Organic Cotton Clothes

The Pros and Cons Of Organic Baby Clothes

My children sometimes wear organic clothing and for the last 4 years I have been selling organic baby clothes, so have read many articles about the benefits of organic baby clothing. My philosophy has always been taking a pragmatic approach to making an organic or ethical choice. Keeping within your means and doing just a little, rather than the complete lifestyle change, if that's all you can afford.

But what are the real benefits of organic clothes for babies and are there any down sides to clothing your baby in organic cotton. Based on my experience here are my practical pros and cons for you and your baby. (There are others relating to the environment and cotton growers that I won't cover in this article.)

The Pros

1. Organic cotton is naturally grown which means it has longer fibres producing cloth that is beautifully soft, reducing the risk of rubbing and irritating your babies skin.
2. No formaldehyde (used as a finishing agent) is used, which can cause rashes and even asthma. So organically grown cotton is better for those with allergies and chemical sensitivities.
3. It's pretty widely known that babies up to about the age of 2 have much thinner skin than adults, making their skin prone to absorbing more things such as nasty chemicals. Organic cotton is grown without the use of any chemicals and is dyed with low impact dyes so reducing the risk of absorbing unwanted chemicals into the blood stream.
4. As organic cotton is pesticide free and therefore a lower yield, the fibres are denser. This makes the cotton more durable and it holds its shape better, even after repeated washing. This can mean that organic clothing has great hand me down potential, making it better value in the long run.
5. It's been widely publicised by many Eczema societies that organic cotton can help reduce irritation of baby eczema, especially at night.
6. Organic cotton smells clean, it really does! (You're not inhaling chemical smells)

The Cons

1. Price. Organic cotton on the face of it is undoubtedly more expensive in the short term.
2. Availability. Not all shops stock organic cotton clothing making it more difficult for some to access it.
3. The number of organic baby clothing suppliers is still fairly small which can limit the choice of styles and designs.
4. Washing in bio washing detergent can somewhat reduce the chemical free benefits. 

Like most negatives you can always turn them into a positive, and with my passion for ethical and organic products you wouldn't expect me to leave the cons without comment!

So what can be done to reduce the impact of ‘The Cons'

Price - Shop around, buy during sales and re-use your precious clothes for your other children or even sell on your babies clothing that no longer fits.

Availability - Shop online and take advantage of free delivery! Join natural parenting forums to gain advice from other parents as to where they buy their clothing.

Choice - Find a favourite ethical and organic retailer and sign up for their newsletters to get in on the news about new suppliers and expanding ranges as it's happening all the time.

Washing - Use non  bio or eco plant based washing detergent and softeners, they won't add to your chemical count. Being pragmatic, buy cheap bibs to protect your lovely organic baby clobber, especially at meal times. Just like any treasured outfit, organic or not, you know the frustration when it gets bolognaise sauce on it!

Making the switch to organic cotton for your baby takes some thought, especially for the majority of us who have to watch what we spend. There are significant benefits for babies to be clothed in organic cotton clothing, but expecting to have a complete wardrobe full is unrealistic for most.

My advice is always to start small and prioritise. Clothing that is worn next to skin is more important than outer layers so if you want to clothe your baby with organic cotton then an organic baby vest or organic baby grow is a good place to start.

Organic Cotton Clothing Sustainable Eco Friendly

Quiksilver Boys 8-20 Rhythm Tee, Royal, Small List Price: $24.00 Sale Price: $19.99 You save: $4.01 (17%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features 1/2 organic cotton & 1/2 recycled polyester Screenprinted interior neck label Super soft tee

Quiksilver Boys 8-20 Wet and Wild Tee, Navy, Large List Price: $18.00 Sale Price: $14.99 You save: $3.01 (17%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features 6% organic cotton Classic fit Screenprinted

Quiksilver Boys 2-7 Brock Short-Sleeve Tee, Blue Heather, 4T Sale Price: $16.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features 6 percent organic cotton Screenprinted Classic fit

Ecoland Organic Cotton Baby Newborn Quarter Socks 0-6 months - 6 Pairs Value List Price: $24.75 Sale Price: $18.00 You save: $6.75 (27%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Itty bitty, light and fluffy. Your baby's feet will be so comfortable in these soft quarter socks. Made with the highest quality organic cotton! Our products are sustainably processed and sewn in sweatshop-free environment.They are packaged with 100% recycled materials and printed with soy-based inks. Size 0-6 months. 6 pairs total. Features 84% Organic Cotton, 13% Nylon, 2% Rubber, 1% Spandex 3 pair Natural, 3 pair White Perfect gift for all occassions Made in a sweatshop-free factory in Taiwan Packaged with 100% recycled materials

Hudson Baby Organic Touched By Nature Neutral Designs Blanket, Green-Tree Sale Price: $9.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features Embroidered artwork Fabric content: 100% organic cotton Machine washable

Gerber Brand 6 Pack Prefold Birdseye Organic Diaper, White List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $10.96 You save: $4.03 (27%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description * Made of 100% certified organic cotton. * Birdseye weave fabric is made from many small fine yarns, woven in a fashion that provides a soft, quick drying and absorbent diaper. * Prefolded 3-ply center panel. * Washable and reuseable.Model: 409896060Dimensions: 2.00 (Length) 4.00 (Width) 6.00 (Height) Features Our organic cloth diapers are an earth-friendly choice for those parents who prefer an alternative to disposable diapers Made of 100% certified organic cotton Birdseye weave fabric is made from many small fine yarns, woven in a fashion that provides a soft, quick drying and absorbent diaper Prefolded 3-ply center panel An eco-friendly alternative to disposable diapers because they are washable and reusable

Sckoon Organic Cotton Skinny Rabbit Doll (stuffing is organic, too!) List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $14.47 You save: $5.52 (28%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description No Chemicals: Sckoon products are made of certified organic cotton; picked by hand and spun without the use of any chemicals. It is safe and irritant-free for your baby most sensitive and tender skin. Features 100% Egyptian cotton world famous extra long fibers that bring exceptional softness and strength. The more you wash, the softer it gets; your baby will love the comfort. Easy Care: Just throw it in your washing machine! 100% Egyptian Organic Cotton requires no special care, except avoiding high temperature when washed & dried. All Sckoon Products, baby clothing, pads and accessories are made of 100% Egyptian, 100% Demeter Certified Organic Cotton; the rarest and the most luxurious fibers in the world

prAna Women's Marina Zip Up Sweater, Blue, Large List Price: $69.95 Sale Price: $41.97 You save: $27.98 (40%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description It can be hard to get started when the rock is chilly, but you can climb your first warm-up pitch in this organic cotton zip-up. You won't want to take it off anyway. We used extra-wide soft ribbed cuffs and a rich embroidered/printed mandala on the front. Features Organic cotton zip-up with front patch pockets ,1 x 1 rib cuffs, waistband and stand collar ,Front printed art with embroidery detail 100% Organic Cotton

Quiksilver Boys 2-7 Eye Chart Short-Sleeve Tee, Revolution Red, 3T Sale Price: $16.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features 6 percent organic cotton Screenprinted Classic fit

Organic Cotton Wash Cloth Cranberry Sale Price: $4.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Made of thick, thirsty 100% certified organic cotton. Available in 5 updated colors to compliment any décor. Exceptional quality at a competitive price. Wash cloth size 12" x 12". Certified organic by Ecko. Features Wash cloth size 12" x 12". Certified organic by Ecko.