Our children are our most precious and their health is very important to us. We try to feed our children with organic foods and provide them with a hygienic, warm and comfortable environment so that they can healthily complete their development. The clothes we choose for them are also one of the factors that affect their healthy growth.
Babies' skin is 30% thinner than adults’ [1]. For this reason, their skin is more vulnerable to materials contained in the clothes they wear all day. The skin of babies and children exposed to toxic materials may suffer from allergies, skin rashes, and respiratory disorders. Studies show that some synthetic dyes are linked to many health problems in adults, from skin sensitivity to occupational cancer [2]. The chemicals not only increase the risk of cancer in adults but are particularly harmful to young children as they can cause debilitating neurodevelopmental effects.
The fact that the clothes you choose for your child are made of organic cotton will positively affect both your little one's health and the future of our planet. In summary, using organic cotton in baby and children's clothing means minimizing the use of chemicals, water, and energy during the cultivation of cotton and the production of the garment. In addition, clothes made of organic cotton are more comfortable and more durable. Let's examine in detail the advantages of choosing clothes from organic cotton for our kids:
Environmentally friendly
Chemicals that pollute natural resources are not used in the organic cotton farming process, meaning that the crops do not interfere with pesticides, herbicides, and Genetically Modified Organisms that are harmful to farmers, workers, consumers, and the entire ecosystem. Instead, beneficial agricultural practices such as mechanical sorting and crop rotation are preferred in organic cotton cultivation. In addition, less energy and water are used to produce organic cotton than conventional cotton. Organic cotton production emits up to 94% fewer greenhouse gases [3]. To protect water resources, GOTS regulations restrict hazardous chemicals and require processing units to treat all wastewater. Such sustainable farming practices make organic cotton more environmentally friendly.
Healthy
Clothing that constantly touches children's skin should not contain hazardous chemicals. Babies have sensitive skin and the presence of harmful chemicals poses a danger to their health. During the developmental stage, a baby's skin is extremely sensitive and absorbent. Also, because children's skin is porous, it absorbs more of anything it comes in contact with, including harsh chemicals from clothing. Not only is the skin absorbing these chemicals, but babies' putting clothes in their mouths accelerates the absorption of harmful chemicals. Organic cotton has no pesticide residues, making it an ideal material for the production of baby clothes. Therefore, opting for clothes made from organic cotton is the most reliable way to provide healthy clothes for little ones.
Comfortable
The fabric of the clothes, as well as the cut, is an important element for children to feel comfortable. Organic cotton has soft and breathable properties that are ideal for protecting your baby's skin. The skin-friendly organic cotton means your baby will feel more comfortable in these clothes. Organic cotton maintains a healthy body temperature regardless of climate. It also prevents cold air while absorbing moisture. Your baby may not feel too hot or sweaty as the material helps air circulation. These unique properties make organic cotton suitable for all seasons.
Durable
Garments made of organic cotton are more durable and allow long-term use, as harsh chemicals are not used. Organic cotton is strong enough to withstand frequent machine or hand washing. Thanks to the strong organic cotton fiber, the fabric does not fall apart or wear off with each subsequent wash. While organic cotton baby clothes may have a slightly higher upfront cost, you'll get maximum post-purchase value thanks to the increased durability. Organic cotton is also an excellent material for gloves, caps, and hats that are often exposed to harsh weather conditions. If the accessory you buy can fit babies of many age groups, you can benefit greatly from it. So even when the clothes are small for your child, you can recycle them or donate them for other kids to wear.
So how do you know if the clothes you buy for your baby are made with organic cotton? To understand this, you should pay attention to the presence of the GOTS logo on the packaging of the garment. The GOTS label proves that all stages, from the cultivation of the raw material to the distribution of the product, are produced in an ecologically and socially responsible manner. By choosing GOTS-certified products like Walkiddy for your child, you can contribute to protecting both your kid’s health and the future of our planet.
[2] https://www.academia.edu/51589026/Kitex_Garments_and_Textiles_Industry_A_Deeper_look_Addendum_
