In the previous article, we discussed why cotton is our favorite, here we will share with you why we do not make swaddling blankets from bamboo and why we do not recommend bamboo blankets for babies. (Sorry if someone doesn't like this)
The advertisements say that bamboo is a natural material, but if you look at the label you will not see 100% Bamboo. You will see 100% Viscose.
Viscose is a semi-synthetic type of rayon fabric made from wood or bamboo pulp that is used as a silk substitute, as it has a similar drape and smooth feel to the luxury material. The term “viscose” refers specifically to the solution of wood or bamboo pulp that is turned into the fabric.
Today, there are two ways to produce bamboo fiber. Read on and decide if you want a fabric made in this way to touch the skin of your newborn baby.
Chemical treatment - hydrolysis-alkalinization. The bamboo stalk is ground into shavings. Caustic soda (NaOH) converts bamboo pulp into regenerated cellulose fiber (softens it). Carbon disulfide (CS2) is used for hydrolysis-alkalinization combined with multi-phase bleaching. This method is not environmentally friendly, but is used most often due to the speed of fiber production. Toxic residues from the process are washed out of the yarn during post-processing.
Mechanical processing (same as in the processing of flax and hemp). The pulp of bamboo is softened by enzymes, after which individual fibers are combed out of it, from which yarn, fabric and fillers for textile products are made. This is an expensive method, but environmentally friendly.
When buying a bamboo swaddling blanket, are you sure that the fabric is made in the second way or do you like the chemical process?
If you, like us, prefer natural materials, choose muslin swaddling blankets made from 100% cotton.
