When you think of ways that you can be helpful for the environment and fair to low-wage workers, ethical baby clothing is unlikely to appear as a solution.
What if you found out that ethical baby clothing can:
- Solve a whole host of environmental issues?
- Improve the living standards of low-wage workers?
- Be cheaper in the long-run?
- Be kind to your baby’s skin?
Would it interest you to make the switch to ethically made baby clothes?
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List Of The Best Ethical Baby Clothing Brands:
- Honest
- Touched By Nature
- Feather Baby
- PARADE Organics
- Lamaze Organic Baby
- Gerber
- The Spunky Stork
- Burt’s Bees Baby
- Goumi
- Monica + Andy
- Finn + Emma
List Of The Best Bamboo Baby Clothing Brands:
What Is Ethical Baby Clothing?
For you to make the switch to ethical baby clothing, you first need to understand what it actually means.
Ethical baby fashion refers to the sustainable and fair process of designing, manufacturing, selling and purchasing clothes.
It covers all the steps of producing baby clothes.
There is no exploitation of labour, environment, and animals during this process unlike the above image.
This is also known as Fair Trade Kids Clothes and it follows the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
There are several principles to adhere to for a company to receive a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
It covers matters such as:
- Employment rights
- Environmental abuse
- Financial fraud
- Safety standards
- Goes across the entire supply chain for creating that textile
Why Is There Focus On Sustainable Baby Clothing Now?
- Fast fashion uses dangerous chemicals and pesticides during the materials farming, and clothes manufacturing process. This is harmful to our baby’s bodies which requires more gentle clothing.
- Fast fashion refers to a rapidly produced mass clothing process which is the complete opposite of the philosphies in producing ethical baby clothing. It is low quality and leads to high textile waste and improperly disposed chemicals, which ends up in landfills and our oceans.
This makes it unsustainable for our planet.
- Fast fashion is made cheaply while exploiting low-wage workers including child workers. Too often these individuals are working in cramped, dirty and dangerous places, either earning the bare minimum or nothing at all due to it being forced labour.
- Polyester which is used in most cheaply made baby clothes releases harmful microfibers when it is washed.
These microfibers end up in our water system and slowly to the oceans where it adds up and is harmful to the marine ecosystem.
Ethically made kids clothes go against the practices above.
Sustainable kids clothing is not just about the eco-friendly materials that are used, but it covers the entire supply chain and consumption process of the textile itself.
List Of All The Best Ethical Baby Clothes Brands
Now that you understand what are ethically made baby clothes, it is time to find out the best brands to purchase ethical baby clothes.
1. Honest
Zip-Front Pjs 100% Organic Cotton – Rainbow Stripe
Product Range: Baby Clothing, Mama Care, Bath & Body, Diapers, Wipes and Cleaning
Age Group: 0 to 5 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
With a focus on clean, sustainable and well-designed products that are made according to The Honest Standard, which bans 3500 questionable ingredients.
Honest ensures that they are creating and supporting a Clean Conscious Culture to make it easier for everyone to make the right choice.
2. Touched By Nature
Product Range: Swaddles, Crib Sheets, Socks, Bibs, Gowns, Pyjamas, Tights, Dresses and Cardigans
Age Group: 0 to 3 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
They sell an assortment of ethically made baby clothes that are fully 100% Organic Cotton which is luxuriously soft on the skin.
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, preventing harmful chemicals from going into the soil water. These organic cotton fabrics are made with no harmful chemicals and are suitable and kind on your baby’s sensitive skin. With every wash the organic cotton fabrics stay true to size, lasting longer and getting softer with every wash.
3. Feather Baby
Product Range: Clothes for baby boys and baby girls.
Age Group: 0 to 3 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
This small scale production company is based in Peru and uses 100% Organic Peruvian Cotton. They work with a network of producers in Peru who are independent, family-owned companies.
All their materials are sourced locally, which means the carbon footprint is extremely low. Their products are designed to be long-lasting with the intention of handing them down to the next baby or even to friends with babies.
4. PARADE Organics
Blue Dogs
Product Range: Pyjamas, harem pants, blankets, rompers, sleep sacs, and kimono gowns
Age Group: 0 to 4 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
PARADE Organics is one of the very first few companies in North America to create ethically made baby clothes. Having travelled to India, the Founders Laura Sage and Bern Tierney were inspired by the quality and purity of the organic cotton.
The organic cotton used is GOTS Certified, which is the highest certification in the industry and produced responsibly in India due to their 4000 year tradition of organic cotton farming.
5. Lamaze Organic Baby
One Piece Coverall
Product Range: Bodysuits, bottoms, rompers, sleepwear, training pants, preemie clothes, thermal wear
Age Group: 0 to 3 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
100% Organic baby clothes, GOTS Certified and eco-friendly. Super soft with less shrinkage, organic cotton that is extra gentle on your babies skin.
Using transparent, sustainable and fair trade supply chains in sweatshop-free production facilities. They are listed as Climate Pledge Friendly and are certified by one of the top sustainability certifications, ensuring their organic textile supply chain meets strict ecological and social standards.
6. Gerber
Dinosaur Blue
Product Range: Baby Accessories, Onesies, Diapers, Pyjamas, Crib Sheets, Fall Clothes, Winter Clothes, Newborn Essentials, Dresses, Baby Shower Gifts, Tops, Pants, Blankets, Bath Products and Swimwear
Age Group: 0 to 5 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Mostly known for nutritious baby food, Gerber provide wholesome and healthy food for babies.
Hoping to go carbon neutral in 2035, Gerber believe in making food that is nutritious for babies and the environment, starting with an organic range and natural jars and pouches. They call this: Climate Forward Nutrition for Baby, as they believe healing the land means healing their future.
They also sell a holistic and comprehensive range of necessities for babies, such as their organic diapers which are recyclable, reusable and machine-washable which also double up as burp cloths.
7. The Spunky Stork
Product Range: Bodysuits, Toddler Tees, Matching Tops with Mummy or Daddy
Age Group: 0 to 5 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Known for their happy, funny and colourful illustrations. A Spunky Store are your go to for all things fun! Super cute baby onesies with matching sets for Mama and Papa t-shirts to be able to join in on the fun!
Their ethically made baby clothes are made with 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, that are free from toxic chemicals to keep your babies immune system safe.
8. Burt’s Bees Baby
Heather Grey
Product Range: Dresses, Leggings, Headbands, Reusable Face Wipes and Shorts
Age Group: 0 to 7 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Well known for their line of clean, organic and natural skincare, Burt’s Bees Baby focuses on babies clothes made from soft organic cotton, that is gentle on the skin yet durable to withstand washes.
Their products are handmade using beautifully soft, organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) and combed and ring-spun for durability, softness and no-pill washing.
9. Goumi
in Artichoke Knit
in Sienna Knit
Organic Soft Stay On Unisex Mittens
Product Range: Preemie, Rompers, Mitts, Boots, Bedding, Knits and Sleepbag
Age Group: 0 to 2 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
A brand that focuses on functionality and solving needs. Goumi designs baby products that just make life easier. The struggle of motherhood can already be a challenge why make it more difficult with troublesome diaper changes! Goumi designed easier diaper snaps for a quicker and ‘seamless’ diaper change and scratch-free mitts with reversible patterns to help your baby’s brain development.
All their products are made from eco-friendly, organic and sustainable materials leaving the smallest footprint behind. Their signature blend of 70% bamboo-derived viscose and 30% organic cotton blend is super soft, breathable, and durable to withstand endless washes.
Especially known for the preemie apparel and accessories, 10% of their sales goes towards NICUs and premature babies.
10. Monica + Andy
Product Range: One-pieces, blankets, caps, gifts & bundles
Age Group: 0 to 2 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Known for their cute and unique prints, Monica + Andy know how to add some fun into you and your baby’s basic routine. Some of their prints are limited edition so there is always fresh new designs for you to get excited by!
The brand was started from the delivery room with the idea trhat ever mother of a newborn wanted to ensure the safest and softest most trustworthy fabric was touching their newborns skin. All fabrics are GOTS Certified Organic Fabrics and lead, phthalate, and flame-retardant free so they are gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin.
11. Finn + Emma
Mom You Got This, 0-3 Months
Organic Cotton, 9-12 Months
Product Range: Toys, Onesies, Kids T Shirts, Leggings, Blankets, Swaddles, Rockers, Bibs, Accessories, Dresses, Tops and Face Masks
Age Group: 0 to 4 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Eye-catching and whimsical designs that stand out, Finn + Emma take a modern spin on timeless classics. All their garments are made from non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes.
Their fabrics are GOTS Certified with heirloom quality meant to last, be kept as keepsakes, hand-me-downs and gifted. Fair trade conditions are enforced to ensure their workers are paid a proper wage with a safe working environment to help them build an independant life for themselves.
Bamboo Baby Clothes – Another Option For Sustainable Baby Clothing
You have learnt about the best ethical baby clothes brands. Another material that is highly popular in sustainable baby fashion is Bamboo baby clothes.
Benefits of Bamboo Baby Clothes
- Bamboo is naturally grown without pesticides because it is so resistant to insects
- Bamboo needs one-third of the water that is used in the farming of organic cotton
- Bamboo does not need to be replanted. It sprouts on its own, hence bamboo grows at a much faster rate than cotton
- The viscose material in the bamboo is much stronger than cotton. Hence, this helps bamboo fabric last longer
- Bamboo fabrics are more breathable and absorbent than cotton. The moisture-wicking rate from bamboo is 40% more efficient.
- Bamboo is biodegradable as it is 100% natural.
Best Bamboo Baby Clothes Brands
1. Comfy Cubs
Product Range: Blankets, Wash Cloths, Burp Cloths, Changing Pads, Bibs, Swaddles, Diaper Caddy and Crib Sheet
Age Group: 0 to 3 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Started by two dads that had the innovative idea to create the best nursery essentials and everyday baby items that were kind to people and the planet, and also your wallet! Thus ensuring that other young families can easily find beautifully made, affordable, and environmentally-friendly products.
Comfy Cubs is GOTS Certified, with evergreen designs and classic prints made from premium, soft, durable materials (organic bamboo, muslin, and cotton) that are sustainable and gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin.
2. Bamboo Little
0-24 Months
Zipper Closure, 0-24 Months
Mini Baby Blanky
Product Range: Bedtime, Blankets, Bathtime, Bibs, Burp Cloths, Bath Towels, and Washcloths
Age Group: 0 to 2 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Using environmentally friendly, soft bamboo fabrics at an affordable price, with minimal packaging, recycled tissue paper, and cornstarch shipping bags to ensure they are truly green.
Their Bamboo products are made with 100% Bamboo fabrics, Bamboo muslin and Bamboo terry. Why Bamboo? Because it’s one of the most renewable and environmentally-friendly materials on Earth. It grows pesticide-free, self-regenerates after harvesting, and doesn’t need chemical treatments. It also repels odors, wicks moisture, stays cooler than cotton (three degrees cooler). Need we say more!
3. Posh Peanut
Product Range: Swaddles, Rompers, Mommy Robes, Infant Gowns,
Age Group: 0 to 10 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Known for their functional and exceptionally beautiful baby products, Posh Peanut uses viscose from Bamboo which results in the softest bamboo fabric which is breathable, lightweight, moisture wicking and buttery soft.
They have also developed their own signature soft fabric called Päpook – sourced from sustainable bamboo without the use of harsh chemicals which meet the highest standards in textile manufacturing. Päpook fabric is stretchable to grow with your baby and is soothing for your baby’s sensitive skin.
4. Kyte Baby
0-24 Months – Sage
Product Range: Preemie, Sleep bags, Rompers, Footies and Toddler Pajamas
Age Group: 0 to 5 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Kyte Baby are the original creators of the Bamboo Sleep Bag – the wearable blanket that helps your baby sleep through the night and gives you peace of mind. The sleep bags are quilted inside to prevent the inner lining from bunching up.
Founded in a small southern town in China, at a small women-owned factory that struggled to keep their workers during off-season, the Founders of Kyte Baby realised babies were born all year round and from there built a full collection of sustainable baby products to suit babies sensitive skin and specific needs!
5. Gunamuna
Product Range: Rompers, Pajamas, Daytime Jumpsuits, Swaddles, Sleep Bags, and Blankets
Age Group: 0 to 3 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Innovative sleepwear that feels like a calming cuddle, and insulates like a comforter. Gunamuna designs sleepwear made from breathable silky hypoallergenic bamboo which meets Oeka Tex standards ensuring your babies sleepwear is free from toxins, chemicals.
Their sleep bags are one of a kind, with weight distribution that increases serotonin, reducing anxiety, relaxing and soothing your baby into a deeper sleep cycle. Their patented WONDERZIP® zippers around the base of the sleep bag means your baby stays covered and cozy during changes.
All sleepwear meet the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines of sleep.
6. Guisby
Soft One Piece Long Sleeve Sleeper
Newborn Infant Girls 0-24 Months
Long Sleeves
Product Range: Newborn, Pajamas, and Bodysuits
Product Range: Preemie Onesies, Kids T Shirts, Headbands, Rompers, Pants, Jumpsuit, Hats and Leggings
Age Group: 0 to 2 years old
Shipping Destination: International
Description:
Baby clothes made from the softest bamboo fiber with 95% bamboo fiber and 5% spandex, helping your baby to keep cool, dry and comfortable.
Bodysuits that fit snug that hold their shape and do not stretch or loose their softness after multiple washes.
As you can see, there are a variety of options available for you to select ethical baby clothing that contains organic fibres or bamboo materials.
You have learnt about the various options available for you to select ethical baby clothing that contains either organic fibres or bamboo materials.
If you are still unsure about making the switch to ethical baby clothing, continue reading to learn more about why you should make the switch.
Are Ethically Sourced Baby Clothes Cost-Effective?
Now that you know what the best ethical baby clothes brands are, you may feel concerned about your budget.
Do you remember being advised to buy something of good quality so that it lasts longer? The same principle applies to this.
Cost per wear refers to the number of wears you obtain per item. The more you can wear it, the cheaper the investment.
Imagine if your baby wore a $3 onesie and it gave way after 3 months.
This is usually the case with very cheap clothing. Either the labels are worn off, the colours get washed away or the material simply tears / looks old.
Your baby may have worn it twice a week.
For 3 months, that is 24 uses.
This roughly translates to $3 / 24 uses = $0.13 per wear.
This ethically sourced baby onesie costs $22.99 for 4 pieces.
That makes it just $5.75 per piece.
It is built to last longer, comes with fair trade cotton and has the Global Organic Textile Standard certification.
Imagine it being used for at least 2 years?
Firstly with your baby, perhaps baby number 2 or you may have sold it or given it away.
With the same estimation of 8 uses per month, this onesie will have 192 uses in 2 years.
Therefore, the cost per wear is $5 / 192 = $0.02.
Is it apparent now how much cost-savings you can enjoy when investing in ethical baby clothes?
Can you imagine there would be better cost savings with ethical kids clothes?
Since toddlers and young children are more active, the likelihood of them damaging their cheap clothes becomes higher.
As such, it cannot be used after a few months, re-sold second hand or given away as a blessing.
The opposite applies to sustainable kids clothes. There is no need to replace their wardrobe every few months as their clothes are built to last longer.
The best part, your children will still look stylish with eco-friendly kids clothes.
As such, purchasing eco-friendly baby clothing will not cause you to break the bank.
In the long-run, you will save money as you buy lesser clothes and use it for a longer period.
How Are Ethically Sourced Baby Clothes Made?
Organic Fibres
A textile that carries a GOTS label must have at least 70% certified organic fibres. Higher-level certifications are given to textiles with at least 95% certified organic fibres.
Organic fibres are naturally grown and they do not contain any harmful chemicals on pesticides in the entire production process.
This means that the items used are biodegradable, safe for the environment and our skin.
Using Upcycled Clothing
Did you know that the global volume of textile waste calculated in 2015 was an estimated 92 million tonnes? It was expected to grow at a staggering 60% between 2015 and 2030.
Unfortunately, about 95% of the clothing that is sent to landfills can be recycled or reused.
This is where upcycling comes in. Eco-friendly kids clothes are made using upcycled clothing.
Upcycling refers to the process of reusing old clothes or textile waste and then repurposing them to become better than its original state.
There are some creative ways to reuse textiles such as saris that are being turned into useful bags to give them a second life!
Global Organic Textile Standard
On 24 April 2013, an eight-storey garment factory building, Rana Plaza, collapsed in Dhaka Bangladesh. 1134 souls perished that day, with thousands more suffering horrific injuries.
This was caused due to appalling working conditions created by an even more inhumane management.
The Global Organic Textile Standard was completely ignored here. This standard is for textile companies that adhere to workers safety standards, pay a fair living wage to employees and where there is no forced employment.
If you were to buy ethically made baby clothes, you can rest assured that it was made by people who were able to work in fair and safe conditions.
Now isn’t that something to be proud of wearing on your back?
Some Health Benefits Of Wearing Sustainable Kids Clothing With Organic Fibres
Promotes Moisture Wicking
Moisture Wicking is a natural process of removing moisture from your body and releasing it for evaporation.
What is the importance of this? Clothes and fabrics with these properties work by pulling the moisture from the layer closest to your skin to the outer fabric layers allowing sweat to evaporate more easily. The evaporation of sweat is actually what gives us the cooling sensation to prevent us from getting overheated.
No Skin Irritation
As sweat evaporates naturally, your baby will not suffer skin irritation or rashes, especially with their more sensitive and gentle skin. Baby’s have such soft and sensitive skin and are prone to heat rash, this is because their sweat glands have not yet fully developed.
Heat rash occurs when a baby’s sweat glands get blocked and inflamed. When this happens, sweat gets trapped under their skin and can cause small spots and blisters to develop. The best way to soothe your babies heat rash is with some calming balm to help alleviate their skin.
Zero Chemicals and Zero Pesticides Absorbed
The materials used in sustainable and ethical baby clothing is produced using zero chemicals and pesticides. To achieve GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard) there are two standards:
- Organic which requires a minimum of 95% organic fibres
- Made with organic materials which requires at least 70% organic fibres
For fabrics such as cotton and bamboo to qualify for organic status the use of toxic chemicals is prohibited to be used to grow and cultivate these raw materials.
These include chemicals that are harmful to both humans and the environment, and requires the regulation for the treatment of wastewater.
Another level of certification is in the actual production of the clothes and how the fabrics are produced and dyed.
The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a certification that prohibits the use of toxic dyes amongst them including prohibited azo dyes, carcinogenic and allergenic dyes, phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides, heavy metals and so on.
Items with an OEKA-TEX label certifies that every component of the product, from the fabric to the thread and accessories, has been rigorously tested against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals.
Products with both GOTS and OEKA-TEX certifications, you can rest assured that your baby will not be coming in contact with and absorbing any toxins or harmful chemicals to their sensitive skin.
Some Environmental Benefits Of Wearing Sustainable Kids Clothing With Organic Fibres
Promotes Soil Fertility
As no chemicals and pesticides are used in the farming process, the soil is not damaged and the land can be reused for the next round of crops.
Zero Groundwater Pollution
As no chemicals and pesticides are used in the farming process, nothing harmful is released into the groundwater. Hence the water consumed by the nearby locals, wildlife and nature is safe.
Another way for you to also ensure you are helping the environment and looking after the environments water health, as a byproduct of washing your babies clothes is to use laundry detergents that are eco-friendly and also suitable for your babies sensitive skin.
Eco-friendly laundry detergents are derived from plants using the powerful cleaning properties of natural products. They are hypoallergenic preventing allergic reactions, with enzymes that fight tough stains!
Free of Dyes and Fragrances | Powered by Natural Plant-Based Ingredients | Low Waste Packaging (Unscented, 64 Count)
Lesser Soil Irrigation Required
Water consumed during this organic farming process is reduced by up to 91%. Any process that saves water is a definite yes for a sustainable lifestyle.
When You Purchase Ethical Baby Clothing:
- Your babies are wearing skin-friendly clothes that are soft and gentle for sensitive skin.
- Your babies will not be wearing clothes that are slowly passing on harmful toxins into their bodies or the environment through washing.
- You are contributing to textile workers receiving a fair wage who are working in safe environments.
- You are committing to zero or reduced textile waste.
- You are purchasing high-quality clothing that lasts longer and is biodegradable. This means it is not heading to the landfill.
- You are saving money as ethical baby clothing, which costs more upfront, has a lower cost per wear in the long-run.
If you are feeling overwhelmed about all the information that has been shared and the steps you can take, it is perfectly normal.
You may begin by planning which type of eco-friendly and ethical baby clothing you wish to purchase first and slowly make the change.
You will eventually start to see your cost-savings and appreciate the environmental benefits of your actions.
Please remember, you are investing not just in your baby’s current health, but also his / her right to continue enjoying this planet sustainably.
Wishing you good luck in your endeavour to switch to ethical baby clothing.
