Consciously made baby items for Earth and infants

These diapers are said to decompose by 60% within two and a half months. — Earth & Me

THE arrival of a baby often shifts a family's purchasing priorities as parents strive to provide the best in quality for their little one. From organic cotton to infant-specific skincare that caters to a newborn's skin, the market is flooded with baby products that are made better.

It is no surprise, therefore, that the global baby products market is expecting a robust growth, with Asia-Pacific contributing to the majority of the boom. According to a February report by market research and consulting company Grand View Research, the global baby products market stood at US$214.13bil (RM994bil) in 2021 and is expected to reach US$352.65bil (RM1.63tril) by 2030.

The report said that consumer preferences are shifting and many are "diverting towards utility-driven, superior quality and premium baby products".

Additionally, there has been an increase in demand for vegan and paraben-, gluten- and synthetic-free products, owing to rising levels of awareness associated with the harmful effects of synthetic ingredients, the report added. And in Asia-Pacific, changing lifestyle and the rising standards of living are primary factors that are expected to propel the market forward.

Here are some products that are made to respect both the Earth and infants.

Biodegradable alternative

Local label Earth & Me has released its biodegradable disposable baby diapers, made from organic and responsibly sourced bamboo from forests in China. Unlike conventional diapers that take a long time to decompose, Earth & Me's diapers are said to decompose by 60% within two and a half months. They are also softer than conventional diapers, hypoallergenic, breathable and don't irritate skin.

Founder Michelle Teh says Earth & Me's baby products hope to ignite a paradigm shift – urging parents to embrace a sustainability-first lifestyle that will trickle down to their kids, as well as the planet they will grow up in. She adds that given its regenerative properties, bamboo is a fast-growing sustainable alternative and requires less water in its production cycle compared to other plants.

Skincare for the family

South Korean skincare brand Illiyoon made its Malaysian debut with a range of skincare the whole family can use, even children under three years old. It banks on soothing and strengthening Asian sensitive skin, backed by decades of research. The line is unscented, mild and gentle to strengthen the skin barrier function.

This line of products is unscented, mild and gentle to strengthen skin barrier function. — Illiyoon

Skin barrier function is vital for skin health so it remains healthy and strong. Broken skin is a doorway to infection and a good skin barrier helps prevent that. Given that infants' skin is delicate, it makes sense that more parents put a stronger focus on the ingredients that go into the skincare of their babies to prevent any skin issue.

The Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel is a lightweight, gel-type moisturiser designed to solve various skin concerns such as dry, sensitive, oily and irritated skin. It provides powerful cooling and soothing effects to calm irritated skin, including heat rashes.

Soft to the touch

Baby clothing and fabric label Kays + Kins prides itself as a thoughtful, high-quality baby apparel brand, made with luxurious, certified-organic fabrics. The brand's Growsuits are made of bamboo and organic cotton blend for baby's snug fit and breathability, which also helps to regulate the baby’s body temperature.

Made of bamboo and organic cotton blend, the Growsuit is soft on skin and breathable. — kaysandkins.com

They have built-in, reversible mittens and convertible footies to keep tiny toes and fingers warm at night. The Growsuits are also designed with a full two-way zipper for quick and easy diaper change and a zipper guard under the chin. It marries practicality for parents and comfort on baby's delicate skin.

Gentle on skin

Bzu Bzu is a homegrown baby brand that has made its name among young parents looking for better skincare for their infants and babies. The brand has a full range of products, from toothbrush to shampoo. Among its bestsellers is its range of wipes that are travel-friendly and gentle for both hand and face.

These wipes are made for delicate baby skin and formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera and chrysanthemum essence water. — Bzu Bzu

The Ultra Gentle Baby Wipes are made for delicate baby skin and is formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera and chrysanthemum essence water. It gently cleanses dirty hands and faces when babies are out, while keeping their skin moisturised. These wipes are also suitable for adults with sensitive skin, or if you find the usual wet wipes drying.

Better detergent

Even for adults, detergent residue on clothes can trigger skin issues like itchiness, so manufacturers make baby clothes detergent with mild ingredients so they are totally washed off and infant and baby's skin is not irritated afterwards.

This baby detergent has aloe vera juice and a selection of essential oils. — budsorganics.co

Halal-certified Bud's Organic BHE Baby Safe Laundry Detergent comes with Ecocert certification and is baby-safe, made with aloe vera juice and a selection of essential oils. Just use one full cap for a normal load of soiled laundry. And as always, to respect the environment, run a washing machine with full load, choose a low-temperature washing cycle and follow dosage instructions.

Sustainable material

The socks are made without dye or bleach. — twinkleplanets.com

Twinkle Planet is another local baby clothing brand that chooses organic and sustainable materials in its lineup. Along with clothes, it makes swaddles and washcloths too, all in organic cotton. Its Supersoft baby socks are suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Its production doesn't use dye or bleach and the socks are made of 98% organic cotton and 2% spandex.