There are many reasons you should consider using organic cotton bedding in your baby’s cot, starting from your baby’s health and the environmental impact. This is why we have put together a list of things for you to consider when making your next purchase decision.
Sensitive immune systems
Babies have sensitive immune systems and their skin is a lot more porous and thinner than that of an adult, so a lot more emphasis should be put on what comes in contact with their skin. All of this also means that baby skin absorbs things very easily.
Chemical residue
Cotton is one of the most controversial crops when it comes to using pesticides and chemicals. When conventionally grown, cotton growing uses more chemicals per unit area than any other crop grown on the planet. These chemicals actually change the make-up of the fabric and there will always be some residue left on the end product, no matter the amount of post-harvest processing it goes through. Organic cotton (GOTS certified) however is grown organically and as naturally as possible, without chemicals and pesticides.
Environmental impact
Because organic cotton is grown without chemicals and artificial fertilizers it is far safer for the surrounding environment than regular cotton is. Chemicals and artifical fertilizers used often end up in the local waterways and soil, contaminating large areas of land and water and poisoning animal, birds and even humans.
Organic processing
The organic cotton carrying the GOTS certification has in addition to being grown organically, also been processed organically. It means that even the inks and dyes used, have had to meet strict biodegradability and toxicity rules. There are also rules for treating waste water and any other by-products of manufacturing – the water for example, has to be treated before being let out into the environment in order to protect the local ecosystems.
Considering all of the above, it is clear that using organic cotton will benefit everyone that comes to contact with producing or consuming it – the consumer, the environment and the farmers that grow it.
Even though not everything we currently sell is 100% organic, we, just like the rest of the world, are definitely moving towards it. For now, we are very happy to be selling GOTS certified cotton soft toys and bedlinen for junior beds and cots here.
We also sell OEKO-Tex 100 certified bibs and dummy clips here.
To find out more about different textile standard and labels, please read our Buyer’s Guide: Buyer’s Guide: GOTS, Ecolabels and Sustainable Production here.