• Long-lasting: Holds up beautifully — perfect for hand-me-downs.

• Good for sensitive skin: Especially when blended with soft organic cotton.

• Eco-friendly: One of the most sustainable choices, from seed to shirt.

Fabric Comparison Table

Fabrics to Approach with Caution or Avoid

Synthetic Fabrics (e.g., Polyester, Fleece, Microfiber, Voile)

When I was a new mom, I had no idea how creative kids' clothing brands could get when it came to fabric names. You’ll see words like “minky,” “butter fleece,” “softshell,” or even “eco-fleece”, and they all sound lovely. But most of the time, they’re just softer names for polyester, acrylic, or other synthetics.

It’s greenwashing at its finest, dressing up plastic-based fabrics with comforting language so we don’t ask too many questions. And I get it. I’ve bought them before, too. Because when you're just trying to get through the day with a teething baby or a toddler in meltdown mode, the label is the last thing on your mind.

But here’s what I’ve learned: synthetics like polyester, acrylic, nylon, microfiber, and voile just don’t let skin breathe. They trap heat and moisture, which can lead to irritation, rashes, or that general sweaty discomfort babies can’t exactly tell you about. Even fleece (which is still polyester, no matter how soft it feels) is often marketed as a go-to for winter, but there are natural alternatives, like wool fleece or even sheepskin, that do the job better without shedding microplastics or being coated in chemicals.

That said, I want to be clear. I’m not saying you need to purge every synthetic piece in your home overnight. I’m not even saying synthetics don’t ever have a place. What I am saying is: let’s try not to buy more of them if we can help it. Even the “recycled” ones still shed plastic fibers and rarely tell the full story. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s just doing a little better where we can. Slowly swapping out, choosing more consciously, and not falling for the clever rebrands.

So if synthetics are in your wardrobe or your laundry pile right now, you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just learning like the rest of us. I promise it gets easier the more you know what to look for.

Bamboo

Bamboo often gets a green halo, marketed as eco-friendly, breathable, and luxuriously soft. And yes, it does start as a natural plant. But what many people don’t realise (I definitely didn’t at first!) is that by the time it becomes fabric, it’s gone through such intense chemical processing that it no longer resembles a natural fibre at all.

Most bamboo fabrics, especially bamboo viscose or bamboo rayon, are made by breaking the bamboo down using harsh solvents like carbon disulfide. These chemicals are toxic to workers, pollute the environment, and can leave residues behind on the fabric. That’s why, despite its tree-based origins, I categorise bamboo under synthetics, because the end product behaves more like a manmade fiber than something natural and breathable like cotton or linen. Because of the heavy chemical treatment, I hold deep concerns regarding its impact on baby skin.

There’s also a lot of marketing spin around bamboo. It’s a darling of the “eco” world, but it’s backed by big money, vague sustainability claims, and in some cases, MLM-style business models. It sounds great on a hangtag, but when you dig deeper, the transparency and safety just aren’t there.

If you do choose bamboo, make sure it’s been made using a closed-loop lyocell process (sometimes labelled as bamboo lyocell) and certified OEKO-TEX or GOTS. Otherwise, what you’re buying is a semi-synthetic fabric with a very clever PR campaign.

Acrylic, Viscose, and Other Chemical-heavy Fibers

Acrylic and viscose show up a lot in fast fashion, and sometimes sneak into babywear too, but honestly, they bring very little value when it comes to comfort, breathability, or safety.

Acrylic is a petroleum-based fibre often used as a cheap wool substitute. But it traps heat, doesn’t breathe, and pills quickly, which means the fabric starts looking worn after just a few washes. It also has a plasticky feel and can create static, making it a poor match for babies’ sensitive skin.

Viscose, sometimes labelled as rayon, often sounds more natural because it starts with cellulose from wood pulp. But don’t let that fool you. Like bamboo viscose, it’s processed using harsh chemicals (including carbon disulfide) that can be harmful both to factory workers and the planet, and potentially leave residues behind on the fabric. The end result is technically semi-synthetic, and while it may feel silky at first, it doesn’t offer the breathability or purity you want close to your baby’s skin.

In short, both of these are cheap-to-make fibres that may seem soft at first touch, but don’t stand up to what babies need - comfort, airflow, durability, and safety.

Modal and Jersey Knit

While modal and jersey knit can feel soft, they’re often semi-synthetic or synthetic blends. Modal requires chemical processing, and jersey knit fabrics, especially when blended with synthetics, can stretch out and lose shape. Neither are great choices if you want certified, natural options.

Rough or Irritating Fabrics

More generally, skip anything scratchy, stiff, or heavy. Babies spend much of their day lying down or wriggling, fabrics need to move with them, not against them, even outer layers..

Excessive Dyes or Chemical Finishes

A broad reminder when shopping, however “natural” the credentials might sound, most conventional brand fabrics are soaked in dyes, flame retardants, or wrinkle-resistant treatments. These chemicals can be absorbed by your baby’s skin. To stay on the safe side, look for OEKO-TEX or GOTS-certified fabrics to avoid these..

Other Important Considerations When Choosing Baby Clothes

Safety Features

Avoid anything with small buttons, decorative bows, or loose threads that could pose a choking hazard. Flame resistance is important; natural fibers like wool are inherently flame-resistant without chemical treatments.

Fit and Comfort

Tight waistbands, itchy tags, and bulky seams can irritate or restrict your baby. Look for flat seams, soft bindings, and tagless labels wherever possible.

Durability

You’ll be washing baby clothes a lot. Between spit-up, blowouts, snack disasters, and just general baby life, some pieces go through the laundry multiple times a week. So it’s worth choosing fabrics that can truly hold their shape and softness over time, not just look good on day one.

Natural fibres like organic cotton, linen, hemp, and Merino wool all perform well in different ways.

Certifications to Look For

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Confirms the fabric is organic and produced without toxic chemicals.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Means every part of the fabric has been tested for harmful substances.

These certifications can offer peace of mind.

Climate and Season

Matching the fabric to the season can make a huge difference in how comfortable your baby feels day to day. I didn’t fully realise this at first, but babies aren’t great at regulating their temperature, which means what they’re wearing matters.

For year-round daily wear, ribbed organic cotton jersey is a staple. It’s soft, breathable, and has a bit of natural stretch, which makes it great for everyday basics like underwear, bodysuits, pajamas, or tees. It layers well in winter but still feels airy in warmer weather — ideal for that unpredictable in-between-season dressing.

For summer and outdoor wear, go for fabrics that breathe well. Muslin (a loosely woven cotton) is perfect for hot, sticky days - it’s lightweight and helps prevent overheating. Linen is another great option for the warmer months; it allows for excellent airflow and dries quickly, which makes it a favourite for sweaty naps, beach days, or travel.

When the weather cools down, I reach for Merino wool and hemp blends. Merino is temperature-regulating, so it keeps little ones warm without overheating, and it doesn’t get smelly easily (a real win if you’re travelling or layering under outerwear). 

The key is thinking in layers and knowing what each fabric brings to the table, so your baby’s not freezing in fleece or sweating through polyester when they don’t need to be.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best fabric for baby clothes, you’re choosing comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Prioritise breathable, natural options like organic cotton, linen, muslin, hemp, and Merino wool, and steer clear of synthetics, greenwashing claims, or chemically processed fibres whenever you can. Certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX are worth looking for, they’re your shortcut to knowing a fabric is genuinely safe for delicate skin.

At Treehouse, this is exactly what we’ve built our collections around: certified, eczema-friendly natural fibres, free from nasties and designed to hold up to real family life. Because your baby’s first experiences with the world should feel as soft and safe as possible, starting with what touches their skin.