Throughout this kids’ safe sleep series, I’ve written a lot about the reasons that organic sleep products can be so beneficial for your child – like eliminating off-gassing – and for the earth, by using products that are plentiful.
This week, instead of starting off with an anecdote about something noteworthy from my family life (because do you really want another story that ultimately leads to crib sheets? I thought not), or one of my recent failures at parenthood (despite how amusing that can be), I thought it might be helpful to write briefly about organic certifications.
I think all certifications have value – it means someone, somewhere has done some level of quality assurance and is accountable. The two most common are probably Oeko-Tex and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). While I had a good foundation of the Oeko-Tex certification process, I was curious about what differentiated GOTS, so I asked Toni Brem Mullen and Oorbee Roy, mompreneur partners at OM Home, to help clarify.
“Both certifications certify textiles to be free of all harmful chemicals. GOTS takes it a step farther and certifies that no harmful chemicals were used from harvest through manufacture, that waste is disposed of responsibly and that fair labour practices are enforced. Strict guidelines have to be met; companies must provide a safe and hygienic environment, with livable wages, appropriate working hours and absolutely no child labour.”
The short story? GOTS guarantees the organic products you invite into your home are (1) healthy for you and your kidlets, (2) safe for the environment and (3) socially responsible.
In my mind, that third step is an important one.
Considering the extra expense of organic products, I want to ensure that my money isn’t all landing in the hands of a middleman or retailer; I want to know that the people who’ve made them have seen their fair share, too. With GOTS-certified products, you can sleep well at night. That is, until your rugrat wakes you up at 2:35 a.m. because he’s somehow managed to pee everywhere but into his nighttime diaper.
I’m thrilled to introduce you to the beautiful textiles from OM Home – a Canadian company that makes some of the most stunning pattern combinations you’ll find anywhere. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to review OM Home’s brand new organic crib sheet, which is available now.
THE GOOD
Om Home’s fitted crib sheet rivals the buttery softness of bamboo. It’s easily the softest organic jersey cotton I’ve ever touched. I may pet it from time to time. I promise that your baby will delight in sleeping on this crib sheet. (And you might just want to curl up next to him.)
The pattern I chose for my review – Avnee Green – is so pretty. Miss Q’s bedroom walls are a soft green and we have hits of every pink under the sun throughout her room. The Avnee Green colour combination (with hints of soft blue-greens, pale yellows and a lovely coral pink on a warm white backdrop) couldn’t have been a better match for my gal’s room. It’s feminine without being over-the-top girlie, so someone who’s trying to create a girl’s room that’s fit for a princess but isn’t sickly sweet would probably love it. OM Home calls its prints “gender inclusive.” Interestingly, the pattern was first hand-drawn as a tattoo. If that isn’t edgy enough for you, I don’t know what is.
Although the measurements appear on paper to me as standard for Canadian cribs, I found the fit to be exceedingly generous. It is so nice not to pull, drag and squeeze this sheet around the corners of the crib mattress. It’s by far the easiest crib sheet to get on and off Miss Q’s crib mattress.
THE GAFFE
There are only two colours/patterns to choose from in OM Home’s Avnee Collection, which is its organic crib sheet line. With the label “collection,” I hope this means more choices are coming.
At $68, this crib sheet is the most expensive to come into my home. Keep in mind, however, that it’s made by hand and it’s made in Canada. This will always cost more than designing a product in Canada and having it made overseas. It would make a spectacular baby gift, so at this price (if you’re not feeling super-spendy) go in on it with a friend and surprise a mom-to-be with something she’ll cherish. I know I plan to get some acid-free tissue paper and wrap this crib sheet up when Miss Q is finished with it, because it’s heirloom quality and I hope it will be passed down to my grandbabies.
THE GEARS
4.5/5
So…where can I buy it?
- Exclusively from OM Home (Pssst! Use “FRIENDS25” at the checkout until October 31, 2012, to get 25 per cent off your purchase)
Marianne says
The sheet sets (that are still showing as coming soon) look awesome!
Mommy Gearest says
Hmmm…wonder why they’re not available yet. They ARE awesome. I’m coveting the other print…
Marianne says
The sheet sets (that are still showing as coming soon) look awesome!
Mommy Gearest says
Hmmm…wonder why they’re not available yet. They ARE awesome. I’m coveting the other print…
Stephanie says
I like the jasper cotton two piece pj for kids!
Stephanie says
I like the jasper cotton two piece pj for kids!
HEIDI says
The cotton two-piece pjs are so cute!
Mommy Gearest says
I think the one-pc with the foldover socks is darling, too!
OM home says
Thanks Heidi! OM home is all about bright colours and bold pattern, but what we think is extra special about our kids collection is that it’s gender-inclusive. My 4 year old is sleeping right now in his fave pink 2pc pjs. ; )
Mommy Gearest says
My son’s fave colour is purple!! 🙂
HEIDI says
The cotton two-piece pjs are so cute!
Mommy Gearest says
I think the one-pc with the foldover socks is darling, too!
OM home says
Thanks Heidi! OM home is all about bright colours and bold pattern, but what we think is extra special about our kids collection is that it’s gender-inclusive. My 4 year old is sleeping right now in his fave pink 2pc pjs. ; )
Mommy Gearest says
My son’s fave colour is purple!! 🙂
Diane Sallans says
I like those jasper cotton one-piece pj with foldover socks – like that idea of the foldover socks!
Mommy Gearest says
I know, cute – right?!
OM home says
We love the footies! Not only are they great for multi-use — fold them off for safe walking, on for cosy naps — we’ve found (both of us are moms at OM home) the open foot allows for longer use of the garment. My 2 year old can still fit into his 12-18m one-piece pj; the pants are like knickers but it works! : )
Mommy Gearest says
It’s such a smart idea!! Gotta love mompreneurs.
Diane Sallans says
I like those jasper cotton one-piece pj with foldover socks – like that idea of the foldover socks!
Mommy Gearest says
I know, cute – right?!
OM home says
We love the footies! Not only are they great for multi-use — fold them off for safe walking, on for cosy naps — we’ve found (both of us are moms at OM home) the open foot allows for longer use of the garment. My 2 year old can still fit into his 12-18m one-piece pj; the pants are like knickers but it works! : )
Mommy Gearest says
It’s such a smart idea!! Gotta love mompreneurs.
Mindy says
GOTS and Oeko-Tex 100 are different. Oeko-Tex ensures no harmful chemicals on any of the final textile product, including your hangtags, closures, prints,etc. as it is applicable to all fabric types. GOTS is specific to cotton and does not certify the full scope of the final product. You may have an organic babygrow, but the print and handtag and snaps, zippers, etc could be full of yucky harmful chemicals. It is not really a case of GOTS over Oeko-Tex they are different. I hope that helps you.
Mommy Gearest says
Thanks so much for this great info! Yes, I knew they were completely different certifications but thanks for the additional clarity. 🙂
Mindy says
GOTS and Oeko-Tex 100 are different. Oeko-Tex ensures no harmful chemicals on any of the final textile product, including your hangtags, closures, prints,etc. as it is applicable to all fabric types. GOTS is specific to cotton and does not certify the full scope of the final product. You may have an organic babygrow, but the print and handtag and snaps, zippers, etc could be full of yucky harmful chemicals. It is not really a case of GOTS over Oeko-Tex they are different. I hope that helps you.
Mommy Gearest says
Thanks so much for this great info! Yes, I knew they were completely different certifications but thanks for the additional clarity. 🙂