Baby clothing labels need more care than any other kind: a baby's skin is thin and sensitive, a baby can't tell you something is scratching, and parents judge a brand on exactly these details. One stiff label at the neck is enough for a bodysuit to stay in the drawer. This article is a practical checklist for brands and ateliers making baby and children's clothing, from choosing the material to placement and the mandatory information.
1. Material: softness comes first
Not every label is suitable for contact with a baby's skin. Here is how the main options compare:
| Label type | Softness | Suitable for babies? | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printed satin label | Very high | Yes | Light, smooth and flexible; a good choice for bodysuits and pyjamas |
| Woven damask with ultrasonic edge | High | Yes | Recommended for children's clothing for its softness; durable in the wash |
| Printed canvas (cotton blend) | Good | Yes, for outerwear | Natural look, soft to the touch |
| Woven taffeta | Low | Not against the skin | Stiff; outer labels only |
| Print directly on fabric | No label | Excellent | Nothing to rub or irritate |
For bodysuits, sleepsuits and pyjamas the safest choice is a satin label or tagless print. For jackets, snowsuits and outerwear, where the label sits on the lining, woven damask is excellent and looks more premium.
Satin label 14 cm x 5 cm - satin print
Woven label 8.5 cm x 7 cm – Gold effect, jacquard
Satin label 6 cm x 3 cm – printing on satin ribbon2. Edge and cut
Even the softest material can irritate if the edge is hard. With polyester labels, a hot-knife cut leaves a sealed but sharp rim. For babywear, choose:
- ultrasonic cutting, which seals the yarns and leaves a soft edge;
- a centre fold, so the cut ends go into the seam and never touch the skin;
- end folds, so the label is stitched at both ends with no loose corners.
3. Safety of materials and inks
Babies often put clothing in their mouths, and their skin absorbs substances more readily. So:
- REACH: Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 restricts a range of hazardous substances in textiles, including certain azo dyes and heavy metals. Ask your supplier to confirm that the materials comply.
- OEKO-TEX: STANDARD 100 has a dedicated product class I for articles for babies and toddlers up to 36 months, with the strictest limit values. Many childrenswear brands look for certified materials and trims.
- Printing inks: ask what type of ink is used and whether it is suitable for children's clothing.
You can read more about the standard and its product classes on the official OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 site.
4. Where to place the label
Placement matters as much as material. Our recommendations:
- Not at the neck, if you can avoid it. The back of the neck is where a baby lies, so the label rubs constantly.
- Side seam: the composition and care label goes in the left side seam, usually a few centimetres above the hem, where it is barely noticeable.
- Outside label: a small brand tab sewn on the outside of the hem or sleeve is a modern solution; the brand is visible and the inside stays smooth.
- Printed inside: the logo and size are printed directly on the inside back.
Tip: if you do put a label at the neck, stitch it on all four sides or use a centre-folded format so that no corner sticks out.
5. Mandatory information
Children's clothing is subject to the same rules as everything else: under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, fibre composition must appear on a label or marking durably attached to the product, in the language of the country where it is sold. Care symbols under ISO 3758 aren't legally required in the EU, but parents expect them, because babywear is washed often and at high temperatures. Keep the instructions realistic: if the garment should be washed at 60 °C, check that the label and print can take that temperature.
6. Durability through frequent washing
Babywear is washed far more often than adult clothing. The label must stay legible and soft after dozens of cycles. Before the bulk order:
- sew a sample label into a finished garment;
- wash it 5-10 times at the temperature you will state on the label;
- check text legibility, edge softness and whether the label has shrunk or twisted.
7. Don't forget the other trims
With babywear, safety doesn't end at the label. Snap fasteners and press studs must be firmly attached and withstand pulling, and small decorative parts that could come off are best avoided. Have a look at the snap buttons and press studs in our catalogue, and for more advice see our snap button articles.
8. Size labels: think like a parent
In Europe, baby sizes are usually given by the child's height in centimetres: 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 80, 86 and so on, sometimes with the age in months added. Parents look for this information quickly, often with a baby in one arm, so:
- print the size large and clear, not in tiny type under the logo;
- give both height and approximate age, e.g. "68 cm / 4-6 m";
- if you use a separate small size label, fold it in the middle and place it next to the main label or in the side seam;
- with print directly on fabric, check that the size stays legible after repeated washing.
A well-organised size label reduces returns and makes the next purchase easier: the parent simply looks for the next size from the same brand.
Quick checklist for brands
- Printed satin label, damask with an ultrasonic edge, or tagless print.
- No taffeta against the skin.
- Care label in the side seam.
- Materials and inks compliant with REACH; ideally OEKO-TEX class I.
- Composition under Regulation 1007/2011, care symbols under ISO 3758.
- Wash testing before production.
Bul-tex manufactures satin, woven and printed labels to your design and supplies trims for children's clothing. Contact us if you are preparing a baby collection, and we'll talk through the material, size and cut that suit the most sensitive skin.
