Cotton is a top fabric of choice for babies because of its natural softness and breatheability. But the safety of cotton fabrics for infants and children has been called into question because of the staggering amount of pesticide used to saturate growing cotton plants. The use of chemicals perpetuates itself, requiring the use of ever increasing, ever stronger chemicals each year as the insects they are intended to kill become immune to them. Every one of these problems is eliminated with organics – which just happen to be completely safe. Gee, imagine that.
The same reasons organic cotton is better for the earth, lack of pesticides and harmful chemicals, it is also better for your baby. A baby’s skin is 5-7 times thinner than an adult’s and is far more porous to absorb harmful chemicals. A baby’s internal systems, especially the immune systems are also more sensitive than an adults’. According to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, allergies and asthma can arise from early exposure to chemicals and asbestos, and the incredibly intensive chemical farming and industrial treatment, of the fabrics we wear and sleep on. (California Department of Pesticide Regulation, “DPR Releases Data on 1999 Pesticide Injuries,” 2001.)
Organic cotton is also better for you, the parent. For starters, organic cotton has a higher quality look, characteristic smoothness and weight. It simply looks and also is soft, velvety, and cozy. Any interesting detail, organic cotton tends to be sturdier and last longer than conventional cotton. Without chemical treatments and better adapted to fend for itself, organic cotton grows stronger than conventional cotton.
