best of... organic clothing

My absolute fave organic label is Purebaby. Layla has the print on the right in a little top. Too cute.

So we hear time and time again how good organic cotton is for the environment and better for babies skin, but why? I'm going to cheat here and let gorgeous New Zealand company Nature Baby explain it for me: "Organic cotton is grown and processed without the use of harmful chemical fertilisers and pesticides and has no finishing chemicals on it such as bleaches and fire-retardants which contain dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde. (Natural fibres are naturally fire resistant). Conventionally grown cotton is one of the most environmentally destructive crops grown in the world today, requiring huge amounts of pesticides." In fact, according to another fave label Gaia, of all the insecticides used globally, the amount used on cotton is 25%. Which is a LOT of chemicals we're wearing night and day. And when you think of how sensitive a newborn baby's skin can be, it's scary to think of what it's absorbing. So aside from all the good that can come of organic clothing for bubs, here are some other things I've discovered...
1. It's often beautifully designed - even plain leggings or onesies have some pretty detail like ruffles or ruching. Or cool environmental slogans.
2. It's not that much more expensive than normal cotton clothes (if you take away the bargain stores like Best & Less where you can pick up a suit for $3. But also have it last only a couple of washes...
3. It's super, super soft.
4. You can get it pretty much anywhere these days for bubs: Toys R Us, JK Kids, Kmart, Target and Big W all have their own lines. And each of the above points are also relevant for these lines too. In fact, Target have a four-piece set for just $25.99.
5. It's more difficult to find sizes for toddlers and older children. Most lines stop at 0 or 1. I'm guessing this is because designers feel the need to protect delicate babies skin more than older kids (or it's cheaper and cuter cause they're so small!), but I often get frustrated that the cutest things are not available in Zak's sizing (he's turning two next month). However, I have found some brands cater for the big kids such as Gaia, American Apparel and Nature Baby.

Nature Baby have a massive range of cotton and merino wool and in a bigger range of sizes (often up to 4). I particularly love these T-shirts, $30 each...

and their sweet stripey singlet suits, $17.50 each

Purebaby have the bestest everything. Love this pretty romper with Carriesque corsage, $44.95...

...and leafy tee, $22

The prettiest coloured clothes are by Gaia like this shirt, $34.95...

...and these leggings, $34.95

Baybeecino has a huge organic range. This kimono style suit, $34.95, means super-easy dressing.

Ecoboo have great basics in gelato colours like these cute shorts, $12.95, from Charlipopkids

Now if Cotton On Kids and Bonds just added organic lines, I'd be set. So, any other faves out there? Please, share!