Remember, Remember, Organic September!

With apologies to Guy Fawkes for stealing his rhyme, did you know that across the UK, September is being celebrated as Organic month? Led by the Soil Association, the theme for Organic September this year is "Small Changes, Big Difference" - a concept that we, at Born wholeheartedly support.

Now, we could spout on about all of the fabulous organic products that we sell - things like the Pigeon Organics Baby Clothes & Blankets, the Boba Organic 4G Baby Carrier, the Little Green Sheep Organic Baby Bedding and the gorgeous Organic Toiletries from Weleda,  Earth Friendly Baby  and Natalia - but we won't (much). Because you know that we sell lots of lovely organic goodies for babies, toddlers and parents... the real question is do you know why we sell them?

Why is choosing organic important?

Lets tackle clothing first. Conventionally grown cotton is one of the worlds most sprayed crops. 25% of all insecticides and 10% of the pesticides sprayed are used on cotton plants. Half of the world's textiles are made from cotton so it is important to consider the impact all these chemicals are having on the planet, the farmers and the wearers.

Once picked, conventionally grown cotton goes through many chemically intensive processes which are hazardous to health. These chemicals are still present in the fibre which is why we feel it is important to have organic cotton next to your baby’s skin. We have found that babies and children who are prone to eczema, itchy skin conditions or sensitive skin do not have as many flare ups or reactions when they wear organic cotton, especially as underwear. It is also beneficial for them to have organic cotton bedding as they are in bed for up to 12 hours.

As well as the benefits to humans organically grown cotton is far better for the environment - pests are dealt with in harmony with nature - for example in Uganda, black ants keep cotton plant-eating caterpillars under control. In other countries mixtures of chillies are used. All these natural pest deterring methods ensure that ultimately our food chain and water supply is not contaminated and the foods we eat are safe.

Of course, buying organic sometimes means paying a little more, but you don't need to go out of your budget. We have found that organic and quality go hand in hand - one or two pieces of quality organic clothing will usually far outlast cheaper, conventionally-grown cotton clothes, and organic cotton seems to get softer after each wash, so the "snuggle factor" wins every time!!


With toiletries, especially baby toiletries, we could talk for hours about the impact that chemicals have on the skin, and on the environment. Suffice to say, at Born, our rule is “If you wouldn’t let your baby eat it, don’t put it on their skin!”, because up to 60% of creams, soaps, oils, and powders are absorbed into your baby’s skin and enter their bloodstream, just like the milk they drink or food they eat.

Again, you may pay a little extra, but with organic toiletries, "less is more" - you only need a tiny bit in order for it to do its job, so it'll last a whole lot longer!  All of our toiletries, for both mother and baby, are made from 100% natural, organic ingredients.

If you haven't thought about using organic products yet, you don't have to completely "convert" overnight. Give one or two a try, see how you get on, then branch out from there. 

"Small Changes, Big Difference" - for you and for the planet!