Shop small with these 12 ethical Australian (and 1 Kiwi) kids and baby brands for the socially conscious buyer

I haven’t always been ethically conscious.  In fact, I can remember very clearly having lunch with one of my cousins when I was an younger teenager, probably about 15-20 years ago - long before being ethically conscious was fashionable.  He was a tree planter in northern BC (Canada) at the time, and I don’t remember anything else about the conversation except him talking about the fact that he would only buy his clothes second hand because of the injustice that takes place in the fashion industry (can we get any more stereotypically earthy here?? Well I guess we can because now he’s an artisan winemaker…).  I can remember feeling utterly overwhelmed with the idea of purchasing second hand (buying second hand wasn’t ‘cool’, and as a fashion impaired teenager I struggled to find clothes at a normal shop, let alone having to work within the constraints of a second hand shop), but a part of me also resisted the moral challenge set before me to step out of what felt comfortable and change my habits.

A few years later, one of my good friends expressed his deep conviction about making informed choices** when purchasing coffee and chocolate because of the exploitation, child labour, and even slavery that happens in that industry. As small as this sounds, it was this influence that set me on a path of examining my own buying habits and trying to make more informed choices. The way I see it is you can go two ways when you encounter people with convictions. You can learn, or you can resist.  The default in humanity I think… is to resist.  Something about us doesn’t like to be challenged.  I know I didn’t.  I excused my resistance to change with justifications like “if you tried to avoid everything corrupt in the world you’d be living in a commune somewhere in the middle of nowhere and sewing your own clothes” or “I just can’t open that door because it’s too overwhelming” or “it’s too expensive!”

But life is about the journey right? And my journey to making ethically conscious decisions has simply been making one choice at a time, which makes it less overwhelming. Reading labels and looking up company ethics is part of my process now, because it’s something I really value. I still resist watching documentaries about the fashion industry, or environmental issues because I know that if I see them I will be incredibly convicted and have to make even more informed choices 😅🙉🙈 (I’m kind of kidding, but also there’s an element of truth here.. just being honest!)

I have to say though, compared to 10, even 5 years ago - it is so much easier to shop ethically. It’s much easier to buy organic food, and it’s much easier to find sustainable products.  So whether you’re just dipping you’re toe into the world of ethical fashion, or whether you’re totally on board but just need help unearthing some small business gems, hopefully, I can help by sharing a few beautiful Australasian business I’ve come across that are designing quality ethical baby and kids products and in turn supporting artisans who are masters at their craft. 

**I’m not using the word Fairtrade here, because there can be great companies who don’t carry the Fairtrade label, and conversely slapping a Fairtrade label on a product doesn’t always guarantee a lack of corruption.

(it should be noted, while I have collaborated with a couple of these businesses, I’m not getting paid by anyone to write this blog! I just know how hard it is to sift through all of the online marketing to find and support small businesses, so I wanted to share some of these findings with you)

Grown Clothing

Founded in 2019 by Sara, mum of one, Grown creates gorgeous unisex baby knitwear in neutral earthy tones.  They only use natural, sustainable and eco friendly fibres with the majority of their yarns being GOTS certified 100% organic cotton.

Hank Knitwear

Penelope from Hank knitwear produces incredible heirloom bonnets, booties, rompers and bloomers from 100% alpaca and cotton fibres.  Each piece is handmade by artisans who receive a fair wage and as a result are able to keep their children in school.  She also produces custom pieces that she designs and knits herself.  

The Young Folk collective

Founded by Queensland mum, Skye, The Young Folk Collective produces gorgeous handwoven Moses baskets, as well as change baskets, leather and recycled wool rug nappy bags, organic swaddles and recycled playmats.  TYFC’s classic designs are mostly earthy and neutral but they also offer some unique and fun colour combos in their woven baskets with a good splash of 70s retro in their swaddles and playmats

Banabae

Speaking of retro, rad mama duo Alana and Jaz have created the most eye catching retro inspired line of baby and kid-wares in the label Banabae.  From 70s inspired swaddles and bedlinen, to graphic tees, to linen robes, their designs are super fun and will make you happy just looking at them, but they’re also ethically produced and chemical free.  To top it off they donate monthly to the Australian Marine Conservation to aid the fight in protecting our beautiful coastlines.

Two Darlings Co

Established in 2016 by Brisbane mum, Emma, Two darlings is all about classic pieces for babies and kids. Their products range from basics such their signature bodysuit with gorgeous timber buttons to dresses and heirloom knitted swaddles all using natural fibres such as cotton, linen and bamboo.

Susukoshi

If you’ve been on “the gram” long enough you’ll have come across Susukoshi’s timeless designs and delicious earthy tones. Founded in 2016 by Eve and Maggie their label is inspired by the fundamentals of Japanese design which while simple pays attention to detail, functionality and quality.  I personally have a few of their pieces and the colours are as yummy as they appear online, and the garments are oh so soft and beautifully crafted.  Susukoshi is all about the baby basics - bodysuits, bibs, hats, and of course their signature kimono gown, which in my opinion should be a staple in every baby’s wardrobe.

The Rest 

If you’re looking for super soft organic PJs for your little one in beautiful delicate hues with playful designs then Victoria based business, the Rest, is where to find them.  GOTS certified 100% organic cotton and ethically made in India, these Pyjamas and wraps created by founder and mother of 3, Lotte, are sure to not only help your babes rest, but also you to rest at ease knowing your purchase is ethical and sustainable.

Gather and Moss

PJs and Loungewear with a dose of vibrant fun! Kate, now based in the Sunny Coast hinterland began creating clothing for her children in 2012.  Specialising in organic Kids Pyjamas and now more recently adding Adult PJs to the repertoire, Kate’s designs are bold, colourful and always inspired by Australian flora and fauna. Kate always does a special Christmas release as well so be sure to keep an eye out for that if you have the Christmas Pyjama tradition in your home.  My kids have a few pairs of these PJ’s and the quality is outstanding.

Pop ya tot

Well known for their eye catching designs, this family owned business produces the most luxuriously beautiful organic swaddles and baby bed linen.  Pop Ya Tot has a design for everyone from solid coloured swaddles, to native florals, to playful woodland creatures, cheetahs, nautical designs, bugs and more. Plus, all their swaddles are a generous 120cm x 120cm which - if you’ve ever had a Houdini baby (yep! Over here 🙋🏼‍♀️) makes it so much easier to wrap them securely.

Garzie and May

While we’re on the topic of bedding. Sunshine Coast business Garzie and May specialises in hand block printed Kantha quilts, ethically made in India. Their bold and playful patterns add life to any nursery or bedroom.

Freckly Ollie

Specialising in luxury childrenswear for babies through to size 7, Freckly Ollie’s beautiful pieces are designed and individually handmade in regional Victoria, Australia.  Each collection is produced in limited runs and consists of natural linen fibres, vintage cottons and sustainable surplus fabrics. 

Bel & Bow

From ribbed knit essentials to beautiful muslin rompers and bloomers, NZ based Bel and Bow’s pieces all work together to create the perfect capsule wardrobe for your baby. I’ve been admiring their pieces for some time and drooling over them for my own wee one. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything about their process on their website, so I reached out via DM and was very happy to find that they are very selective with their manufacturers and only work with those who practice fair trade, pay fair wages, and provide health insurance for their workers.  They also highly value low waste, do not individually wrap their garments in plastic (which is standard in the clothing industry), use only recycled packaging and with a flat rate of $15 to ship to their Aussie cuzzie bros across the ditch I couldn’t resist adding this small biz to the list!

Do you have any favourite ethical baby or kids brands? leave a comment below to share them with us!

While we’re on the topic of fashion, why not check out my visual guide on what to wear to your photography session or feel free to browse some of our other posts below