For the environmentally aware and health conscious parent, natural and organic baby products are becoming more and more popular as we strive to find the best way to raise our children safely while still keeping the needs of the planet at the forefront of our minds.

Growing concerns of harsh chemicals and pesticides that may also harm the delicate skin of an infant, or worse, affect their breathing or cause any number of allergic reactions, are prompting parents to do their homework and find the absolute best products to help care for their precious babies. Today, products that contain no artificial preservatives, fragrances, or dyes, as well as those that are completely toxin-free and use no animal testing in the manufacturing process, are widely available for parents to choose from.

Cotton Baby Clothes and Bedding - Conventional vs. Organic Growing Methods

The differences between growing cotton the conventional way as opposed to organically have several distinct variables, including the omission of pesticides on crops that are grown using all natural methods. According to environmental experts, the cotton crops grown today are responsible for one fourth of all the pesticides used worldwide.

After the growing and harvesting process is finished, even more chemicals are used in the form of dyes and formaldehyde before the products are finally completed and put on the store shelves. These chemicals are known to emit toxins in the air, which are harmful to humans as well as wildlife and the environment in general.

Without pesticides to control the insect population, farmers using all natural growing practices must rely on other, beneficial insects, as well as organic fertilizers and ingredients such as garlic, neem tree oil, and alfalfa to ensure their crops are never in contact with anything other than what has already been produced by nature.

Another benefit to choosing organically grown cotton is that the chemicals normally used to create items like diapers or bedding actually have a weakening effect on the fabric, causing it to wear thinner after repeated washings. Organic cotton is also softer and thicker than the usual type which allows the body to better regulate its temperature, something that infants aren't able to do on their own quite yet.

The chemicals and pesticides used in traditional cotton farming build up within the microscopic parts of the fabric and then trap heat, preventing the skin from "breathing" as it should, which often leads to painful conditions like diaper rash.

For products as pure as your baby's soft and delicate skin, all natural and organic materials are the best choice. Thankfully, today there are a variety of safe and chemical-free options with everything from clothing to bedding to shampoos to choose from.

Natural and Organic Baby Bedding

As we know, babies spend a great deal of their time sleeping, so we should make sure they're comfortable and safe on materials that aren't treated with chemicals. Choose organically grown fabrics such as cotton flannels, terry, and pure grown wools for everything from the mattress to the changing pads, the sheets, blankets, comforters, duvets, bumper pads, and the quilts you buy for baby.

Baby Clothing - Keep Baby's Clothes Natural

Since baby will be sleeping with sheets and blankets that haven't been treated with any type of chemicals, it makes perfect sense to also dress them in clothing that is also just as safe and natural.

Baby Furniture - Easy to Keep Natural

Even baby's furniture, including the crib, bassinette, changing table, rocking chairs, and dressers can be made from woods that come from naturally grown trees and aren't treated with the regular finishes and stains used for manufacturing furniture. Solid maples and oaks are often favorite choices.

Baby Toys Can Be Sources of Danger and Toxins

We all know how much babies love to chew on things and put just about everything they can get their hands on in their mouths when they're teething. Choosing toys made from organically grown cotton ensures baby won't be also chewing on a bevy of chemicals as well. Stuffed animals and dolls are also made using all natural plant dyes in addition to the pure cotton, eliminating the worry of harmful colorants. Even toys such as rattles, books, or even teethers for baby are made using these safe materials.

Supplies such as hygiene and daily care products, including shampoos, soaps, lotions, and baby powders, are available made from organic ingredients that will be safe for an infant's tender skin. Instead of choosing the usual oils that are often used on babies, there are many others made from completely natural, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic ingredients infused together into a variety of safe, gentle blends for baby.

Chamomile is a frequent component of baby oils due to its calming qualities, and you'll find a wide array of several other essential plant oils in items such as balms and diaper ointments. For diaper rash and for soothing other rashes or minor cuts and scrapes, look for products that contain certified organically grown herbs and oils, including calendula, St. John's wort, chickweed, and shea butter.

Cloth diapers, bibs, burp cloths, wash cloths, and towels are also available that have been made using organic growing and manufacturing processes.

By using natural and organic baby products for your little ones, not only will you be ensuring their safety, but you'll also be wisely planning for their future as these products help to protect the precious environment they'll have to grow up in since the air, the soil, and the water all benefit from as few chemicals as possible.