The first contact: the newborn’s skin and the role of textiles in skin wellbeing

At birth, the newborn undergoes a physiological transition of extraordinary complexity: from the intrauterine microenvironment, characterized by almost constant water and thermal homeostasis, to an external context in which the skin becomes the primary interface with the world. This organ, still in a phase of structural and functional maturation, plays a crucial role mediating between the organism and the environment, participating actively in sensory perception, thermal regulation and immune defence.

Among the first elements that neonatal skin comes into contact with are textile materials — sheets, blankets, bodysuits and onesies — which constitute the first artificial “envelope” of the body. They represent, symbolically and physiologically, a protective extension of the maternal womb and must therefore guarantee the highest degree of safety, comfort and biocompatibility.

The value of comfort: physical and physiological parameters

In the newborn, skin contact with fabrics involves a thermal, moisture and perceptive balance. A rigid, poorly breathable material or one with low hygroscopic capacity may interfere with the physiological functions of the skin — particularly thermoregulation and cutaneous gas exchange — generating discomfort and alterations in the skin microclimate.

Conversely, softness, elasticity, and the ability of the fabric to absorb and release moisture in a controlled way are fundamental requirements for newborn wellbeing. To these characteristics we add the chemical neutrality of the material, meaning its ability not to release toxic, irritating or sensitising substances onto the baby’s still immature skin.

 

Not all textile materials are the same

To make conscious and thoughtful choices about early-childhood products, it is necessary to know the nature of the materials they are made of. Although similar to the touch, fabrics differ deeply in origin, composition, and production treatments. This section focuses particularly on origin and composition.

The classification of fibres is based on their origin and chemical nature, distinguishing two main macro families:

1. Natural fibres: they derive directly from sources present in nature, without synthesis processes.

• • Vegetable fibres: such as cotton, linen or hemp, composed mainly of cellulose.
  • Animal fibres: such as wool and silk, formed by fibrous proteins (keratin, fibroin).

These fibres are generally appreciated for their softness, breathability and skin compatibility.

2. Chemical fibres: they are obtained industrially and are further divided into organic and inorganic.

• • The organic fibres are:
    • Artificial fibres, derived from natural polymers (such as wood cellulose) but transformed through chemical processes that modify their original structure. Examples: viscose, cellulose acetate, modal, lyocell.
    • Synthetic fibres, obtained from synthetic polymers, that is, produced by polymerisation of monomers derived from petroleum. Examples: polyester, polyamide (nylon), acrylic, elastane.
  • The inorganic fibres, such as those made of carbon, glass or metal, represent a separate category, used mainly in technical or industrial contexts, and rarely intended for direct contact with the skin.

 

From micro to macro

Many of the characteristics that distinguish fibres depend precisely on the type of constituent polymer, that is, on the underlying chemistry. Below are some aspects of particular relevance in terms of comfort, essential for respecting the wellbeing of the newborn.

1. Softness, flexibility and “handle”

• • The degree of crystallinity of the polymer, that is, how ordered and aligned the molecular chains are. The presence of side groups and the arrangement of polymer chains influence how easily the fibre “bends”, how rigid or soft it feels to the touch.
  • Fibres with a low degree of crystallinity, more flexible chains and a greater presence of amorphous segments tend to be softer, more flexible and more comfortable.
  • In the neonatal context, softness is fundamental: the fabric must adapt to the body and offer comfort.

2. Breathability, absorption and moisture retention

• • Polymer characteristics determine how many polar groups (–OH, –NH, –CO) are present and how much the structure allows penetration or retention of water or vapour. For example: “hydrophobic” fibres (poorly absorbent) derived from polymers with few polar groups tend to retain moisture or prevent its release, reducing thermal comfort.
  • For a newborn, a good balance between moisture absorption and release is important to guarantee thermoregulation, avoiding overheating or prolonged sweating in contact with the skin.

3. Skin compatibility and release of substances

• • Even if more indirectly, the nature of the polymer can influence how “inert” or how “reactive” the fabric is when in contact with the skin: presence of active chemical groups, potential release of finishing residues, additives, residues of the production process. All of this makes it important to choose materials that come from polymers with good surface stability, good compatibility with the sensitive skin of the newborn, and that have undergone controlled treatments.

 

How to guide the choice of textiles for the newborn based on their polymer composition

Knowledge of the chemical nature of fibres is not a technical exercise, but a useful practical tool for those who care for the wellbeing of the newborn.
The polymer composition of fabrics directly affects their interaction with the skin, their capacity to regulate moisture and their thermal response during prolonged contact.

In the first months of life, the newborn’s skin is particularly sensitive; consequently, its cutaneous and thermal needs require materials capable of mediating delicately between protection and breathability.

• Natural cellulosic fibres, such as cotton, generally represent the most balanced choice for daily use: they are soft, breathable and able to support skin thermoregulation. Artificial cellulosics (such as viscose and lyocell), although derived from natural raw materials, offer a silky touch and good moisture management, resulting particularly comfortable in direct-contact garments.
• Natural protein fibres, such as wool and silk, have excellent thermal properties and can be useful in cold conditions, provided they are used in garments adequately designed to maintain thermal comfort without overheating.
• Synthetic fibres, although offering high resistance and dimensional stability, generally have lower breathability and reduced capacity to absorb moisture; they are therefore more suitable in blended fabrics or in external layers, where they contribute to improving durability and ease of maintenance.
• Finally, the use of elastomeric fibres in small percentages may increase the adaptability and freedom of movement of the garment, qualities particularly important in the first months of life, when spontaneous movements favour neuromotor development.

In summary, the choice of fabric for the newborn should always be based on three fundamental criteria:

1. Polymer composition, which defines the intrinsic nature of the material.
2. Intended use of the garment, evaluating direct or indirect skin contact and environmental context.
3. Balance between comfort, protection and breathability, to ensure a pleasant sensory experience that respects cutaneous physiology.

 

Conclusion

The fabric constitutes the first interface between the newborn and the external world. The choice of materials is not only an aesthetic matter, but an act of care that protects cutaneous physiology, supports thermoregulation and promotes the child’s overall wellbeing. Understanding the composition and characteristics of fibres allows professionals to recommend truly safe and comfortable solutions.