Archive for March, 2010
You may already know that organic cotton baby clothing is a healthy fabric choice for your baby. But other than having a personal style preference, how do you decide between the growing number of organic clothing lines coming into the market place?
Read what the manufacturer’s label says about the clothes.
The clothing label should say 100% certified organic cotton. If you are buying online, these words should be on the website in the “about us” section or in the product description.
Some products will say natural or organic on the packaging, but when you look at the tag it says 100% cotton (not organic). In some cases the cotton is blended with a synthetic fabric such as polyester. Polyester is not organic.
The 100% organic label means the cotton was grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers and using sustainable farming practices. The clothing item itself will also be free of toxic fabric finishes containing formaldehyde and dioxins.
Examine the fabric of the clothing.
The fabric of organic cotton baby clothing should be thicker, more flexible and softer than traditional cotton. The clothing will also wash better and last longer.
Organic clothing will probably not be stark white, unless it has undergone some type of bleaching process. Cotton can grow naturally in many colors, including white, yellow, green, brown, pink and even mauve. However, organic white cotton has a vanilla, or yellowish tinge to it.
Organic cotton clothing can also be dyed safely. The dyes should be low impact or herbal (plant-based).
Prints and screens on t-shirts and body suits should be made with inks free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The chlorine-based chemicals can react with the other chemicals used in the manufacturing process and create dioxins and other toxic compounds. Water-based inks and pigments are a safer alternative.
Buttons and snaps should be made with pvc-free and nickel free materials.
Look out for cute sayings like “all natural” and “organic baby.” This doesn’t mean the garment is organic. You have to read the tag.
If you still can’t decide, look at how the company demonstrates its commitment to a healthy planet for our children.
Organic cotton is not just healthier for your baby but it’s also good for long-term health of the soil and our planet. In addition to maintaining organic certifications, established companies are able to spend the dollars to join and support associations that hold them more accountable to the principles of organic farming. Examples include the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and IFOAM.
Fair Trade Certification ensures that the workers and farmers who produce the cotton, or sew the clothes supplied to them are given fair wages and good working conditions. In other words instead of getting goods from a sweat shop their company is helping to boost the economy in a developing nation in Africa, Asian or Latin America.
Another way organic baby clothing companies can stand out is by supporting charitable or social causes that promote the health of children and the environment.
It has been said by many experienced parents that dressing a newborn is a lot like trying to dress a wet noodle. What’s the best way to get your new baby dressed in newborn baby clothing? Follow these steps to reduce your frustration and have your newborn dressed in no time flat.
To Avoid Bending Fingers and Toes
Stick your hand all the way up the sleeve or leg, then take hold of your baby’s arm or leg, wrapping your hand around toes or fingers, and gently pull it back through the sleeve or leg.
To Get Them in Footie Pajamas or Coveralls
Put baby’s legs in the short side first and then attempt the longer side second. This minimizes unnecessary twisting and will generally make baby more at ease.
Back-Side Buttons and Snaps are Bad News
In those first months, babies spend a lot of time on their backs and a row of buttons running up their spine will only serve to irritate them. In addition, they are tedious to fasten and to do so, you have to flip your baby over on its stomach while supporting its neck with one hand and snapping or buttoning with the other.
Cheat on Snapping Bodysuits or Opt for Side-Snaps
You’re going to be sleep-deprived, it’s a fact of new motherhood. In fact, by about the second night of diaper changes, you may find yourself lucky to hit just one snap let alone all three. And that’s okay – cut yourself some slack. If you choose side-snapping suits (also known as kimono style) you’ll also avoid having to pull anything over your newborns wobbly neck.
Don’t Bother with Baby Shoes
Unless you need them for bad weather, don’t even bother. Baby shoes are a pain to get on tiny, squirming feet and they rarely stay on – even if the company claims that they do. Instead, opt for soft-soled shoes with elastics at the ankle to keep feet warm.
Buying used baby clothes can be a great way to get your baby some ânewâ clothes, without spending a small fortune. Whether you choose to shop consignment, garage sales, or you hunt for bargains at your local thrift store, it is possible to score some great deals.
But, there are some things you need to consider when buying used baby clothes; the primary concern being safety issues. Safety recalls spring up all the time in relation to baby clothes so itâs best to keep an eye out for potential problems when youâre shopping around.
While you probably wonât have a list of baby clothes recalls with you, you can look for obvious things such as loose zippers, loose buttons, and decorative adornments; these are the biggies.
The next thing to look at is fabric composition. Try to avoid synthetic fabrics as much as possible. Over time, synthetics like fleece tend to break down and release gases such as benzene, ammonia, and ethylene glycol.
Finally, remember that, if a piece of clothing is listed as 6-9 months, it may actually fit smaller or larger. Fabrics tend to stretch or shrink over time, depending on the type of fabric and the washing methods that the previous owner used. While itâs not practical to have your baby trying on clothes, you do need to keep it in mind. You hold your baby every day, so you should be able to eyeball it pretty well.
Buying gently used baby clothes is a great way to stretch your dollar. Shop smart and you’ll find the best deals out there.