“Sustainable” children’s clothing is not enough for us!

More and more parents are opting for sustainable children's clothing - a step in the right direction. But what does "sustainable" really mean, and why is that not enough? Sustainability often refers to production: organic cotton, fair working conditions, and environmentally friendly manufacturing. But an equally important, often overlooked aspect is the health of our children . This is where the issues of freedom from harmful substances, the dyes used, and the treatment of materials come into play.

Why pollutant-free children's clothing is so important

The skin of babies and children is particularly sensitive. It is thinner than that of adults and can therefore absorb harmful substances much more easily. What many people don't know is that harmful substances contained in clothing do not just remain on the skin for a short time, but are absorbed into the body through the skin - and this over many years.

Carcinogenic substances and their dangers

A frightening fact is that some textiles can contain carcinogenic chemicals. Even though the fashion industry is increasingly using sustainable materials, harmful dyes and chemical treatments remain a major problem. The use of toxic chemicals in the manufacture of textiles can have long-term effects that go far beyond the initial contact. Of particular concern is that some of these chemicals can increase the risk of cancer.

Skin diseases such as neurodermatitis – an underestimated problem

While cancer is known to be a long-term risk, skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis are often a direct and very common consequence of clothing contaminated with pollutants. Clothing treated with chemicals such as formaldehyde or azo dyes can cause irritation or allergic reactions. This not only leads to short-term itching or reddening of the skin, but can also worsen or even trigger chronic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Many parents struggle with their children's skin problems for years without realizing that the cause lies directly on their little ones' skin: in their clothing. Children's skin is particularly susceptible to such stress, and what starts out harmlessly can develop into serious skin diseases. These diseases often accompany affected children for many years and significantly limit their well-being.

What should parents pay attention to?

When you buy children's clothing, it is important to pay attention to more than just sustainability. It is about the entire textile processing :

1. Dyes free from harmful substances: Make sure that no toxic dyes such as azo dyes are used. Certificates such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 provide reliable guidance here.

2. Material treatment: Even organic cotton can be problematic if it is treated with chemicals to make it soft or wrinkle-resistant, so choose products that have been treated naturally.

3. Certifications: Look for trustworthy certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which ensure that textiles are both sustainable and free from harmful substances.

The long-term consequences: An invisible problem

The dangerous thing about many contaminants in clothing is that they are invisible and often odorless. Parents do not immediately recognize the problem because skin reactions do not always occur immediately after wearing the clothing. In the long term, however, these chemicals can build up in the body and cause damage over many years. Some contaminants remain in the body for up to 10 years , which is an alarming fact, especially for babies and children.

What can we do?

The first step is awareness. Sustainability is good, but it is not enough if we want to protect our children's health in the long term. Parents should not only pay attention to organic materials and fairly produced clothing, but also make sure that the clothing was made without harmful substances . Find out exactly where the clothing comes from and the production processes that your child wears directly on their skin.

Conclusion: Health comes first

Our children trust us. They can't choose what they wear, but we can. It's our job to protect them from the invisible dangers of the textile industry. Sustainability and freedom from harmful substances must go hand in hand if we want to ensure that our children grow up in a healthy and safe world. Let's buy more consciously, because our children's future begins with the clothes we put on them today.