The 10 Best Sustainable Newborn Clothing Brands
Sustainable clothing is important for babies, perhaps even more than it is for adults. Babies are especially vulnerable to harmful chemicals because their bodies are still developing and they have extremely sensitive skin.
As more parents understand the importance of environmentally responsible shopping, sustainable newborn clothing has become increasingly popular and widely available.
There are several eco-friendly brands to consider if you want to dress your newborn in sustainable styles. The brands featured in this article use eco-friendly products and ethical manufacturing methods.
But if you are uncertain about whether to dress your baby in sustainable or conventional clothing, let’s take a look at these important facts.
Why is Sustainable Baby Clothing Important?
Sustainable clothing is important for babies, perhaps even more than it is for adults. Babies are especially vulnerable to harmful chemicals because their bodies are still developing and they have extremely sensitive skin.
Sustainable clothes are typically made from natural textiles or organic fabrics. They are usually produced using ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, which help to reduce waste and minimize pollution.
However, most unsustainable baby clothes are made from conventional cotton which is high in chemicals. Glyphosate, just one of the chemical pesticides used on cotton, has been classified as a possible carcinogen by the World Health Organization.
Buying sustainable clothing has other advantages as well. Sustainable products are typically made in fair trade-certified factories that offer fair wages and use renewable energy sources.
What are Sustainable Baby Clothes Made of?
Sustainable newborn clothing can be made from a variety of materials, but two of the most popular are bamboo and organic cotton.
Bamboo fabric is beloved for its soft, rich, and silky feel and is equally as breathable as organic cotton. Bamboo fibers are hypoallergenic and have microscopic holes that provide excellent ventilation and heat regulation while also protecting your child from UV radiation.
GOTS-certified organic cotton baby clothes are praised for their softness and durability. Compared to conventional cotton, the organic farming process uses less energy, emits fewer greenhouse gasses, and utilizes no chemicals. Organic cotton is ideal for babies and people with extremely sensitive skin.
Tips for Buying Sustainable Baby Clothes
When buying organic baby clothes, look for sustainable certifications. These indicate whether a brand's claims have been tested and proven true. When shopping for organic baby clothes, look for the following third-party certifications:
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS is the world’s “leading textile processing standard for organic fibers.” This certification is the most strict organic textile standard because it goes beyond simply verifying the organic farming process. It also covers every stage of production and ensures that no slave or child labor is used. The USDA recognizes GOTS as the organic consumer goods standard.
USDA Organic: If a product is certified USDA Organic, it means that it meets the USDA criteria and contains at least 95% organic components. It also designates that the product was made with USDA-certified organic crops.
Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX: Although the garments with this label may not have been produced using organic methods, they have been examined for the presence of dangerous chemicals. In other words, every part of the item, including the thread, buttons, and other accessories, has undergone testing for dangerous chemicals and has been determined to be safe for use by people.
10 Best Organic Baby Clothing Brands
1. Finn + Emma
Finn + Emma is a sustainable baby brand dedicated to providing parents with high-quality, environmentally friendly baby products that prioritize both style and sustainability. This brand sells sustainable and organic baby clothes, toys, and accessories made from natural materials without chemicals.
Finn + Emma uses 100% organic cotton, low-impact dyes, and water-based inks to reduce their products' environmental impact.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, their products are also known for their stylish and whimsical designs. Finn + Emma kids' clothes and accessories are both practical and fun, with adorable prints and colorful patterns. And, their signature onesies, for example, feature playful designs and cute phrases, while keeping babies warm and comfortable.
2. Hanna Andersson
Popular children's clothing brand Hanna Andersson has been committed to sustainability for nearly 40 years. The company's mission is to make quality, organic clothing that is also sustainable. They use eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices to create products that are safe for children.
Hanna Andersson has a large selection of baby and children's clothing. Kids’ favorites include their character clothing and pajamas, which range from Disney princesses to Harry Potter to Marvel® superheroes, and seasonal styles for holidays and special occasions.
Hanna Andersson, founded in Portland in 1983, was one of the first children's brands to focus on sustainability. Their clothing is made from organic cotton and is designed with durability in mind.
3. Boody
Boody is a sustainable brand that offers men’s, women’s, and baby clothes, which are all made from eco-friendly materials. The brand produces clothes that are not only gentle on the skin but also gentle on the environment.
Bamboo viscose is one of the main materials used in Boody's baby clothes. It is extremely soft, comfortable, breathable, and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for baby clothing.
Boody offers a selection of sustainable baby basics with simple designs that are ideal for everyday wear. The clothes are designed to be easy to put on and take off, with snaps and zippers that make diaper changes a breeze.
The brand collaborates with factories that practice fair labor practices so workers are paid fair living wages and treated with respect. Boody's factories also follow strict environmental standards, ensuring that waste is minimized.
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4. Pact
Pact is another sustainable clothing brand that offers men’s, women’s, kids, and baby clothing, in addition to bed and bath linens. Their baby clothes are made of 100% organic cotton and are soft, comfortable, and ideal for newborns. Their bodysuits and pants are available in a variety of colors and prints, such as solid pastels and playful patterns.
Pact baby clothes are made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and are Fair Trade USA Factory Certified. So not only are their products eco-friendly, their factories ensure safe working conditions, community support, and transparent supply chains.
5. Many Moons
It’s amazing how quickly babies outgrow their clothes. Fortunately, Many Moons has a circular model in which you receive rewards for returning their clothes when your baby has grown out of them.
All of their ethically and sustainably produced clothing comes with a Lifetime Return guarantee. You can either buy Many Moon items and get a 20% credit when you return them, or you can rent their clothing for a low monthly fee and return them whenever you want.
And, when Many Moon receives clothes that are no longer usable, they recycle or compost them so they never end up in a landfill! They are able to do so because they only use 100% organic textiles in their clothing production.
6. Monica + Andy
Monica + Andy sells baby, toddler, and kids essentials, including clothing made of 100%, GOTS-certified cotton. They offer limited-edition seasonal collections and mix-and-match essentials. Monica + Andy provides an eclectic collection of organic baby clothes, from onesies and rompers to swaddle blankets and accessories that are perfect for a baby registry.
They also sell a one-of-a-kind "Hospital Cuddle Box," which contains essential items for newborns such as a swaddle blanket, hat, and bodysuit made from sustainable materials.
7. Burt's Bees Baby
Burt's Bees is a well-known brand for a range of eco-friendly products, but they also have a baby line with everything from clothing to bed linens to bath products. Burt’s Bees Baby offers a wide range of clothing for babies of all ages from cozy onesies and sleepwear, all in fun prints and designs. They also sell accessories such as hats, bibs, and blankets made of the same high-quality organic cotton.
Burt’s Bees Baby collaborates with factories that use GOTS-certified organic cotton, which ensures that strict environmental and social criteria are met. This means that Burt's Bees Baby can produce organic cotton clothing that is not only environmentally friendly but also ethically produced.
8. Makemake Organics
Makemake Organics sells a variety of baby products, including clothes for newborns to 24 months, bedding, burp cloths, swaddle blankets, play mats, and more.
Their minimalist, modern, and gender-neutral designs feature soothing colors and simple patterns. Their products are GOTS, Fair Trade, and OEKO-TEX-certified, which means the fabric is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
One of the most distinguishing features of Makemake Organics is that they do not use toxic dyes. They only use natural plant-based dyes, which are free from toxic substances and synthetic materials. This not only ensures that the clothing is safe for babies but results in a beautiful and one-of-a-kind color palette inspired by nature's earth tones.
9. Tabeeze
Tabeeze is a sustainable baby clothing brand that is revolutionizing the way you dress your child through its distinctive designs.
Their Baby Bodysuit features patented shoulder flaps and fumble-free snap alignment, so parents don't have to struggle to fit clothing over their baby's head or squirmy hands. Tabeeze is applied from the bottom up and snaps closed over the baby's shoulders, making dressing, changing, and skin-to-skin bonding easier.
Tabeeze clothing also comes in a variety of sizes from newborn to 24 months. This means that parents can continue to buy environmentally friendly clothing for their growing children.
10. MORI
MORI is a UK-based sustainable baby clothing brand that believes that every moment is worth celebrating. MORI baby clothes are made of organic cotton and bamboo, which are extremely soft, making them ideal for sensitive baby skin.
MORI clothing is also designed with functionality and simplicity in mind. They sell baby clothes, such as onesies, sleep sacks, pants, and blankets, in neutral colors and simple designs. Special collections are also available, such as the organic wool collection, which is ideal for keeping babies warm in colder climates.
MORI also offers maternity and young kids clothing, baby gifts, bedding, bath, and mealtime products.
FAQs
What is the most sustainable way to shop for clothes?
When shopping for baby clothes, look for sustainable and ethical brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and supply chain transparency. Choose brands that use organic, recycled, or biodegradable materials instead of synthetic fabrics.
Do organic baby clothes matter?
Babies have extremely sensitive skin and are in the earliest developmental stages, so what goes into and comes into contact with their bodies is very important. Many baby clothes are made with conventional cotton that was treated with pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Sustainable baby clothing is made of fabrics that are free of chemicals and use ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.
And, when it’s time to store clothing your baby has outgrown, we recommend Hayden Hill cotton storage bags to keep these treasured items protected from dust, light, moths, mold, and condensation. Our bags are made of 100% organic cotton certified through GOTS, which also guarantees the ethical treatment of workers. Hayden Hill delivers sustainable and beautiful garment care to preserve and protect the clothes you love most.
