The Hateful Eight There are 8,000 Chemicals in Baby Clothes

Shopping for baby clothes can be a fun and fulfilling experience… provided you have the textile know-how.

Without the right knowledge and understanding of fabrics and fibres, you could be putting your child at risk of any number of skin ailments and diseases.

Did you know, over 8,000 chemicals are used by the textile manufacturing industry?

Yes, you heard us right.

Textile manufacturing deploys a wide variety of toxic substances (PFCs, Azo Dyes, Heavy Metals, Formaldehyde, Flame Retardants) that adversely impact workers, communities, and the environment.

So, it’s imperative to champion textile that is better for the people and planet.

Let’s deep dive into kids’ apparel, so that we can put things in better perspective.

Commercial Equals Chemical-Full 

Kids clothing brands play around with synthetic fabrics like Nylon, Rayon, Acrylic and Polyester.

How come?

Well, it’s simple, these materials are long-lasting, shrink resistant and easy to maintain.

But they’re also packed with a host of chemicals.

And this makes it a big no-no for soft, sensitive baby skin.

It’s a fact – children are more susceptible to the negative impacts of chemical exposure.

In fact, when comparing exposure to body weight, kids absorb more water, food and air per pound than adults.

Which means, being exposed to toxic chemicals can cause worse problems for them.

Did you know, the flame retardants used in kids’ apparel can disrupt hormone levels, while the azo dyes can damage the nervous system and even cause cancer (the latter is full of heavy metals like lead and cadmium).

It’s important to be aware of these facts, no matter how disturbing they might be, so that you can switch to the only safe option – sustainable textile.

Sustainable Textile Equals Zero Chemicals

The sustainable kids clothing industry refrains from using any pesticides or fertilisers in the making of its apparel.

Not only is the manufacturing process eco-friendly, but the entire supply chain is ethical.

Good working conditions, fair wages, water and power conservation, are just some of the many virtues of this industry.

Remember, sustainable goes beyond ‘environmental’ and encompasses ‘economic’ and ‘social’ too.

So, what you’re left with is safe, quality garments that look food, feel good and do good for all earthlings.

Isn’t that exactly what you want for your little heart?

A wardrobe that is chic, comfortable and chemical-free.

Yes, yes, yes.

While there are many natural fabrics like Bamboo, Industrial Hemp, Recycled Polyester, Soy Cashmere/Silk, Tencel, and Wool, we’d recommend Organic Cotton for the perfect baby-textile match.

Don’t get caught up in the cuteness of synthetic baby clothes, they’re chemically loaded!!

Instead, explore sustainable brands that are good to all living species – human beings, animals, plants.

There are many affordable and accessible options available at the click of a button.

Greendigo’s GOTS certified organic cotton apparel for babies, toddlers and kids are 100% chemical free.

What’s more, the entire supply chain is conscious.

This translates to:

1.       Healthy skin

2.       Happy planet

Two things we should all strive for!