We all want what’s best for our babies. Pollution and chemicals are intertwined in our daily lives – in the air, in water and on our land. How do we make our baby’s environment as pure and natural as possible? As much as we try, we can’t control everything. One thing we can control though, is how we dress our babies and what we put against their delicate skin. There’s a lot to be said for bamboo baby clothing, and it’s more accessible and affordable than ever. So, what is bamboo fibre and what makes it so special?
Need to know more about bamboo fabric? Here’s 7 reasons why you’ll love it!
1. Thermal Regulating
What is thermoregulation? In a world of synthetic clingy materials, natural fibres such as bamboo are breathable and naturally regulate temperature. Bamboo fibre allows body temperature to adapt and remain stable when the surrounding area varies in temperature. As a new mum, one of my major worries was about the temperature of the baby – too many clothes, not enough clothes, overheating, feeling the cold.
Bamboo Feature #1. Thermal what?
2. Hypoallergenic
Bamboo fabric has a naturally occurring bio-agent called ‘bamboo kun’ which makes it antibacterial, anti-fungal and odour resistant. This is a huge benefit for babies suffering from pesky skin conditions, in particular eczema, where environmental irritants and heat are contributing factors. Eczema is most common in infants where it occurs in around 1 in 5 children under 2 years of age.
Bamboo Feature #2. Antibacterial, anti-fungal and odour resistant. ‘Nuff said.
3. Durable/Value for Money
Let’s face it. Baby clothes go through the wringer. Puked on, pooped in and washed many, many times. If you are investing in some good quality baby clothing items, then you will want them to look good for longer and represent value for money. The kun in bamboo fabric endures multiple washes. What makes bamboo fibre durable? The fibres of the bamboo shoots are matured for at least 4 years giving them strength. The fibres are also quite long which means that there is less pilling of the fabric than in the cheaper varieties of cotton.
Bamboo Feature #3. Baby clothes that look good for longer = value for money.
4. Highly Absorbent
Babies with eczema have dry, itchy, sensitive skin. The last thing they need is damp, sticky clothes. Bamboo fibre wicks moisture away from the body quickly; 3-4 times faster than cotton. The microscopic gaps in the fibre’s cross sections allow perspiration to evaporate swiftly and keep baby drier for longer.
Bamboo Feature #4. Bamboo fibre = baby drier for longer.
5. Naturally UV Protectant
There is some conjecture regarding this feature of bamboo however according to Deakin University research, what has become clear in the last 5 years at least is that bamboo fibre is 60% better than cotton at blocking the sun’s UV rays.
Bamboo Feature #5. Use Bamboo Clothing in an overall UV Protection Plan.
6. Luxurious Look and Feel
So soft with a glorious sheen and often described as silky or like cashmere. Bamboo fibre is thinner than a hair and has a round and smooth surface which makes it abrasion proof. The perfect composition for delicate skin where other materials such as hemp and wool can be itchy.
Bamboo Feature #6. Soft as a baby’s bottom.
7. Environmentally Friendly
Bamboo is a sustainable and environmentally friendly plant. It grows very quickly without the use of nasty pesticides or chemicals, needs no water and self-regenerates from its own roots, so it doesn’t need to be replanted. It matures within 4 years and uses limited space. It is also 100% biodegradable – it comes from nature and returns to nature.
Bamboo Feature #7. To top it all off it’s Environmentally Friendly.
With so many features and benefits you can make the ‘feel good’ choice for your next baby shower gift. Bamboo fabric has become more readily available and has shed the ‘too expensive’ label making it easier to choose when you compare the performance vs the price.
Have you experienced the softness and smoothness of bamboo clothes? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.