When it comes to your baby's accessories, not all materials are created equal. As parents ourselves, we at Knotty Ribbons have spent years researching and testing materials to ensure every piece we create is as safe as it is beautiful. Here's your complete guide to understanding what goes into baby hair accessories — and what to look for when shopping.
Why Material Choice Matters for Babies
Babies have skin that is significantly more sensitive than adult skin — it's thinner, more permeable, and more prone to irritation. This means that materials which are perfectly fine for adults can cause redness, rashes, or discomfort for little ones. Additionally, babies explore the world with their mouths, so any accessory that could be chewed on needs to be non-toxic.
The Materials We Use at Knotty Ribbons
Soft Nylon
Nylon is one of the most popular materials for baby headbands, and for good reason:
- Hypoallergenic — unlikely to cause skin reactions
- Stretchy — accommodates growing heads without being restrictive
- Soft — won't leave marks or cause pressure points
- Durable — holds its shape through gentle washing
Our nylon headbands are specifically chosen for their softness and stretch, making them ideal from newborn stage onwards.
Cotton and Cotton Blends
Cotton is a natural, breathable fibre that has been trusted for baby clothing for generations:
- Breathable — prevents overheating, especially important for newborns
- Soft — gentle on delicate skin
- Washable — easy to clean and maintain
- Natural — free from synthetic chemicals when unbleached
Look for 100% cotton or high-cotton blends for the most sensitive babies.
Faux Leather and Genuine Leather
Leather accents add a stylish, modern touch to accessories. Here's what to know:
- Genuine leather is a natural material that is generally safe for skin contact
- Faux leather (PU leather) is a synthetic alternative — look for phthalate-free options
- Both should be used as accents rather than full-contact materials for very young babies
- Avoid accessories where leather is the primary contact point for newborns
Grosgrain and Satin Ribbon
Used in our bow clips and headband embellishments:
- Grosgrain ribbon is woven tightly and is very durable
- Satin ribbon is smooth and gentle on skin
- Both are generally safe for babies when securely attached
- Always check that ribbon ends are sealed or stitched to prevent fraying
What to Avoid
When shopping for baby hair accessories, be cautious of:
- Hard plastic embellishments that could break and create sharp edges or small pieces
- Accessories with loose beads or gems that could detach and become choking hazards
- Strong elastic that leaves marks on the skin — always check after wear
- Unknown dyes — look for accessories that mention azo-free or non-toxic dyes
- Glued embellishments on accessories for very young babies — stitched is safer
The Knotty Ribbons Safety Promise
Every accessory we create is made with baby safety as our first priority. As a mother-daughter team, we understand the trust parents place in us. We:
- Carefully source all materials for softness and safety
- Securely attach all embellishments — no loose parts
- Test every design on our own children before selling
- Provide detailed material information in every product description
A Quick Reference Guide
Best for newborns: Soft nylon, cotton
Best for 3–6 months: Nylon, cotton, soft fabric bows
Best for 6+ months: All of the above, plus grosgrain bows, faux leather accents
Always avoid: Hard plastic, loose embellishments, tight elastic
Have questions about a specific material or product? We're always happy to help. Browse our full collection and read the detailed material descriptions on each product page.