Muslin vs cotton for babies: which to use when (a guide for Indian weather)
Muslin vs cotton for babies: which one for which day
"Muslin is best." "No, cotton is best." If you have heard both, you are not alone. The honest answer is that they suit different days. Here is a simple way to choose for Indian weather.
What is muslin?
Muslin is a loosely woven cotton fabric. The weave leaves tiny gaps, so it feels light and airy, and it usually gets softer with every wash. Most parents reach for it on warm and humid days.
What is cotton knit?
Cotton knit is the stretchy fabric you know from T-shirts and rompers. It is thicker than muslin and holds a little more warmth. It also stretches, which many parents find easier when changing a wriggly baby.
Which fabric for which day
- Hot afternoon: muslin.
- Humid or rainy day: muslin.
- Cool morning or evening: cotton knit.
- AC room: cotton knit, or muslin with a light layer on top.
If you are not sure, check whether your baby feels warm or cool at the back of the neck and change a layer. Every baby is different.
Layer, don't switch
The weather changes through the day, so you don't need to change the whole outfit. Put a muslin piece next to the skin and add a cotton knit on top. Take the top layer off when it gets warm and put it back on when it cools. One muslin set and one cotton knit set cover most days.
Care and shrinking
- Wash every new piece once before the first wear.
- Read the care label. Washing instructions differ between pieces.
- Muslin can shrink a little in the first wash, so buy by our size guide and not only by age.
Choosing the right size
Weight is the best guide, and age is only approximate. If your baby is between two sizes, choose the larger one. Our size guide lists weight and measurements for every size. If you tell us your baby's weight, we'll help you pick.
Browse our muslin collection and our cotton collection. Packing for the hospital? Our hospital bag guide has a simple list.