It can be surprising how much laundry a tiny human creates. Between spit-ups and diaper explosions, babies sure do make some interesting messes that may have you getting more mileage out of a washer and dryer.
Though laundry may not be your favorite chore, experts share it’s crucial.“Regularly washing baby clothes is not just about aesthetics or hygiene,” says Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, a dermatologist who treats pediatric and adult patients in New York City. “It's a critical step in protecting a baby's health and well-being. 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. Consider this your comprehensive guide to washing baby clothes.
When To Wash Baby Clothes
Experts agree: The best time to wash baby clothes is before a little one rocks their outfit of the day (Note: There may be multiple of those).
“Washing baby clothes helps eliminate dust, dirt, or residues from the shopping process, making them more comfortable for the baby to wear,” says Rhianna Jones, RN, BSN, a former neonatal ICU nurse who now works with CanXida.
Yes, this means washing new clothes and that can be before a baby is even born. But parents may wonder how many to wash, especially given that they will not know what size their little one will wear. Will they need premie sizes? Newborn? 0 to 3? It’s hard to tell without the baby in front of you.
“The decision to wash all new baby clothes, just the newborn sizes, or a few of each, largely depends on personal preference, practicality, and time constraints,” Jones says. “While it can be comforting to have everything washed and ready, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and parents shouldn't stress over it.”
Want a hard-and-fast recommendation?
“I would wash all of the newborn and a couple of the 0 to 3,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “Then once the baby needs the 0 to 3, wash all those, too.”
What You Do and Don’t Need To Wash Baby Clothes
Truthfully, you don’t need anything fancy. Experts suggest:
- A gentle detergent. You can opt for a baby detergent, but Dr. Ganjian says odor and dye-free detergents not marketed for babies are also safe.
- Washing machine. A standard one with delicate or gentle cycles will do, Jones says.
- Mild stain removers. Baby clothes are prone to stains from diaper woes and messy first tastes of pasta with sauce. “You may need a gentle, baby-safe stain remover to treat tough stains,” Jones says.
- Laundry baskets and hampers. Jones notes that you’ll need these to carry, sort, and organize laundry. As experts will explain, color and fabric play a role in which clothes should be washed together.
A few items you can skip include:
- Fabric softeners. Fabric softeners may have fragrances or chemicals that irritate an infant’s sensitive skin, says Jones.
- Bleach. It can be too tough for baby clothes and can irritate their skin.
- Overly fancy, fragranced detergent. Simple, dye and fragrance-free detergent works best.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Baby Clothes
You want babies to feel clean, healthy, and comfy. Jones says following specific steps when washing baby clothes can help make that happen.
Proper sorting, stain treatment, choice of detergent, and appropriate washing and drying settings all contribute to the well-being of your baby's sensitive skin,” Jones says.
Take these instructions for a spin cycle.
Sort clothes
It's a good idea to sort clothes by color. “Sorting by color helps avoid color bleeding,” Dr. Kazlouskaya says. That means grouping dark, medium, and light colors separately.
And don't forget about the fabric. While parents may not want to do multiple loads, Dr. Kazlouskaya says paying close attention to fabric can extend a piece’s shelf-life.
“Different materials, such as cotton, wool, or synthetics, require varying washing regimens and temperatures to prevent damage, maintain fabric integrity, and prevent shrinking,” Dr. Kazlouskaya says. “By paying special attention to the care of delicate fabrics like silk or wool, you can maintain the quality and longevity of your baby's clothing while prioritizing their safety and comfort. These materials shrink significantly when washed in hot water and need a delicate wash.”
Check for and pre-treat stains
Checking for stains before washing is crucial. “Stains can become more challenging to remove if left untreated,” Dr. Kazlouskaya says. “Pre-washing or soaking stained items helps maintain the clothing's overall cleanliness.”
Jones says you can also use a baby-safe stain remover.
Load and start the laundry
While you may be eager to be done with laundry, it’s important to avoid overloading the washing machine.
“Overcrowding can lead to incomplete cleaning and potential damage to the garments,” Jones says.
Once the laundry and gentle detergent have been added, start the machine. Jones suggests using a gentle or delicate cycle.
“This setting prevents wear and tear on baby clothes and ensures a thorough but gentle cleaning,” she says.
Perform a double-rinse
Once the cycle is complete, Dr. Kazlouskaya suggests hitting “rinse” again.
“A double rinse helps ensure that all detergent residues are thoroughly removed,”she says. “This step is crucial, as detergent residues can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. A thorough rinse ensures that your baby's clothes are free from potential allergens.”
Dry the clothes
Finally, it’s time to dry the clothes. “For drying, use a low heat setting or air dry baby clothes,” Jones says. “High heat can damage delicate fabrics and potentially irritate a baby's skin.”
Inspect the clothes
As you fold and sort laundry, Dr. Ganjian recommends giving the baby’s clothes a once-over for safety reasons.
“Make sure that the buttons or snaps are not sharp or coming off,” Dr. Ganjian says.
Those will need to be mended before putting back on the baby.
What To Do if You’re Concerned About Your Baby’s Skin
If you notice chronic rashes or irritation on a baby’s skin, experts recommend speaking to a provider.
“It's advisable that parents seek guidance from a board-certified dermatologist who can provide professional advice on how to best care for the baby's skin, tailoring their recommendations to the specific needs of the child,” Dr. Kazlouskaya says.
A pediatrician can provide a referral.
