Buy once. Buy well

Ok, we admit it. When it comes to dressing our kids, we cannot resist the allure of a new wardrobe – clothes so soft and sophisticated that we could snuggle them on the hangers. The fashion industry is changing rapidly, however, as consumers think more about where their clothes are coming from and how they are made.

Choosing sustainability as well as style doesn’t come for free, of course – but buying the highest quality clothing doesn’t have to cost the earth. Savvy parents can even offset the financial impact of dressing to impress by selling childrenswear on for close to the original price. ‘Second Hand September’ has proven that environmentally conscious shoppers are keener than ever to find pre-loved options that still look fantastic, with eBay announcing a £187m boom in the UK’s second-hand fashion market this year.

Here, we coo over our favourite planet-friendly pieces that will stand the test of time and might even make your money back when your mini-me grows up all too quickly…

Flourishing in Frugi

Frugi was founded in Cornwall by a couple wanting to dress their family without leaving a footprint. This thoughtful company’s charitable efforts are inspiring, its ethics are top notch and all its clothes are made from organic cotton. Even the packaging is biodegradable!

Summing up the shift to sustainable fashion perfectly, a very friendly planet Earth looks delighted with this sweet Frugi Bobby Applique Top, Space Blue Breton/Earth. The classic Frugi envelope neckline helps make dressing fuss and mess free too.

Hats off to Hatley

Hatley was founded with made-to-last quality at its core, intending for its apparel to outlast first, second, third and even fourth owners and creating timeless designs that aren’t vulnerable to trends and fads.

Youngsters will adore Hatley’s colour-changing raincoats like this Hatley Colour Changing Lovely Hearts Raincoat so much that they might not want to pass the heirlooms on! The range of prints will brighten up any soggy day. It is waterproof, PVC free and, most importantly, can be machine washed after inevitable mud baths.

When the rainclouds eventually part, nippers can protect themselves with these Hatley Loop-The-Looping Hammerheads Sunglasses offering 100% protection from harmful UV rays.

Let’s go fly a Kite

All Kite clothing is made in the UK from the softest organic materials and recycled plastic bottles, reducing the environmental impact at every stage of the process. The gorgeous designs are inspired by the beautiful Dorset countryside with quality and durability at their heart. The entire supply chain meets the strictest organic and ethical standards.

Nature walks will be a lot more stylish in this Kite Splash Coat (more wet weather gear, we know – but it is officially Autumn) with a waterproof shell and a cosy fleece lining and a completely charming hedgehog print.

The change of seasons will be more if the Autumn colours resemble this adorable Kite Acorn Ditsy Dress. Made from 95% organic cotton, it’s sure to be gentle on the most delicate skin. The buttons are even made of coconut; no landfill factor here!

Not a patch on Patachou

Patachou has subscribed to the ‘one for one’ movement, donating a piece of clothing for every item sold. As well as dressing your little ones well, your conscience can rest easy knowing you are helping less fortunate children too.

We love this classic Breton-striped Patachou Girls Striped Cotton Dress which will complete any sophisticated baby girl’s wardrobe without compromising on comfort or quality – and comes with the feel-good factor of a good deed too.

Toby Tiger for tiny tots

The distinctive bright colours of Toby Tiger’s timeless designs and their sound ethical credentials ensure they will transcend generations and seasonal changes. The brand is based right here in the UK.

Toddlers can dream in technicolour in this Toby Tiger Organic Rainbow Cloud Applique Sleepsuit. This joyful one-piece is sure to bring sunshine to any drizzly day - let’s just hope the sun doesn’t rise too early!

We can’t promise it will slow down your busy bees, but this cute Toby Tiger Organic Sloth Applique T-Shirt is unlikely to hang around for long. Both items are made from 100% organic cotton using environmentally friendly dyes, minimising irritation to baby-soft skin and any environmental impact.

A clear conscience

With fewer chemicals and air miles, transparent supply chains and a social benefit, we can now care for the world as much as our children – and they will thank us for choosing wisely.