Something that was very important to me when I was preparing for my daughter was buying organic baby clothes, produced with GMO-free, pesticide-free materials and free of chemical processing. I resisted the urge to buy every cute baby outfit I saw and stick to safer and more eco-friendly brands that I felt more comfortable with.
So why do I prefer organic clothing for my baby? Well for a start something I found with most organic brands is that they can tell you where the fabric is from, where the clothes are made and how they are processed. This transparency is something that you will not get from big department stores or many brands. They can’t tell you anything and will just repeat the same old line that it meets ‘Australian standards’. Unfortunately, these standards don’t cover harmful substances or meet standards covered under OEKO-TEX certification. Many of these organic brands are covered under Global Organic Textile Standard or OEKO-TEX. If they are not I’d be asking a few more questions.
Babies skin is a lot thinner than ours and can easier absorb harmful chemicals. I feel better knowing that the clothes I am buying for her wouldn’t have anything harmful chemicals and dyes. Cotton is heavily sprayed with pesticides and synthetic fabrics are made with petrochemicals, plastics and other substances. Then the fabrics need to manufactured into clothes, so finishing chemicals and flame retardants may be added. The Australian Standard states that Children’s nightwear and limited daywear (for sizes 00 to 14) must have fire hazard information label. This means they have been chemically treated or are a snug fit. If not buying organic it’s always best to check that snug fit is the reason for low fire danger. For more information on this subject check out the links below.
Not all organic baby clothes are created equal so it’s always best to check out their website or ask a few more questions before you commit to purchasing. Below are some questions that I like to ask.
Tips for buying organic on a budget:
- Sign up to baby boutique and favourite brand websites for sales and vip events
- Take advantage of Instore sales and Outlet stores
- Gift registry for stores or websites
- Buy basics in bulk to take advantages or sales and free shipping
- Web search favourite brands and style until you find sale/free shipping
- David Jones Gift vouchers
- Only buy what you need!
- Invest in organic pyjamas (to avoid flame retardants)
Below are some organic brands available to buy in Australia. Although there are heaps great brands, many you may only find online or in baby boutiques. You can find a few brands in David Jones, such as Purebaby, Huxbaby and Naturebaby. The only brand that I am aware of that has physical stores and outlets is Purebaby. H&M also have their Conscious range, which uses organic cotton. Target and Best & Less also have an organic baby range (note you get what you pay for). Although buying in-store can be easier sometimes, some of these other brands have quite unique prints and have quite good quality materials that continue to look new after many washes.
My favourites are Purebaby, Sapling Child and Joey Jelly Bean. All of which haven’t faded over time and stretch well for growing babies. H& M is good for basics and washes well. Best & Less was probably my least favourite in terms of fabric longevity and shape.
Baby premi-24 months:
Tiny Twig (0000-2)
Gaia Babywear (0000-0)
Earlybirds Organic Collection (premi 1.5-4.5kg )
Me and Tata (premi-0)
Aden + Anais (000-0)
Joey Jelly Bean (000-2)
Little Wings (By Paper Wings) (0000-2)
Little Bean Organic (000-2)
Broken Tricycle (000-2)
Master & Miss (000-0)
Boody Organic Bamboo Eco Wear (0000-1)
Little PawPaw Organic Cotton range (000-0)
Niovi Organics (000-1)
Target Baby Organic (premi-2)
Baby to Child:
Purebaby (0000-4)
Huxbaby (000-5)
Naturebaby (000-4)
Sapling Child (000-5)
Milk & Masuki (000-7)
Anarkid (000-3)
Aster & Oak (000-4)
Fox and Phoenix (000-4)
Gaia Kids Pajamas (1-4)
Baobab (000-10)
Two Tykes (000-5)
Mômes (000-8)
Moon Jelly (0000-6)
Mibo for Coq en Pâte (00-0, 2-6)
H&M Conscious Range (0000-14)
Best & Less (size 000-16)
Mini Rodinis (000-11)
Popupshop (000-5)
Moi Kidz (00-12)
Gardner and the Gang (0-8)
Nico. Nico (1-10)
Questions to ask:
- Is your organic clothing certified, tested and comply with the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS)?
- If made in Australia, are the products BFA registered?
- What certifications does the brand or products comply with?
- Is the fabric treated with flame retardants or any other chemicals to make this fabric low fire danger?
- Is the fabric treated with any chemicals during the manufacturing and processing?
- Are the fabric dyes plant or vegetable based?
References for more reading:
Health Guidance 2017, Is Organic Really Better for Your Baby?, http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/16075/1/Is-Organic-Really-Better-for-Your-Baby.html
The Natural Baby Mama 2014, Is organic clothing worth it? Organic versus non organic cotton (and other fibers), http://thenaturalbabymama.com/baby/is-organic-clothing-worth-it-organic-versus-non-organic-cotton-and-other-fibers/
Live Eat Colour 
Good to know organic can be brought under a budget. Good read!
https://tinytwig.com.au/
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