Buying guide
The best muslin keepsakes from a baby's first year are items worn or used repeatedly, then washed and stored once outgrown. A first onesie, a bath towel, and a first hat all hold shape and softness over time. Muslin cotton softens with every wash, so kept pieces feel even better years later.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 24 September 2026
Some baby items are worth keeping, not because they are precious objects, but because they were actually used and loved. Muslin holds up through dozens of washes and stays soft, which means a first-year piece still feels like itself when you pull it from a box years later. Vanessa and Bob at Epic design each piece in Bali to be worn hard and washed often, which is exactly what makes them worth keeping.
A first onesie is the single most worn item in the early months, which makes it the most honest keepsake to save.
Newborn hats are tiny, store flat, and show just how small a baby's head actually was.
A bath towel used at every wash holds a clear memory, and the double-layer muslin keeps its softness even after years in storage.
A matched top and bottom set from the early months gives a complete picture of how small a baby was, and both pieces store together without taking much space.
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry on low heat, and skip fabric softener. Make sure the piece is fully dry before folding it into a box, because any trapped moisture can damage the cotton over time.
Any natural cotton can yellow if stored in plastic bags or exposed to light for years. Fold the piece in acid-free tissue paper or a clean cotton pillowcase, keep it in a cool dark place, and it should hold its colour well.