Healthier Baby Clothing

Healthier Baby Clothing

Healthier Baby Clothing

Most baby clothing has synthetic materials that can negatively impact our babies health.

I found healthier, organic, safe alternatives.

 

When I first became a mother, I initially thought that all of the huge companies selling baby clothes HAD to be “safe”... safe meaning free of harmful chemicals, materials and dyes that could potentially negatively impact our children’s health.

I figured that since these huge corporations were so well known they must be regulated and I wouldn’t have to do my own research, because well, I thought that would have been done for me and that these companies would always have our children’s best interest and health in mind.

 

I was wrong.

 

Don’t panic if you have never looked into this, because I didn’t either when I was a new mom. After weeks and months of research, I have found healthier options for our babies clothing.

Large companies need to be held accountable for the materials they are choosing and advertising to families - and us as parents need to start doing our own research.

“Large companies need to be held accountable for the materials they are choose and advertising to families as safe - and us as parents need to start doing our own research.”

Our Babies Delicate Skin:

Biologically speaking, our skin is our biggest organ. It is porous: meaning it soaks in everything very easily, any chemicals or materials that are placed on it. Our babies are in clothing a large majority of the time, so whatever we place on their skin is likely to be absorbed into their bodies. Babies skin is also more delicate and more porous than adult skin, that is why it is so important to choose more natural options.


What do you mean by healthier clothing?

By Healthier clothing, I mean clothing made from sustainable materials that are more natural and will not negatively affect our children’s health - yes, material and chemicals in clothing can negatively impact our children’s growing bodies and minds.

 

Synthetic “Man-Made” Materials Can Negatively Impact Human Health And Development:

Huge corporations have one thing in mind: money. Unless you find family-run businesses who actually care about our children’s health, majority of large business selling clothing is all about their profits. Some clothing even still contains flame-retardants to this day, which are known carcinogens.

 

This is where I’m going to change things. 

 

Large companies profit using inexpensive materials:

In order to make more money, they choose inexpensive materials, without considering the health consequences. As long as they can properly advertise and get their clothing sold, that’s their main objective - not our children’s health 

(Please keep in mind I am referring to huge companies like “BabiesRus”. There are many family-run businesses who truly care and put time, money and effort into healthier clothing, which I will list shortly.)

 

Man-Made Materials: Include synthetics such as polyester and rayon. Even clothing made of bamboo typically undergoes a chemical process to create the material that can leave our children exposed to harsh chemicals.

  • Polyester is synthetic
  • Rayon is synthetic
  • Even Bamboo undergoes synthetic processing

“Micro-plastics have been found in clothing such as polyester; which is among one of the most popular clothing materials.”

Negative Health effects of these synthetic fibres and chemical processes: 

There are micro-plastics in clothing such as polyester; which is among one of the most popular clothing materials. It’s relatively inexpensive and widely accepted for children’s clothing. The problem is that it can cause negative health effects.

“Polyester is a synthetic material and has many toxic chemicals. Polyester is basically thermoplastic and it out-gases tiny plastic molecules whenever heated. It is very much clear now that polyester carries carcinogens.” *1

Rayon is another common synthetic fibre I choose to avoid. “Rayon is a fiber that is made from cellulose that is chemically converted from wood pulp. Not only is the production of this material dangerous, but wearing it can also be unhealthy. Rayon fabric can emit toxic substances that can cause nausea, headaches, vomiting, chest and muscle pain, and insomnia.” *2

Ultimately, avoiding synthetic (fake, man-made) materials will benefit our children’s health and wellbeing. Avoiding synthetic fibers is a huge step we can take.

 

Chemical flame retardants should also be avoided at all costs: these are mostly avoided in baby clothing brands now, although some still exist. The Government of Canada notes: “Health effects from flame retardants vary among the different chemicals and may include: developmental effects, effects on reproduction, increased risk of cancer” *2 Thankfully, these CFR are being reduced and banned now that we know more.

 

HEALTHIEST BABY CLOTHING

Cotton is among one of the best options for children’s clothing, it is a natural fiber. Here’s the problem: although it is a natural material, it is typically treated with pesticides and damaging chemicals. UNLESS we choose organic.

  • Organic Cotton is my favourite natural children’s clothing option
  • Wool is another natural option (but requires more time and care)

 

Colours and dyes:

In order to colour our children’s clothing bright pinks, blues, greens and sparkly designs, these companies mostly use a chemical process to create these drastic colours. I recommend sticking to unbleached, undyed options OR making sure the clothing is coloured using a non-toxic dye.

    • Coloured clothing: make sure it is Okeo-Tex 100 Certified
    • STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances.

 

Our children’s Health is My #1 Priority.

We can choose clothing that is made from more natural, healthier materials that are sensitive to our babies skin and support their health.

 

Organic cotton has been one of the healthiest clothing materials I have found for our babies. I personally buy all of my baby’s clothing in Organic Cotton, unbleached. If it is coloured, Make sure you’re checking for non-toxic dyes and okeo-Tex standard 100, which certifies the materials have no harmful chemicals. I prefer to choose organic cotton in it’s natural colour!

Wool is another fantastic natural option. Although it can feel itchy on the skin in some cases and takes extra care.

Companies I Love:

 

 

Sources:

*1 - Author Margaret Sanders. https://prominentemporium.com/blogs/news/polyester-biggest-enemy-to-our-skin-and-health-in-our-own-home

*2 - https://brightside.me/inspiration-health/5-toxic-fabrics-that-can-be-harmful-to-your-health-and-what-you-can-wear-instead-794780/

*3 - Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemicals-product-safety/flame-retardants.html

 

 

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