Organic Infant Socks

Organic Infant Socks

With all the other thoughts and plans that surround a new baby or young infant, footwear often gets overlooked. It is important to keep a little one's feet warm and cozy, and a pair of socks will help do this.

Organic infant socks are becoming more widely available. Whereas at one time these would have only been found in specialist shops or by mail order, today many stores are selling a range of organic baby clothing, including socks.

Organic Cotton

Most organic baby clothes will be made from organic cotton. The reason for this is that cotton is a crop that can easily be grown without the use of chemicals and other harmful practices.

For cotton to be sold as organic, however, it must also have been processed in a manner that meets organic standards. Cotton may have been grown organically, however if it is then treated with many harmful chemicals, perhaps bleached and dyed, then this negates any benefit of the organic growing process.

Organic socks for infants and babies will therefore be available in a range of unbleached colors. If the fabric is dyed, then this is likely to have been done with natural dyes, although organic consumers should note that even many natural dyes use chemical mordants to fix the dyes.

Organic cotton will be hard wearing. The cotton has not been weakened through the use of chemicals and therefore will last many years if looked after. Therefore organic socks can be passed down through members of the family, or perhaps sold or given away for other people to use.

Where to Buy Organic Baby Clothes

Organic infant and baby socks are becoming increasingly accessible and can be bought from normal baby stores and specialist shops.

It is important to check the label well of the organic products that you are buying for your baby. Organic and natural are two different things. Just because a product is labeled as "natural" does not mean that it is organic. Many organic products will be certified as such by a recognized authority and products with this certification will offer the organic consumer peace of mind.

Making Infant Socks

In addition to buying ready-made infant socks, it is possible to make your own. Using only a few needlework skills such as knitting, crochet or sewing, beautiful handmade socks can be made especially for your baby.

There are many organic yarns available. Unlike fabrics, which are still pretty limited in fiber type, yarns can be found in a variety of organic fibers. Organic alpaca, hemp, merino or even bamboo can be found. While these yarns are more expensive than basic acrylic yarns, a single ball of yarn will make several pairs of socks.

There are many free patterns available on the internet for making infant socks. These are available for both knitting and crochet. Baby booties and socks are great fun to make and are suitable for knitters and crocheters of all levels.

Soft socks or booties can also be sewn from organic cottons. Remnants of organic fabrics are ideal for making booties. Being small items, a pair of booties can be made from odds and ends of scraps. Baby socks and booties are a good beginner's project and there is no need for the use of a sewing machine. As the socks are so small there is little sewing required and this can easily be done by hand.

Caring for Organic Infant and Baby Footwear

• Wash the garments using a soft and gentle detergent. This is kind to your baby’s feet and better for the environment.
• Organic socks will wear well, so pass them on to other members of the family or recycle them through groups such as Freecycle.
• Check the label of bought products well to ensure that they are organic and certified by a reputable body.