Benefits of organic cotton for babies and young children
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Time to read 8 min
At July & Mae, We source the finest quality Organic Cotton from Portugal to protect your baby's skin from chemicals and irritants. Babies and infants have much more sensitive skin than adults. Their skin is up to 5 times thinner than an adult's and more susceptible to absorbing chemicals.
The clothes we find in retail stores or online are often treated with industrial chemicals, which can be harmful even if labelled as 100% cotton.
At July & Mae we believe every baby deserves the best start in life.
Why you can trust us:
Our founder Elise has a Masters in Design & Innovation specialising in sustainable materials.
We are a small family-run luxury baby clothing brand, we truly care.
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We rigorously study the latest and most sustainable trends, practices, and science.
Want to know more? Visit our store
First we need to understand why your babies skin is thinner
A significant amount of what children absorb happens through their skin, with the rest coming from
- Food
- Liquids
- Air via gastrointestinal and respiratory absorption.
Our skin, the largest organ, serves to protect us, regulate body temperature, and perform many other essential functions. It also absorbs many substances applied to it.
Babies have skin that is thinner and more permeable than that of adults. Although they have the same three layers, each layer is thinner in a newborn. The epidermis, responsible for protecting the body, is three to five times thinner in babies compared to adults and is composed of smaller cells.
Using Organic Cotton not only helps prevent harmful chemicals from being absorbed, it also helps to regulate your babies temperature.
“Children are not little adults” — US National Academy of Sciences
How to choose the best organic cotton for your baby and child?
Look for the GOTS Label
Why are GOTS-certified organic baby clothes and soft goods:
- The cotton is grown without hazardous pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
- GOTS-certified organic goods consist of at least 95% organic fibers, while "GOTS Made with Organic" items contain at least 70% certified organic fibers.
- All dyes used are naturally derived or classified as safe synthetics.
- GOTS-certified organic goods meet strict standards for quality washing, shrinking, and color-fading.
- GOTS prohibits on-site waste burning and uncontrolled landfilling.
- Packaging for GOTS goods must use sustainably certified or recycled paper.
- Production occurs in a safe, hygienic working environment free of child labor.
- Workers producing GOTS-certified goods receive fair wages and have a cap on weekly working hours.
July & Mae Source the finest Organic Cotton from Portugal
The National Eczema Association's Top Choice For Fabric
- Organic cotton is an excellent choice for a baby’s delicate skin, particularly for those with eczema.
- According to the National Eczema Association, the type of fabric is the most crucial factor when selecting skin-friendly clothing.
- Their top recommendation is 100% organic cotton, which is less likely to contain potential allergens and formaldehyde resins.
- Additionally, organic cotton is soft, breathable, and less likely to irritate the skin compared to other fabrics. This is especially important for infants, as their skin is 30% thinner than adult skin and they have a higher ratio of skin surface area to body volume, making them more susceptible to absorbing chemicals.
Understanding the Difference: Organic vs. Conventional Cotton
- It's essential to understand the key differences between organic and conventional cotton. Conventional cotton is typically grown with the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, which can have a detrimental impact on the environment and human health.
- In contrast, organic cotton is cultivated without the use of these harmful chemicals. Instead, organic farmers rely on natural methods, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of organic fertilizers, to maintain soil health and control pests. This sustainable approach not only benefits the environment but also ensures that the cotton fibers are free from toxic residues, making them a safer choice for your child's sensitive skin.
- Furthermore, the processing of organic cotton is also subject to strict regulations. During the manufacturing process, organic cotton undergoes a series of steps to remove any remaining impurities, ensuring that the final product is free from harmful chemicals and dyes. This meticulous process contributes to the superior quality and purity of organic cotton, providing you with the peace of mind that your child is wearing the safest and most comfortable fabrics available.
Organic Cotton Helps Babies Regulate Their Temperature
- The Sleep Foundation notes that organic cotton is even more breathable than regular cotton, which is crucial for little ones who struggle to regulate their body temperature. Natural fabrics like 100% organic cotton are exceptionally breathable, helping to keep babies cool and comfortable.
- Babies' body temperatures rise much faster than adults', and they sweat less, which hinders their ability to cool down. Additionally, babies' sweat glands are not fully developed, making them more prone to heat rash or prickly heat. Therefore, it’s essential to dress and swaddle your baby in breathable, organic cotton and use organic cotton crib and bassinet sheets to ensure they stay comfortable and cool.
The Organic Cotton Growing and Processing Journey
- Organic cotton's journey from seed to finished product is a remarkable one, showcasing the care and attention that goes into creating this exceptional fabric. The process begins with the careful selection of organic cotton seeds, which are then planted in fields that have been meticulously prepared to ensure optimal soil health and fertility.
- Throughout the growing season, organic cotton farmers employ a range of sustainable practices to nurture their crops. This includes the use of natural pest control methods, such as the introduction of beneficial insects, as well as the application of organic fertilizers to enrich the soil. By avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals, organic cotton farmers are able to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem, ensuring that the cotton they produce is not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly.
- Once the cotton has been harvested, it undergoes a rigorous cleaning and processing procedure to remove any impurities and prepare it for the next stage of production. This includes the removal of seeds and other plant matter, as well as the use of gentle, organic methods to clean and prepare the cotton fibers. Throughout this process, great care is taken to preserve the natural integrity of the cotton, ensuring that it retains its softness, durability, and breathability.
Debunking Common Misconceptions About Organic Cotton
- Despite the numerous benefits of organic cotton, there are still some common misconceptions that may deter parents from choosing this exceptional fabric for their children's clothing. It's important to address these misconceptions and provide a clear understanding of the true advantages of organic cotton.
- One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that organic cotton is more expensive than its conventional counterpart. While it's true that organic cotton may cost slightly more, the long-term benefits and the peace of mind that comes with choosing a safer, more sustainable fabric far outweigh the initial investment. When you consider the durability and longevity of organic cotton garments, the cost difference becomes negligible.
- Another common misconception is that organic cotton is less durable than conventional cotton. In reality, the opposite is true. Organic cotton fibers are typically longer and stronger, resulting in a more robust and long-lasting fabric. This means that your child's organic cotton clothing will withstand the rigors of play, washing, and repeated wear, providing you with greater value for your money.
- Finally, some parents may believe that organic cotton is difficult to care for or maintain. However, caring for organic cotton is just as simple as caring for conventional cotton. With proper washing and drying techniques, your organic cotton garments will retain their softness, shape, and vibrant colors, ensuring that your little one can enjoy the comfort and style of these exceptional fabrics for years to come.
Caring for Organic Cotton: Best Practices
- Caring for your child's organic cotton clothing is a straightforward process that can help ensure the longevity and quality of these exceptional fabrics. By following a few simple best practices, you can keep your little one's organic cotton garments looking and feeling their best for years to come.
- One of the most important steps in caring for organic cotton is to wash it in cold water using a gentle, eco-friendly detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can damage the natural fibers and compromise the fabric's integrity. Instead, opt for plant-based or biodegradable detergents that are free from harsh additives.
- When it comes to drying, it's best to air-dry your organic cotton items whenever possible. The heat from a conventional dryer can cause the fibers to break down over time, leading to premature wear and tear. If you do need to use a dryer, be sure to select a low-heat setting and remove the items as soon as they are dry to prevent excessive shrinkage or wrinkles.
- For ironing, it's recommended to use a low-heat setting and avoid pressing the fabric too vigorously. The natural fibers of organic cotton can be delicate, and excessive heat or pressure can cause them to become brittle or discolored. If possible, try to avoid ironing altogether by hanging or folding your organic cotton items properly after washing.
- By following these simple care tips, you can ensure that your child's organic cotton clothing remains soft, comfortable, and long-lasting, providing them with the natural comfort they deserve. With a little extra care and attention, your organic cotton garments will continue to provide your little one with the exceptional quality and durability they need to thrive.
July & Mae Source the finest Organic Cotton from Portugal
Our Founder Elise, the visionary behind July & Mae. As a British luxury fashion designer with a First-Class Master's in Design and Innovation from the prestigious De Montfort University, Elise Brings a unique blend of creativity and expertise to the industry.
Through her journey Elise worked for both large and small fashion brands reving,led the harsh realities of their impact on the environment, people, animals, and consumers. Driven by a passion for change, Elise founded July & Mae to prioritize ethical practices and sustainability, setting a new standard in fashion.
Your baby deserves the best start in life.
REFERENCES
- United States Department of Agriculture, National Organic Program: Policy Memorandum
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Key Features
- GOTS: Version 7.0
- GOTS: Why GOTS? How Consumers Benefit From The Global Organic Textile Standard
- National Eczema Association: Sherpas and Shackets and Skiwear, Oh My: Staying Warm, Stylish and Flare-Free This Winter
- Skin Physiology of the Neonate and Infant: Clinical Implications. Advances in Wound Care. October 2015
- Sleep Foundation: Best Organic Sheets
- Vanderbilt University: Child heat stroke is a danger as outside temps rise
- Exploring young consumers’ trust and purchase intention of organic cotton apparel. Journal of Consumer Marketing. November 2018
- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Public Health Statement for PCBs
- Health risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in baby clothes. A preliminary study. Environmental Pollution. May 2022
- Organic cotton production may alleviate the environmental impacts of intensive conventional cotton production. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. November 2020
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