Why Cotton Beats Polyester for Baby Toys (Every Time)
Let’s be real: a lot of baby toys are made from polyester. It’s cheap, colorful, and easy to mass-produce.
But here’s the problem—polyester surfaces don’t belong in your baby’s mouth. Or on their skin. Or anywhere near their curious, still-developing senses.
What’s the Big Deal With Polyester Surfaces?
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum (yes, really). It doesn’t breathe, it traps heat and moisture, and when chewed or sucked on (as babies love to do), it can shed microplastics directly into your little one’s mouth.
- It’s not breathable
- It can trap bacteria and heat
- It’s often treated with chemical finishes
- It sheds microplastics with friction or moisture
Sounds like a great material for clothing, bedding, and toys… said no parent ever.
Why We Choose Cotton (Every Time) for Surfaces
Our baby products—like the High Contrast Newborn Toy Set, Soft Fabric Blocks, and Montessori Tissue Box—are made with high-quality, natural cotton fabric for a reason:
- It’s breathable and soft
- Naturally hypoallergenic
- Safer for chewing and mouthing
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Biodegradable and better for the planet
And yes—cotton costs us more. But we’re not cutting corners on materials just to save a buck. If your baby is going to mouth it, chew it, and cuddle it…it better be safe.
A Note on Fill Materials
Some of our toys use polyester fill — because it makes them squeezable, huggable, and safe for tossing. But here’s the key: that fill stays inside. The surfaces your baby actually touches, chews, and snuggles are cotton.
What About “Plush” Toys?
Here’s a fun industry secret: most “plush” baby toys are just polyester in disguise. The fuzzy texture might look cozy, but it’s often made from plastic-based materials that can irritate skin and shed tiny fibers into your baby’s mouth.
Soft, Safe, and Built for Real Life
All of our cotton-based toys are designed for real babies—teething, drooling, and tossing them across the room. They’re machine-washable, long-lasting, and made without chemical coatings or weird smells.
The Bottom Line
Polyester is for plastic water bottles, not baby toys.
So whether you’re shopping for a newborn, a 1-year-old, or a baby shower gift—choose cotton. It’s a difference you can feel (and your baby can too).
Shop our cotton-made baby favorites: