It feels like second nature to wrap our precious little bundles in fabrics full of natural goodness, so if you’ve not yet discovered the organic childrenswear brand Aster & Oak, you’re in for a super-soft treat! Their delicately illustrated cot sheets and intricate blankets are a must-have for stylish kids’ nurseries. You’ll also find it hard to resist their adorable organic baby clothes, swaddles and sleepwear too!
Founded in 2014 by mum of two, Melissa, the ethical brand started life as a personal quest to find a family-friendly solution for her son’s allergies and eczema. Frustrated by the lack of organic products available in her native Australia, Melissa began sketching out designs on her lounge floor and sourcing materials free from toxic chemicals and ozone-depleting substances.
The brand has evolved from humble beginnings to a global provider of GOTS-certified coveted cot sheets and blankets, stylish sleepwear and fashion. Aster & Oaks’ inspiration comes from a combination of nature, art, style, and the desire to create sustainable and ethical clothing that is beautiful and functional. Melissa says of her home-grown organic brand, “I believe that organic and ethical clothing can be just as stylish and fashionable as conventional clothing’.
Take a look at our edited selection, and we’re sure you’ll agree.
Breathability sits alongside comfort and is a significant consideration in Aster & Oak’s bedding range. Their fitted cot sheets are no exception and are crafted from 100% GOTS-certified cotton. Ideal for all seasons and temperatures, they’re available in four stunning prints with dreamy influences of nature. ‘Little Bear’ features a subtle watercolour design to create a calming sleepy vibe for weary heads. We love that the cot sheets come in a matching drawstring bag with the same print. They’re just perfect for storing matching sleepwear.
A ruffled edge adds volume and detail to this stunning cable knit blanket in a beautiful blush tone. The leafy knitted design harks back to Aster & Oak’s love of nature and compliments other products in the range, including the hand-illustrated Emmy floral zip romper suit seen here. This blanket has a lovely vintage feel, reminiscent of heirloom blankets passed down from generation to generation.
The intricate leaf knit continues in this generously-sized super-soft cable knit blanket, minus the ruffled border this time. It’s a pared-back, understated take on its more flamboyant sibling above. Generous sizing (100cm x 100cm) is another key feature of Aster & Oaks’ blankets, providing versatile warmth at home or away. Use them in Moses baskets, cots and sleep pods or over car seats and strollers. They’re so stylish; you’ll be happy cradling baby in one in your arms or over your shoulder.
A delicate bloom in pastel pinks and putty, Emmy’s signature feminine print makes its mark on nap times and slumber. Like all Aster & Oak products, this natural organic cotton fitted sheet is suitable for sensitive skin. Stylish, snuggly and cosy, it’s designed to optimise maximum comfort and sleep and boasts a high-quality elastic to ensure a snug mattress fit every time.
Diamonds are forever, and that’s certainly true of this beautiful heirloom piece to treasure for years to come. The Pointelle knit uses an openwork method to create a pleasing geometric repeat pattern encased in robust ridged edging. These super-soft snugglies are the perfect baby shower or newborn gift, available in a gender-neutral palette of pastel blue, sand, and earthy clay brown. They also happen to look stunning draped over a whimsical wicker cot!
Deliciously soft next to baby’s delicate skin, the heirloom baby blanket from Aster & Oak comes in a stunning range of subtle hues – no less than nine. How you’ll choose between the light-toned sand, speckled, cream and oatmeal, or the richer hues of taffy and clay is nobody’s business. Of course, if you’re spoilt for choice and know the gender, you could opt for rose, pink or blue.
Be aware of that super cute tassel to the left of the basket. That’s another of the brand’s cosy offerings; the rug-like chunky knit blanket.
The proof is in the pudding, and this little pudding looks well and truly cosy atop their oatmeal knit heirloom blanket. Even though you can’t feel the fabric, you can almost sense the silk-like touch in the delicate folds of the knit here. A nursery favourite, this breathable blanket offers peace of mind for parents and a world of soothing comfort at nap and nighttime.
Taking inspiration from grandma’s knits is the Pointelle knit blanket, complete with its sweet scalloped edging and crochet detailing. There’s beauty in abundance in this parent-led brand. Not only are the designs exquisite but there’s an innate ethical warmth to the brand derived from the brand’s manufacturing methods. Aster & Oak pride themselves on working with small-scale factories in India that provide their employees with fair wages and safe working conditions. It’s a circular ethos that means everyone can sleep soundly at night.
From the seed of an idea nearly a decade ago, Melissa and her husband remain heavily involved in the business. They work with a small team of local artists to create the divine designs that grace their vegan-friendly, wholly-natural bedlinen and clothes. Among these hand-drawn prints is the soothing acorn, accompanied by a delicate leaf, lending an outdoorsy slant to sleepytime.
If you thought the selection of blankets was a tough call, wait until you see the enormous range of super-soft jersey swaddles and blankets. Described on the website as ‘buttery soft’, the designs are every bit as sumptuous. ‘Arctic’ offers a distinctly Wedgewood-esque direction with its cornflower blue and cream print, and ‘Fairy Garden’s’ marvellous mushrooms and delicate dragonflies are just as magical as their namesake. You can also choose from ditzy florals, hearts and songbirds, and there’s even a virtual trip to the coast with ‘Beach Day’. Featured is the all-over hand-drawn neutral bunny print in luxuriously soft organic cotton.
Why fight sleep when it looks as good as this? Aster & Oak’s comfort ethos looms large in organic garments designed to support comfort, regulate temperature and protect delicate skin. This wardrobe essential can be worn day or night and features the same ‘Little Bear’ design on the fitted cot sheet. A 2-way YKK zipper offers convenient, fuss-free changes and comes complete with protective zip covers to safeguard baby’s skin. If only they made adult sizes!
Aster & Oak is on a mission to create a more sustainable future for children and our planet. Each of their collections is lovingly designed and manufactured with respect for the world in which our children will grow and play. They plan to continue expanding their range of sustainable and ethical baby clothing & bedding while increasing their support for environmental and animal welfare causes, including a focus on a cause close to their hearts – Autism Awareness.
Visit Aster and Oak website
