Handmade clothes are a unique creative gift.
For beginners, baby clothes are a great starting point! However, note that they’re not the same as sewing together fabric for adult wear.
Your baby’s skin is vulnerable to rashes, so your baby clothes must use safe and gentle fabrics.
So what’s the best solution? I always make sure that the baby clothes I give to my baby and to other mothers’ babies are made from SAFE, ORGANIC FABRIC.
Please take every organic fabric material into consideration when choosing baby clothes!
Organic Fabric for Baby Clothes
Baby clothes now come in a variety of designs and fabrics. It brings me great happiness to see my baby rocking the latest styles!
But in truth, the children’s apparel boom is also one case of people learning a lot more about the previously unknown dangers of the textile industry.
As many cases of toxic materials in baby clothes reportedly cause developmental defects, parents worldwide began to seek organic baby clothes.
Organic Cotton
Main Characteristics
- Super soft with a bit of stretch
- Smooth to the touch
- Hypoallergenic
- Highly absorbent
- Warm
- Safe for human health
Cotton is usually my first option for fabric that is SAFE and COMFORTABLE.
Organic cotton is mostly SIMILAR to typical cotton; their only difference is HOW the cotton was grown and processed. Specifically, farmers refrain from using pesticides and genetically-engineered materials.
You can trust that organic cotton farming is NOT LADEN with chemically treated dyes and only uses NATURAL synthesizers and fertilizers.
A child with skin issues can wear organic cotton fabric with NO PROBLEM, unlike those made with rough, synthetic fabrics.
A lot of my baby’s clothes are made from this material, and he has been happy and healthy ever since!
Bamboo Clothes for Babies
Main Characteristics
- Durable
- Super soft and comfortable
- Hypoallergenic
- Can block UV rays
- Temperature-regulating
Cotton may be great and all, but don’t forget about other fabric types!
Bamboo fabric beats cotton in terms of resiliency, and it’s known to block harmful UV rays naturally thanks to its UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+.
This material would be GREAT for the outdoors and playtime!
Moreover, bamboo is breathable and absorbent, so your child can play all day feeling cool and sweat-free.
Since I love taking my baby outdoors, bamboo is PERFECT for preventing sweating and overheating.
Merino Wool
Main Features
- Thermal regulating/temperature control
- Breathable
- Odor-cancelling
- Super soft
- Good Ultraviolet Protection Factor against UV rays
- Fire-resistant
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, hence its name.
I realized that regular wool felt itchy and uncomfortable, so I switched to Merino wool because of its softer and thinner fibers, which solved the problem!
However, this won’t affect its capacity to keep your little one warm. Merino wool will also regulate the body temperature of your child.
And when it gets TOO warm, Merino wool can transport sweat away from the body and cancel out odors too!
Muslin
Main Characteristics
- Soft with some stretch
- Smooth texture
- Hypoallergenic
- Highly absorbent
- Lightweight
Organic muslin is a cotton fabric that’s been loosely woven. Depending on the form and weight, muslin can be soft and smooth or coarse and stiff.
So in terms of organic baby fabric, I consider only HIGH-GRADE muslin. It has more evenly threaded fibers, creating a smooth and even texture.
Its features are similar to cotton though muslin must be treated MORE gently when washing since the loose weave may come undone easily.
Other Types of Fabrics for Baby Clothes
Organic clothing can be a little more expensive, but it’s a small cost for your child’s health. Though if you find them hard to find or too costly, check out these options for synthetic fabrics:
Regular Cotton Fabric
Like I’ve covered in the previous section, regular cotton has mostly SIMILAR characteristics to organic cotton.
What sets them apart is that regular cotton ISN’T hypoallergenic.
Some children with sensitive skin issues may react to the dyes and chemical components used in the cotton’s processing.
I would not want to dress my child in something that is not natural or may cause allergic reactions!
Organic Hemp
Before you judge me, hear me out.
I know hemp is a plant that you can smoke for a good time, but it offers more than that!
Hemp is an all-star plant that is grown ORGANICALLY, skin-friendly, and breathable!
I understand your concerns regarding hemp, but rest assured that organic hemp won’t cause any harm to your baby!
Jersey Knit
Jersey knit are stretchy fabrics typically made from wool. Nowadays, I noticed more clothes made from cotton jersey knit, popular in baby fabrics.
The popularity of jersey knit fabric is because it’s breathable and easy to sew with. The more elastic fabric allows clothesmakers to experiment with fun and interesting styles!
However, I would still choose Merino wool over this for its softer fibers and more breathability.
Fleece
When an infant needs to keep warm, fleece is one fabric that comes to my mind.
I even have fleece outerwear, towels, and blankets since it is soft, making it great for your child as well.
You might be wondering, why not wool?
Both fabrics are quite SIMILAR. The difference is that fleece is artificial, while wool is a natural product we get from sheep and other textured animals.
Linen
I often reserve linen for summer. This hypoallergenic fabric is absorbent and lightweight, so your child won’t overheat while wearing them.
In addition, linen will last a LONG time in your baby’s wardrobe because the flax keeps the fabric from rotting.
Flax linen is thick and strong and lasts even longer than cotton!
You’ll save up on buying many clothes, and it makes for a nice hand-me-down once your kid has grown out of it.
Viscose
Next up is viscose — a light, breathable, and soft fabric that’s also inexpensive. It’s a versatile material used in upholstery AND baby fabric!
However, note that viscose production is NOT environment-friendly.
It uses a high concentration of toxic substances that have contributed to air and water pollution.
I recommend using this fabric as a last resort.
Polyester
Polyester is one of the most common synthetic fabrics. It provides slight warmth for cooler days and can be considered waterproof, perfect for those rainy days.
But despite these qualities, when it comes to baby clothes, polyester may irritate the skin, so it’s not the best fabric for your little one.
Trust me, I once bought a polyester shirt for my baby, and he did not have a good time.
Nylon
Another well-known synthetic material is nylon.
Not only is it used in fabric, but you’ll also find it EVERYWHERE in most plastic products. I noticed it also DOES NOT pile as much as, say, cotton.
Like polyester, nylon is generally safe, but some of the materials used to create nylon may cause skin irritation, so I recommend avoiding nylon fabrics, especially if your child has a delicate complexion.
How Is Organic Clothing Different From Conventionally Made Clothes?
Organic clothing means that natural fibers were derived from plants grown using chemical and pesticide-free methods.
I can sum up the difference between the conventional and the organic in two aspects:
Organic Clothing: GOTS Certification
It should be easy to spot “organic fabric” on the label, right?
Not quite!
Just because it says “organic,” it doesn’t mean the material is 100% ORGANIC.
You need to take this into consideration when buying baby clothes and items in general.
To regulate and prove whether a fabric is truly organic, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) uses a clearly defined and transparent set of criteria to monitor MOST, if not ALL, fabric manufacturers.
Once I see this certification, I can immediately trust it!
If some organic baby fabric manufacturing company passes the GOTS, its exports are made of the BEST organic quality and can be accepted in all major markets.
On the other hand, transparency of the company’s supply chain helps customers make the RIGHT CHOICE when choosing between organic materials and many brands.
Conventional Baby Clothes: Are They Toxic?
Organic baby clothes have become the widely preferred choice, but that doesn’t mean your option of conventional fabric is completely toxic.
This issue arises because there is NOT ENOUGH TRANSPARENCY in the apparel industry about the harmful chemicals used in fabric and their impact on the wearer.
It’s hard for me to distinguish if a brand is disclosing ALL ingredients, so do thorough research before purchasing!
A 2014 study actually demonstrated a connection between the use of ethers, which are commonly found on commercialized baby clothes, to the onset of other issues like:
- Early puberty
- Hormonal disorders
The list goes on, but a 2019 Environmental Research study points out that there is not enough information on the effects of chemical exposure via fabrics.
It’s up to the parents to decide whether organic fabrics are a must or a luxury.
However, if you’re not looking to go organic just yet, I highly recommend washing your conventional baby clothes with the safest baby laundry detergents just in case.
Should Your Child Wear Organic Clothes?
While the effects of certain components in the fabrics of baby clothes are mostly unknown, other studies have found that children are MORE susceptible to toxins in the environment.
Newborns have a HIGHER ratio of skin surface area to body volume, meaning they absorb chemical material easier.
In addition, their skin is 30% thinner than adults’, further increasing the chances of absorbing harmful toxins.
According to Dr. Gerstner, the BEST solution is to avoid synthetic materials altogether when it comes to your young child.
The fact that synthetic fabric is made from these materials should be enough to have parents consider procuring more ORGANIC baby clothes.
It’s part of the growing eco-friendly trend as well, as more parents become aware of the possible dangers unexpected items may have on children!
What Is the Softest Fabric for Baby Clothes?
Truthfully, I think it depends.
People will have various opinions as to which fabric is the softest. Many would say organic cotton, but wool may also be a good choice.
My personal go-to pick is organic cotton because it is the most accessible, safest, and it’s what my baby enjoys the most.
The best way to decide is to try them out and see which ones your little one is most eager to try! If they don’t cry or throw a tantrum while wearing it, you can bet on the comfort of that clothing!
Organic Baby Clothes Features to Check Out
Beyond softness, there are many other factors to consider when making or buying baby clothes.
EXTRA MOM TIP: Of course, your child must be comfortable wearing said baby clothes, but don’t forget to think of your own convenience when washing or doing the laundry. With that, I made a guide on how to wash baby clothes properly to help you out.
Certifications
First and foremost, certifications are a MUST to look for in organic baby clothes.
The common ones that I look for are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Oeko-Tex Certified.
These seals are GOOD signs! They show that the clothes are certified organic and are safe from harmful chemicals.
Durability
Of course, the best organic clothes are the ones that last a LONG time despite all the wear and tear.
If a piece of baby clothing is made of organic cotton, you can be assured that it is durable and is built to last.
Due to their durability, clothes made of organic cotton can also be passed on to younger kids!
Softness
Super soft fabrics are a MUST for any child because they add comfort and reduce rashes since the fabrics won’t make your child experience itchiness.
My kid had a pretty bad day the last time he experience itchiness in his clothes, so I would say softness is quite a priority for me.
Movement and Stretchiness
My child loves to roll and crawl wherever he can go. Don’t forget the knee pads!
In fact, he needs that ability to exert their motor skills. If there’s one thing the fabric must be, it’s to become playtime-ready fabric.
Breathability
Breathable fabric allows moisture vapor to pass through instead of condensing and drenching your baby in a lot of sweat.
This doesn’t necessarily translate to the lightweight fabric. Rather, it’s about the tightness of the weave.
I made the mistake of carelessly buying clothes that were not that breathable during hot weather! Hopefully, you do not make the same mistake.
Price and Availability
Baby clothes may pile up in expenses.
Given how organic cotton clothes can be more pricey, you want to carefully plan out your expenses so you have enough to spend.
In relation to that, you want to choose brands that are easy to access while remaining affordable.
Overall Comfort
All these factors contribute to the OVERALL COMFORT, one of your baby’s main needs.
Scoring an A+ on all factors WON’T matter as much if your baby yields no comfort while wearing their baby clothes.
Consider which fabrics resemble the clothes your baby is used to wearing and ones that don’t have too many obstructive designs like too many buttons or embroidery.
I thought these designs added to the value of the clothes, but they turned out to be quite itchy and restrictive to my baby’s movement.
Best Organic Baby Clothes Brands to Consider
Need some inspiration? I actually have a list of the BEST organic baby clothing brands you can consider buying.
Here’s a quick list of some of the best organic baby fabric brands that will spoil you and your newborn child.
1. Burt’s Bees Baby
What You’ll Find
- A selection of organic jumpers,
- Pajamas for the family
This brand has my full trust!
You may recognize Burt’s Bees as a makeup and skincare brand, but the company has since branched out to making organic baby clothes!
Burt’s Bees Baby is known to be one of the best, as proven by its GOTS certification for reaching the HIGHEST global standard for organic textiles.
2. Finn + Emma
What You’ll Find
- Apparel in funky patterns
- A selection of artisan wooden toys
Finn + Emma is a baby fabrics range that gives back.
Also made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, this brand sells baby clothes with style as well as hand-knit toys.
Using only organic and eco-friendly materials, the company also helps women achieve social and financial independence, which is a cause I will always support!
3. Hanna Andersson
What You’ll Find
- A variety of pajamas and super soft onesies
- Fashionable sweaters
Hanna Andersson boasts the use of OEKO TEX certified Pima cotton in its organic children’s clothing.
Coupled with floral themes and cute animal-inspired hoodies, each piece is fun to wear and take photos of.
These clothes are a perfect combination of comfort AND pretty colors, which make my baby love them more!
Frequently Asked Questions
When I was a new mom, I didn’t think clothes-shopping for my baby would be so hard! Here are some questions I asked myself that you can refer to as well.
Are There Any Synthetic Fabrics That Are Safe For Baby Clothes?
Regular cotton and jersey knit are synthetic, but are also safe for the little ones. The important thing is that there are NO CHEMICALS OR TOXIC DYES present.
Read the product labels and look for certifications like OEKO-TEX to determine if a product is made naturally.
Are Organic Fabrics More Expensive than Regular Fabrics?
Generally, organic fabrics are more expensive because of the stricter guidelines and process when making them.
It also depends on what kind of fabric you are referring to, as some take more time to produce than others.
How Long Do Organic Baby Clothes Last?
It depends on the fabric. High-quality fabrics like organic cotton and Merino wool can last for YEARS!
However, if these clothes are not maintained properly, they will eventually become useless.
How Do I Care for Organic Baby Clothes?
Organic clothes and regular clothes have similar maintenance.
All you have to do is read the labels and follow them accordingly.
For organic clothes, it is best to wash them with cold water and avoid harsh detergents. Hang-drying them outside is also best.
The Wrap-Up
Kids may only have their baby clothes for a short while in their life, but the memories they make with them are some of the best things they won’t forget.
So the choices to utilize organic fabric and consider the baby’s sensitive skin are all worth the effort!
You have a lot of options regarding the possible material you can use for baby clothes.
When we make things kids would love, our choices for fabric are endless, but it pays to be aware of the reasons behind the organic movement.
If we want to stretch the life of a certain material, we have to make that choice to get the BEST of them all.
FINAL TIP: After selecting which organic baby clothing brands and fabrics to go for, your next step is to MASTER how to organize your baby’s clothes!
