Happy, healthy baby ( Devon Life Magazine)
Posted on 5th September 2019 at 09:12
This local award-winning ethical and organic babywear company protects babies’ skin and gives back to charity at the same time.
WORDS: EMILY DIAMOND
“My mission was to create a beautiful organic baby range that was safe for our babies and the planet.” says Michelle
Michelle Havill, founder and owner of the award-winning organic Egyptian cotton babywear brand Babiroo, based in Salcombe (with a boutique in Ivybridge) has been making a great impact on the local community after her recent success; winning the small business category in The Venus Awards for Devon and Cornwall 2019.Following the birth of Michelle’s grandson Alfie, three years ago, Michelle found herself questioning what ingredients many mass produced baby apparel is composed of. Alfie suffered with certain
skin conditions and as Michelle researched into the field further, she became extremely concerned about the toxic chemicals present in many items of baby clothing and the correlation between the amount of babies and children suffering with skin conditions. Non-organic baby clothing is frequently made from
synthetic fibres manufactured with petrochemicals, acrylic (polycrylonitriles), PVC, and esters, all of which may have a detrimental effect on the health of babies and children. “Babies have immune systems that are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Clothing them in apparel that is comprised of chemicals compromises their overall health, so my mission was to create a beautiful organic baby range of baby clothes that was safe for our babies and the planet.” Explains Michelle.
Having limited experience in design, manufacturing and retail, Michelle pursued her passion project with enthusiasm and determination to create a positive impact and make a change for babies and the planet. From the outset, the brand was committed to nurture a global awareness for ethical production and consumption. Michelle was also singlemindedly focused on sourcing a manufacturer who took care of their farmers and employees. After several years, Michelle found a manufacturer with the same ethics.
Michelle says: “Our Organic Egyptian cotton is grown on a biodynamic farm without the use of pesticides or insecticides. We do not use any chemical finishes on our fabrics, only natural starches. We whiten our fabric using an oxygen-based whitening process. Our dyes are made with metal-free colours, containing no harmful chemicals such as
AZO agents. This translates into softer, cleaner clothing that is not harmful to our babies. Everything we do at Babiroo is informed by our ethical policy to make the least
possible adverse impact on our planet, whilst creating premium and essential baby clothing that is beautiful, safe and toxin-free.” With every purchase, Babiroo also give back by helping to feed a hungry child in the world with the Children’s Hunger Fund. What’s not to love?
Babiroo Boutique, 33 Glanvilles
Mill, Ivybridge; 01548 435051;
Babiroo recently won the award for the small business category in The Venus Awards for Devon and Cornwall 2019
Michelle with her grandson Alfie
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