Baby clothing labels are covered in symbols, percentages, and certification logos that most people ignore. But if you care about what touches your baby's skin, five minutes understanding labels will change how you shop.
Fabric Content
The fabric composition tells you exactly what the garment is made from. Look for 100% cotton for the softest, most breathable option. If it says "cotton blend" or lists polyester, elastane, or nylon alongside cotton, the garment contains synthetic fibres that reduce breathability and can irritate sensitive skin.
A small percentage of elastane (2–5%) is acceptable in leggings and waistbands for stretch. But the base fabric should be natural cotton for anything worn against the skin for extended periods.
Organic Claims
The word "organic" on its own means very little. Any brand can describe their product as "made with organic cotton" without independent verification. What you want to see is a specific certification logo — most commonly GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
GOTS certification means the cotton is certified organic from farm to finished garment, processing meets strict environmental standards, no harmful chemicals were used, and the entire supply chain was independently audited. If a garment says "organic" but shows no certification logo or licence number, treat the claim with caution.
Other Certifications Worth Knowing
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests the finished product for harmful substances. Good, but does not certify the cotton as organic or the production as sustainable.
Fairtrade: Guarantees fair wages and safe conditions for cotton farmers and factory workers. Covers the social side that GOTS and OEKO-TEX do not.
BCI (Better Cotton Initiative): A step above conventional cotton but less rigorous than GOTS. Focuses on more sustainable farming practices but does not require organic growing methods.
Care Symbols
The most important care symbols for baby clothes: the wash tub with a number indicates maximum temperature — 30 or 40 is standard for baby clothes. A circle in a square means tumble dry is safe — one dot for low heat, two for normal. A crossed-out triangle means do not bleach. An iron with dots indicates safe ironing temperature.
For organic cotton, gentle cycles at 30–40°C with non-bio detergent and no fabric softener will keep garments in the best condition. See our full care guide for detailed washing advice.
Country of Origin
Where a garment was manufactured is different from where the cotton was grown. A garment "Made in Portugal" could use cotton from anywhere in the world. If the origin of the cotton matters to you — and for quality purposes, it should — look for brands that specify their cotton source, not just their manufacturing location.