News

PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1940s. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment or in our bodies. And they've shown up in baby products in ways most parents don't expect. What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous? PFAS are used to make products resistant to water, stains, grease, and heat. They work extremely well — which is why manufacturers love them. The problem is bioaccumulation: PFAS build up in human tissue over time and don't get excreted. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to thyroid disruption, immune suppression, developmental delays, and certain cancers. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable because their developing systems are more sensitive to chemical disruption. Where PFAS Hide in Baby Products Sleep sacks and bibs: Water-resistant finishes are often achieved with PFAS-based DWR (durable water repellent) coatings. A 2023 investigation found PFAS in products from major baby brands. Crib mattress covers: Waterproof vinyl or polyester covers on conventional mattresses often use PFAS for stain resistance. Food packaging and bibs: PFAS-based grease barriers are common in food-contact materials. Stain-resistant clothing treatments: "Stain-release" finishes on fabric often contain PFAS. Changing pad covers: Waterproof fabric covers may be PFAS-treated. How to Identify and Avoid PFAS in Baby Products Look for explicit "PFAS-free" or "fluorochemical-free" labeling. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 prohibits PFAS above trace levels in certified products — one of the most reliable markers. GOTS certification also excludes PFAS in processing. Avoid products described as "water-resistant," "stain-proof," or "wrinkle-free" unless they explicitly state PFAS-free alternatives were used. A PFAS-Free Shopping Guide Sleep sacks: Choose OEKO-TEX certified, no water-resistant finish Crib mattress: Look for GREENGUARD Gold + PFAS-free labeling Bibs: Silicone (food-grade, LFGB certified) or GOTS organic cotton Changing pad cover: OEKO-TEX certified cotton covers Clothing: GOTS certified or explicitly PFAS-free The Bottom Line You can't eliminate all chemical exposure, but you can significantly reduce it by choosing certified products from transparent brands. The brands we carry at Everetts Place have been vetted specifically for PFAS-free materials — we do the research so you don't have to. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → PFAS-Free Sleep Sacks Collection → Bamboo Pajamas Collection → Hypoallergenic Baby Bedding Collection → New Arrivals Collection → 📚 Helpful Resources from Everetts Place 🌿 Why Choose Organic for Your Baby? 🔬 PFAS-Free Baby Products: What Every Parent Needs to Know Shop PFAS-Free Sleep Sacks ✨ Everetts Rewards — earn points on every purchase

GOTS — the Global Organic Textile Standard — is the most rigorous organic textile certification in the world. If you're buying organic baby clothes, understanding what GOTS actually certifies (and what it doesn't) will help you shop smarter and avoid greenwashing. What GOTS Certifies GOTS covers the entire textile supply chain, from raw fiber through final labeling. To carry the GOTS label, a product must meet standards at every step: Fiber: At least 70% of fibers must be certified organic (95% for the "organic" label; 70% for "made with organic"). Processing: Strict prohibitions on toxic chemicals in dyeing, finishing, and other processing steps. Manufacturing: Social standards for workers, including safe working conditions, fair wages, and no child labor. Environmental: Requirements for wastewater treatment and responsible chemical management at production facilities. How to Read the Label There are two tiers of GOTS labeling: "Organic" — contains ≥95% certified organic fibers. "Made with organic [fiber]" — contains ≥70% certified organic fibers. Every genuine GOTS product label includes a certification number. You can verify it at global-standard.org by searching the public database. Common Greenwashing Red Flags Watch out for these phrases that sound like GOTS but aren't: - "Made with organic cotton" (without a certification number) - "Natural fibers" or "eco-friendly" (not a certification) - "Certified organic fabric" (the fabric may be certified, but the garment's processing isn't necessarily) - A GOTS logo without a certification number GOTS vs OEKO-TEX: Do You Need Both? GOTS and OEKO-TEX certify different things and complement each other. GOTS ensures organic sourcing and ethical production across the supply chain. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests the finished product for harmful substances. The best baby clothing carries both. If you have to choose, GOTS gives you broader supply-chain assurance, while OEKO-TEX gives you direct product safety testing. Why It Matters for Babies Baby skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, and babies spend 16+ hours a day in contact with their clothing and bedding. Chemical residues from non-organic farming (pesticides, herbicides) and toxic processing chemicals (formaldehyde, heavy metal dyes) can absorb through skin. GOTS certification eliminates these concerns at the source. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → Butter Me Up Organics Collection → Bamboo Pajamas Collection → Hypoallergenic Baby Bedding Collection → New Arrivals Collection 📚 Helpful Resources from Everetts Place 🌿 Why Choose Organic for Your Baby? ✨ Everetts Rewards — earn points on every purchase

If you've shopped for baby clothes recently, you've probably seen the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label. It's one of the most common textile certifications in the world — and one of the most misunderstood. Here's what it actually means, what it doesn't cover, and why it still matters for your baby. What OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certifies OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests finished textile products for over 100 harmful substances, including heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticide residues, allergenic dyes, PFAS, and pH levels. Every component of the product — fabric, thread, buttons, zippers — must pass testing. Crucially, it tests what baby actually comes into contact with: the finished garment as sold. Product Class I: The Baby Standard OEKO-TEX divides products into four classes based on who they're for. Product Class I is for articles intended for babies and toddlers under 3 years old. It's the strictest tier — with lower permissible limits for harmful substances than adult clothing — because of the higher sensitivity of infant skin and the fact that babies put everything in their mouths. When you see OEKO-TEX Standard 100 on baby clothes, it's being tested to Class I standards. What OEKO-TEX Does NOT Cover This is important: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a product safety standard, not an organic or environmental standard. It doesn't require organic fiber sourcing, say anything about how workers were treated in manufacturing, or address environmental impact of production. A product can be OEKO-TEX certified and still be made from conventional (non-organic) cotton with synthetic dyes — as long as the finished product passes the safety tests. OEKO-TEX vs GOTS: What's the Difference? GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certifies the entire supply chain — from organic fiber sourcing through processing, manufacturing, and labeling — including social and environmental standards. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies the finished product's safety only. Both are legitimate and meaningful. The best products carry both certifications. If a product only carries one, GOTS gives you more supply-chain transparency, while OEKO-TEX gives you direct product safety testing. How to Verify an OEKO-TEX Label Every genuine OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label includes a certification number and a testing institute name. You can enter this number at oeko-tex.com/certificate to verify it's current and legitimate. A label without a number should be treated with skepticism. The Bottom Line OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a valuable, science-backed safety standard that tells you a product has been tested and doesn't contain harmful chemicals at levels that would pose a risk to your baby. It's not a greenwash — it's real testing by an independent institute. Combined with GOTS certification, it gives parents a very high level of confidence in what they're buying. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → Bamboo Pajamas Collection → GOTS Certified Swaddles Collection → New Arrivals Collection → 📚 Helpful Resources from Everetts Place 🌿 Why Choose Organic for Your Baby? ✨ Everetts Rewards — earn points on every purchase

When you're shopping for your baby, the sheer number of certifications on clothing tags can feel overwhelming. But one stands out above the rest: the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). If you want to be sure the clothes touching your newborn's skin are truly organic — from the cotton field to the finished garment — GOTS is the certification you want to see. Why GOTS Certification Matters GOTS is the world's leading processing standard for organic textiles. Unlike certifications that only cover the farming stage, GOTS follows the fiber all the way through spinning, dyeing, cutting, and sewing. To earn the label, a product must contain at least 70% certified organic fibers, and every chemical used in processing must meet strict safety and environmental standards. That means no toxic dyes, no heavy metals, no formaldehyde finishes — nothing you'd worry about sitting against baby's skin for 12 hours a day. What to Look For When Shopping Look for the GOTS label on the hangtag and verify the brand's certification number on the GOTS public database. Some brands use language like "made with organic cotton" — that phrase alone doesn't mean GOTS certified. The full "GOTS certified organic" label is what counts. Also check that the manufacturer (not just the fabric supplier) is certified, since the standard covers the whole supply chain. Top Brands at Everetts Place Angel Dear has been making buttery-soft GOTS certified bamboo and organic cotton basics for over two decades. Their footies, gowns, and lovies are perennial bestsellers for a reason — the fabric quality is exceptional. Lucy Lue Organics focuses on minimalist, gender-neutral styles in GOTS certified cotton that grows beautifully with babies through multiple washes. MakeMake Organics takes it a step further with entire collections that are both GOTS certified and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, giving parents double the assurance. Building a Starter Wardrobe For a newborn, focus on versatile basics: 5–7 bodysuits, 3–4 footie pajamas, 2–3 sleep gowns, and a few pair of pants. Buy mostly in 0–3 month and 3–6 month sizes — babies grow fast, and you don't want a closet full of clothes they'll outgrow in three weeks. Washing new organic clothes once before wearing removes any residual finishing agents and makes the fabric even softer. A Note on Price Yes, GOTS certified clothing costs more than conventional fast-fashion baby clothes. But consider: babies wear the same outfits many, many times, and their skin is 30% thinner than adult skin — far more permeable to whatever's in the fabric. The price difference is real, but so is the peace of mind. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → Bodysuits Collection → Angel Dear Collection → Lucy Lue Organics Collection → Halloween costumes Collection 📚 Helpful Resources from Everetts Place 🌿 Why Choose Organic for Your Baby? ✨ Everetts Rewards — earn points on every purchase