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Few baby items see as much daily action as the bib. From drooly teething phases to purée explosions, a good bib is the unsung hero of baby mealtime. The challenge: finding options that are both safe and actually functional. Here's the breakdown. Silicone Bibs Food-grade silicone bibs with a catch pocket are the most functional waterproof option for feeding. They wipe clean in seconds, go in the dishwasher, and the catch pocket rescues an impressive amount of food. The key word is food-grade — look for LFGB (German food safety standard) or FDA food-contact certification, not just generic "BPA-free." High-quality silicone contains no fillers, plasticizers, or endocrine disruptors. Avoid very cheap silicone bibs, which may contain fillers to lower manufacturing costs. Organic Cotton Bibs For drool bibs (teething phase) and lighter-duty feeding, GOTS certified organic cotton bibs are a wonderful choice. They're soft against skin, gentle for sensitive necks, and machine washable. They don't have waterproofing, so they're not ideal for full purée meals — but for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and drooling, they're perfect. A set of 6–8 organic cotton drool bibs is a practical registry item. OEKO-TEX Certified Fabric Bibs Some brands use OEKO-TEX certified fabric with waterproof backing for bibs that are both gentle and functional. These sit between pure silicone and pure cotton — they have more coverage than silicone, softer feel against skin, and easier cleanup than cotton. Look for bibs with OEKO-TEX certified outer layers and PVC-free waterproof backing. What to Avoid PVC-backed bibs (contains phthalates and chlorine compounds). Bibs with decorative elements that could detach and become choking hazards. Bibs with very stiff neck closures that might scratch. Generic "waterproof" bibs without certification — the waterproofing may be PFAS-based. How Many Bibs Do You Need? For drooling (pre-solid-food): 6–10 organic cotton drool bibs. For solid food feeding: 2–4 silicone bibs (they clean so easily, you need fewer). Plan to rotate frequently — bibs get genuinely disgusting at peak feeding stages. Care Instructions Silicone: dishwasher top rack or wipe clean. Cotton: machine wash warm, tumble dry low — hot water can degrade elastic over time. Fabric bibs with waterproof backing: check label, usually cool wash only to preserve the backing. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → Bibs Collection → Autumn Bloom Classic Muslin Bib → New Arrivals Collection Shop Organic Baby Bibs at Everett's Place Autumn Bloom Classic Muslin Bib — GOTS certified organic muslin, botanical print, soft against baby's chin Autumn Bloom Muslin Burp Cloth — matching set with the bib, organic muslin, absorbent 6-layer design 📚 Helpful Resources from Everetts Place 🌿 Why Choose Organic for Your Baby? ✨ Everetts Rewards — earn points on every purchase

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

Baby blankets are one of the most gifted and most-used baby items. But with so many types — muslin, minky, knit, fleece, quilted — it can be hard to know what you actually need and what's safe. Here's a breakdown by type. Safety First: The One Rule No loose blankets in the crib or bassinet until at least 12 months, per AAP safe sleep guidelines. Soft bedding — including blankets, pillows, and bumpers — is a leading cause of sleep-related infant deaths. All the beautiful blankets you receive as gifts are for supervised use, swaddling newborns, tummy time, stroller use, and everything else — just not unsupervised sleep in the crib. Muslin Blankets GOTS certified organic cotton muslin is the most versatile baby blanket. It's breathable (no overheating risk during supervised use), gets softer with every wash, and is generous enough in size to function as a swaddle, nursing cover, stroller shade, and tummy time mat. These are the workhorses of the baby blanket world. A 4-pack of 47"x47" organic muslin swaddles is one of the best things you can stock up on. Minky Blankets Minky is a plush polyester fleece fabric — the ultra-soft, velvety material in many baby blankets and loveys. Conventional minky is petroleum-based polyester; it's not GOTS certifiable since it's not a natural fiber. Look for OEKO-TEX certified minky, which at least ensures the finished fabric has been tested for harmful substances. Minky blankets are wonderful for supervised snuggling, tummy time, and car seat use. Just don't use them in the crib. Knit Blankets Organic cotton knit blankets are cozy, stretchy, and beautiful — they're the classic "lovey" or "receiving blanket" style. Look for GOTS certified cotton. Knit blankets are particularly nice for swaddling newborns because the stretch makes them forgiving. They also photograph beautifully for those newborn photos. Quilted Blankets Organic cotton quilted blankets are heavier and warmer — good for stroller use in cool weather or as a play mat on the floor. GOTS certified options exist and are worth seeking out. Avoid quilts with synthetic batting or unknown fill materials. How Many Do You Need? More than you think. 6–8 muslin swaddles/blankets, 2–3 knit blankets, and 1–2 minky blankets for supervised snuggling is a reasonable starting collection. You'll use them constantly in ways you haven't anticipated. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → Baby Blankets Collection → Organic Cotton Muslin Bibs Collection → A Peony For Your Thoughts Swaddle Blanket → Newborn Essentials Gift Sets Collection Shop Organic Baby Blankets at Everett's Place Baby Muslin Blanket in Sage — GOTS certified organic cotton muslin, ultra-soft and breathable Baby Muslin Blanket in Cream — classic neutral muslin perfect for layering and swaddling BAMBONI® Receiving Blankets — bamboo viscose, silky soft and naturally hypoallergenic A Peony For Your Thoughts Quilt — 6-layer organic cotton muslin quilt, heirloom quality 📚 Helpful Resources from Everetts Place 🌿 Why Choose Organic for Your Baby? ✨ Everetts Rewards — earn points on every purchase

Your baby will spend more time on their crib sheet than on almost any other surface. Newborns sleep 14–17 hours a day. That means the material directly under their face, against their skin, matters — a lot. Here's how to choose well. Why Crib Sheets Matter for Safety Conventional crib sheets can contain formaldehyde (used in wrinkle-resistant finishes), azo dyes that release aromatic amines, and PFAS-based stain repellents. Babies' faces are pressed directly into this fabric for hours at a time. Choosing certified organic or OEKO-TEX tested sheets eliminates these concerns. GOTS vs OEKO-TEX for Crib Sheets GOTS certified organic cotton crib sheets give you supply-chain assurance — organic farming, no toxic processing chemicals, ethical manufacturing. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Product Class I for baby products) tests the finished sheet for over 100 harmful substances. Both are meaningful certifications, and the best sheets carry both. If you can only prioritize one, GOTS is the stronger organic signal while OEKO-TEX is the stronger product-safety-testing signal. Fit Is a Safety Issue A crib sheet must fit snugly on the mattress. Loose sheets are a suffocation hazard — the AAP recommends crib sheets with deep, fitted pockets that grip the mattress firmly. Standard crib mattresses are 28" x 52" — always verify your mattress dimensions before buying, especially for mini cribs or pack-and-plays. Materials and Feel Organic cotton jersey (knit) stretches easily and is soft and forgiving — easiest to put on a mattress. Organic cotton percale (woven) is crisp and cool, gets softer with washing, and is very durable. Bamboo crib sheets are silky and moisture-wicking — good for babies who run warm. For eczema-prone babies, bamboo or organic cotton jersey are typically the most comfortable choices. Top Picks Look for sheets with deep corner pockets (at least 6–8 inches), GOTS or OEKO-TEX certification, and enough stretch to stay in place overnight. At Everetts Place, we've curated a selection of crib sheets that meet all of these criteria — no greenwashing, no compromise on safety. How Many Crib Sheets Do You Need? Three is a practical minimum: one on the mattress, one in the wash, one in reserve for middle-of-the-night changes. If your baby is a heavy nighttime sweater or you're prone to diaper leaks, four is better. Consider placing a waterproof mattress pad under each sheet for easy middle-of-the-night swaps. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → Breathable Bamboo Crib Sheets Collection → Non-Toxic Nursery Storage Collection → Autumn Bloom Muslin Crib Sheet → New Arrivals Collection Shop Organic Crib Sheets at Everett's Place Autumn Bloom Muslin Crib Sheet — 100% organic muslin cotton, GOTS certified, botanical print Airplane & Train Fitted Crib Sheet — organic cotton fitted sheet with a fun print babies love 📚 Helpful Resources from Everetts Place 🌿 Why Choose Organic for Your Baby? 😴 Nursery & Sleep Essentials Registry Guide ✨ Everetts Rewards — earn points on every purchase

Teething is rough — for babies and parents alike. Between the drooling, the fussing, and the desperate chewing on everything in reach, teethers become constant companions around 4–6 months. But not all teethers are safe. Here's what to avoid and what to look for. Materials to Avoid BPA (Bisphenol A): An endocrine disruptor found in some hard plastics. Most reputable brands have eliminated it, but "BPA-free" doesn't mean all plastics are safe — it may still contain BPS or BPF, similar compounds with similar concerns. Phthalates: Plasticizers used to make PVC soft and flexible. PVC teethers can leach phthalates, which are hormone disruptors. Avoid any teether made from PVC. PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Often called vinyl, PVC releases toxic chemicals during manufacturing and use. Skip it entirely for baby products. Fragrance or paint: Some teethers have painted designs or scented components — neither belongs in a baby's mouth. Safe Teether Materials Natural rubber: Derived from rubber tree sap, natural rubber is soft, flexible, and genuinely non-toxic. It's the classic teether material — the Sophie la Girafe is made from it. Look for 100% natural rubber with no paint or coating. GOTS certified organic cotton: Soft fabric teethers are safe for mouthing and can be chilled in the refrigerator for extra soothing relief. Untreated solid wood (maple or beech): Smooth, hard wood gives baby something to press gum tissue against. Must be unfinished or finished with beeswax or food-safe oil only — no paint, stain, or varnish. Food-grade silicone: High-quality food-grade silicone (not all silicone is equal) is safe for teething when it's free from fillers and plasticizers. Look for brands that test and certify their silicone. Top Picks Natural rubber teethers with OEKO-TEX certified cotton attachments hit all the right marks. Wooden ring rattles in untreated maple are a Montessori-friendly choice that doubles as a toy. For fabric teethers, GOTS certified organic cotton crinkle toys are soothing, safe, and easy to throw in the wash. Teether Safety Tips Never freeze a teether — frozen hard plastic or rubber can bruise tender gums. Refrigerate instead. Inspect teethers regularly for cracks or tears that could harbor bacteria. Replace any teether that shows signs of wear. Avoid teethers with small detachable parts, liquid-filled designs, or magnets. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → Montessori Baby Toys & Play Kits Collection → Bibs Collection → Animal Ring Teethers → New Arrivals Collection 📚 Helpful Resources from Everetts Place 🌿 Why Choose Organic for Your Baby? ✨ 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