Kiddipedia
Media kindly brought to you by ergoPouch
Newborn babies spend approximately 80% of their lives sleeping, and their physical and cognitive development is influenced by the quality of this sleep. Choosing natural fibre sleepwear is an excellent way to support this process and can reassure parents that they are doing all they can to support safe and harmonious sleep.
Natural fibres include certified organic cotton, bamboo and merino, which are proven to promote breathability and are free from synthetic materials and chemical residues that could harm your baby.
Our friends at ergoPouch know this all too well, having pioneered natural sleepwear solutions trusted by parents in Australia and across the world, for over 10 years. They’re here to share the key benefits of natural sleepwear for your baby.
It supports breathability and comfort
You may have heard the claim that natural fibres differ from synthetic fibres in that they ‘breathe’. It’s true, and is especially relevant for newborns and their sensitive skin. In a process called ‘wicking’, natural fibres absorb and expel perspiration into the air, enabling ventilation.
On the other hand, synthetic materials such as polyester and rayon have far more densely compacted fibres, meaning hot air and moisture gets trapped and cannot ‘breathe’ in the same way. A baby is prone to waking if their temperature is not regulated and their skin cannot fully breathe, with that discomfort also carrying through to their playtime as well.
Apart from breathability, natural fibres also equal supreme comfort, and are characterised by a soft texture and reduced friction during movement. Did you know that with proper washing/care, natural fibre such as organic cotton can remain as soft, or even softer than the day you bought it? Therefore, choosing natural fibre sleepwear can mean the difference between a peaceful or interrupted sleep.
It helps regulate body temperature
As we’ve discussed, body temperature is critical for babies’ sleep. Parents go to tremendous effort to prepare their baby for sleep time, including adjustment of the thermostat to find the optimum room temperature. Although this remains an important consideration, by choosing natural sleepwear, parents can regulate their baby’s temperature naturally at the source, without an over-reliance on the external environment. A stable temperature will extend their sleep, which means more sleep for you!
In assessing the impact of different materials on a baby’s body temperature, the TOG rating system plays an important role. TOG stands for ‘Thermal Overall Grade’ and is a unit of measurement for insulation and warmth of sleepwear and bedding, which factors in seasonality/weather. Natural fibres are strong performers in these guidelines, owing to their breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Parents can use the TOG to help avoid their newborn being too cold in winter or too hot in summer. For instance, cotton and bamboo are excellent choices during warmer weather, while garments made from merino are an ideal choice to keep your baby retain warmth without the risk of overheating.
Red Nose, Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep, who funds important research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, confirms the importance of selecting clothing and sleepwear that abides by the TOG: “Overheating is a known risk factor for sudden and unexpected death in infancy, so it’s important to choose the right TOG to avoid overheating and reduce the risk.” ErgoPouch was actually one of the early innovators during the development of the TOG rating, ensuring that each of their products meets these guidelines.
It’s more soothing on your baby’s skin
Yet another benefit of natural fibres is that they mitigate the risk of skin irritation; making them a perfect choice for newborns’ sensitive skin. This is especially the case for babies who are experiencing eczema, dermatitis and/or skin allergies. Even if your baby is not suffering from a skin condition, natural fibres can serve as a preventative measure for such ailments.
Skin issues can start innocently enough, with sweat droplets from sleep able to trigger irritation and the development of red, itchy rashes. Remember that your baby’s skin barrier is up to 30% thinner than your own, and won’t reach the first stage of maturity until the age of two. Keeping your baby’s skin dry yet supple is crucial, and the moisture-wicking properties of natural fibres can help parents achieve this.
Unlike natural fibres, synthetic fabrics such as polyester are formed using polymers that can cause irritation on a baby’s thinner skin, containing flame retardant chemicals and other nasties. Keeping in mind that the cuffs of clothing and bedding are likely to be chewed or sucked on by your curious baby, wouldn’t you rather a natural fibre that poses no threat?
There you have it! Three key reasons why you should consider skipping synthetic fibres in favour of natural ones when it comes to sleepwear and bedding for your newborn or infant. Share this information with your friends and family to grow their awareness of the enhanced safety and comfort offered by these fabrics. Plus it may give them a hint about steering clear of synthetic materials when choosing any potential gifts for your bub!
Ready to find the perfect sleepwear for your little one? Head on over to ergoPouch’s website for an extensive range of natural fibre sleepwear and bedding designed for newborn babies through to 6 years olds.
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