Choosing the right items for your newborn can be a perplexing task, especially when it comes to items like towels. Are regular towels sufficient, or do you need special baby towels? New mothers always wonder, “do I need baby towels?” and believe it or not, Science says yes! Let’s dive into this article to find out why.
Do I Need Baby Towels?
Yes, baby towels are recommended for newborns and infants because their skin is delicate and more prone to irritation. Baby towels are softer, more absorbent, and appropriately sized – crucial things for maintaining a baby’s body temperature and preventing skin issues like rashes. These features set them apart from regular towels, which tend to be more abrasive.
Why Baby Towels are Essential
Baby towels are an essential item in the infant care toolkit, primarily due to their specialised design and features that cater to the unique needs of a newborn’s skin and body. Let’s delve deeper into why these towels are indispensable for young children.
1. They Are Gentler for Baby Skin
The skin of a newborn is not just delicate, it’s also developing its ability to protect and regulate itself. Regular towels, often designed for durability and adult skin, can be too harsh for a baby. The fine, plush fibres used in baby towels minimise the risk of abrasions, rashes, or skin irritation, which is particularly important after bath time when a baby’s skin is most vulnerable.
In fact, a study by AFP found that atopic eczema occurs in 20% of those under two years of age. Baby towels made from soft, fine fibres like bamboo or organic cotton are gentler on the skin, reducing the potential for triggering eczema during drying.
2. Prevents Heat Loss Especially After Bathtime
Babies lose heat nearly 4 times faster than adults because they don’t have much body fat. As wet skin can cause your baby to lose heat quickly, it is crucial to dry your child immediately after bathtime. A simple yet effective method is wrapping their body and head with a baby towel, as well as switching off the air conditioner or fans.
3. Designed To Be The Right Size for Babies
The size of a baby towel is a careful balance between functionality and comfort. Oversized towels can overwhelm an infant, creating a safety hazard, while too small towels fail to provide adequate coverage and warmth.
The proportions of baby towels are meticulously calculated to wrap snugly around an infant’s body, ensuring they feel secure and protected without the excess bulk that can come from using an adult-sized towel.
4. More Absorbent Than Regular Towel
The absorbency of a baby towel goes beyond just drying the skin. It’s about maintaining an optimal body temperature and preventing conditions like diaper rash, which can be exacerbated by moisture.
The fabrics used in these towels, such as bamboo or microfiber, are chosen for their superior water-wicking properties. This ensures that the baby is not only dried quickly but also stays dry, reducing the likelihood of common infant ailments related to dampness and cold exposure.
5. Comes with Hooded Design for Extra Warmth
The inclusion of a hood in many baby towels isn’t just a cute design choice; it’s rooted in physiological necessity. Infants, particularly newborns, are less capable of regulating their body temperature. They lose heat rapidly, especially from their heads.
A hooded towel serves a dual purpose – it dries the hair and scalp quickly while simultaneously providing a layer of insulation, keeping the baby’s head warm and reducing the risk of hypothermia after bath time.
Selecting the Right Baby Towel
Selecting the ideal baby towel is a crucial decision for parents, as it involves balancing comfort, safety, and practicality. Here, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right towel for your baby, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Material Matters
Opt for organic materials like bamboo or cotton. These natural fibres are not only soft but also hypoallergenic and eco-friendly.Bamboo, known for its natural antibacterial properties and exceptional softness, is an excellent choice for sensitive baby skin. Cotton, particularly organic cotton, is also a popular option due to its softness, breathability, and hypoallergenic qualities.
Safety First
Ensuring that the baby towel is free from harmful chemicals and synthetic dyes is essential. Look for towels that have certifications like Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or similar, which guarantee that the product is free from substances that could be harmful to health. Additionally, hypoallergenic towels are a safer bet, especially for babies with sensitive skin or allergies, as they reduce the risk of skin irritations.
Durability
Baby towels need to endure frequent laundering, as hygiene is a top priority with infants. Therefore, it’s important to choose towels that are durable and retain their shape, softness, and absorbency even after multiple washes. Look for towels with high-quality stitching and those that are made to withstand the rigours of regular washing. Some materials, like those blended with a small percentage of synthetic fibres, can offer extra durability without compromising on softness or safety.
Keep Your Baby Cosy and Safe with Pigeon Malaysia Baby Towels
Investing in special baby towels is a wise choice for the care of your infant. With their skin-friendly material, appropriate size, and extra features like hoods, they provide the comfort and safety your baby needs after bath time.
Check out Pigeon Malaysia for cosy, safe, and durable baby towels. Perfect for your little one’s bath time – you’re gonna love how soft and snug they feel!
Sources
Australian Family Physician, Atopic dermatitis in children, https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2016/may/atopic-dermatitis-in-children#:~:text=Atopic%20dermatitis%2C%20also%20known%20as,under%20two%20years%20of%20age..
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, Keeping Your Baby Warm, https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=warmth-and-temperature-regulation-90-P02425.
