We sell a range of organic and non-organic cotton premature baby clothes. Whether you choose organic or non-organic cotton is a personal choice and both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of organic cotton premature baby clothing
Ideal for sensitive skin
Babies have more sensitive skin, especially premature babies because their dermis, which is the last layer of skin, is not completely formed. Clothes made with 100% organic cotton, avoid the exposure of children to chemicals that can be responsible for allergies, itching and rashes (although this is rare).
Better for the environment
For environmentally conscious shoppers there's no doubt that choosing to buy organic cotton clothing is better for the world. Organic cotton farming is less polluting, uses less energy and the health of workers is also not compromised.
Having said that, not all non-organic cotton farms and clothes manufacturers are evil! But it's clear from recent news reports that some cause much more harm than others.
Possibly better for the workers
Often organic manufacturers are more focused on the wellbeing of their staff. Not only because staff don't have to handle pesticides and other chemicals, but often these manufacturers provide better pay and conditions because their values are more focused on fair trade and sustainability.
Contemporary designs
Manufacturers that make organic baby clothes are often design-lead brands, so if you find premature baby size clothes made from organic cotton you’re likely to have a choice of modern designs.
Not all organic cotton is equal so not all organic cotton baby clothes are equal.
Anyone manufacturing baby clothing can claim to be ‘organic’ or ‘ethical’ and it is impossible for consumers to tell the difference between an organic or non-organic premature baby product just by looking at it or feeling it. This is where a certification scheme like GOTS & Oeko-Tex helps; so look out for clothing that is certified.
Disadvantages of organic cotton premature baby clothes
As you've seen, there's some great benefits to buying organic cotton clothing, mainly environmental benefits, but there's also other things to consider.
Organic premature baby clothes are typically more expensive
Organic cotton is either more expensive to produce, or at least there's less supply of it, so the cost is higher. Therefore premature baby clothes made from organic cotton are typically more expensive. But the price varies from one brand to another and often the extra cost can be minimal. Plus there's plenty of premium brand clothing that's not organic and more expensive than lovely equivalent organic brands, so if you're tempted by an expensive non-organic item because it's a designer name why not think twice and get more for your money from a smaller organic brand. You'll probably find the quality to be just as good and you can feel more virtuous in the process too!
Lack of choice
With many consumers preferring to buy lower cost baby clothes there’s a lot more choice of non-organic baby clothes available than organic ones.
However with a growing awareness of the impact of fast-fashion on the environment more large brands are increasing the number of organic items they make and there’s an increasing number of small brands entering the market with a focus on ‘green’ credentials.
But most manufacturers focus on newborn baby clothes and larger sizes, so availability of organic premature baby clothes is even rarer. This is why we’ve scoured the world for those brands that do offer organic cotton in premature baby, early baby and tiny baby size so there’s a wide range available for you in our shop without having to shop around or resort to buying from overseas.
Organic clothing production isn't possible for all farmers
It's not easy to grow cotton plantations relying only on the help of Mother Nature. If everyone insisted on organic cotton clothing, some farmers in the developing world would go out of business and a big part of the economy would be affected. Some would argue that this wouldn't be a bad thing as the environment would be better off, but others would argue that the human cost would be too great and a balance needs to be found.
The verdict
Buying organic cotton premature baby clothes isn’t essential, non-organic cotton clothing from a reputable manufacturer shouldn't cause baby any harm at all (unless they have a rare skin condition), but if budget allows then organic cotton is a little more special and of course better for the environment.
For the average shopper we recommend buying a range of clothing, perhaps non-organic for baby basics and organic items for special occasions or if you're buying a gift for someone's baby.
If money is no object then we'd suggest you always buy organic baby clothing where possibly, whether for a premature baby, average sized baby or child. Because the more demand there is for organic clothing the more will be produced which will increase choice and reduce prices for everyone else. This can only be good for the world.