As a mom and maker, every decision I make for Cotton Lane is deeply personal. If I wouldn’t put it on my own children, I won’t put it in our shop. That’s why when I started researching fabrics for our upcoming line of pajamas, I was drawn—as so many of us are—to bamboo. It’s soft. It’s everywhere. And it’s marketed as a natural, eco-friendly dream.
But the deeper I dug, the more uncomfortable I got.
Bamboo Isn't What You Think It Is
The truth is, “bamboo fabric” is almost never natural bamboo. It’s rayon—a heavily processed synthetic material made by chemically breaking down bamboo pulp and spinning it into fiber. The process is so aggressive that none of the original benefits of bamboo survive.
One of the most concerning chemicals used in this transformation is carbon disulfide (CS₂).
The Hidden Danger: Carbon Disulfide
Carbon disulfide is used during the production of bamboo rayon to dissolve the cellulose from bamboo into a viscous liquid. This chemical is toxic, not just to the environment, but to the people who manufacture the fabric—and possibly to those who wear it. 99% of bamboo fabrics used in baby clothing is made with this toxic chemical.
People exposed to carbon disulfide have shown a wide range of serious health symptoms, including:
- Neurological damage
- Reproductive harm
- Mood disturbances and emotional instability
- Insomnia and sleep disruption
- Skin rashes and irritation
- Hormonal and behavioral regulation issues
Even small, chronic exposure has been linked to poor sleep, mood disorders, and delayed cognitive development.
Is Your Baby Having Trouble Sleeping or Extra Moody?
Seriously consider whether they’re wearing bamboo fabric. Ask the shop if carbon disulfide was used during production—99% of the time, it is. And that’s deeply concerning.
Even trace amounts of carbon disulfide exposure—especially in babies and young children—can have a lasting effect on sleep quality, emotional regulation, and cognitive development. Their skin is more absorbent, and their nervous systems are still developing. We cannot afford to ignore this.
Why We Chose TENCEL™ Instead
When I discovered TENCEL™, everything changed.
TENCEL™ is the brand name for a type of lyocell and modal fiber produced by Lenzing, a company based in Austria that holds some of the strictest environmental and safety certifications in the world. Unlike bamboo rayon, TENCEL™ is made using a closed-loop process that recycles over 99% of the solvents used, drastically reducing environmental impact and completely eliminating carbon disulfide from the process. It is the same soft feeling but it's safe and non-toxic.
TENCEL™ is:
- OEKO-TEX® and FSC certified
- Incredibly soft and breathable
- Naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking
- Made using non-toxic, sustainable processes
- Safe for sensitive skin, babies, and the planet
It’s a little more expensive. It takes more effort to source. But it’s worth it—for our kids, for our conscience, and for the future.
To learn more about TENCEL™ take a peek at what Lenzing has to say here. If you get an error message when you click the link, reload your browser.
The Cotton Lane Promise
We’re not just making cute pajamas. We’re building something safe, honest, and deeply thoughtful—for your children and mine. That’s why our new PJ line is being made exclusively with TENCEL™, and why you’ll never see “bamboo” rayon in our shop.
Because softness shouldn’t come with secrets.
If you’d like to learn more about TENCEL™, fabric safety, or upcoming launches, make sure you’re part of our email community! I’d love to have you along for this journey.
Warmly,
Kyla
Founder, The Cotton Lane
