Four reasons why you should wash your baby clothes separately (2024)

FAQs

Four reasons why you should wash your baby clothes separately? ›

It's best to wash baby clothes separately from other laundry until baby is at least a few months old. This is to reduce the chance of germs and dirt from other clothing transferring on to baby's clothes and causing irritation to their incredibly sensitive skin.

It's best to wash baby clothes separately from other laundry until baby is at least a few months old. This is to reduce the chance of germs and dirt from other clothing transferring on to baby's clothes and causing irritation to their incredibly sensitive skin.

It's a good idea to wash baby clothes separately from other household items and clothing and to sort by level of soil in case any items require pre-treatment for stains. For smaller items like socks, bibs, swaddles, etc., you may want to consider a mesh laundry bag to help minimize snags.

It isn't necessary to separate washing, but it is the best way to properly care for a range of clothing. Separating washing can maintain the colour and quality for a longer time. To wash clothes without separating them, don't use hot water, otherwise the fabric will be damaged and colours will bleed.

Both experts say it's generally okay to wash baby clothes with the rest of the family's laundry, but, again, make sure to use a fragrance-free, baby-friendly detergent. That said, avoid adding in bedding, towels and items with Velcro (like swaddles), as these can snag on baby's clothes, Cirillo says.

It is a common recommendation that baby clothes should be washed separately, using special “baby” detergents that supposedly leave fewer residues and are therefore less likely to cause skin irritation.

A baby's skin is still developing its natural protective barrier. This makes them highly susceptible to infections, allergies, and skin irritations.” Experts share parents will want to take extra care when washing their baby's clothes. They discuss when to wash clothes, how to choose detergent, and which items to skip.

Sort Clothes by Color

Clothes with deep colors are more likely to bleed dye when washed. To avoid damaging other clothing, sort laundry according to color, grouping dark, medium and light colors separately. Wash deep colored clothing like indigo jeans or red sweatshirts by themselves for the first few washings.

Washing baby clothes before use: is it necessary? The short answer to this is yes: it's always best to give new clothes a wash before your little one starts wearing them. Baby clothes can easily pick up dust, dirt, and other irritants between the warehouse and your home.

“For one, your other clothes and sheets will get lint and fibers on them from being washed with towels,” she explains. “Towels should be washed on a heavier cycle, without fabric softener, in hot water. Towels also take significantly longer to dry, which could cause clothing and other items to shrink.”

Why do baby clothes need to be washed inside out? ›

It is recommended to wash baby clothes inside out as it can help protect the fabric and seams from general wear and tear. To help maintain the longevity of your baby's clothes, you should also button all buttons and close any zippers before tossing them in your washer.

There is no right answer for this. Some parents wash items of clothing straight after their little one has worn it, and other's will re-use items if they're not visibly dirty.

Baby clothes can usually be washed using warm water on a “normal” or “gentle” wash cycle depending on the fabric. Some materials, like cotton, can be better maintained with cooler water temperatures, so be sure to consult your laundry care tag before selecting a wash temperature.

Is it OK to wash 6-month-old clothes with the rest of the family's clothes? If you've been washing baby clothes in their own detergent, the 6-month-old mark is the “perfect time to start integrating baby's clothing in with the rest of the family's laundry cycle,” says Zuñiga.

Note that washing children's and particularly babies' clothing is especially important, since young children tend to have sensitive skin. Dyes in clothing can also cause skin irritation.