Everything You'll Need To Wrap Your Baby In Organic
Welcoming a baby into your home is the beginning of something truly wonderful. It is the beginning of smiles, laughter, cuddles and love. But it is also the beginning of a string of questions and decisions about who you are, what kind of parent you want to become and what kind of family you’re going to build. We know you’ll be seeking out the very best for your little one and doing everything you can to ensure they grow up happy and healthy.
In the realm of baby clothing, eco-conscious, organic clothes hold your baby lovingly away from harmful chemicals and irritants while at the same time treating the natural environment in which they will play, learn and grow with the same tender care.
Why Organic?
Before we head to the shops, let's talk about why organic baby clothing is a top pick for your little one. Organic fabrics, crafted from sustainably grown materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp, are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. This means they're gentler on your baby's delicate skin, reducing the risk of irritation or allergies. Plus, by choosing organic, you're supporting eco-friendly farming practices that promote soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. You are actively reducing the amount of harmful chemicals being applied to the world’s soil. More demand for organic clothing and fabric means more of the world’s farmland is devoted to organic farming practices, squeezing out the conventional, chemical-heavy farms. It's a win-win for your baby and for Mother Earth!
Building Blocks of an Organic Wardrobe
1. Organic Onesies and Bodysuits:
These snug-fitting essentials are the backbone of any baby's wardrobe. Look for soft, breathable fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo in whimsical patterns or prints or soothing neutral colours. Opt for styles with envelope necklines or snap closures for easy dressing and nappy changes.
2. Breathable Bottoms:
From leggings to bloomers, choose bottoms made from organic fabrics that allow your baby's skin to breathe freely. Opt for stretchy waistbands and roomy cuts that accommodate diaper bulk without sacrificing style or comfort.
3. Layering Pieces:
For added versatility, stock up on organic cardigans, sweaters, and jackets to layer over outfits during cooler weather. Look for lightweight knits or organic fleece for warmth without the bulk. And for tiny babies, the quintessential outer layer is actually not clothing at all. Your tiny baby will spend much of their time sporting a blanket or muslin wrap, so find sweet ones that you love, as oftentimes they’ll be the only ‘outfit’ your baby is seen in!
4. Adorable Accessories:
When it comes to accessories for babies, the name of the game here is functionality. Look for hats that’ll shield your little one’s eyes from the sun or keep them snug on a chilly outing, mittens for the tiny fingers or bibs to collect the ubiquitous baby dribble. We’re not big on bows or headbands or other purely decorative accessories. We want useful pieces that work for you and your baby, not for anyone else!
Make room for gifts
Some new parents find they are hardly involved in building their baby’s wardrobe at all. Generous grandparents, excited aunties and uncles, fabulous friends are all eager to give something to keep your little one snuggly. So before you go filling your cart, take some time to look at all the lovely gifts you’ve received and work to fill the gaps. You’ll probably find you have plenty of cute little jackets, dresses, and ‘going out’ clothes, so it’ll be up to you to choose the basics and day-to-day pieces that’ll be the bread and butter of your little one’s wardrobe.
And for parents concerned about the sustainability of their children’s wardrobes, it’s an idea to gently guide well-meaning loved ones toward eco-friendly options. Consider creating a registry with your favourite organic brands or providing suggestions for sustainable gifts like organic clothing, wooden toys, or natural skincare products. You can tell them, less is more, and encourage one or two thoughtful purchases rather than a bag full of goodies from your local discount store. By sharing your values and preferences with those closest to you, you can ensure that every gift aligns with your commitment to sustainability.
Embracing Hand-Me-Downs
Your sister, colleague or friend could possibly have been hoarding bags of snuggly comfies at the back of her wardrobe, just waiting for someone to share them all with. Sustainable and budget-friendly hand-me-downs that offer a unique opportunity to reduce waste while adding a touch of history and nostalgia. Whether it's a cherished heirloom passed down through generations or gently used organic clothing from a friend or neighbour, each piece tells a story and carries with it the spirit of community and shared responsibility. Every time a piece of clothing is worn, it soaks up a little love. The more owners, the more love! And those hand-me-downs that don’t align with your quest for organic can just be popped aside for a few months to be handed down to the next lucky baby.
The Essentials: What and how many will I really need?
Let us make it really simple for you. To have your baby happily clothed for their first three months, this is our list of must-have items. They are the things you truly cannot do without. Of course, you are free to add to this list to give more variety or opportunities for self-expression (at this age, it’s the parents’ rather than the baby’s self that’s being expressed, but there’s nothing wrong with that!).
- 6-10 long-sleeved, footed onesies. Make sure the buttons/snaps/zips are on the front and go all the way down one leg. You can also find ones that fold over your little one’s hands, which can be very comforting for some babies.
- 4-6 short sleeve rompers or bodysuits for a summer baby
- 2-4 sweaters, cardigans or jackets
- 1 or 2 hats. Broad brimmed for a summer baby, snuggly bonnets that cover the ears for a winter baby.
- 3-4 swaddles. Some parents have no trouble wrapping their baby like a burrito with a flat swaddle; others go for zip-up ones.
- 8-12 bibs. Some babies dribble more, but you’ll likely be changing those little bibs multiple times a day to keep your little one’s chest and chin dry and rash free.
- Lightweight and heavy blankets. Choose carefully here, as often, it’s the only piece of ‘clothing’ you’ll actually see.
- Optional - Socks. Some babies use them to keep their toes warm, others use them just to practise pulling things off with their hands.
You won’t need pyjamas, babies drift in and out of sleep all day and night, there’s no time for costume changes. You also won’t need shoes, socks are fine until your little one starts walking outside.
Start with this list, then have fun with it, adding bits and pieces or incorporating the gifts you receive and bubs will be snuggly, comfy and happy.
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