When it comes to baby clothes, parents want the best for their little ones. That means finding clothes that are comfortable, look good and are gentle on your child's skin - as well as the planet.
While there are a growing number of eco-friendly options available when it comes to baby clothing, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Fear not, My Little Green Wardrobe is on hand to help you navigate the sometimes confusing landscape of sustainable baby and children’s clothing.
When it comes to choosing clothes for our little ones, there are a few key considerations that can help us make choices that are both kind to the earth and good for our children. Here are some of the best eco-friendly baby clothing options available today.
Why is Organic Cotton a Great Choice for Baby Clothing?
Compared to regular cotton, which requires large amounts of pesticides and fertilisers in order to grow, organic cotton is grown using natural methods that help to protect local biodiversity, reduce water pollution, and promote healthy land use.
Plus, organically grown cotton takes less energy to produce and reduces carbon emissions, making it an especially attractive option for parents concerned about the environment. With all these advantages and more, it's no wonder that so many people are turning to organic cotton when they need baby clothes that are both safe and ethical. Whether you're looking for sweet infant rompers or layering pieces for a toddler on the go, eco-friendly baby clothing made from organic cotton is sure to keep your little ones happy and comfortable.
Natural Bamboo fabric is also a good option, as it's soft and gentle on skin
Babies have particularly sensitive skin, so it's important to choose fabrics that won't irritate or cause discomfort.
Natural bamboo fabrics are a good option for parents who want to ensure their child's comfort because it has hypoallergenic properties.
Bamboo is naturally soft and strong, and it's also highly absorbent - making it ideal for use in clothing. In addition, bamboo is a sustainable resource - since it grows quickly without pesticides - so parents can feel good about using a fabric that's better for the environment.
Look for baby clothes made with natural dyes and without harmful chemicals
Baby clothes are often made with synthetic dyes, which can contain a variety of toxic chemicals.
These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or through the mouth, since babies frequently suck on their clothing. This can cause allergies and health problems, especially in young children.
Natural dyes are a much safer option, and they are also more sustainable since they do not require the use of harsh chemicals during the manufacturing process.
Many new garments - including baby clothes - are sprayed with preservatives such as formaldehyde to keep them wrinkle and stain free and resistant to mildew.
These have been found in concentrations far higher than the safe recommended levels for babies.
When shopping for baby clothes, look for items that are made with natural dyes and free of harmful chemicals - for example GOTS, or Oeko-Tex certified.
This will help to ensure that your child is comfortable and safe while also supporting sustainable practices.
Avoid buying clothes that are made from synthetic materials, like polyester
Parents know that keeping their children healthy and happy are primary concerns. When it comes to clothing, it can be low-cost and convenient to purchase synthetic materials like polyester - which is the most-used material globally for garment production.
However, parents should be aware of the potential negative effects of fabrics like polyester on our children's health, as these materials can restrict air flow and trap heat. Additionally, clothes made from synthetic materials contain petroleum-based harmful chemicals, which may leach into the skin of babies and young children with increasing exposure over time.
Add to that the fact that polyester can take as long as 200 years to break down, it is clearly not an ideal option. Unless it’s been burned, every single piece of polyester fabric ever made is still here with us somewhere.
As more and more people become concerned about the environmental and ethical impacts of these materials, we are beginning to see a shift towards more sustainable and ethical options in children's clothing.
What to do with old baby clothes when you are finished with them
Parents with young children know that babies grow quickly and outgrow their clothes every few months.
When they finally do outgrow them, many parents are left with a pile of adorable but no longer needed baby clothes - what now?
Instead of throwing these clothes away, there are a few sustainable and ethical options available.
Parents can organise clothing swaps with parents or family members who have children around similar ages. Ideally with children a couple of years either side of yours, you can borrow from their older one, and hand down to the younger one.
Some brands, such as Frugi, are beginning to receive their old clothes back so they can repair them or recycle them into new garments.
Parents can also recycle their old baby and children’s clothes by donating them to a local baby bank or charity shop.
Or, they can sell them at a consignment store or online. Remember the better the quality of the clothes you bought to start with, the more likely you are to be able to get some money back from them.
By recycling or donating old baby clothes, parents can help reduce waste and ensure that these clothes will have a second life.
If you're looking for eco-friendly baby clothes that are gentle on your little one's skin, as well as on the planet, My Little Green Wardrobe has got you covered.
All of the brands featured on our site use natural fabrics and dyes made from certified organic cotton so you can be sure your child is comfortable and safe.
And you can shop safe in the knowledge that you are making the best choice for your, and their, future.
With love,
Lucy
X
Author: Lucy Todd
Lucy Todd is the founder of My Little Green Wardrobe. She started her own ethical clothing journey after spending countless hours trying to find suitable clothes for her own children. Her expertise are in the manufacturing and distribution of clothing, with a particular focus on sustainability, ethical working practices, harmful chemicals, and the environmental impact of the apparel industry.
About Me | Linkedin