Question from loribeth
I read your article about organic vs non organic clothing. You mentioned not to buy non organic batting. Your article was posted on Healthy Child and Boba’s sites. My question is, should I stay away from a baby carrier that does not have the organic batting within it? I don’t know how much batting there is in the carrier to know if it is enough that would be harmful to my baby and myself. I am looking at the Boba carrier. I am not sure when you say not to purchase this material if you meant only large items i.e. a mattress. Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
There are many styles for Boba Baby Carrier, so I’m not sure which one you are considering.
But in general, obviously larger amounts of cotton batting would give a greater exposure to whatever pesticides are on it, so you would get more exposure from a mattress than a baby carrier.
Also, there is nothing about the materials used in a baby carrier that I am aware of that would block any pesticides that are on the non-organic cotton batting.
If it were me, I would get a baby carrier that did not have non-organic cotton batting.
That said, if there is some compelling reason why you need to get this one, the amount of pesticides your baby would be exposed to would be small (a smal amount a few hours a day versus a large amount 8+ hours a day for a mattress).
Still, when it comes to babies, any and every exposure to toxics you can eliminate is worth doing.
How about the Happy Wrap?
https://happybabywrap.com/shop/lightweight-baby-wrap/
The version I’m interested in shows the following materials: 50% tencel, 25% modal, 25% organic cotton. What are your thoughts on tencel and modal? It would definitely be lighter than other wraps which are 100% cotton…
I don’t recommend tencel or modal. Many people report reactions to modal and tencel is also a manmade fiber.
Hi Debra. Wanted to follow up on this post.
I am pregnant and in the market for a baby wrap. Two main brands out there are the Moby wrap and the Boba wrap (you mention this one above). Both brands carry classic versions which are 100% cotton – one of them offers an organic cotton version (I believe it is Moby). Firstly, do you think organic cotton is worth the money in this case? The newborn would sit bundled in it for several hours at a time, but I’m not sure if non-organic cotton even offgasses or any residual pesticides can even be detected?
Secondly, Moby also offers the Moby Evolution, which is 70% Viscose / 30% Cotton Knit, and is supposed to be more breathable and less hot. What exactly is viscose? Isn’t it just a nice way of saying rayon polyester? In a baby product such as this, would you avoid this material?
Thanks!
Good question and very clearly stated. Thanks.
NON-organic cotton FABRIC does not have residues of pesticides that are detectable by most people and are not a major exposure. That said, non-organic cotton batting or fill does have pesticide residues so there’s where you want to be sure to buy organic.
I wouldn’t use viscose. It’s not polyester, but it’s a manufactured fabric that uses lots of chemicals.
If it were me, I would choose the non-organic cotton or the organic cotton. Organic cotton doesn’t put pesticides into the environment and also uses fewer or no toxic chemicals in production into fabric.
Be sure there are no permanent press or stain resistant finishes on the fabric.
How do you feel about polyester and/or spandex in clothing and other products (specifically some baby products)? We prefer to wear cotton, but polyester and spandex just seem unavoidable in some clothing. Is the finished product toxic and/or does it offgas?
Also, I saw jeans at Kohl’s that said “made of recycled water bottles.” I thought this was odd. The jeans felt pretty stretchy. What are your thoughts?
I don’t recommend polyester or spandex for clothing.