Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade, it really should come as no surprise that choosing organic skin products and produce is the way forward.
So why don't we also adopt this policy for what we wear? Or even more importantly, what we dress and wrap our little ones in?
Does it really make a difference choosing organic? Especially for newborns who outgrow all the beautiful things we buy in a matter of months?
According to us, the short answer is heck yes it matters. See below for the top 3 reasons why choosing organic for your baby should be a #1 priority.
Newborn skin is more vulnerable to pesticides and other nasties
The skin is the first defense for a newborn. This still-developing super soft layer is more permeable and thinner than the skin of an adult, and as such absorbs stuff more easily (see the clinical research here).
This means that babies are at greater risk for pesticide-related health problems than adults. And pesticides are commonly found in a number of different fabrics including conventional cotton and conventional linen.
It’s not just about the type of fabric either. It’s also synthetic dyes that you should be mindful of when it comes to your child’s health. When buying for babe, focus on sourcing organic fabrics coloured using eco-dyes or plant-based dyes.
Organic cotton is better for the planet
An obvious reason why organic cotton is a better choice is because of the environmental impact conventional cotton has on the planet.
How conventional cotton is grown, harvested and produced has some nasty truths behind it that impact the planet and its people.
Pesticides used in agriculture plants like cotton for example, can contaminate soil, water, grass, and vegetation. In addition to killing insects or weeds, pesticides can be toxic to a host of other living things including birds, fish, beneficial insects, and surrounding plants (see the clinical research here).
Organic cotton farming is better for the community compared to conventional cotton farming
On the social front, organisations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), have been working to make sure organic textiles also do not harm the lives of those working with the product and living locally.
GOTS oversees the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of textiles, ensuring that both environmental and social standards, such as safe and hygienic working conditions, no workplace discrimination and fair pay rates, are respected.
By seeking out GOTS organic cotton baby products (like ours!), you’re acting ethically and sustainably by encouraging the production of cotton that reduces harm for the planet and people.
But what about cost? Get creative...
So if organic cotton is so much better all around, why aren’t we all swaddling our babies in it and wearing it ourselves? It’s all about cost.
Lets face it, we all can be a little resistant to forking out the extra dollars when we’re faced with the financial stressors of a growing family.
That’s why at Taninaka we focus on offering products that are more durable compared to most. And not just durable, but also multifunctional, like our earth wraps. There’s no rule saying that once your baby outgrows their swaddle you can't continue to use it day-to-day...