Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton: Which is Better for Your Baby?

When it comes to the “Organic cotton vs. regular cotton” debate, there’s a clear winner for which fabric is better. Thanks to more sustainable farming practices and being grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton is much better for the environment than conventional cotton. However, more and more parents are starting to wonder, what is the difference between organic cotton vs. regular cotton in regards to baby clothing? Is one better for your baby’s skin? The answer is yes.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if it’s worth switching to organic cotton (or not), we’re glad you’re here. This blog covers everything from the  differences between these two types of cotton to how to spot the differences to the benefits of choosing organic cotton, particularly for baby clothing. Let’s dive in! 

Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, it relies on natural fertilizers and sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, manual weeding, and natural pest control to maintain healthy crops. Additionally, organic cotton farming emphasizes water conservation and typically uses rain-fed systems over irrigation, both supporting biodiversity and reducing environmental impact.  

By relying on natural and sustainable farming practices instead of harsh chemicals and resource-depleting methods, organic cotton is a safer and more sustainable choice for both the environment and consumers.

Certifications and Standards

Since not all cotton is created equal, it’s important to look for certain standards and certifications from trusted third-party organizations, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This certification ensures that the entire production process, from farming to manufacturing, adheres to strict standards and environmentally and socially responsible practices. 

In order to be approved for the GOTS label, a product must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers. If it is labeled as ‘organic,’ the product must be made with a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers (1). While many cotton products on the market today are labeled as  OEKO-TEX®-certified, it’s important to note that is not the same as organic. While OEKO-TEX® does certify that a product is free from harsh chemicals and is safe for human use, look for the GOTS label if you are seeking organic cotton clothing for your baby.  

Regular cotton, also known as conventional cotton, is grown using traditional farming methods that often rely heavily on synthetic chemicals and pesticides. While these practices can lead to higher yields and lower production costs, they come with significant environmental and health concerns.

Conventional cotton farming typically involves the use of genetically modified seeds and a range of chemical inputs to control pests and boost growth. This approach has been criticized for its negative impact on soil health, water quality, and local ecosystems. To put it into perspective,  regular cotton accounts for 2.4% of agricultural land use. However, it utilizes 5.7% of all global pesticides and 16.1% of insecticides. These chemical additions during cotton production (plus additional chemicals added during manufacturing) contaminate everything from the soil to the air to the water, impacting other crops, animals, and people. 

Let’s just say there’s a reason why conventional cotton has been deemed “the dirtiest crop on Earth!”

The main differences between organic and regular cotton come down to how each crop is grown, harvested, and manufactured. Overall, organic cotton has less of a negative impact on the environment and human health while also providing a softer and higher-quality fabric for clothing, bedding, and other uses. 

Let’s take a closer look into this comparison. 

Choosing organic cotton for your baby's clothing offers several advantages:

It Is Gentler on Sensitive Skin: Not only is organic cotton farming free from harsh chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, but there are no toxic additives utilized during production, either (if certified GOTS or OEKO-TEX®, that is). The absence of harmful chemicals ensures a naturally hypoallergenic fabric that reduces the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions in baby’s delicate skin. 

It Is More Durable: While the chemicals used in the production of conventional cotton weaken the fabric over time, organic cotton maintains its integrity wash after wash, and adventure after adventure. Despite the initial cost up front, durable organic cotton baby saves you money in the long run and reduces textile waste, too. 

It Is Highly Breathable: Organic cotton isn’t just breathable, but it’s naturally breathable. Without the addition of chemicals and additives, organic cotton’s natural breathability is able to shine,helping to regulate your baby's body temperature and prevent overheating.

It Is Environmentally Responsible: By opting for organic cotton, you're supporting sustainable farming practices and reducing your environmental footprint. Organic cotton helps reduce water pollution, promote biodiversity, and improve soil health. 

It Is Produced Ethically: Ethical Production: Many organic cotton brands prioritize fair labor practices and ethical manufacturing processes. There are also fewer health risks for farmers and communities where the cotton is grown. 

At Cuddle Sprouts, we understand the importance of choosing the right fabrics for baby clothing to ensure the utmost comfort and care for your little one. That's why we're excited to introduce our new collection of organic cotton baby clothes, designed with your baby's comfort and well-being in mind.

Our organic cotton baby clothes are GOTS-certified, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. We've carefully selected the softest, most durable organic cotton to create styles that are gentle on your baby's skin and built to last. From practical wardrobe staples, like bodysuits, to adorable two-piece sets perfect for mixing and matching, our organic cotton collection is sure to provide the best in comfort, convenience, and style.