Most parents want the best for their babies, even if it means spending a little more to ensure their comfort and safety. This is especially true when it comes to buying organic baby clothes. Using only clothing made of soft, chemical-free fabrics can help protect sensitive baby skin. And organic baby clothes can be better for the environment, too, so when you invest in these items, everyone wins.

Why Green Matters

When you consider the fact that traditional cotton is grown using insecticides and that chemicals are also used for the finishing process, it makes sense that some parents think the benefits of buying baby items made from organic cotton and other more natural fabrics that don’t use chemicals will far outweigh the costs. But in the past, people who bought eco-friendly baby clothing had to sacrifice style since the choices were extremely limited. Today, though, thanks to the growing popularity of green baby wear and the fact that many big name celebrities have recently gotten in on this trend, more designers are responding to the demand by offering a wide selection of styles, fabrics and price points to choose from. This means that many babies can be fashionable and still “do good” for the planet at the same time.

The Selection

If you want to steer clear of chemically-treated materials and also want to minimize your baby’s carbon footprint in the process, there are several types of green baby clothing that will fit the bill. Here is an overview of a few of the most common choices and what you can expect from them.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is probably the most common fabric you will find when you shop for green baby clothes. Since it doesn’t contain any chemicals, it will be more breathable than more tradition cotton items. In addition, it will be less likely to cause rashes. Better yet, the pure state allows it to be much softer than cotton grown using traditional methods. It is important to note, though, that organic cotton does need water and fertilizer to grow, so it does have somewhat of an environment footprint. On the other hand, it doesn’t use pesticides and herbicides so its impact is at least minimized. In addition, the process of its growth replenishes and maintains soil fertility, so it also has some lasting benefits.