Going Green with Organic Fabrics for Baby

BobbleRoos has just added some new organic fabric options for several of our popular product lines.  Our newest fabrics include:

• Organic Fleece (Cream) - This super soft fabric is actually even thicker than our traditional flannels, but still 100% cotton, which makes it ideal for our playard sheets.  You will be amazed at how soft and cozy this fabric feels to the touch - just amazing.  The thickness adds an extra layer of cushion for the playard.  Also available in pillowcases for our popular toddler pillows.
• Organic Jersey (Cream) - Think of your favorite cotton t-shirt - this organic fabric is even softer and silkier feeling!  This 100% cotton jersey fabric is a thinner option than the fleece with just a bit of stretch which also makes it perfect for our playard sheets and toddler pillow pillowcases.  
• Organic Rib Knit (Cream) - The beauty of rib knit is that it is 100% cotton but the "ribs" give this fabric great stretch making it ideal for the backing of our 100% organic playard sheets.  This fabric means we can offer 100% cotton AND 100% organic fabrics in our playard sheets - a great combination!  Right now, we are just using the rib knit for the backing of our playard sheets, but hope to offer a new swaddling blanket with some stretch.

Okay, for those new to organic fabrics, what makes them so special?  Organic cottons offer many benefits both to our skin as well as to the soil where the cotton is grown, and for the factory workers who turn the cotton into fabric:

• Soil Preparation - first, the cotton seeds are not treated with fungicides or pesticides.  Also, organic cotton crops are rotated which means the soil is not over-harvested and depleted of valuable nutrients.  Re-investing in the soil creates a better crop as well as a balance, making it easier to weed and keep free of damaging insects without the use of chemicals or pesticides.
• Harvesting - cotton "flowers" are harvested (or defoliated) using natural means rather than chemicals
• Fabric Production - cotton fibers are stabilized with corn starch or double plying instead of chemical waxes; safe peroxide is used for whitening instead of chlorine bleach; finishing is done with a soft scour using soda ash instead of synthetic detergents (sometimes formaldehyde); fabric is softened with natural soybeans instead of petroleum-based softeners.  If fabric is dyed or printed, low-impact dyes and pigments are used.

Sure, organic fabrics do cost more and the colors might not be as vibrant (although they've come a long way in a short time).  However, as in most cases, you get what you pay for.  If we invest in the soil and organic production now, we will reap the benefits for years to come.  And your newborn baby's delicate (and sensitive) skin will also appreciate these soft and gentle fabrics.  Mom can rest easy knowing that these organic fabrics were created with natural means and without exposure to potentially toxic chemicals and solvents.  Thanks for checking out our new organic fabrics!