Short answer, Yes! They're not just safe, they’re smart.
Athletic wicking jersey (AWJ) is a breathable, stay-dry fabric commonly used in cloth diapers, especially by parents and caregivers who want comfort and performance. Originally developed for sportswear, AWJ pulls moisture away from the skin and helps it evaporate quickly, which means baby stays drier for longer.
Why it's safe: AWJ is typically made from polyester, which doesn’t retain moisture. When used as the inner lining of a diaper, it helps reduce the risk of rashes and irritation by keeping moisture off the baby’s delicate skin. It's soft, smooth, and often used in premium cloth diapers for a reason—it works.
Why it’s better than disposables:
Less waste: One cloth diaper lined with AWJ can replace hundreds of disposables.
Cost-effective: Though there's an upfront investment, cloth diapers save money over time.
Fewer chemicals: Disposables often contain fragrances, dyes, and absorbent gels that can be irritating—AWJ-lined diapers are simpler and gentler.
Breathability: Unlike plastic-backed disposables, AWJ-lined cloth diapers allow better airflow, keeping baby's skin cooler and healthier.
Cloth diapers lined with AWJ offer a modern, high-performance alternative that’s great for baby—and better for the planet.
Does polyester have release chemicals that can be absorbed into my babys skin? That’s a great and important question let's get in to it.
Polyester itself is generally considered safe for external use, including in baby clothing and diaper linings like athletic wicking jersey. However, concerns sometimes arise about:
1. Chemical treatments during manufacturing – Some polyester fabrics are treated with dyes, flame retardants, or water-resistant coatings, which can pose risks if not properly rinsed or if the fabric isn’t certified safe for babies.
2. Skin absorption – Polyester is a synthetic fiber and not naturally breathable like cotton, but it's not known to leach harmful chemicals under normal use. Most studies agree that the risk of chemical absorption through intact skin from polyester fabric is very low to negligible. Most disposable diapers on the market contain chemicals that are absorbed through your baby's skin. Studies have found that some of these substances, such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and they linger in the body for extended periods, it can take years to no longer be detectable on the skin surface, after discontinuing use. The long-term effects of these chemicals on reproductive health are still being researched.
Recent studies have raised concerns about the presence of certain chemicals in disposable diapers:
Phthalates: These are plasticizers used to make materials more flexible. Research has detected phthalates like di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in various diaper brands. Both are classified by California regulators as reproductive and developmental toxicants.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Compounds such as toluene and xylene have been found in diapers. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Bisphenols: Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, was detected in 81% of diaper samples tested in a study, with concentrations ranging from 5.0 to 520 ng/g. Exposure to bisphenols can lead to developmental problems and health consequences in adulthood.
These findings highlight the importance of being informed about the materials in baby products. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects, considering alternatives or products that disclose their ingredients may be beneficial.
3. Heat and friction – In rare cases, synthetic fabrics like polyester can cause irritation or heat rashes if a baby is very sensitive, especially in hot climates or when the fabric isn’t moisture-wicking or breathable enough. That’s why the structure of AWJ—lightweight, breathable, and moisture-managing—is key.
The bottom line: If the AWJ is untreated, dye-safe, and certified for baby use (like OEKO-TEX or CPSIA compliant), it's considered safe for baby’s skin. And because it's designed to wick moisture away and reduce contact with wetness, it often helps prevent rashes, not cause them.
All of our diapers and all materials used are fully tested and CPSIA compliant.
