First of all, it's beautiful. However, mothers choose muslin diapers not so much because of their beauty, but because they are soft and light, do not irritate the delicate baby skin and do not cause allergies.
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Muslin swaddles can be used from the first days of a newborn's life, even if you do not swaddle your baby. They can be used to curtain a stroller, use in a crib, cover a baby instead of a blanket, place it during feeding, or use it as a towel after bathing. That is, this accessory is very multifunctional!
Muslin
First, we need to take a closer look at the material from which diapers are made. The ancient city of Mosul, located on the territory of modern Iran, is considered to be the birthplace of this fabric. From here, with the help of merchants, it spread to the territory of Italy and France and in a short time managed to fall in love with local tailors, who began to use it for sewing outfits and dresses.
Muslin diapers
This fabric is characterized by: complete or partial transparency, softness and lightness. Muslin is a completely natural material. Cotton, wool or silk are used to make it. Depending on the composition, the fabric has small features, but the main characteristics are the same.
Cotton muslin
Since in its original form the fabric was made from cotton, it is currently the most common variety. It is characterized by thinness, softness and strength of the canvas. The main disadvantage is the difficulty of preserving the color.
Wool muslin
The least popular of the types provided, but it captivates with its inexpensive price. The fabric made from this material has a loose structure and, with low weight, has a large volume. The main advantage is that it is durable and reliable.
Wool muslin
Silk muslin
The most expensive of all. At the same time, it has a beautiful texture and is very pleasant to the touch. Products made from it are very comfortable to use. The main disadvantage is that it is susceptible to the formation of small holes and tears along the seam line.
Silk muslin
Additional Information! The main advantage of any type is that it perfectly allows air to pass through and absorbs moisture. This is why muslin fabric for diapers is the best choice.
Advantages and disadvantages
Muslin fabric is very comfortable and extremely necessary in the wardrobe of both infants and children of different age categories. The fabric absorbs excess moisture well and allows air to pass through, without causing allergic reactions on the child’s skin.
Muslin diapers for infants have a number of advantages, including:
- production takes place using a special technology of weaving fibers from 100% natural cotton;
- durability and resistance to wear are ensured, even with frequent washing, the original structure and color are preserved for a long time;
- muslin fabric for diapers is soft to the touch, elastic and pleasant to the body, which is very important for the baby’s delicate skin;
- good breathability, which is very necessary in hot weather.
The advantages of this material are impressive, however, there are also disadvantages:
- high price, since they are manufactured mainly in European countries;
- Suitable only in summer, as they do not retain heat sufficiently.
According to moms, these diapers are very easy to use. They do not cause allergies in children and are indispensable in the summer due to their breathable properties. You can safely pay such a considerable amount for a product, but be confident in the reliability and durability of the material.
Why is it better to choose muslin diapers?
Such products are made from natural cotton. During the manufacturing process, a special method of weaving threads is used. Due to the fact that the fibers are twisted together many times, the product is strong and durable. Things made of muslin are soft and very pleasant to the touch, the baby will be comfortable in them. Therefore, it is definitely worth purchasing diapers or a muslin blanket for a newborn. In the summer they will be especially needed - thanks to the good breathable properties of the fabric, the child will not sweat and overheat in it.
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Baby in diaper
Even if the child does not need to be swaddled, then muslin will come in handy in the following cases:
- On a hot day, it can be used as a stroller canopy;
- They can replace a towel and dry your child after a bath.
- Use instead of a rug or blanket.
- When changing a diaper, muslin diapers can be laid on the changing table.
- In hot weather, a bright muslin diaper will perfectly replace an envelope when leaving the maternity hospital.
Thus, it is no longer just a diaper, but a multifunctional material that can be used in various circumstances.
Compound
Muslin diapers are made from muslin, a fabric with a special plain weave. It is made from tightly twisted threads, due to which the surface acquires a shine. The warp and weft threads are spaced at a great distance, forming a loose, airy fabric.
The composition of muslin diapers is 100% natural. Products are made from cotton, organic cotton or bamboo.
Most often, the fabrics consist of two layers of muslin, fastened together with a thermal stitch in the form of a mesh.
How are muslin diapers different from regular ones?
Probably many will ask this question. After all, if ordinary diapers have always been used, then why change them to an unknown material. In fact, the benefits of muslin are obvious. This is an environmentally friendly material, which is an important quality for something used by a baby. Despite the cost, in the end such products are more economical than ordinary ones, since due to their texture they have increased strength. Due to its softness, muslin is ideal for premature babies or babies with delicate skin.
Important! Muslin diapers have no medical contraindications.
Muslin diapers have better thermal insulation properties compared to other materials. This, in turn, provides the child with a comfortable and restful sleep.
Questions and answers
Question: How much do muslin swaddles cost?
Answer: The price for one diaper measuring 120x120 cm varies from 550 to 950 rubles. Buying products in sets is much more profitable. Cost 2-3 pcs. – 800-1800 rubles.
Question: What are the best muslin swaddles?
Answer: The best quality diapers are from well-known brands: Aden&Anais, SwaddleDesigns, Jollein, Bebe au Lait, Diva Milano. Companies have been on the market for decades and undergo quality control and certification.
Muslin diapers are the embodiment of comfort and environmental friendliness. Despite their fragile appearance, they are strong, durable and wear-resistant. This is ideal for the summer heat. Many mothers have already appreciated them and recommend them for use from the first days of their babies’ lives.
How to use muslin swaddles
Briefly, the options for using this fabric are discussed above. However, it is worth dwelling on them in more detail, as well as adding more ways to use diapers.
Swaddling
Most pediatricians now recommend swaddling your baby lightly, leaving the arms and legs in a slightly relaxed position. With this method of swaddling, the baby seems to be back in the mother’s womb and therefore falls asleep faster, and his sleep is calmer and better, since unexpected movements of the limbs will not disturb him.
Swaddling
Stroller canopy
For use as a canopy, muslin is much better than flannel or chintz. The diaper will reliably protect from sunlight and at the same time provide access to fresh air.
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Canopy
Towel
If you buy muslin containing bamboo, it will replace any, even the softest, towel for a long time.
Towel
Nursing cover
When it becomes necessary to breastfeed your baby in a crowded place, breathable fabric will allow you to safely cover your baby without fear that it will be difficult for him to breathe.
Cape
Blanket
In warmer months, muslin is ideal to use as a lightweight blanket. For the cold season, you can purchase a real blanket made from this fabric.
Blanket
Sheet for the crib
Besides a blanket, muslin can be a good substitute for sheets. Thanks to their lightness and softness, a newborn baby will feel good on them.
Bed sheet
Blanket for changing table
In order not to spend extra money on a special blanket for the table, you can replace it with a muslin diaper.
Baby changing table
Crawling mat
When the baby begins to crawl, it is best to lay something soft and warm on the floor. A muslin swaddle will help your baby enjoy his first movements.
Crawling mat
Cover for a child car seat
Whether in the car or on the street, a loose and breathable diaper will ideally serve as a cape.
Cape
When choosing muslin diapers, you should decide for what specific purposes they will be used, and only then choose the size. Large diapers, measuring 100x100 cm or more, are suitable for swaddling. For use outdoors or as a table cover, it is better to use medium-sized diapers - 70x70 cm. There are also very small diapers (40x40cm), but they are suitable for use as handkerchiefs or a bib.
Description
Muslin diapers have a loose structure.
They are designed for warm to hot weather. In winter they can be used as a first layer. For example, you can swaddle your newborn and then place him in a sleeping bag or warm envelope.
As a rule, the products have stylish, modern colors. White variants are also found, but less frequently.
Products come in different sizes:
- Standard – 120cm x 120cm. The most comfortable size for changing. In addition to its intended purpose, such a diaper can be used to cover a stroller, cover a mattress instead of a sheet, and wipe the baby after water procedures.
- Medium – 70cm x 70cm. It is convenient to cover a changing table with such a cloth, use it as a blanket for a car seat, or a burp cloth.
- Small – 40cm x 40cm. Serve as handkerchiefs, bibs and napkins for newborns after washing.
When choosing diapers, many mothers take a muslin blanket for the set. It is characterized by great thickness. The standard size is 100 cm x 100 cm. The product has all the advantages of diapers. The blanket gently envelops the baby, protects from coolness, but at the same time prevents overheating.
Rules for caring for muslin diapers
Muslin fabrics are quite easy to care for, but it is still worth identifying the basic rules for washing diapers and some features for handling them.
The basic principles for caring for such diapers are as follows:
- To ensure the quality of each individual diaper, it is recommended to wash them separately for the first time.
- To eliminate the possibility of shrinkage of the material and loss of its properties, washing is carried out at a temperature of 40°C.
- You can wring out muslin in a dryer or washing machine.
- It is preferable to wash diapers by hand. In the washing machine, use the “Delicate Wash” mode.
- For washing, powder and rinse aid intended for children's laundry are used.
- Diapers are washed separately from adult laundry and common items.
- There is no particular need to iron muslin after washing, but if necessary, this is done at a temperature of no more than 200°C using steaming.
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Additional Information! When washing, to avoid staining, it is recommended to sort items by color.
How to sew it yourself?
If mommy managed to purchase muslin fabric, you can sew the diaper yourself.
To do this, we adhere to the following simple algorithm of action:
- Take the required fabric size, for example, 120x120 cm.
- Spread the material on a flat surface, wrong side up.
- The edge needs to be processed. To do this, we turn the edge under and baste it with a thread and a needle or grab it with tailor’s needles.
- Now we sew the diaper. It's better to do this on a sewing machine.
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Ready. Now we wash, iron the product and can use it in caring for our baby.
Disadvantages of muslin diapers
In addition to the obvious advantages of muslin fabric, there are also a number of disadvantages. Perhaps the most important of them is the high price of the product. Although there are domestic muslin diapers, imported ones are of much higher quality. Their cost is about 700 rubles and usually includes three sheets. This price may scare off many young parents, given the fact that in the first year of life a baby needs more than a dozen diapers.
Another disadvantage is that due to their lightness and breathable properties, such products do not retain heat at all. Therefore, they can only be used in summer; in winter, the child will simply freeze in them.
Diapers
Reviews
Based on all the positive qualities, muslin diapers will be an indispensable thing in the first years of the baby. Despite their high price, they will be an indispensable assistant for a young mother. And to understand whether you need to buy them, you should read the reviews on this material.
Victoria, Chelyabinsk: “I purchased such diapers for the first time and they did not disappoint in my choice. I had never heard of them before, but decided to give them a try. Lightweight fabric came in very handy in the summer months - the baby did not feel hot under it, and the skin breathed freely. Although many dissuaded me, I still decided to purchase a product from a domestic manufacturer. And, despite expectations, they turned out to be of very good quality. The set included two large and two small diapers with beautiful baby patterns.
Methods for washing baby clothes and diapers
Baby diapers can be washed not only by hand, but also by machine.
There are certain rules for each method, since diapers can be made from different materials: chintz, calico, flannel, cotton. These materials do not cause irritation to the baby's skin. For washing, you can use baby soap, powder or liquid detergent. If you use fabric softener, then only one that is intended for the care of children's underwear will do.
- Experts recommend rinsing baby clothes several times to thoroughly remove any remaining detergent from the items.
- In order for the diapers to retain their shape for a long time, it is recommended to rinse them alternately in hot and cold water.
- If your baby reacts negatively to impurities in the powder, you can thoroughly boil the diapers or iron them.
To wash baby diapers using a washing machine, it is recommended to use the baby clothes washing mode. The optimal temperature is considered to be above 40 degrees. Experts recommend washing diapers made of any material at a temperature of 95 degrees for complete disinfection.
After completing the cycle, it is recommended to rinse the diapers again.
- Under no circumstances should baby diapers be washed together with adult clothing.
- If only urine gets on the diapers, then it is enough to wash them without detergent, since the discharge of infants does not have an unpleasant odor.
- Baby diapers should not be washed using bleach, as even the safest composition of the product can provoke an allergic reaction in the baby.
- Be sure to let the products dry completely. In the summer, it is advisable to dry diapers outdoors. This procedure will significantly reduce the drying time of products and provide additional disinfection by sunlight.
In the first months after birth, the baby is not yet adapted to the environment, so the mother’s task is to provide the most comfortable living conditions for the baby. After the diapers have dried, they need to be steamed on both the outside and the inside.
