Bamboo

Bamboo is another common material that is used for green baby clothing. And while you may think that bamboo would be scratchy, actually its spun fibers are extremely soft. They are also hypoallergenic and naturally flame resistant. In addition, a unique feature of bamboo is that it is thermal regulating. This means bamboo baby clothes can help keep babies warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This makes it an especially good choice, particularly for a newborn. Most bamboo comes from China, so it is generally more expensive than fabrics that are grown in the U.S. when you add in the cost of transporting it. But bamboo offers large environmental benefits, such preventing soil erosion and releasing more oxygen than many other plants and trees. However, critics do point out that the downside of bamboo is that some natural forests have been cut down to make room for bamboo fields.

Soy

Soy is extremely soft, which means it will feel good against a baby’s skin. Hence, it has earned the name “vegetable cashmere.” It also retains warmth well. Soy is considered a renewable resource, since its fibers come from the waste byproducts of edible soy products, including tofu, soy milk and soybean oil. This means it is a good choice if you want a fabric that is completely sustainable so as to leave a minimal impact on the environment. The only downside to using soy for baby clothing is that the proteins in the fiber can break down from high heat, so check the washing instructions before you put any soy items in your drier.

Hemp

Hemp is not as soft as the other options, but it is very durable and very absorbent. It also does get softer with use. Further, when hemp is combined with cotton, linen or silk, it can make clothing that will soft enough to have against a baby’s skin. However, keep in mind that there is a ban on growing hemp in the United States, so it must be imported from other countries, which drives up the cost. But on the plus side, one acre of hemp nets about three times the amount of cotton, so it is a very efficient crop. Hemp farming is also good for the soil.