What kind of fabric is more suitable for a newborn?

Clothing for newborn is always a concern. Selecting right fabric thats avoid rashes and irritation is the foremost thing that parents must do. And for this foremost consideration when selecting fabric for sewing for your kid is that – it is soft and non-irritating. For a newborn, an extra consideration is that it should be comfortable against the cut umbilical cord. For older babies and kids, comfort and safety ranks as the prime consideration. You also do not want the fabric to be clingy or slippery or thick – the fabric has to be breathable.

The first choice for making kids clothes is Cotton. Clothes and their fabric should be like absorbency, breathability and comfort level. Organically made cotton tops serves the purpose, as it is made in a very eco-friendly environment without any of the chemicals used otherwise.

There are various kinds/ types of Cotton - 

Here is few  cotton and other fabrics that are popularly used to make baby clothes and  older children’s clothes.

• Lawn Cotton- This lightweight soft 100% cotton fabric with a high thread count, is very much suitable for making kids clothes, especially baby clothes. ; it is somewhat transparent and has a slightly crisp feel but at the same time it is very very soft to touch, as it is made of very fine thread.
• Voile- Voile is a semi-sheer fabric which is almost gauze-like. This is very similar to cotton lawn, but thinner and more see through and somewhat crisp. But it is also free-flowing. It is a very suitable fabric to make little dresses.
• Broadcloth- This fabric, which is lightweight and smooth can be cotton or cotton blend.
• Handkerchief linen- This is a lovely very soft lightweight semi-sheer linen. The fabric has a slight texture to its surface (slubs) This is an heirloom project staple. As it is linen, expect the elegance of linen but with a soft feel ( a cotton/ linen blend will come without all that wrinkling natural to linen)
• Muslin- This is a cotton fabric available in many different weights – from very thin to somewhat dense, even coarse. The thin muslin is great for making baby clothes as you do not get more breathable fabric than this, it being 100% cotton.

Others type are Batiste, Eyelet cotton or Broderie fabric, Jersey Knit fabric, Fleece, Microfiber Fabric, waterproof fabrics etc.