The Best Organic Wool Clothing for Your Baby (2023)
By Wildr Editor
As the mother of a lively two-year-old, I know how important it is to find clothing that's both comfortable and sustainable for your children — not only for the environmental impact, but also for their general health.
According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic fibers, such as organic cotton, don’t contain the harmful chemicals found in conventionally produced fibers, reducing the risk of skin irritations and allergies.
After endless hours spent searching for the perfect organic clothing for my little one, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned with mamas looking for better alternatives. Specifically wool.
We'll explore the world of organic wool, compare it with organic cotton, and unveil five great brands that offer organic wool clothing for babies and children. Let's dive in!
What is Organic Wool?
Organic wool is a natural fiber derived from the fleece of sheep, but hold on to your knitting needles, because these aren't just any sheep! It all starts with their clean diet. These fluffy friends graze on organic pastures free from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and are raised with the utmost care to ensure their well-being.
Farmers who produce organic wool have strict animal welfare standards and sustainable farming practices, resulting in a renewable resource that's as gentle on the environment as it is on our woolly pals. Talk about social responsibility!
How is Organic Wool Different Than Organic Cotton?
Both organic wool and organic cotton are natural fibers, but they're like apples and oranges in the world of eco-fashion. Here's how they differ:
- Warmth: Wool is a natural insulator, making it warmer than cotton. Your baby will stay toasty in wool clothes, while organic cotton might require a bit more bundling.
- Moisture-wicking: Wool can absorb and release moisture without feeling damp, keeping your baby's sensitive skin dry and cozy.
- Resilience: Wool fibers are more durable and elastic than cotton fibers, leading to good-quality, long-lasting clothing.
- Hypoallergenic: Organic wool is less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin compared to non-organic wool or even organic cotton.
- Environmental impact: Organic wool has a lower environmental impact than organic cotton, as cotton (even when grown organically) requires large amounts of water, while wool is naturally water-efficient.
When to Buy Organic Wool vs. Organic Cotton:
I’d recommend opting for organic wool during the cooler fall and winter months — blankets, sweaters, swaddles, pajamas, hats will keep your little one feeling cozy and they’re great for layering if you need a little extra heat. Opt for cotton during the warmer seasons when breathability is more important. But having a few of both fabrics can be great essentials for a sustainable wardrobe.
How is Organic Wool Made?
Environmental Impact
Organic wool production follows environmentally friendly practices, from the way sheep are raised to the processing of the fleece. No synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or heavy metals are used, which helps to minimize pollution and maintain soil health.
Manufacturing Process, Waste, Quality, and Price
The manufacturing process for organic wool involves shearing the sheep, cleaning the fleece, spinning it into yarn, and finally knitting or weaving it into fabric. This process generates significantly less waste than organic cotton production, which requires more steps and often results in substantial water and energy consumption.
In terms of quality, organic wool clothing typically outperforms its cotton counterparts, thanks to its natural durability and resilience. However, as with all nice things, the quality comes at a higher price, as organic wool garments tend to be more expensive than organic cotton ones.
Organic Merino Wool Fleece: A Luxurious Option for Your Little One
Merino wool is a type of wool that comes from Merino sheep, known for their incredibly soft and fine fleece. Organic merino wool fleece is the creme de la creme of organic wool, offering a luxuriously soft and cozy option for your baby's clothing.
Merino wool follows the same environmental and ethical standards as regular organic wool, ensuring sustainable practices and animal welfare are at the forefront. What sets organic merino wool apart is its exceptional softness and breathability, making it an ideal choice for your baby's delicate skin.
Thanks to its finer fibers, organic merino wool fleece is even more effective at moisture-wicking and temperature regulation than regular organic wool. This means that your little one will stay comfortable and dry, no matter the weather. It's also highly resistant to odors, so you can worry less about frequent laundering and focus more on making precious memories with your baby.
My family bought a few pieces of premium merino wool clothing when we were traveling in New Zealand (and didn't pack enough warm clothing). They were a game changer in terms of look, feel, and warmth. While the clothing did come with a slightly higher price tag, the benefits they provided made it well worth the investment.
By choosing organic merino wool fleece for your baby, you're not only supporting sustainable and ethical practices, but you're also providing your child with the ultimate in comfort and luxury.
5 Brands for Organic Wool Clothing for Babies and Children
- Engel Natur: This family-owned company has pioneered untreated cotton and wool clothing for 85 years. They have a robust collection for babies and children and are certified organic and free of harmful substances, making them perfect for your little one's sensitive skin.
- Mini Rodini: With over 99% of their collection made from sustainable materials, Mini Rodini creates beautiful products from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and reuse leftover fabric from earlier collections. Their values include responsible waste and social responsibility rights, sourcing factories with sustainability and fair labor.
- Simply Merino: Simply Merino is a family-owned business that features quality merino wool products in beautiful colors. All of their clothing tags, elastic, thread, and shipping boxes are all either purchased or made locally (based in Vancouver, Canada).
- Nui Organics: Nui Organics is all about quality and sustainability, offering a range of organic wool clothing for babies and children. Their garments are made to last, using eco-friendly dyes and materials that are gentle on your child's skin and the environment.
- Frugi: With a focus on fun and vibrant designs, Frugi offers a selection of organic cotton and wool clothing for babies and children. The business uses freight shipping by sea to reduce their carbon footprint, and is GOTS certified.
Organic Wool Clothing for Your Baby
Embarking on the journey of finding the best organic wool clothing for your baby or toddler can be a challenging adventure, but it's worth the effort.
As if being a parent isn’t hard enough, you’re truly a superhero for going above and beyond to get what’s best for your baby and our planet.
With the warmth, comfort, and sustainability that organic wool provides, your little one will be snug as a bug in their eco-friendly wardrobe. Plus, by supporting brands that prioritize animal welfare and social responsibility, you're making a positive impact on the world.
