Ducky Zebra (playful clothes for positive change)

Ducky Zebra clothing is one of the few clothing brands for children in England, that is made with certified organic cotton, in a range of fun and colourful designs, with input from  at least 50 little ones themselves, to know what they like to wear!

These clothes are designed in England and made in India (to reduce costs to consumers). Their partner in India uses 50% (soon to be 85%) of power from solar, and also harvests rainwater and recycles all waste water. Offcut fabrics are made into recycled yarn, or donated to charity for re-use.

The brand runs two reuse programmes:

1. Reloop Programme lets you send unwanted clothes to The Little Loop, and receive instant credit to spend in their shop, or on Ducky Zebra website.
2. Pre-Loved Programme lets you return clothes in exchange for 15% off your next order. They are then passed onto Oxford Baby Bank. It’s estimated that around 21% of children living in Oxford are on the poverty line.

Organic cotton is not just better for the planet, wildlife and water, but also better for the delicate children of skin (especially those with eczema). It also lasts longer, as fibres have not been treated with chemicals. And does not release microplastics in the washing machine.

For any synthetic fibres, launder in a microfiber filter.

The Lullaby Trust has information on dressing your baby safely for sleep. In summary:

• It does not recommend weighted swaddles, blankets or sleeping bags for babies under one year, due to risk of overheating or head covering, and they can also restrict breathing by pressing on the delicate chest of a baby. Do not use if a child’s head can pass through the neck opening, when fastened. Nor if a child can climb out of a cot.
• If you use a sleeping bag, don’t add extra blankets on top. Add an extra layer of clothing or choose a higher tog sleeping bag, if your baby feels cold.
• Ensure sleeping bags fit well around the neck and shoulders, so babies can’t wriggle down inside, and follow the maker’s tog guide to ensure you use the right tog for the right temperature. Items should follow British Standards to not fall apart and be fire-safe.
• One blanket doubled over counts as two (this could increase overheating, so ensure if you use an extra blanket, it’s lightweight. Air trapped between layers increases warmth (using two 1.0 sleep bags could be dangerous).
• Hats (and socks) should be removed indoors, as babies lose heat through their heads.

On a Budget? Rent Children’s Clothing

Many of the brands below are rented out by companies that let you send back used clothing, to replace with bigger clothing as your child grows. This avoids fashion waste, and enables you to afford good brands, without the hefty price tag.

Bundlee and The Little Loop are two companies and My Wardrobe HQ is a peer-to-peer lending library run by parents and small boutiques. Some libraries, schools and churches may offer similar services.

You can donate clothing to help families in need (Stripey Stork has a nationwide list of clothing banks, to help families in need (read above for safety if donating baby clothing).