Little Dutch are a dutch-born brand for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. For more than a decade they have produced toys and homeware for children, with products ranging from bedlinen and play mats, to soft cuddle dolls and wooden activity cubes.

A family business with its origins in an attic, Little Dutch was founded by Rinke Can Der Helm:

“When I was pregnant with our eldest child, I was looking for lovely accessories for the nursery. Because I couldn't find them, I started making my own lamps. I am incredibly proud that Little Dutch has grown from that one lamp into an international label with an extensive assortment for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. My team and I will continue to look for new ways to make even more children and parents happy.”

Over the decade Little Dutch have grown into a company with over 45 employees and an in-house design team focused on creating a wide collection of products that are equally interesting and practical.

Little Dutch believe that it’s the little things in life that bring us real happiness, their mission is to make toys and nursery accessories that bring joy into the daily rituals of family life.

SOCIAL COMMITMENT:

Little Dutch products meet European regulations and are produced without child labour and in a socially responsible manner in the Netherlands, India, Indonesia, Turkey and China, among others.

They are involved with various initiatives and foundations that benefit both countries they manufacture in, and sell to. Little Dutch works with Erasmus MC Sophia Foundation in Rotterdam, a charity affiliated with the children’s hospital of the same name, as well as Zorgkwekerij Bloei in Pijnacker, an organisation that employs people living with disability and a distance to the labour market. Little Dutch sponsor a local school near one of the factories they work with in India.

SUSTAINABILITY:

Little Dutch strive to constantly develop and better their manufacturing process, moving towards a more sustainable future. In collaboration with their suppliers, they aim for making sustainable products with respect for people and planet.

Steps Little Dutch have taken so far to improve sustainability within their practice:

- Oeko-TEX® certification: during textile production, steps are taken to reduce the use of harmful substances in order to minimise the health and environmental impact of the products.

- Wooden toys are made of sustainable wood and are painted using water-based paints.

- The organic garment collection is made of 90% organic cotton and yarn.

- The paper hangtags on the products are made of recycled paper.

- Replaced boxes with plastic windows with closed boxes.

- The plastic hygiene bags of plushies are made with recycled plastic.

- Plastic packaging material replaced by ‘paper wrap’ where possible.