The skin of a baby is much more sensitive and vulnerable to harmful environmental contaminants compared to an adult. Baby skin is up to five times thinner and less oily, thus, making it more porous. It also produces less melanin, which helps protect the toddler against sunburn. A baby's metabolism is also higher than an adult but the baby's weight is lower; thus, making the baby very susceptible to absorbing toxins and dirt. In addition, a baby sweats less efficiently than an adult, so it is more difficult for her to regulate body temperature.
Most of the clothes being sold commercially are made from materials that can be harmful to a baby's sensitive skin. Clothes made of polyester, acrylic, fleece, and nylon frequently cause skin irritation. These clothing materials are often derived directly or indirectly from petroleum or natural gas, making them dangerous to a baby's health because they tend to constantly emit gas. Benzene, ammonia, and ethylene glycol are also found in the finishes of such fabrics. And no matter how often you wash the clothes, there is no guarantee that these chemicals will be washed off. That is why most parents choose clothes made from cotton because they are lightweight and breathable.
However, clothes made of traditional cotton may also harm a baby's sensitive skin. Traditional cotton is grown with the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and herbicides. In fact, it has been reported that most used pesticides used on cotton have been labeled as known carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Then, during the process of converting raw cotton into cloth, more chemicals are added. Chlorine bleaches, silicone-based softeners, dyes, and silicon waxes are also added to the finishing to create soft, odor resistant, and mothproof clothing. These chemicals can cause burning eyes, throat, and nose. They can also increase vulnerability to cancer; as well as, cause sleeping difficulties. Fortunately, usage of organic cotton has increased extensively.
Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. It is grown through safer methods such as crop rotation and manual weeding. Organic clothing protects a baby from dusts, thus, preventing her from acquiring allergies and ailments such as asthma. This is because organic clothing does not contain harmful substances that are found in the traditional cotton clothing. Organic clothes are also soft, breathable, and delicate to the skin; plus they are stronger and more durable compared to traditionally-grown cotton clothing.
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