In a Nutshell:

  • There is very little regulation in terms of what chemicals are allowed in textiles. That’s why many fabric goods can contain various “hidden” chemicals, which are used to produce, dye, and finish textiles.
  • For a healthier hooded baby/toddler towel, look for natural and organic fibers such as organic cotton and linen.
  • Looking for third-party certifications such as GOTS and OEKO-TEX can also be helpful.

  • Scroll down for even more recommendations! 👇

One of parenting’s most precious moments is a bathed little one, fresh out of the water with soft chuckles and a toothless grin. In those little moments, you feel you’d do anything to protect your little one and give them the best.

Of course, one small thing you can do for your baby is to use natural and organic materials for their clothing, bedding, and towels. You can use a hooded towel to keep your tiny tot’s head warm after bath time, and make sure it’s free of toxic chemicals in order to foster healthy growth.

In this article, I’ll talk about why non-toxic and natural baby towels are better than your more “conventional” options, and then we’ll give you our favorite brands to shop from.

Also, if you’re looking for some other types of non-toxic and organic towels for your home, here are some more guides to help out:

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. We only make recommendations that are genuine and meet our standards.

Featured Image Credit: Natemia

Why Should You Consider Organic Materials for Your Baby/Toddler Bath Towels & Washcloths?

To understand why organic towels are better for our little ones, let’s first talk about how they differ from polyester and conventional cotton towels (which is what you’ll usually find in stores). Their significant differences lie in how they impact the environment and what sort of chemicals may be left on the finished product.

Environmental Impact

Many of the hooded baby towel brands you’ll find in stores are made using synthetic polyester or conventional cotton.

Conventional cotton is treated with pesticides to prevent and counter pest attacks. These chemicals leach into the soil, contaminating groundwater and changing the soil structure. If it is grown on the same land repeatedly without giving it time to rest, the land could become barren after a few cycles (think Dust Bowl!).

Organic cotton has a lower environmental impact as it uses natural fertilizers and pesticides (or even not at all). The fertilizers and pesticides that are allowed on certified organic crops are not only safer, but they also biodegrade more easily (as they are usually derived from plants, animals, and minerals).

Polyester baby towels are made from plastic. (Yes, polyester is just a type of plastic.) This is not the most eco-friendly option, not only because it’s a petroleum product but also because these towels won’t biodegrade at the end of their lives. Instead, they will just shed into smaller and smaller microplastic pieces, which can harm both environmental and human health.

Health Impact

As conventional cotton is treated with pesticides, agricultural workers and surrounding communities are constantly exposed, which can put them at increased risk for the negative effects of pesticide exposure. 

Synthetic fabrics like polyester are processed using a handful of potentially toxic chemicals, such as antimony.

But it’s not just what the actual fiber is made out of, but what else is added to it. This is why you’ll want to watch out for baby towels marketed as “antimicrobial” and “anti-wrinkle”—this usually means they’ve been treated with toxic forever chemicals (PFAS) and/or formaldehyde.

Testing by a few non-profits in recent years has also found toxins like BPA in polyester textiles such as socks and athletic wear. (Although I don’t think they’ve tested towels specifically yet!)Keep in mind that there is little regulation on what chemicals are allowed to be added to textiles. You can learn more about this here.

What to Look For In Non-Toxic Baby Bath Towels

Now that we understand why organic bath towels are usually a better choice, it is time to pick one! It can be overwhelming to figure out which organic hooded baby towel is best for you and your little one, so here are some things to consider as you shop:

1. The Fabric

A towel can be made from several different kinds of organic cotton, including Egyptian and Turkish.

At the end of the day, these different kinds of cotton are just indicative of where the cotton is grown, so there isn’t that much of a difference in the end product.

Again, the important thing is that the baby towel you choose is organic and healthy for your baby’s skin (especially if you have a baby or toddler with extra sensitive skin or allergies!).

Other great eco-friendly materials that can be used for towels include linen and hemp. But for baby hooded towels, I’ve only been able to find organic cotton ones for now.

2. The Construction

How the towel is woven determines its finish. The popular methods of weaving are:

  • Combed cotton has strong and long threads woven for durability and to reduce pilling.
  • Ringspun cotton has long and short fibers for smoother, finer yarn.
  • Terrycloth is made with larger thread loops and woven with extra yarn.
  • Waffle weave has a honeycomb pattern that increases the surface area increasing absorbency.
  • Zero-twist fibers have long-staple cotton woven without twisting, making it super soft and light.

All of these are great options, and it comes down to personal preference!

3. Size and Weight

Naturally, you want a big enough towel for your little one to use for several years. The weight of a towel is measured in GSM (grams per square meter), which measures density. The denser it is, the more its weight and absorbency. It will also take longer to dry.

For your little ones, you want an organic hooded towel that isn’t too heavy to make them uncomfortable or too light that it can’t keep your baby warm. A GSM of 300-800 is usually perfect.

4. Certifications

Although they have their shortcomings, looking for third-party certifications can be a good way to check whether or not your baby towel is truly non-toxic and/or sustainable. Some of the certifications to look for include:

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification: The finished baby towel has been tested against a long list of toxins.
  • Fair Trade Certification: The towel production complies with social, environmental, and economic standards and is done sustainably. The workers are also working in safe conditions.
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Towels are free of many harmful chemicals and are made from organic materials. Products are made using fair practices that adhere to certain sustainability and pollution standards. The GOTS certification also prohibits child labor and ensures quality working conditions and a living wage for those involved in its production.
  • Made in Green Certification: Towels are made under sustainable practices and free of all harmful substances.
  • MADE SAFE: This is not as widely used (yet!), but it’s one of our favorite safety certifications because it is pretty strict regarding the materials and ingredients allowed.

My Favorite Non-Toxic & Organic Baby Towels and Washcloths

Now that you understand what to look for to filter out the best options, here are some of the best baby bath towels and organic baby washcloths:

1. Natemia

  • Options: Hooded towels, towel/blanket combo, washcloths, robes
  • Price Range: $25 (pack of washcloths) – $40 (hooded towels)
  • Material: GOTS organic cotton and bamboo
  • Made in: Turkey

Natemia is a family business founded in 2016 to bring high-quality, natural, and affordable baby essentials to parents. You’ll find a range of cozy organic nursery essentials and premium bath linens that simplify prepping for your new baby.

They have minimalistic hooded towels with little ears on them, as well as super cute lions, dinosaurs, princesses, and more!

All their products are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, which means the products are grown without pesticides, the fabric has not been treated with bleach or formaldehyde, and it only contains non-toxic dyes.

Natemia’s products also include crib sheets, swaddle blankets, and sleep sacks, all made of GOTS-certified organic cotton.


2. Weezie

best organic hooded baby towels from weezie
  • Options: Hooded and standard baby towels and washcloths (with a monogram option!), robes and cover-ups
  • Price Range: $22 (pair of washcloths) – $74 (robe)
  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Made in: Portugal & Atlanta

Weezie’s organic cotton towels are OEKO-TEX-certified, meaning they’ve been tested against a list of toxic substances. Their products are made in a family-owned factory in Portugal and finished in Atlanta by their in-house embroidery experts.

Not only are Weezie’s towels organic, but they’re also made from long-staple cotton and woven with spinning technology that traps air within each fiber, making them extra soft and fluffy.

Weezie’s towels are mostly available in white with a pink, blue, or gray accent border. They offer the option to monogram your little one’s name on them (making them a perfect baby shower gift!). Their robes come in various different colors and patterns.

On its website, you can also shop for makeup towels, washcloths, hand towels, bath towels, and bath sheets, each with seven color options for piping around the border.


3. Makemake Organics

  • Options: Organic baby/toddler bath towels (plus a range of other bed & bath textiles, sleepwear, and clothing for little ones)
  • Price Range: $32
  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Made in: India

Some of the best baby towels from Makemake Organics not only come with GOTS and Fair Trade certifications, but they’ve also got several features that make them extra convenient for parents. There’s an easy-hang hook on the hood, a snap in the front, and a super absorbent terry layer on the back.

It’s available in several fun patterns, including polka dots, rainbow, florals, and navy stripes.


4. Nest

  • Options: Muslin organic hooded baby towels, plus a ton of bed and bath essentials for babies and adults
  • Price Range: $39 (for a towel + washcloth set)
  • Material: Organic cotton (+ some bamboo rayon for the hood)
  • Made in: China

These hooded baby towels are made out of nine(!) layers of 100% GOTS organic cotton muslin. (The only non-organic part is the hoodie, which is made using 70% bamboo and 30% cotton.) With those nine layers, you get a towel that is super absorbent, yet more lightweight and fast-drying compared to your typical bath towel.

These are available in three super cute patterns: Cheetah Party, Rhino Hippo, and The Tortoise and The Hare.


5. Mushie

  • Options: Hooded baby/toddler towels in a variety of colors (and matching organic cotton bath mitts!)
  • Price Range: $26
  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Made in: China

If you’re looking for more of a ‘standard’ hood towel for your little one—without any cute extras like bear ears or personalization—then you might want to check out Mushie.

Suitable for newborn babies, toddlers, and even young kids, these towels are minimalistic, but you can choose from a variety of colors to match your bathroom. Colorways include Tradewinds (aka blue) Sea Mist, Blush, Moss, Fall Yellow, and Pearl.

For help getting your little one clean during bath time, grab some matching bath mitts, too.


6. Little Otja

  • Options: Hooded baby towels
  • Price Range: $48
  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Made in: Slovenia (by their in-house team)

Little Otja’s hooded bath time towels come with cute little bear ears. They’re made with four layers of 100% organic cotton muslin, which makes them super soft, lightweight, and quick-drying.

They’re available in two colors: Almond and Nude (when it’s in stock). Little Otja is a Slovenian brand, but US customers can buy these soft towels from Colored Organics.

They’re easy to wash too; they can be thrown right into the washing machine and even get softer with each wash!


7. Honest

best non toxic hooded towels for babies from honest clothing
  • Options: Baby bath towels, hooded towels, washcloths
  • Price: $25
  • Material: Organic cotton

The entire line of products from Honest Baby Clothing (which is available at Target!) is made from super soft, sustainably sourced, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The products are free of synthetic pesticides and harmful dyes, making them great for delicate, sensitive skin and safe sleep.

The Honest Company is one of my favorite brands for non-toxic products for the whole family. It was founded by Jessica Alba, a mom of three, with a simple purpose: to create safe and effective products for her family and others. To achieve this, the company is always forward-thinking, always exploring and evolving to improve its use of renewable resources – from sourcing organic cotton to recycled materials for packaging.

In addition to baby towels, Honest also carries pajamas, clothing, bedding, gifts, diapers, shampoo, personal care products, and more.

If you want to learn more about Honest as a brand, you can check out this article.


Conclusion

In the first couple of years of a baby’s life, their skin and respiratory system are particularly delicate. That is why organic cotton is such an excellent option for them.

If you’d like some more non-toxic living tips, news, product picks, and other fun stuff in your inbox once a week, hop on our list!

Are hooded baby towels worth it?

They absolutely can be! Hooded baby towels are not only cute and stylish, but they also serve a practical purpose. The hood helps to keep your baby’s head warm after bath time, preventing them from getting cold or catching a chill. Plus, the organic cotton material will feel super soft and comforting against your baby’s sensitive skin.

Do you really need baby bath towels?

Not necessarily, but baby bath towels are essential for keeping your little one warm and dry after a bath. Regular adult towels may be too rough or large for a baby’s delicate skin. Additionally, certified organic cotton baby towels are more likely to be free of harmful chemicals and dyes, making them safe for your little one’s developing body.



About Guest Author

This article was written by a guest contributor. We love to welcome content written by fellow writers, researchers, and advocates for safer products!


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