Buying clothes and toys for a baby is a delight for many parents. They look so cute in their outfits and have such fun playing with their toys.
However, many of the products made for babies and sold in the UK use materials that can be harmful to them. Hence, it’s advisable to consider buying products made with natural materials from an ethical baby store online UK based online baby stores offer the best in high-quality clothing, toys, and accessories.
Here we’ll discuss the harmful fabrics and materials that go into making mass-produced clothing and toys, and why eco-friendlier products are better for your child’s health.
Common Fabrics and Materials Used to Make Mass-Produced Babies Clothing and Toys
To give you an idea of the types of fabrics and materials that should be avoided, let’s look at some of the materials most commonly used in production:
Polyester
Polyester is one of the worst fabrics in general. The synthetic polymers used to make polyester can irritate your baby’s skin. It includes harmful chemicals with breathable substances that can affect your child’s overall health.
Polyester is flammable, therefore, when used in fabric it is treated with a fire retardant. As your little one may occasionally chew on their clothing, they’ll ingest these substances which are dangerous to their health.
Nylon
Nylon is not the best fabric for an adult to wear let alone for babies. It doesn’t absorb moisture and sticks to the skin, leading to fungi growth. In addition, nylon is made from petrochemicals and treated with numerous other chemicals like bleaching agents and synthetic dyes. The chemicals have been linked to problems with the skin and immune system.
Wool
Wool is a natural fabric that comprises rough fibres that can irritate your child’s skin, causing itching for sensitive and non-sensitive skin. Although it is a natural fabric, it is not recommended for children.
Materials Used for Toys
Other than materials such as the textiles, metal, and wood used to make toys, the main component is usually plastic. Here are some examples of the plastics used in toys that you should avoid:
- Polyolefins – EVA foam is known to give off a dangerous toxin named
- Styrene derived polymers – Styrene is a naturally hazardous chemical that can cause cancer.
- Plasticized PVC – Phthalates added to PVC to soften it can evaporate or leak out whenever they come into contact with fats or liquids; which can then be absorbed into the body.
Common Organic Fabric and Materials Used to Make Babies Clothing and Toys
Organic baby clothes are the best for your child. They’re free from cotton pesticides and a variety of harmful or dangerous substances typically found in the materials mentioned above. Here are some other reasons why organic cotton is the best, and a selection of organic toy options available at ethical baby online stores in the UK:
Organic Cotton
Clothing and bedding made from natural products such as organic cotton are better for your child for the following reasons:
- It is soft, making it gentle and kinder to your baby’s skin.
- Your child will have less chance of developing skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema or skin allergies.
- Organic cotton will always keep its natural state, making it mould resistant and antimicrobial.
Materials Used for Organic Toys
Toys made from Birchwood, Beechwood, and 100% certified wood are good alternatives to plastic toys. Here are a few examples of how your child could benefit from playing with wooden toys:
They Offer Excellent Educational Value
Wooden toys don’t include electronic parts or voices telling them how to play with them. Therefore, your child will be left to work this out on their own. This contributes to the development of their problem-solving, reasonings skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
They’re Durable and Long-Lasting
Most wooden toys are hard to damage, easy to clean, and keep their condition well. As a result, they can be passed down to your other children.
They’re Safe
Plastic toys are susceptible to chipping and breakages. Your child might well put the smaller parts in their mouths or hurt themselves on a sharp edge. This is not a problem with wooden toys.
Get Close to Nature
Your child can connect with nature through the tactile sensation of playing with a wooden toy. This enhances their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
Only the Best for Your Baby
As a parent, you want to give your child the best start in life. You can contribute to their health, comfort, and overall happiness with clothing and toys made from natural fabrics and materials. Mass-produced products may stand out more as they’re easily available. However, they contain many harmful substances.
Luckily, there are plenty of organic alternatives available from a baby store online. UK-based ethical online baby stores offer clothing and bedding made from organic cotton and toys made from 100% certified wood. These products are not made using harmful materials, making them safer for your child.
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