Best Materials to Use for Children's Bedding

Cotton

• By far the most practical material for use in children's bedding is plain cotton. This material comes from a plant. According to Apartment Ratings, cotton is a hypoallergenic material, meaning that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This is an important consideration for infants, since their immune systems are not very strong in the first few weeks after birth, and since babies have very sensitive skin. Cotton also is highly absorbant--Cotton Incorporated asserts that the material can absorb up to 27 times its weight. This makes it able to handle nighttime accidents without having as much moisture soak down into the mattress pad. Cotton also breathes very well and is cool.

Flannel

• True flannel is a woven fabric made from wool. As of 2010, most manufacturers cut costs and change the texture of flannel slightly by adding other materials like cotton, according to Online Encyclopedia. The key feature of flannel is its warmth, which comes from the way the fabric is woven. Newborns are used to the internal temperature of the womb and are easily chilled, and even older children like to snuggle up in something cozy. Flannel can help a child stay warm in a way other materials can't. This material is especially appropriate in cold climates, although variances in the thickness of flannel make it possible to use even when it is warmer.

Polyester

• Polyester is a synthetic material. It is popular in bedding and clothing because it resists wrinkling, doesn't shrink or stretch out, dries fast and washes easily, as shown by Fibersource. In other words, it's low-maintenance. This material can be extremely soft, depending on how it is produced.

Silk

• Silk is a material that comes from fibers created by insects, most notably the moth caterpillar. Silk may be a good choice for children's bedding because it is a very strong material and feels cool, which can be beneficial in warmer months. It also has a luxurious sheen. However, it tends to be more expensive than other materials and is harder to maintain. You may not want to cover the entire crib or child's bed in silk because of this, but you can use it for more decorative aspects of the bedding, such as pillow bows or a canopy.