 Dressing your baby in environmentally-friendly clothing is a great way to have your baby avoid being exposed to toxins commonly used in manufacturing conventional clothes while also doing your part to promote a healthy Earth.The Children's Health Environmental Coalition recommends special attention to bedding and clothing used around children,so EnviroCitizen.org suggest that you take another look at what you dress your baby in or use for your baby's bedding.
There are a few toxins to be aware of that are in many conventional baby clothes and textiles. Three varieties of phthalates (DEHP, DBP and BBP) have been banned due to their proven toxicity.They had been used in all baby and children's mattresses and other baby products prior. DINP, DIDP and DnOP, also phthalates,can no longer be used in teethers and other objects that are put in mouths. Nevertheless, they could still be present in cribs where they can cause respiratory or skin problems.The reason why phthalates are unwanted is because phthlates alter our cells and how they function.Studies have shown that endocrine health is affected, especially in boys.Babies are at an even higher risk because their bodies are still developing.
Organic cotton is a wonderful way to go when it comes to baby clothing and trying to avoid chemical additives.Cotton has the advantage of being compostable, biodegradable and breathable,so odors and stains are less of a problem compared to synthetic fabrics.Another advantage is that it wears well.Conventionally produced cotton material lasts 10-20 washes before it starts to break down.An organic cotton material lasts for 100 washes or more before it begins to wear down.This is because the cotton fibers in conventionally produced cotton go through a lot of tough processes in production, such as dying, formaldehyde spraying, flame-proofing and other treatments before it is even shipped to be cut for patterns.
Bamboo clothing is gaining popularity, too.Bamboo clothing is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and anti-static.Bamboo fabric has natural wicking abilities making it super absorbent, too.Organic bamboo naturally resists odor, keeping your baby's clothes and bedding super fresh. The fabric is temperature regulating so your baby keeps cool in the summer and warm in the winter.Organic bamboo clothing should also be free of chlorine and formaldehyde as well as eco-friendly and organic—this includes being pesticide-free, sustainable and renewable.Bamboo is a very strong grass plant, so it is easy to replenish and very quick to grow.Definitely a great option!
There are all kinds of other alternatives available, such as hemp clothing.These can usually be found at any baby store or eco-retailer as well as online.EnviroCitizen.org has found that with a bit of research you should be able to find a number of different companies and stores that offer a variety of eco-friendly clothing for your baby.
Check out EnviroCitizen.org's selection of eco-friendly baby clothes and textiles.
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