Eco Parenting

Are Organic Baby Clothes Necessary?

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When choosing clothes for your new baby, does organic really matter or are parents simply latching on to the latest trend? For those who care about the health of their baby and the environment, going organic is crucial. Others may be following the trend and inadvertently helping the environment at the same time.

Author: Georgia Templeton

Organic baby clothes are becoming increasingly popular, but what exactly are they? Many companies tout their clothing as “organic”, but this term is often used loosely. Organic clothing is clothing made from fibers that are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or other chemicals. In addition, truly organic fibers are processed without using harsh dyes, chemicals or mixing the organic fibers with non-organic ones.

Popular organic materials for making baby clothing are: organic cotton, soybean fiber, bamboo fiber, hemp or organic wool. Many organic clothing manufacturers choose to leave garments in their natural colors. Some may choose to use crushed petals or plant fibers to achieve different hues with as little processing as possible.

Organic baby clothes are durable because the fibers have not been weakened by chemical processing. They are softer against the skin and are safe for baby since they contain no chemicals to be absorbed by the infant’s skin.

Natural bamboo fibers are naturally anti-microbial, softer than cotton and feel similar to silk against your baby’s skin. Organic bamboo and organic soybean fibers are sustainable textile fibers made from renewable natural resources. They do not contribute to a wasteful environment and do not pollute our natural resources.

Why buy organic cotton?
According to SustainableCotton.org…..”According to 1995 data, United States farmers applied nearly one-third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for every pound of cotton harvested. When all nineteen cotton-growing states are tallied, the crop accounts for twenty-five percent of all the pesticides used in the U.S. Some of these chemicals are among the most toxic classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In developing countries, where regulations are less stringent, the negative impacts are even more severe.”

Organic clothing is also more gentle on baby’s skin. An infant’s skin is easily irritated. Organic baby clothes contain fewer irritants than chemically processed clothing. Organic clothing may be up to 95% free of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and chemical fertilizers that can be harmful to your child and the environment.

Each family has their own personal reasons for going green. It may be to help the environment, provide a better future for your children, to live healthier, or to simply embrace nature’s glory. Your reason for seeking out organic products determines your level of commitment to the cause.

When purchasing organic baby clothes, you must decide how green you want to go. A reputable organic clothing store will list products that use a mixture of fibers and the fabrication process will be explained as well. Always ask about chemicals used on the garment and if the fiber is truly organic or a mixture or organic and processed materials. An organic garment should be free from plastic buttons, polyester tags, nylon stitching and other non-organic materials.

Keep in mind that all organic baby clothes do not contain spandex like many popular baby clothing lines. This means that the garment will be made with a tighter weave and will give very little. Always check sizing recommendations before purchasing from a new company and choose a size that is a little larger than what you would normally purchase, so your little one has some growing room.

Choosing organic baby clothing is a great way to show your support for helping the environment. Organic fibers are healthy for baby and healthy for our natural resources. Green living goes beyond recycling plastics and aluminum; it involves changing the way you think about consumable materials in general. Organic is a way of life.

Greener living is important these days. Choosing organic baby clothes or products helps your child’s world be cleaner and safer for when that infant grows up. Opt for earth-friendly organic baby clothes and products and go green today!

“As I travel the country for my green living TV series I see eyes and minds open when parents learn they are going to bring a baby into this world; suddenly they want to create a healthy home environment with a kitchen full of healthy foods. The opportunity and desire for positive change is, in my opinion, never stronger. ”
—Sara Snow, TV Host / Green Living Expert, Host of “Get Fresh with Sara Snow” on Discovery Health. Review of Raising Baby Green

About the author:
Georgia enjoys decorative and unique items and is involved is OS commerce. Visit us at: www.WesternBabyGifts.com

Image Source: Amazon.com

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