Silky Tots is an innovative new baby brand from Australia that specialises in luxurious silk sleep and lifestyle accessories. CWB meets founder and native Scot, Nikki Bardis, to learn more about the products and the brand’s plans to target the UK market.

 

Laura Turner: What’s the story behind Silky Tots?

Nikki Bardis: When I had my first daughter, Ollie, I thought I was doing the best for her by putting premium organic cotton sheets on her bassinet. However, I would always find clumps of her hair where her head had been rubbing on the sheet.

I had a silk pillowcase myself and knew that silk would eliminate the friction that was causing the hair loss. I searched online but couldn’t find any silk baby bedding and so I made my own.

When I had my second daughter, Mia, we went through the same process. I knew I had to share the solution and I decided to take my idea to market. Silky Tots was founded in 2018 in Melbourne, Australia – I’m originally from Scotland, but have been in Australia since 2005.

LT: What does the Silky Tots collection comprise?

NB: Our core product is the silk cot slip, which can be used on both cots and bassinets. We also offer bassinet slips, full cot sheets, pillow slips and eye masks for mums.

LT: What type of silk do you use and what are the key benefits?

NB: We only use the highest quality 6A grade 22 momme mulberry silk and all of our products are Oeko Tex standard 100 certified.

Silk really is a wonder fabric. Not only does it reduce friction by up to 43% but it’s also non-absorbent, which means it doesn’t strip skin and hair of their natural oils. In addition, silk is hypoallergenic, breathable, naturally temperature regulating and uninhabitable by dust mites, making it perfect for those with allergies too.

LT: How would you describe the brand’s style?

NB: Silky Tots has a minimal and modern aesthetic. The collection comprises both block colours and prints, allowing our products to fit perfectly into every nursery.

 

LT: Are the products easy to care for?

NB: As we only use the highest quality silk, our products are easily machine-washed – who has time for hand washing these days? We highly recommend using a silk or wool detergent to wash our items as even some ‘delicate’ detergents contain enzymes that break down the natural proteins in silk. If you don’t have any silk or wool wash to hand you can actually use a dash of baby shampoo.

LT: Does Silky Tots meet SIDS safety guidelines?

NB: Yes, our products are all designed in line with the SIDS (Red Nose) safety guidelines. Our products are made with natural, breathable fibres and are independently certified non-toxic. Our cot slips also come in two sizes to ensure a snug fit with no loose fabric at all.

LT: As a business, is Silky Tots doing anything to help reduce its environmental impact?

NB: I’m very conscious of having as little negative impact as possible. Our office is completely paperless, we use compostable shipping bags and labels (coming to the UK soon), and all of our products are completely plastic-free and packaged entirely in recyclable boxes.

LT: Does Silky Tots currently have any UK stockists?

NB: We have only recently launched into the UK and are in discussion with some of the country’s largest department stores – watch this space.

LT: Where else is the brand stocked?

NB: We have stockists in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and believe it or not, Kuwait. We are currently growing at a rapid rate in the Middle East too, which is exciting.

 

LT: Where are you looking to next for growth?

NB: Being from Scotland, I’m really passionate about entering the UK market. We’ve got some very exciting products in the pipeline; innovative, practical and beautiful products that really are the best gift for any new mum.

Being passionate about silk and the benefits to families, my main focus in the UK for 2020 is education and I aim to build my community through social media. It’s a really great way to spread the word, showcase the benefits and to team up with key retailers to allow the customers to shop in-store. When someone is able to touch the silk, the products really do sell themselves.

LT: Does the brand have any other developments in the pipeline?

NB: I’m all about collaboration. We launched a collaborative gift bundle with Marcia from NOTSOMUMSY – she’s hugely popular in Australia – so I’d love to do another collab, either with a personality or possibly another brand in the UK.

For further information on Silky Tots, please click here.