If you’re reading this at 2am with a warm, wriggling and very itchy baby, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining how much their clothing can matter.
Around one in five children under two experiences infantile eczema, according to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. For many parents, the first conversation is understandably about moisturisers and skincare. What is discussed less often is what sits against a baby’s skin for hours at a time: their clothing, sleepwear and bedding.
We’re often asked by our long-time New Zealand customers—and by Australian families discovering Babu and merino babywear for the first time—whether fabric genuinely makes a difference to sensitive skin or whether it is simply good marketing.
The honest answer is that clothing cannot cure eczema, and no single fabric will suit every baby. However, dermatologists and paediatricians agree that heat, sweat, friction and rough clothing can aggravate already-sensitive skin.
That means what your baby wears really can affect how comfortable their skin feels.
What is happening with baby skin?
A baby’s skin isn’t simply a smaller version of adult skin. Its protective barrier is still developing, which can make it more vulnerable to dryness, moisture loss and irritation.
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin. Its job is to keep moisture in while helping protect the body from irritants and allergens. In babies with eczema—also called atopic dermatitis—this barrier does not function as effectively as it should.
Moisture escapes more easily, leaving the skin dry, while everyday irritants can enter more readily. This can contribute to inflammation and itching, followed by scratching, further barrier damage and still more itching.
It is often called the itch–scratch cycle, and anyone who has tried to stop a sleepy baby or toddler from scratching will know how difficult it can be to break.
Eczema is not caused by clothing. However, clothing can influence several factors that commonly make eczema-prone skin uncomfortable:
-
Heat and overheating
-
Sweat sitting against the skin
-
Friction from tight garments
-
Rough or prickly fibres
-
Scratchy seams and labels
-
Fragrances, dyes or textile finishes that irritate an individual child
This is why clothing is regularly included in paediatric eczema guidance alongside bathing, moisturising and prescribed treatments.
What should parents look for?
The fibre on the label matters—but it is only part of the decision.
For sensitive or eczema-prone skin, look for clothing that is:
-
Soft and smooth against the body
-
Breathable
-
Able to manage moisture and temperature
-
Lightweight and easy to layer
-
Loose enough to avoid constant rubbing
-
Free from hard labels, trims or bulky seams
-
Easy to wash thoroughly
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne recommends light, loose and soft cotton clothing and bedding for babies. It also advises parents not to overdress babies or place coarse, prickly fabrics directly against their skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology similarly recommends loose-fitting cotton clothing, washing new garments before they are worn, removing irritating tags and using fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergent.
Organic Cotton is therefore a sensible starting point for sensitive skin. But emerging research suggests certain types of fine merino wool may also be comfortable for some children with eczema.
Why overheating matters
Heat and sweat are among the most commonly reported eczema triggers.
Sweat contains salts that can sting or irritate compromised skin. A hot, uncomfortable baby may also scratch more, intensifying the itch–scratch cycle.
The Royal Children’s Hospital eczema guidance identifies heat as a common eczema trigger and recommends dressing children in light layers that can be removed as needed.
This is one reason fabric selection matters. The goal is not simply to find a fabric described as “natural.” It is to choose clothing that helps your baby remain at a comfortable temperature without feeling damp, clammy or restricted. This is where merino excels.
Are synthetic fabrics always bad for eczema?
Not necessarily.
Polyester, nylon and acrylic are often described as unsuitable for sensitive skin, but fibre type alone does not tell us exactly how a finished garment will perform. Its knit, weight, fit, seams, dyes and textile finishes all influence how it feels.
However, some synthetic garments can be less breathable or may retain warmth and perspiration—particularly when they are thick, tightly fitted or designed with limited airflow. For a child whose eczema is triggered by heat and sweating, this may contribute to discomfort.
Synthetic fibres are not automatically harmful, nor will every synthetic garment cause a reaction. The practical question is whether the finished clothing keeps your baby comfortable, cool and dry without rubbing their skin.
If a garment leaves your baby sweaty, causes redness where it touches the body or appears to increase scratching, it may not be the right choice for them—regardless of the fibre printed on the label.
Why certified organic cotton is a trusted starting point
Cotton has long been recommended for sensitive and eczema-prone skin because it can be made into soft, breathable and lightweight fabrics.
It is generally well tolerated and can be particularly useful:
-
During warmer weather
-
When the skin is actively inflamed
-
For lightweight everyday layers
-
For sleepwear and bedding
-
When a doctor or dermatologist has recommended cotton
At Babu, our organic cotton is certified by both the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.
GOTS certification verifies the organic status of the cotton and sets requirements across textile processing, manufacturing, chemical inputs, traceability and social responsibility. This means the certification considers more than how the cotton was grown—it follows the fibre through the wider manufacturing process.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification means the textile has been independently tested against limits for more than 1,000 potentially harmful substances. The standard applies stricter requirements as the level of skin contact and sensitivity increases, with its strictest limits applying to products made for babies and children under three.
These certifications do not mean that a garment can treat eczema or guarantee that every baby will respond to it in the same way. They do, however, give parents independent assurance about the organic fibre and the testing and production standards behind the textile.
Combined with a soft finish, breathable construction and comfortable fit, this is why certified organic cotton is such a trusted everyday choice for delicate skin.
But isn’t wool itchy?
This is where the conversation becomes interesting.
Wool has traditionally been included on lists of fabrics to avoid for eczema. That advice is understandable because coarse wool can feel scratchy and may mechanically irritate sensitive skin.
But not all wool is the same.
Wool fibres are measured in microns. The lower the micron measurement, the finer the individual fibre. Fine fibres bend more easily when they touch the skin, while larger, stiffer fibres are more likely to create the familiar prickling sensation associated with traditional wool.
Research suggests that this prickle response is strongly influenced by fibre diameter—not simply by the fact that the fibre is wool.
Babu’s merino measures 18.5 microns. This places it at the very fine end of apparel wool and within the range identified by the International Wool Textile Organisation for soft, next-to-skin clothing and babywear.
This means Babu merino is very different from a coarse wool jumper or heavy knitted blanket. It is selected specifically for its softness, light weight and suitability for wearing close to delicate skin.
What does the research say about merino and eczema?
A small but promising body of clinical research has examined superfine merino clothing in people with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.
The DESSINE infant eczema study
A 2017 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology followed 39 children aged between four weeks and three years with mild-to-moderate eczema.
In this randomised crossover study, the children wore superfine merino garments for six weeks and cotton clothing chosen by their parents for six weeks.
While wearing the superfine merino, the children experienced improvements in eczema severity scores, quality-of-life measures and topical steroid use. After six weeks, the average SCORAD eczema severity score was 7.6 points lower during the merino period than during the cotton period.
The researchers concluded that superfine merino may assist in managing mild-to-moderate childhood eczema. You can read the DESSINE study here.
There are important limitations. It was a small study, it examined a specific superfine merino fabric, and it was funded by Australian Wool Innovation, which also supplied the clothing and fabric wash. The funder was reported not to have controlled the study design, data collection, analysis or publication decisions.
The findings are encouraging, but they do not establish merino as an eczema treatment or prove that every merino garment will suit every child.
A second clinical study
A further study involving 50 children and adults with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis compared six weeks wearing fine merino clothing with six weeks wearing participants’ usual clothing.
Researchers found statistically significant improvements in eczema severity and quality-of-life measures during the merino period. They did not find a significant improvement in measured skin hydration, however, and could not establish exactly why symptoms improved. You can read the study in Dermatitis here.
An evidence-based review
A 2020 review of clinical trials involving fabrics and atopic dermatitis concluded that traditional cotton is generally safe, although evidence that it actively improves eczema is mixed.
It also found that large-diameter wool can cause itching and irritation, while superfine and ultrafine merino may be a non-itchy alternative for some people. The authors emphasised that fabric manufacturing and fibre smoothness are important—not just the broad category of “cotton” or “wool.” You can read the evidence review here.
So, what can parents take from this research?
Not that wool cures eczema. It doesn’t.
The more accurate conclusion is that suitably fine, soft merino may be well tolerated by some babies with mild-to-moderate eczema and should not automatically be placed in the same category as coarse, scratchy wool.
How does Babu’s 18.5-micron merino compare?
The 2017 DESSINE infant eczema study used superfine merino garments with an average fibre diameter of 17.5 microns or finer.
Babu’s merino is 18.5 microns, so it is slightly coarser than the particular fabric examined in that trial. For this reason, we do not claim that the study tested Babu clothing or that our merino treats eczema.
What the research does demonstrate is that wool should not always be treated as one category. Fibre diameter and fabric construction influence how wool feels against sensitive skin.
At 18.5 microns, Babu merino sits at the boundary between superfine and fine merino and is within a range used for next-to-skin clothing and babywear. Its softness makes it very different from the coarse wool responsible for wool’s traditional itchy reputation.
Every baby’s skin is different. If your child has eczema or has previously reacted to wool, introduce merino cautiously and follow the advice of their GP, paediatrician or dermatologist.
Why fine merino can work well for babies
Fine merino has several practical qualities that can help babies remain comfortable.
It helps manage changes in temperature
Merino can absorb and release moisture vapour as the conditions around the body change. This helps buffer the warm, humid microclimate between the skin and the garment.
This does not mean merino will prevent every instance of overheating. Babies still need to be dressed appropriately for the temperature. However, a lightweight merino layer can be useful in changeable conditions, when moving between indoors and outdoors or when temperatures drop overnight.
It manages moisture vapour
Merino can absorb moisture vapour within the fibre and release it into the surrounding air.
For eczema-prone skin, this may help reduce the warm, clammy feeling that can contribute to itching and discomfort.
It provides warmth without excessive bulk
Babies do not necessarily need thick clothing to stay warm. Fine merino can provide warmth in a lightweight layer, making it easier for parents to add or remove clothing without heavily bundling their baby.
It feels different from coarse wool
Fine babywear merino should feel soft and smooth. If wool feels scratchy to your hand or against the sensitive skin on your neck, it is unlikely to be a good first layer for a baby with reactive skin.
Organic cotton or merino: which is better?
There is no universal winner. The best fabric is the one your baby tolerates comfortably.
Organic cotton may be the best place to begin when:
-
Your baby’s skin is actively inflamed
-
The weather is warm
-
You want a lightweight everyday layer
-
Your healthcare professional has recommended cotton
-
Your baby has previously reacted to wool
Fine merino may be worth considering when:
-
Changes in temperature appear to cause discomfort
-
Your baby becomes clammy in other fabrics
-
You need a lightweight layer in cool or changeable weather
-
The merino is genuinely fine and soft
-
Your baby has previously worn it comfortably
Many families use both: breathable organic cotton for warmer days and fine merino when lightweight warmth and temperature management are helpful. Merino overnight is great fo r helping babies regulate their body temprature.
Your baby’s response matters more than any general rule. If you notice increased redness, itching or discomfort after introducing a new garment, stop using it and return to something you know their skin tolerates.
A sensitive-skin clothing checklist
Before choosing a garment, ask:
-
Does the fabric feel soft against my own sensitive skin?
-
Is it light enough for the temperature?
-
Can air circulate around my baby’s body?
-
Is the fit comfortable rather than tight?
-
Are there rough seams, labels, elastics or trims?
-
What is the complete fibre composition?
-
Can layers be removed easily if my baby becomes warm?
-
Has the garment been washed before its first wear?
The fabric name matters, but comfort comes from the complete garment.
Washing clothes for sensitive skin
How clothing is washed can be just as important as what it is made from.
Dermatology and paediatric guidance commonly recommends:
-
Washing new clothing before it is worn
-
Using a mild, fragrance-free and dye-free detergent
-
Using the recommended amount rather than adding extra
-
Avoiding fragranced fabric softeners
-
Avoiding antibacterial rinse products
-
Rinsing clothing thoroughly
-
Following the care instructions to preserve softness
-
Making sure garments are completely dry before dressing your baby
“Natural fragrance” is still fragrance. Essential oils and botanical ingredients can also irritate reactive skin, so fragrance-free is usually the most cautious starting point.
Clothing is one part of the eczema picture
Thoughtful fabric choices can help reduce heat, sweat, rubbing and discomfort, but clothing is not a replacement for eczema treatment.
Moisturisers, bathing practices and prescribed medicines all play different roles in supporting the skin barrier and controlling inflammation. If your baby has diagnosed or suspected eczema, follow the treatment plan provided by your GP, paediatrician, pharmacist or dermatologist.
Seek medical advice if your baby’s skin:
-
Is persistently red, dry or itchy
-
Is affecting their sleep or feeding
-
Is becoming worse despite regular care
-
Develops open, weeping or painful areas
-
Shows signs of infection such as warmth, swelling, yellow crusting or pus
Why Babu chooses natural fibres
At Babu, we choose natural fibres because babies live in their clothing. What sits against their skin—during feeds, naps, cuddles, play and sleep—should feel soft, comfortable and considered.
Our GOTS and OEKO-TEX® certified organic cotton provides a soft and breathable option for everyday dressing. Our 18.5-micron merino offers lightweight warmth and natural moisture and temperature management without the bulk and scratchiness associated with coarser wool.
We don’t believe one fabric can solve every skin concern, and we would never suggest that clothing can cure eczema. We simply believe that when you are caring for delicate skin, every layer deserves thought.
Choose soft, natural fabrics. Avoid overheating. Pay attention to fit and friction. Wash clothing gently. Most importantly, watch how your own baby’s skin responds.
Because the best fabric for your baby is the one in which they feel most comfortable.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Speak with your GP, paediatrician or dermatologist if you are concerned about your baby’s skin or eczema treatment.