With a baby on the way, you’ve likely been gifted a whole lot of cute little outfits that you just can’t wait to dress them in once they arrive! And there’s also the soft and colourful bedding you’ve prepared for their cot that they’re sure to look adorable in as they drift off to sleep.

But when a friend mentions delightedly that the cosy, knitted jumper they bought for your baby is “organic, of course!”, you suddenly feel a little panicked. Can my baby only wear organic clothing? What’s wrong with regular clothing? And what about their bedding? Do I need to replace that too?!

With the green movement expanding into the world of parenting, a lot of families are now buying organic wardrobes and bedding, as well as organic food produce.

But why? What are the benefits of organic materials?

What are the supposed benefits of organic clothing?

The argument is that as well as being better for the environment, organic clothing and bedding don’t contain chemicals that could come into contact with your baby’s skin and be inhaled, meaning they will likely cause less irritation and fewer health problems.

So why isn't everyone wearing and buying organic materials?

The fact is that there’s no evidence of any health benefits in using organic clothing and bedding. And given that these organic products are more expensive, generally come in fewer colours, and aren’t as easy to find, many people don’t feel the need to make the switch.

With these two conflicting viewpoints both claiming to be valid, how do you decide between buying organic vs nonorganic clothes and bedding?

How do I use this information to make a decision that’s right for my baby?

There is simply no evidence to suggest that nonorganic products are unsafe in some way, nor that organic clothing and bedding have scientifically proven health benefits.

Now, should you decide to go organic for ideological or environmental reasons, or if you later find that your baby’s skin is easily irritated by certain materials - and you’re comfortable with the price point - then that’s completely reasonable.

But based on what’s currently known, there’s no real reason to worry about your baby wearing nonorganic clothing or sleeping in nonorganic bedding.

Should I use organic clothes and bedding to protect my baby?

Is organic best for their delicate skin? Unii knows.