What is Crepe Cotton? Everything About Crepe Cotton Swaddles Australia | Mae & Rae
If you've started researching baby products you've probably noticed that muslin comes up everywhere — muslin swaddles, muslin wraps, muslin blankets. It's become a bit of a catch-all term for "soft baby wrap," but it's not the only fabric worth knowing about.
At Mae & Rae, our swaddles are made from 100% crepe cotton — a different fabric to muslin, with its own set of benefits. So what actually is crepe cotton, and why did we choose it?
Here's everything you need to know.
What is Crepe Cotton?
Crepe cotton is a woven, 100% cotton fabric with a distinctive pebbled, slightly crinkled texture. That texture comes from the way the fabric is woven (sometimes called a crepe or granite weave), not from a chemical treatment, which is why it holds up so well over years of washing.
In the context of baby products, crepe cotton refers to a soft, breathable, lightweight cotton fabric that's tightly woven enough to hold its shape and drape beautifully, while still being gentle and flexible enough for newborns and young babies.
Why is Crepe Cotton So Good for Babies?
It's breathable. Crepe cotton is woven from 100% natural cotton fibres, allowing air to circulate freely which helps regulate your baby's body temperature and reduces the risk of overheating — particularly important in Australia's warm climate.
It gets softer with every wash. Like most quality cotton fabrics, crepe cotton becomes softer and more comfortable the more you wash it, without losing its shape.
It's gentle on sensitive skin. Crepe cotton is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fibres, making it ideal for newborn skin which is sensitive and delicate.
It holds its shape and resists fraying. Because it's more tightly woven than an open-weave fabric, crepe cotton is less prone to fraying at the edges and keeps its structure wash after wash — a big plus for a swaddle that's getting near-daily use.
It's versatile. A crepe cotton swaddle can be used as a swaddle wrap, a pram cover, a breastfeeding cover, a change mat, a burp cloth and more.
It's lightweight. Crepe cotton swaddles are light enough for Australian summers but can be layered for cooler months.
Crepe Cotton vs Other Swaddle Fabrics
Crepe Cotton vs Muslin. Muslin is a loosely, openly woven cotton gauze — light and breathable, but the open weave means it can be prone to fraying and can thin out over time. Crepe cotton is more tightly woven with a pebbled texture, giving it similar breathability with better durability and shape retention, so it stays looking newer for longer.
Crepe Cotton vs Fleece. Fleece is warm and cosy but not breathable — not ideal for Australian conditions or for babies who run warm. Crepe cotton is a much safer choice for temperature regulation.
Crepe Cotton vs Jersey Knit. Jersey knit is stretchy and soft, but as a knit fabric it doesn't hold a snug swaddle wrap as securely as a woven fabric like crepe cotton, which is the more traditional choice for swaddling specifically.
Crepe Cotton vs Bamboo. Bamboo is another excellent option — it's incredibly soft and also breathable. Both are great for babies with sensitive skin, so it often comes down to personal preference between the two.
How to Use a Crepe Cotton Swaddle
The basic swaddle:
- Lay the swaddle in a diamond shape on a flat surface
- Fold the top corner down about 15cm
- Place your baby on the swaddle with their neck on the fold
- Bring the left side across and tuck under their right side
- Fold the bottom up
- Bring the right side across and tuck in
Safe swaddling tips:
- Always place a swaddled baby on their back to sleep
- Make sure the swaddle is snug but not too tight — you should be able to fit two fingers between the swaddle and your baby's chest
- Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling — usually around 4–6 months
- Don't cover your baby's face or head with the swaddle
How to Care for Crepe Cotton Swaddles
- Machine wash on a warm or cold gentle cycle
- Tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry
- The fabric may shrink slightly on first wash — this is normal
- No need to iron — crepe cotton's pebbled texture is meant to look relaxed and soft
- Wash before first use to activate the softening process
Our Crepe Cotton Swaddles at Mae & Rae
Our Mae & Rae Swaddles are made from the softest 100% crepe cotton and come in a range of beautiful prints — from the classic Posy Floral to the warm Choc Moon.
They're large enough to get a proper swaddle wrap, breathable enough for Australia's climate and beautiful enough for all the newborn photos. At $40 they're one of the best value baby essentials you'll find.
They also make the most beautiful baby shower gift — especially paired with a matching bow in our Newborn Bundle.
Mae & Rae is an Australian handmade baby accessories and kids clothing brand. Made with love for your little one.