Polyester is a widely used synthetic fabric that has become increasingly common in baby products. But is it safe?
The truth is polyester is generally not considered the safest fabric choice for babies, especially for clothing and bedding that directly contacts their skin.
So what are the issues with polyester, and what are the alternatives?
As a father of two, I spent weeks researching the effects that petroleum-based fibers could have on my daughters' health. Now I want to help others avoid that stress and worry by pointing you straight towards the facts.
In this guide, I explain the potential concerns around using polyester for babies, and guide you through the safer alternatives and best practices that can reduce the risks.
Contents
Polyester is a man-made, petroleum-based fabric created through a chemical process.
It is produced by combining ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate, which are then heated and extruded into long polymer chains that are woven or knitted into fabric.
Polyester is a popular choice for manufacturers because of its durability, wrinkle resistance, and affordable price point.
Polyester can be found in a wide range of baby products, including:
Its versatility and easy-care properties have contributed to its widespread use in the baby market. In fact, over 95% of all soft toys sold globally are made from polyester fabric.
The chemical process used to create polyester raises some concerns regarding potential health impacts. The two main ingredients have been linked to skin irritation and, in some cases, potential toxicity if ingested.
While the finished polyester fabric is generally considered safe, the impact that these underlying chemical components can have on the human body is worth considering, especially for delicate baby skin.
Babies, particularly those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, may be more prone to skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions when exposed to polyester.
The synthetic nature of the fabric can be less breathable than natural fibers, trapping heat and moisture against the skin, which can exacerbate skin issues.
The synthetic nature of polyester can make it less breathable than natural fibers, which may increase the risk of sweating, overheating, and discomfort for babies, particularly in warm weather conditions.
This reduced breathability can be an important consideration for parents, as it can potentially increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Another concern with polyester is the shedding of tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, during the washing process. Polyester fibers make up two-thirds (around 67%) of the microplastics found in household dust.
These microscopic fragments can end up in the environment and potentially be ingested, posing both ecological and potential health risks for babies and their families.
Many polyester baby products, especially sleepwear and bedding, are treated with additional chemicals like flame retardants to improve performance and safety.
However, these supplementary chemicals can further contribute to skin irritation and other health concerns for infants.
If you have concerns about the safety of polyester for your baby, choose non-toxic baby clothes made from alternative natural fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and wool.
These materials are generally softer, more breathable, and hypoallergenic. Even better, they don't get hot and itchy and don't shed microplastics, making them a safer choice for your baby's skin and lungs.
A University of Texas study of polyurethane foam and polyester foam padding in crib mattresses found that on average they emitted VOCs at a rate of 87.1 micrograms per square meter per hour.
To protect your baby from breathing in VOCs, choose a non-toxic crib mattress. They're made from natural and organic materials, which means they are also breathable and help regulate their temperature while they sleep.
If you prefer the practicality of polyester, you can at least look for products made with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified polyester.
This certification ensures the polyester is made from recycled materials and processed without using additional harmful chemicals, providing a more sustainable and (potentially) safer option.
However, just because it's better for the environment, it doesn't mean you don't have to worry about toxic chemicals in recycled polyester. Recycled plastics can still contain flame retardants, phthalates, and heavy metals.
Materials such as recycled PET have been found to contain as many as 42 potential contaminants.
If you don't want to avoid polyester baby items entirely for (reasons of cost or practicality), opt for high-quality, well-made products from reputable brands that prioritize safety and transparency in their manufacturing processes.
This can help ensure the polyester is as safe as possible for your little one.
To minimize the potential risks of polyester, regularly wash polyester baby items to help reduce the buildup of chemicals and the shedding of microplastic particles.
Avoid using harsh detergents and fabric softeners, as these can further irritate sensitive skin.
In 2024, roughly 70% of clothing is made from synthetic fibers. So even if (like me) you don't wear polyester now, chances are you have done at some point in the past.
But while polyester is a common and affordable material used in many baby products, there are some potential safety concerns associated with the toxicity of polyester that you need to consider.
The risk of overheating and microfiber ingestion were my two main concerns when I decided that our girls would only wear and sleep on natural fibers.
Recycled polyester is far better environmentally, but it can still contain potentially dangerous chemicals that can cause health issues in later life.
Personally, I just didn't want to take the risk.
https://cockrell.utexas.edu/news/archive/7776-crib-mattresses-emissions
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653522036682
https://kth.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1786734/FULLTEXT01.pdf
