Baby Kimono - Traditional Japanese Style

Baby Kimono are a natural off-shoot of the Japanese kimono for adults - the traditional dress of Japan.

'Kimono' in Japanese is a combination of the words 'ki' which means 'to wear' and 'mono' which means 'thing'.

The basic 'wrap style' of the kimono has never changed but the styles of kimono have undergone quite drastic changes over the years. Today you can find many variations on the kimono style for men, women, children and babies.

Like all things Japanese, the type of kimono worn has specific meaning and reflects the wearer. This can include sex, age, maritcal status amongst other things.

Baby kimono also come in various styles, colours and shapes - but like the traditional kimono for adults they maintain their 'wrap style' and it is this element to the garments that is one of their main benefits.

In this hub page I am going to tell you my top 5 reasons why I think baby kimono, and in particular authentic Japanese baby kimono are such a great item for any baby.

1. Traditional Japanese textile printing uses rich, vibrant colours that make your baby stand out from the crowd - move aside pastel blue and pink!
2. Japanese fabics also have a wonderful reputation for quality and durability meaning they wash well and keep their colours and shape for longer.
   
3. The 'wrap style' used with baby kimono gives added comfort to your little one with the use of cloth ties (not poppers!) which are adjustable. The care label is also placed away from the skin meaning that there is less chance of irritation for senstive babies.
4. There is nothing to pull over the baby's head. All parents will tell you how stressful that can be especially if the baby is newborn and the neck is still wobbly.
5. They are great to take on beach holidays, they are light, easy to pack and make your little one stand out on the sand!
   

Baby kimono are perfect for taking on beach holidays. One friend took some Japanese baby kimonos to the Maldives on holiday and told me how great they were.

Here are 5 reasons why Japanese baby kimono are wonderful to take to the beach:

1) They are light and easy to pack. I'm sure you've had problems packing before going on holiday - I know I have. And babies have enough things already what with bottles, nappies, toys and all those things you just can't get at your destination. So a couple of kimono in your suitcase take up very little room and weighs almost nothing (which is even more important if you are taking a budget airline!)

2) They are flexible to fit your baby. On a hot day you can loosen the ties and give your baby more room and avoid any possible irritation caused by sweat or rubbing of the fabric.

3) Sizes for small babies are all-in-one which means you don't have to worry about two things - just pop on the kimono and you are done!

4) They wash well. Japanese fabric is well known for its quality and durability meaning that it will look good even after a long day in the sun and a wash in the sink back at the hotel.

And finally...

5) They make your baby stand out on the sand. Very few parents understand the benefits of baby kimono (or where to buy the best quality ones) so any baby in an authentic baby kimono will certainly get people coo-ing!