Help & FAQ: Your Guide to Organic Cotton Essentials in Egypt & the GCC

Welcome to our comprehensive Help and FAQ section, designed to answer your most common questions about Under the Nile's organic Egyptian cotton baby essentials. We're dedicated to providing clear, transparent information for our valued customers across Egypt, UAE and the entire GCC region, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

Q: How long has Under the Nile been in business?

A: Under the Nile began as a family company in 1998, founded by Janice and Mohamed Masoud. Our journey is built on a deep commitment to ethical business practices and crafting the purest products for your little ones.

Under the Nile Arabia was launched in the region in 2025 by Arielle and Hashem El Bagory who are hoping to continue this legacy and expand the brand so our babies of the region get the same incredible quality. You can learn more about our inspiring journey on Our Story.

Q: What is GOTS certification?

A: GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It's the most stringent global certification defining high-level criteria for both environmental and social standards throughout every stage of the organic textile supply chain. This means every part of our products – including fabric, thread, snaps, hangtags, packaging, and the fair treatment of workers in our manufacturing process – is regulated by GOTS. We are proud to confirm that our factory in Egypt undergoes annual inspections to maintain this rigorous standard. Under the Nile was the first baby clothing company in the USA to become GOTS certified, a testament to our pioneering commitment! You can view all our certifications by clicking here.

To learn more about GOTS, please visit the GOTS website.

Q: What exactly is organic cotton, and why is Under the Nile's the best?

A: We use only 100% certified organic Egyptian cotton, cultivated without the use of harmful chemicals, synthetic pesticides, or dyes containing heavy metals. Organic cotton is cotton grown purely, free from toxins. Products like ours, made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton, ensure your baby is wrapped in nature's purest embrace.

Q: Why is organic Egyptian cotton softer than conventional cotton?

A: The exceptional softness of our material comes from the unique qualities of Egyptian cotton fibers combined with the meticulous care taken during the knitting or weaving process. The long, fine fibers, indigenous to Egypt's fertile lands, are handled with great attention to detail, resulting in a luxurious, buttery soft fabric that's gentle on delicate skin, perfect for the climate in Egypt and the Gulf.

Q: How are your product colors made?

A: Our dyeing process prioritizes both environmental soundness and the highest quality standards. Under the Nile uses only low-impact, metal-free dyes for our yarns. These dyes contain no harmful chemicals and fully comply with the Global Organic Textile Standard. Crucially, our dyes do not contain PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), a hazardous chemical often found in conventional dyeing processes, known for its potential to cause serious health issues.

Q: Do you use bleach to get the white color?

A: No, we never use bleach in any part of our production process. The natural color of cotton can vary with each harvest. For consistent white tones across our collections, we employ a natural whitening process using oxygen, ensuring purity without harsh chemicals.

Q: Do you use chemical finishing on the fabrics?

A: Absolutely not. One of the most dangerous chemicals found in the finishing of conventional fabrics is Formaldehyde, a chemical gas. Babies and children are highly sensitive to this chemical. Its presence on clothing can lead to skin rashes, coughing, and flu-like symptoms. We ensure our fabrics are completely free from such harmful finishes.

Q: Do you use flame retardant on your products?

A: No, we do not use flame retardant on any of our products. All our long johns and sleepwear meet Federal Safety Commission requirements and are designed to fit snugly to ensure safety without the need for chemical treatments.

Q: What are your snaps made of?

A: Our snaps are crafted from nickel-free copper, adhering strictly to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, ensuring they are safe and hypoallergenic for your baby's sensitive skin.

Q: What's the best way to care for your organic cotton products, especially in warm climates like Egypt and the GCC?

A: To maintain the softness, durability, and integrity of your Under the Nile organic cotton products, especially in the warm and humid conditions often found in Egypt and the GCC, we recommend the following:

  • Wash in cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C/86°F) with a mild, eco-friendly detergent. High heat can cause shrinkage and break down fibers.
  • Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Our organic cotton is naturally soft and gentle.
  • Air dry whenever possible. This is the most energy-efficient and fabric-friendly method, helping to preserve the quality and shape. If using a dryer, tumble dry on low heat and remove items while slightly damp.
  • Wash inside out to protect colors and prints.
  • For stains, pre-treat gently with natural stain removers like vinegar or baking soda.

Q: How do I return an item from Egypt or the GCC region?

A: We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. For detailed instructions on how to return an item, including our return policy, timelines, and procedures for customers in Egypt and the GCC, please visit our [Link to Returns & Exchange Policy Page]. We aim to make the process as smooth as possible.

Q: How do I purchase a gift card for friends and family in Egypt or the GCC?

A: Purchasing an Under the Nile gift card is a wonderful way to share the gift of organic purity. You can find options to purchase gift cards directly on our website [Link to Gift Card Page - Ensure this page is available and functional for your Arabia site]. Our gift cards are a perfect present for new parents or special occasions across Egypt and the Gulf states.