Behind The Brand: Silky Tots Founder Nikki Bardis

Silky Tots- Pillowcases and Baby Bedding

Silky Tots silk bedding and cot slips do much more than just prevent hair knots. As founder Nikki Bardis explains, silk has a whole load of health and wellbeing benefits, promoting better sleep, regulating heat and much more.

Here, Nikki explains her sleeping beauty story and how her innovative product became a nursery must-have for parents worldwide… 

What was the inspiration behind Silky Tots slips?

With my first daughter, Ollie, I kept finding lumps of hair in her cot after she slept. I was confused as I had the best organic cotton sheets but I quickly realised it was friction that was causing the problem. After some research, I found that silk would eliminate this friction but allowing the hair to glide gently over the mattress surface. 

When researching, I came upon all the other health benefits of silk: it’s non-absorbent so doesn’t strip skin or hair of its natural oils, it’s breathable, temperature regulating and un-inhabitable by dust mites, so was the perfect solution!

I searched online but I couldn’t find anything silk on the market that was safe for babies. So, it made total sense to me, if I was creating something for Ollie, why wouldn’t all parents want the best for their babies too?! That was my ‘aha!’ moment. 

How is Silky Tots unique?

The Cot Slip didn’t exist before I created it. I wanted to create something that was safe to use in the cot, whilst still offering an accessible price point. It took 18 months of product development to get our design right but it was all worth it as we have a truly innovative, safe and practical product. 

Tell us about Silky Tots evolution?

Due to demand our range quickly grew to offer silk solutions for all stages of the parenting journey, from bassinet slips, bed nest sheets and cot sheets, through to silk pillow slips and eye masks for mum (and dad!). One of my favourite things is the Silky Tots 2 in 1 silk head support that grows with your little traveller. It provides support and comfort on the move, whilst also offering the benefits of silk.

I have lots of exciting things in the pipeline, which I cannot wait to reveal! The business has grown exponentially and now can be seen stocked around the world. We have just launched our own websites in the US and EU and are looking to expand further with other territories in the pipeline.  

Why do parents love Silky Tots?

On a practical level, silk is kinder to skin and hair because it reduces friction so hair and skin glide across the silk. It is also non-absorbent, so doesn’t strip skin or hair of its natural oils. Silk is temperature regulating, breathable. Hypoallergenic, uninhabitable by dust mites, recommended for eczema and asthma and machine washable! Silk really is a wonder fabric and I’m passionate about sharing the health and wellbeing benefits. Silky Tots is more than just bedding. 

Tell us about the Silky Tots philosophy?

The philosophy of the brand is that ‘We believe in the Magic of sleep’.

Babies can spend up to 17 hours a day sleeping; we want to make that a time of gentle rest and rejuvenation for all your little ones. We believe silk is not a luxury, but a necessity for the best sleep.

What was it like launching a business and having a baby to care for?

Intense and amazing! I don’t know any different, but I am resilient and have an extreme work ethic, so like to be busy always! My main motivation behind starting my own business was so I could be flexible and work from home with my children. Lots of late nights and early mornings, but none of it really felt like work… I truly love what I do and am extremely grateful. 

What does a typical day look like – the business and two young children?

Family comes first and I work between kinder runs! I often work late into the evening once the girls have gone to bed, the lines can get blurred sometimes, but we make it work. I am very lucky to have helpful husband and I have learnt to be really efficient. Working smarter, not harder, is key.

Website:  www.silkytots.com Instagram @silkytots

Want to see the products up close? Come to our next Sydney baby expo or Melbourne baby expo by visiting our Sydney baby expo page here or our Melbourne baby expo page here.