Why OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Matters for Baby & Kids Clothes - and Why We Won’t Compromise

When you’re buying clothes for babies and kids, it’s never just about looking cute. It’s about what touches their skin every single day. What they nap in. What they crawl, walk, run, and roll around in. And what stays on their bodies for hours at a time.

At Crumb, we design baby clothes and kids clothes that look good, feel better, and most importantly, are safe. That’s why every Crumb piece is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified and complies with AS/NZS 1249, the mandatory safety standard for children’s nightwear and clothing in New Zealand and Australia.

Today we will break down what that actually means, why it matters for parents and families, and how to choose cotton kids clothes you can genuinely trust.

The Reality of Kids Clothes Today

Kids clothing has never been more fun. Bright colours, playful prints, oversized fits, mini streetwear looks—it’s everywhere. But here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Just because something looks cute doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Many baby clothes and kids clothes on the market today are made with:

• Chemical dyes

• Fabric treatments

• Residues from manufacturing processes

And not all brands test their materials to the same standard.

Babies and children have more sensitive skin, higher absorption rates, and immune systems that are still developing. What touches their skin matters—a lot more than most people realise.

That’s why certifications like OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 aren’t just “nice to have”. They’re essential.

What Is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is one of the world’s most trusted textile safety certifications.

In simple terms, it means:

Every component of the garment—fabric, threads, dyes, prints, trims—has been tested and proven free from harmful substances.

This includes testing for:

• Harmful chemicals

• Toxic dyes

• Formaldehyde

• Heavy metals

• Pesticides

• Allergens

And the standards are even stricter for baby clothes and children’s clothing.

If a garment carries OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, it’s been independently tested and verified—not just claimed.

At Crumb, we don’t cut corners. Our kids clothes meet this standard because your child’s skin deserves nothing less.

Why OEKO-TEX® Matters for Your Babies & Kids

Babies and kids aren’t just smaller adults.

They:

• Absorb more through their skin

• Sweat more easily

• Spend longer hours in the same clothes

• Explore the world hands-first, mouth-first

That’s why fabric safety is non-negotiable.

Choosing OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified baby clothes helps protect your child from unnecessary exposure to substances that don’t belong anywhere near their skin.

Especially for:

• Newborns

• Babies with sensitive skin

• Toddlers prone to rashes

• Kids with eczema or allergies

Safe fabrics aren’t a luxury. They’re a responsibility.

Cotton Kids Clothes: Not All Cotton Is Equal

Cotton is often seen as the “safe” choice—and while it’s a great natural fibre, cotton, or even cotton-blend fabric, alone isn’t enough.

The problem isn’t always the cotton itself. It’s what happens after:

• Chemical dyes

• Softening agents

• Anti-shrink treatments

• Manufacturing residues

That’s why OEKO-TEX® certified cotton kids clothes matter.

At Crumb, we use OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified fabrics, including French terry cotton, to make sure our garments are:

• Skin-friendly

• Breathable

• Free from harmful substances

• Comfortable for everyday wear

Why We Use French Terry Cotton

French terry cotton is one of our go-to fabrics—and for good reason.

It’s:

• Soft on the inside

• Smooth on the outside

• Breathable without being flimsy

• Warm without overheating

That makes it ideal for New Zealand’s all-season weather.

French terry cotton works across:

• Cool summer evenings

• Layered winter days

• Spring and autumn in between

And because it’s OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, you get comfort without compromising safety.

Safety Beyond Fabric: AS/NZS 1249 Compliance

In New Zealand and Australia, children’s clothing must meet AS/NZS 1249, which covers:

• Garment safety

• Fit and construction

• Reduced risks around nightwear and everyday wear

Crumb baby clothes and kids clothes don’t just meet this standard—they’re designed with it in mind from day one.

Because safety isn’t something you add later. It’s something you build in from the start.

Why Parents Need to Be Careful When Choosing Kids Clothes

It’s easy to get pulled in by:

• Cute prints

• Low prices

• Trendy designs

But without proper certification, you’re often taking a gamble.

Many kids clothes look fun and colourful, but you never really know:

• What chemicals were used

• Whether the dyes were tested

• If the fabric is truly skin-safe

That’s why we believe parents and families should always look for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified baby clothes.

At Crumb, we make that choice easy.

Designed to Grow With Your Kids

Kids grow fast. Really fast.

That’s why Crumb clothes are intentionally oversized.

Our fits are designed so:

• Babies and kids can wear them longer

• Pieces move through seasons

• Siblings can pass them down

Less waste. More wear.

Our designs work across all four New Zealand seasons, making them practical as well as stylish.

Meet Our Crumb Essentials

If you’re looking for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified baby clothes and kids clothes that are designed to grow with them and made to last, here are some of our core pieces:

Off Beat Overalls

A Crumb favourite.

Available in Honeycomb, Pistachio, and Chocolate Brown, these kids overalls are made from certified cotton and designed for movement.

Sizes:

• 0 (3–6 months)

• 00 (6–9 months)

• 000 (9–12 months)

• 1 (1–2 years)

• 2 (2–3 years)

• 3 (3–4 years)

Easy to layer. Easy to wear. Built for everyday adventures.

Drop Sleeve Set

Relaxed, breathable, and made for play.

Available in Milk White, Violet Crumble, and Matcha Green, with sizes from 6 months to 6 years.

Crafted with French terry cotton, these are perfect for mixing and matching, lounging, and heading out the door without overthinking it. A summer season favorite!

Downtown Set (Oversized Kids Tracksuit)

Street-ready comfort.

Our oversized kids tracksuit comes in Chocolate Espresso, Pistachio Truffle, and Milk White, sizes 6 months to 6 years.

Made with OEKO-TEX® certified premium cotton & polyester fleece blend, it’s a year-round essential that parents love for its durability and comfort.

You can explore all our baby clothes and kids clothes here.

Kids Accessories Coming Soon

We’re also expanding beyond clothing.

Our kids caps and kids sunnies are coming soon—designed to pair perfectly with Crumb outfits.

Just like our clothes, our accessories are:

• Chemical-free

• BPA-free

• Designed with kids’ safety in mind

Because protection doesn’t stop at clothing.

The Crumb Philosophy

We believe kids clothes should:

• Feel good

• Hold up to real life

• Be safe without question

• Look cool without trying too hard

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 isn’t a marketing line for us. It’s a baseline.

Because when it comes to babies and kids, there’s no room for “probably fine.”

Just better choices—made simple.

That’s Crumb.