What’s the Difference Between Regular Cotton, Organic Cotton, and GOTS-Certified Cotton?

What’s the Difference Between Regular Cotton, Organic Cotton, and GOTS-Certified Cotton?

Cotton is one of the most widely used materials in baby clothes and blankets—but not all cotton is created equal. At Little Terra, we believe parents deserve transparency about the fabrics that touch their children’s skin. Let’s break down the differences:

🚫 Regular Cotton

Regular cotton is the default in most mainstream clothing—and it comes with a hidden cost.

  • Grown with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
  • Consumes significant water and energy resources
  • Often lacks traceability or ethical manufacturing standards
  • Can irritate sensitive skin due to harsh chemical residues

In short: it's the cheapest option for a reason, and it’s not one we’re comfortable with.

🌱 Organic Cotton

Organic cotton skips the toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which is a big win for both human and environmental health.

  • Grown using natural methods that support soil health
  • Better for farmers, biodiversity, and surrounding ecosystems
  • Softer and gentler for sensitive baby skin

But here’s the catch: “organic cotton” is not a regulated term in the U.S., and there’s no guarantee that the full production process — from dyeing to manufacturing — follows safe or ethical practices.

✅ GOTS-Certified Cotton

That’s where GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) comes in.

It’s the gold standard for truly sustainable and ethical textiles. To earn a GOTS certification, a product must meet rigorous criteria:

  • Grown organically without toxic chemicals
  • Dyed and processed without harmful substances
  • Produced in facilities that meet fair labor standards
  • Audited throughout the supply chain for transparency and compliance

GOTS-certified products are better for the planet, better for workers, and safer for your baby.

💚 Why We Only Carry GOTS or Equivalent

At Little Terra, we’ve made a commitment: if it’s not safe, transparent, and sustainable, it doesn’t make the cut. That means:

  • No greenwashing
  • No toxic shortcuts
  • No “eco” claims without substance

Whether it's GOTS-certified cotton or another verified sustainable material, we do the research so you can shop with peace of mind.

Explore our thoughtfully curated collection of babywear, sleepwear, and blankets — all made with your little one’s wellbeing in mind.