Fabrics. Oh, how many beautiful cottons and silks and laces are there in the world. But not all fabrics were created equal, as some can cause your baby skin rashes — a heartbreaking discovery for any parent to make.
Some fabrics may cause your baby's skin to break out and even result in severe eczema.
Polyester and nylon
Polyester and nylon are some of the most common materials found in baby clothes and they are also the worst culprits for causing skin irritation in babies. This is because these fabrics do not allow the skin to breathe and so it can cause a build-up of sweat, heat and moisture on the skin which can lead to rashes and skincare problems.
Rayon
Rayon is made from cellulose which is derived from wood pulp, and this fabric needs a lot of processing. Most commonly, rayon is made from processed tree pulp that has been chemically treated and manufactured into fibers that can be woven or knitted into fabrics. This process often involves harsh chemicals and toxins that are harmful to your baby’s skin.
Acetate
Acetate is a man-made derivative of cellulose, which is basically cotton pulp. Although it may seem like a natural material, it is not because it has been chemically processed by humans. This means that it is not biodegradable, which poses a problem for the environment.
It’s made from synthetic fibres that are treated with chemicals, so it will irritate sensitive skin. It also traps heat inside the clothing, so if you have a hot baby, they could overheat in this fabric.
Acrylic
Acrylic traps dust mites inside the fabric because it does not allow the dust particles to escape the material when it becomes soiled. These microscopic creatures thrive in warm environments and feed on your dead skin cells. If your child has an allergic reaction to dust mites, they could suffer from asthma or eczema.
Teflon
Teflon fabric is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which was originally developed in the early 1940s by Roy Plunkett at DuPont. The first use of PTFE was as a fluorocarbon refrigerant, but since then it has been used for other purposes and has become known as Teflon fabric.
When you use Teflon clothes for your baby, the baby’s skin absorbs these chemicals. These chemicals are found to have adverse health effects on babies, including low birth weight, kidney damage, and liver damage.
Other than steering clear of these fabrics it is also important to use gentle baby laundry detergent liquid like The Better Home’s baby laundry liquid which is free of any harsh chemicals or allergens.
