When Parade launched 4 years ago & decided to offer a full baby line, founders Bernard & Laura wanted it to be produced in a socially & environmentally responsible way and so the decided to go with 100% organic cotton. Grown without chemicals & pesticides, organic cotton is not only better for the farming communities where it is grown but it’s softer and longer lasting than processed cotton. All Parade clothing is made in sweatshop free environments through Fair Trade practices and they’ve also just started to manufacture some of their line right at home in Vancouver.

We love the innocent & environmental theme of their designs. They seem to have hit on all the names we call our babes-in-utero that carry over into life outside, like Bean & Peanut. The Parade Organic line of newborn kimonos are absolutely adorable (seen on the little peanut above) – and new parents quickly learn that anything that doesn’t have to be pulled over the head is sure to be worn again and again. The lounge sets, consisting of a lap neck onesie or tee & pants roomy enough to be comfortable over cloth diapers, make a great gift (hint hint to any relatives reading – our next baby wants the bean onesie with the pear green pants). The cotton gets softer with ever wash and is made to be handed down. Also be sure to check out their matching caps & blankets.

The Parade Organic line is available online or at retailers across Canada, the US, Australia & New Zealand.

Want to win? Of course you do! We have a 0-3 mos bug kimono onesie and a 12-18 month sprout t & coordinating brown pants to give away to two separate winners. To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with your preference of PARADE kimono or PARADE set in the subject line and tell us one other Parade design not mentioned in this review. Contest closes at midnight MST on 4/24/07. Congratulations, Tyla & Rochelle!