16 Organic Baby Clothing Items to Keep Wardrobes Sustainably Stylish
From eco-minded cotton to nickel-free snaps, these organic baby clothes make your little one's wardrobe stylish *and* sustainable.
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Babies are new to the world. (That’s sort of their thing.) And while making sure their entry into society is a stylish one, keeping their vulnerable little bodies safe while swaddled is paramount—which is why choosing organic baby clothes is just as important for your child as it is for the environment.
While cotton is a natural fiber, most is grown using fertilizers and genetically modified seeds. It decreases biodiversity, requires a notable amount of pesticides and insecticides, and comes with a significant water footprint. In India, approximately 20,000 liters of water are needed to produce one kilogram of cotton. Buying organic cuts down on both water usage and excess chemicals, produces less emissions, and is inherently safer on sensitive skin.
Whether the little one in your life is your own or that of someone you love, gifting sustainable baby clothing is as easy as paying extra attention. To help, we’ve compiled some tips to keep in mind when shopping for baby’s next ensemble.
Chemicals and Materials to Avoid When Buying Sustainable Baby Clothing
When left unchecked, clothing production involves a ton of chemicals that are unsafe for babies (or anyone, for that matter). Below are some common chemicals and materials to avoid during your next baby shopping spree.
- Bleach: Can cause skin irritation, shortness of breath, redness, and a sore throat. When bleach is mixed with other chemicals it can become even more toxic.
- Talc: Talk is often found in baby powder and it can make its way into the clothes production process as well. Talc is linked to inflamed skin and chafing.
- Tributyltin: Found in cloth diapers—as some clothing comes with a diaper included—this is one to look out for.
- Flame retardants: You’ll often see that many baby pajamas are made sans retardants, they’re not entirely out of the picture.
The Benefits of Buying Organic Baby Clothes
1. No Harmful Chemicals
This one’s a given, but it provides parents some peace of mind knowing that all of the above aren’t things to worry about.
2. Longer Lifespan
Sustainable clothes are pricier for a reason—they're made to last. You won’t have to worry about organic baby clothes falling apart or even undergoing wear and tear as often as other items. This makes organic picks better for hand-me-downs.
3. Low Carbon Footprint
You can shop consciously knowing that these products are all designed to reduce harm to the environment through ethical sourcing and practices.
16 Organic Baby Clothes Items to Shop
1. Monica and Andy Jack & Jill Bodysuit, $20
This is easily the most adorable way to introduce the ABCs to your baby. Monica and Andy are all about organic cotton, with pieces free of lead, phthalate, and flame-retardants.
2. Finn + Emma Graphic Bodysuit, $22
Pumpkin spice latte, but make it newborn-appropriate. Fin + Emma favors organic cotton, nickel-free snaps, and non-toxic dyes.
3. Monica and Andy Knot It Gown, $25
Is that a baby or a sweetly (and sustainably) swaddled glow worm? This onesie is perfect for infants and unties easily for diaper changes.
4. Finn + Emma Footie, $36
These footie pajamas feature all of Finn + Emma's usual eco-friendly notes, along with coconut inserts, and are made ethically in India.
5. Pact Short-Sleeve Bodysuit Two-Pack, $18
This duo of printed bodysuits is made using organic cotton, saving on water and carbon emissions.
6. Pact Wanderlust Pant, $10
Pair your baby's new Pact onesie with these coordinated pants, crafted with the same eco ethos in a fair trade factory.
7. Burt’s Bees Dress and Diaper Set, $23
Now babies can get in on the of-the-moment set trend. And organic cotton velour? As touchable as it is sustainable. Burt's Bees' buttons and thread are made from recycled materials, too.
8. Burt’s Bees Rugby Organic Baby Bunting, $35
Your favorite fall hoodie, but make it baby. Crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton, this striped onesie is an all-natural neutral for your little one's closet. Items come in recycled or reusable packaging printed with soy-based ink.
10. Boody Pull-On Baby Shorts, $21
These Boody baby shorts feature rayon made from bamboo, saving water, light, and land.
11. Colored Organics Kai Kimono, $22
Organic cotton, nickel-free snaps, and eco and ethical production combine to create a supremely cozy and naturally hypoallergenic kimono-inspired onesie.
12. Colored Organics Peyton Zipper Sleeper, $35
A full-body zip makes this organic cotton onesie easy to don and remove, and Peyton's footed grips are made from water-based inks.
13. Honest Baby 4-Piece Bundle, $40
This bundle provides options for the chillier months. Featuring fun styleable patterns and GOTS-certified organic cotton, this quartet will keep baby comfortable in more ways than one.
14. Honest Baby 3-Piece Bundle, $30
Baby’s first tie-dye? We’re here for it. This GOTS-certified organic cotton set is designed for mixing and matching, which means more opportunities for wear.
15. Mori Ribbed Short Sleeve Bodysuit, $15
This classic (and super soft) little onesie is, like many of Mori’s items, made from a blend of bamboo and organic cotton.
16. Mori Ribbed Starter Set, $233
Also crafted from bamboo and organic cotton, this starter set is designed to serve as a foundation for your baby’s sustainable wardrobe. It includes items for daytime, nighttime, and even bathtime.
