Organic cotton for baby and children's clothing: Why it is the best choice
Our children are the most valuable thing we have and their health is very important to us. We try to feed our children organic food and provide them with a hygienic, warm and comfortable environment so that they can develop healthily. The clothing we choose for them is also one of the factors that influence their healthy growth.
The skin of infants is 30% thinner than that of adults [1]. For this reason, their skin is more sensitive to the substances found in the clothing they wear all day. The skin of infants and children exposed to toxic substances can suffer from allergies, rashes, and respiratory diseases. Studies show that some synthetic dyes are linked to numerous health problems in adults, from skin sensitivity to occupational cancer [2]. The chemicals not only increase the cancer risk in adults but are also particularly harmful to small children, as they can lead to impaired neurological development.
The fact that the clothing you choose for your child is made from organic cotton has a positive impact on both your child's health and the future of our planet. In summary, using organic cotton for baby and children's clothing means that the use of chemicals, water and energy in growing the cotton and producing the garment is minimized. In addition, organic cotton clothing is more comfortable and durable. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of organic cotton clothing for our children:
Environmentally friendly
No chemicals are used in the cultivation of organic cotton that burden natural resources. This means that the plants are not treated 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. Additionally, the production of organic cotton consumes less energy and water than conventional cotton. Up to 94% less greenhouse gases are emitted in organic cotton production [3]. To protect water resources, GOTS regulations limit hazardous chemicals and require processing facilities to treat all wastewater. Such sustainable farming methods make organic cotton more environmentally friendly.
Healthy
Clothing that constantly comes into contact with children's skin should not contain dangerous chemicals. Babies have sensitive skin, and the presence of harmful chemicals poses a threat to their health. During the developmental period, a baby's skin is extremely sensitive and absorbent. Additionally, because children's skin is porous, it absorbs more of everything it comes into contact with, including harsh chemicals from clothing. Not only does the skin absorb these chemicals, but the fact that babies put their clothes in their mouths accelerates the absorption of harmful chemicals. Organic cotton contains no pesticide residues and is therefore an ideal material for making baby clothes. Choosing organic cotton clothing is therefore the most reliable way to buy healthy clothing for the little ones.
Comfortable
The fabric of the clothing and the cut are an important element in making children 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 the climate. It protects against cold air and at the same time absorbs moisture. Because the material promotes air circulation, your baby won't feel too hot or sweaty. Thanks to these unique properties, organic cotton is suitable for all seasons.
Durable
Organic cotton garments are more durable and can be used long-term as no harsh chemicals are used. Organic cotton is strong enough to withstand frequent machine or hand washes. Thanks to the strong organic cotton fibers, the fabric does not fall apart or wear out immediately with each subsequent wash. Baby clothes made from organic cotton can be a little more expensive up front, but thanks to their longer durability, you get maximum value after purchase. Organic cotton is also an excellent material for gloves, caps and hats that are often exposed to harsh weather conditions. If the accessories you buy are suitable for babies of many ages, you can benefit greatly from them. Even if the clothes are too small for your child, you can recycle them or donate them for other children to wear.
So how do you know if the clothes you buy for your baby are made from organic cotton? To find out, you should pay attention to the GOTS logo on the garment's packaging. The GOTS seal proves that all steps, from growing the raw material to distributing the product, have been produced in an ecologically and socially responsible manner. When you choose GOTS certified products like Walkiddy for your child, you can help protect both your child's health and the future of our planet.
[2] https://www.academia.edu/51589026/Kitex_Garments_and_Textiles_Industry_A_Deeper_look_Addendum_