Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. And when you’re a parent, making eco-friendly choices for your little one is one of the most impactful ways to shape a greener future. Imagine this: turning the old “take, make, dispose” model into a cool, circular system where materials are reused, repurposed, and cherished for years to come. And guess what? If you’re a parent in Berlin, you’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to eco-friendly baby fashion!
Living in Berlin has its perks, and for me, one of the best is being surrounded by amazing sustainable stores and forward-thinking family initiatives. In fact, Berlin is one of the top 40 cities in the Global Destination Sustainability Index 2024, making it a frontrunner in circular fashion and green practices. So, if you’re on the hunt for eco-friendly baby clothes, Berlin is your playground!
In this post, I’ll walk you through my favorite spots in Berlin for eco-friendly baby fashion, plus a handy guide on how to find new, recycled, reused, and donated baby clothes. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
1. BRAND NEW BABY ITEMS: SUSTAINABILITY STARTS FRESH
If you’ve ever been to Berlin, you know it’s full of trendsetting parents who live by LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability). As a mom or a dad, why not introduce your little one to this eco-friendly vibe early on? But how do you know you’re choosing the right baby items? Here’s a little guide to help you out:
GO FOR NATURAL MATERIALS
The fashion industry is a major player in global pollution, from carbon emissions to wastewater contamination. But here’s the good news: choosing baby clothes made from natural materials is a simple and effective way to make a positive impact. Think organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and wool – all grown without nasty chemicals and requiring far less water than conventional crops. And when you’re buying baby toys or accessories, make sure they’re free of harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and lead. Bonus points for water-based paints and dyes!
CERTIFICATIONS: THE GREEN LIGHT
Want peace of mind? Look for trusted certifications that guarantee sustainability and ethical practices. I always check for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and Fair Trade for clothing or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for toys made from wood. These labels help you feel confident that the products you’re buying are doing the planet (and the people behind them) some good.
Here are a few brands in Berlin that are leading the charge:
This brand, part of dm-drogerie markt, offers a gorgeous range of organic cotton clothes. The items shown in the picture above are certified by GOTS and are made from organic materials such as cotton and wool.
This Dutch favorite brings organic cotton to the forefront, sourcing through sustainable methods like the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). The picture above features baby pullovers that consist of 95% to 100% cotton and long-sleeve bodysuits, each made from 48% bamboo and 47% cotton.
Rabbit + Bear is a brand that specializes in organic baby clothes. They offer a range of products made from 100% organic cotton, including bodysuits, overalls, and sets for newborns and infants. Their clothing is designed to be hypoallergenic, durable, and sustainable, ensuring comfort and safety for your baby. The items shown in the picture above are all labeled as organic.
Mayoral offers baby clothing made from recycled materials through their ecofriends line. This collection focuses on sustainability by utilizing organic, sustainable, natural, and recycled fabrics. The baby tops shown in the picture above are from the ecofriends and better cotton lines.
BabyOne’s in-house brand, LITTLE ONE, offers a variety of baby clothing and accessories with a focus on the use of organic materials in their products. The bodys shown in the picture above are made from 100% cotton and are certified by Oeko-Tex®.
Petit Bateau offers sustainable baby clothing options. Many of their baby garments are certified by Oeko-Tex®, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and safe for delicate skin. The items shown in the picture above consist of 55% to 100% cotton.
2. RECYCLED BABY ITEMS
Recycling is a game-changer. It keeps textiles out of landfills, reduces pollution, and helps preserve our resources. Did you know the fashion industry is responsible for millions of tons of discarded clothing each year? The good news is, circular fashion is on the rise, and Berlin is at the forefront of this shift. Thanks to initiatives like Circular Berlin and eco-brands like Circular.fashion using QR codes to track garments’ life cycles, Berliners are embracing circular fashion like never before. H&M is a good example of a store that supports circular fashion. It has a garment collecting container, where customers can bring old clothes from any brand to selected H&M stores. These items are then reworn, reused, or recycled, contributing to a more sustainable fashion cycle.
There are also several stores that mix sustainability and style effortlessly. One Berliner brand that sells baby items made of recycled materials is Folk Berlin.
Folk Berlin is located in the heart of Kreuzberg. This eco-friendly store offers products made from recycled materials as well as new baby clothes and toys. It also has as a cozy coffee shop for parents to relax and recharge. The picture above features wall art items made from recycled cardboard and a baby hat that is made from recycled fabrics.
3. REUSED BABY ITEMS – PASS IT ON
Reusing is the next best thing to recycling—it’s like giving your baby’s clothes a second chance at life! Here’s a fun idea: why not pass on your baby’s gently used clothes to a friend, family member, or a wider circle? But if you want to expand your options, Berlin’s second-hand shops are full of treasures. From baby clothes to toys and gear, you can find everything you need—and give items a new home in the process!
Here are a few second-hand gems I love:
- Humana Secondhand & Vintage: With several locations around Berlin, Humana is a popular spot for recycled baby clothes and sustainable finds.
- Siebenstern, Pankow: Specializes in high-quality second-hand baby clothes and wooden toys—perfect for eco-conscious parents!
- FiNDUS KinderSecondhand, Prenzlauer Berg: Offers everything from baby clothes to carriers, strollers, and wooden toys.
- Fireflanz Baby-Kaufhaus, Wilmersdorf: Not only does this store sell second-hand baby items, but it also has a cozy café and play area, making it a family-friendly stop.
- Trollby Kinder Second-Hand, Schöneberg: Specializes in second-hand clothing for children as well as pregnant women.
- Lilli & Paul, Wilmersdorf: Focuses on both children’s and adult second-hand clothing, alongside books and toys. They also stock the popular Stokke Tripp Trapp chairs.
- Purzelbaum Second Hand Und Café, Steglitz: Offers local second-hand clothing as well as books and toys.
- Bella Bimba, Kreuzberg: It’s a shop and a café located in Bergmannkiez. Parents can enjoy organic coffee and homemade cakes while their children play.
- Drei Käse Hoch, Friedenau: This second-hand shop offers a diverse range of baby products, including Bugaboo stroller, car seats, bicycles, books, and wooden toys.
- Filou, Pankow: Offers a thoughtfully curated selection of second-hand items, including strollers, maternity wear, childrens’ clothing, up to size 188, and footwear.
- Hilly’s, Prenzlauer Berg: Specializes in high-quality second-hand clothing for both women and children, the store is nestled on the lively Kollwitzstraße.
- Nochmall, Reinickendorf: Berlin’s first second-hand department store, established in 2020 by Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR). It serves as a hub for sustainable consumption, offering a wide range of pre-owned goods and hosting various environmental initiatives.
- Yukalou, Alt-Treptow: This shop offers a curated selection of gently used and new items, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly materials.
If you’re feeling adventurous, check out open-air flea markets Flohmarkt auf dem Breitenbachplatz or the Trödelmarkt in Kiezoase Schöneberg—they’re great for scoring second-hand baby clothes while enjoying a bit of sunshine
Furthermore, H&M has a Pre-Loved collection, which is an initiative that offers customers the opportunity to purchase secondhand H&M apparel, shoes, and accessories. This program is facilitated through a partnership with thredUP, a prominent online resale platform. Customers can explore and shop for pre-owned H&M items directly on the dedicated website: hm.thredup.com.
4. DONATING BABY ITEMS – PAY IT FORWARD
Donating your baby items is a wonderful way to give back to the community. Berlin has several amazing initiatives that help families in need, particularly those with newborns. If you’re looking to make a difference, check out these heartwarming programs:
- Welcome Baby Bags: This initiative provides curated bags filled with essential baby clothing, hygiene products, and care items to families facing financial hardship.
- BabyLotsen Berlin: Operating in hospitals like Charité, BabyLotsen helps families navigate the maze of benefits, healthcare, and postpartum support.
- Hanseatic Help: This organization distributes baby essentials to families in need, including clothing and hygiene products.
- Caritas is Known for offering practical support to families in crisis. This program helps with everything from baby items to food and housing.
You can also sell or donate baby clothes through platforms like eBay Kleinanzeigen, Vinted, or local Facebook Groups like Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum in Berlin (International English-speaking).
Final Note:
Sustainable Baby Fashion, Happy Earth, Happy Baby!
