Newborn skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, which is why what touches it matters more than it does for the rest of us.
What GOTS certification means
The Global Organic Textile Standard covers the whole chain, not just the crop. It restricts the dyes and finishes used, requires wastewater treatment, and sets labour standards at each stage. An "organic cotton" claim without certification covers only how the cotton was grown — and sometimes not even that.
Fastenings to look for
- Envelope necklines — the garment comes off downward, which matters at three in the morning.
- Nickel-free press studs — nickel is the most common contact allergen in children.
- Flat or external seams — no ridge pressing into skin.
What to avoid
Anything with a drawstring, loose ribbon or decorative button small enough to come off. Skip garments with plastic transfer prints across the chest: they do not breathe and they crack within a few washes.
Sizing
Buy for the size your baby will be in six weeks, not today. Babies grow through a size roughly every two months, and a slightly large bodysuit is harmless.