Tender, fragile, and innocent – these words instantly come to mind when you think of a baby. But there is so much more than these little bundles of sweets are. Needless to say, parenting is a joy that is hard to describe only because babies make our lives so much more special.
Parents are always invested in giving their babies only the best – the most love, the greatest care, the best foods, and the happiest memories. We can safely say that it is every parent’s greatest priority to ensure that they can give their child only the best they can afford.
Often, we tend to slip up on the smallest of things. It doesn’t come from a place of neglect or carelessness. It often is a result of oversight or being unaware. Let’s take an example. Every parent reads through the labels of foods carefully to ensure it is fresh, has only natural ingredients, and almost no chemicals and preservatives. They compare brands and types carefully before picking anything. Several parents also prefer making their baby foods entirely at home and will not feed their children anything readymade.
When it comes to clothing, however, parents only tend to look at size and design. The key determinant is finding an outfit that makes their cherub look perfect. Not too many parents are keen on knowing more, save that the clothes are cotton and comfortable.
Choosing the Right Cotton for your Kids
Cotton fabrics and outfits need not always be right for your child. Organic cotton has shown us how there is so much more care and protection that can be afforded to children when we buy clothes. Unfortunately, not too many of us know the difference between regular and organic cotton or understand how the two can impact our children.
Organic cotton uses natural cotton seeds and relies only on natural rainwater for growth. They are picked without machinery and use human interface to harvest the cotton balls. They are completely pesticide-free and have no bleach or synthetic dyes. Colors are added using natural dyes and pigments. The resultant cloth is breathable, natural, and 100 percent toxin-free.
Why Organic Cotton Makes All the Difference
While the process of growing and using organic cotton is completely different, you might wonder what difference it makes to your child. Some parents wonder if it makes a difference at all. Others are apprehensive about having to shell out more money when buying organic cotton clothes and linen.
Here are some of the biggest wins of using organic cotton :
- Long-lasting: Remember how you have some soft pieces of cloth from your granny that you use to swaddle your baby? Or how certain clothes that have been handed down from elder siblings and cousins feel so much more delicate than newly bought ones? Well, that’s the beauty of organic cotton. Much like wine, it ages beautifully and gets only better over time. Children may outgrow clothes faster than we do, but you will notice their clothes and sheets last much longer and wear very well with repeated washing and care.
- Chemical-free: It is common knowledge that cotton cultivation uses a lot of chemicals and pesticides during its growth. These chemicals continue to reside in the cotton after it is processed and made into cloth. Wearing and using regular cotton exposes your baby’s skin to harsh chemicals that are very unsuitable. There is a chance that your baby is inhaling these toxins as they sleep on cotton sheets or developing skin conditions from wearing cotton throughout the day.
- More comfortable: There is no doubt that organic cotton is much more comfortable than any other fabric. Regular cotton and other materials tend to become coarse, stretchy, or even frayed with frequent washing. Organic cotton lacks any starch or chemicals used to give shape and form to the fabric. Therefore, it only gets softer and more pliable with every wash. The fabric is lighter and breathes. It helps soak up moisture and keeps your baby’s skin cool. Moreover, organic cotton is suitable for all types of weather and eliminates the need to buy multiple clothes for varying seasons.
- Skin-friendly: A baby’s skin is highly absorbent and sensitive. Since it is more porous, it tends to absorb everything in contact with it. This also includes chemicals and toxins. In its natural state, organic cotton is completely free from pesticides and chemicals. Its nature prevents the growth of mold and microbes. This makes it much safer for babies. If you need more proof, consider this. Chemical-free cotton prevents skin allergies and lowers the chances of developing skin problems like eczema and dermatitis. Often, children become prone to skin conditions as they age only because of exposure to chemicals in their infancy.
- Economical: Considering these clothes and fabrics are long-lasting and can be passed from one generation to the next, this is certainly a worthwhile investment. This offsets the marginally higher price you may have to pay for organic cotton. Given the numerous benefits to the baby and you, does the price even matter?
In selecting organic cotton supplies for your baby, not only are you investing in their well-being but also giving back to the environment and community. Organic farming is an industry that is fighting for survival, and patronizing them is allowing for a resurgence of good farming practices and promoting a world of better health and lifestyle. By opting for organic cotton, you are also reducing carbon footprints and saving the environment in your own, conscious way.
We have a responsibility as citizens and parents. It extends to the environment, society, and our families. While it may be hard for us to contribute actively towards each of these causes individually, opting for organic cotton in our lives helps us show our solidarity towards all three. When you notice your child smile happily and run around comfortably, you know you’ve paid the right price for joy!
