Organic Cotton Clothes – The Safest Choice For Babies
Organic baby care encompasses many different aspects of how we care for our little ones, from how we keep their environment clean and safe to what we let touch their sensitive skin. Choosing clothing made from organic cotton or other organic fabrics is a simple way to protect our babies from the effects of toxic chemicals.
Dangers of conventionally grown cotton
Most baby clothing is made of cotton. However, conventionally grown cotton exposes babies to a host of poisons, a chemical cocktail of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, finally processed with harsh chlorine bleach. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at least seven of the pesticides most commonly used on conventional cotton in the United States are either known or possible human carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Millions of cotton agricultural workers worldwide suffer from acute pesticide poisoning each year.
Who knew this “natural” fabric could be so harmful? What our babies wear matters. The porous nature of human skin allows for the absorption of toxins from their clothing into their bodies. Babies’ skin is actually thinner than that of adults, making them especially vulnerable.
Organic cotton clothes: a healthier alternative
Fortunately, organic cotton clothes are a much healthier alternative. Parents can take advantage of the softness and breath-ability of cotton fabric without the chemical exposure of conventionally grown cotton. Organic cotton is grown and processed without the use of toxic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or chlorine bleach.
Not only are organic cotton clothes much better for baby’s health, they are also much better for the environment. For example, chemical fertilizer runoff causes algae overgrowth, fish death, and unsafe swimming conditions when toxic algae develops.
With the number of organic cotton clothing options available today, there is really no reason to dress our babies in anything but the safest fabric available. For those parents who use cloth diapers, there are also organic diapers and diaper covers made from cotton, hemp, bamboo, and wool.
