03 May 2023 | By Jennifer Campbell
Keep your baby’s clothes clean and fresh without harming delicate skin.
Welcoming a new baby to the family brings with it many new challenges, and loads more laundry is certainly among them! Between the stained bibs, outfit changes, and dirty nappies, many parents find themselves drowning in laundry. The good news is that washing your baby’s clothes isn’t difficult, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Here’s what you should know…
Pre-wash baby’s clothes
It’s always a good idea to pre-wash new baby clothes before your little one wears them. This is because new clothes may carry chemicals or other contaminants from the manufacturing process or from transport between factory, warehouse and shop. While adult skin can usually handle this, your baby’s skin is much more sensitive and could react to irritants.
Choose the right detergent
Because your baby’s skin is more delicate than your own, it’s advisable that you use a gentle detergent that is suitable for sensitive skin. There are a number of detergents that are specially formulated for babies, but the main thing is that you choose one that is free from dyes and fragrance, as these can irritate young skin. It’s also advisable that you use a hypoallergenic detergent, especially if your little one is prone to rashes or other skin issues.
Get rid of stains and wash
If possible, wash your baby’s clothes and blankets separately from the rest of your household’s laundry. If you notice a stain, pre-treat it with a pre-wash stain remover or pre-wash with a combination of dish soap and water.
Some items may have special washing instructions, so read the directions on the label before you begin. Fortunately, most baby clothes can be washed on a normal washing machine cycle, but if your baby has eczema or very sensitive skin, try running the rinse cycle twice. An extra rinse will get rid of any detergent that remains in the fibres of the fabric.
Know the signs of allergy
It is possible for laundry detergents to cause a red, itchy rash, which is often triggered by contact dermatitis, a condition that can affect many areas of the body. There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when a substance irritates and damages the skin, causing a rash. Allergic dermatitis, on the other hand, occurs when there is an allergic reaction to a substance.
If your baby is allergic or even just sensitive to an ingredient in your laundry detergent, you might notice one or more symptoms. These include a rash; itching; bumps; dry and scaly skin; or swelling. These symptoms are likely to be worst in areas like the groin or the armpits.
It’s usually possible to prevent rashes by using detergents that are free from fragrances and dyes.
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FAQs
The best setting for baby clothes is the delicate cycle. This will ensure that your baby's clothes are washed gently and without too much agitation. It's also a good idea to rinse twice to ensure that residues are removed. In addition, stick to a low heat cycle on the dryer or air dry to avoid damaging the material.
What size baby clothes should I wash first? ›
Just make sure to wash baby clothes or linen before you use them. Tip: Pre-wash baby clothes in phases, starting with items marked in sizes newborn through 0-3 months. This helps avoid washing things your baby may grow out of quickly – or items they may not wear at all.
Can I wash newborn baby clothes in the washing machine? ›
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.
Should you use fabric softener on baby clothes? ›
Skip the Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets when Washing Baby Clothes. Avoid anti-static products or fabric softeners when washing baby clothes.
Can I use dryer sheets on baby clothes? ›
Avoid dryer sheets or fabric softeners. Like with detergent, the chemicals in these products can easily irritate your new baby's sensitive skin. Stick to low heat. While high-heat drying might get the job done quicker, it' a lot more likely to damage clothes.
Is 32 weeks too early to wash baby clothes? ›
As for when during pregnancy you should pre-wash baby's clothes, Allison Cirillo, senior director of product integrity and technical design at Hanna Andersson, suggests doing so a couple of weeks to a month before delivery.
Can I put baby clothes in the dryer? ›
High heat can damage the elastic that makes baby clothes so comfy and stretchy. Low heat in the dryer is the way to go.
Do you need special detergent for baby clothes? ›
In general, you can wash newborn clothes the same way you'd wash an older baby's clothes – in cool water on a gentle cycle setting with regular detergent. If you're worried about your newborn's sensitive skin, you can opt for a baby detergent or any dye- and fragrance-free detergent to start out.
What not to use when washing baby clothes? ›
Try to not use unnecessary products – Super-scented detergents and fabric softeners could cause an allergic reaction or make your baby's skin prone to rashes. It's best to stay away from softeners since they could bind to your baby's clothes and cause irritation to their skin.
Can I wash newborn clothes with just water? ›
You use special baby detergents when washing your newborn's clothes. This is because babies have very delicate and sensitive skin, which the stain-busting enzymes in biological detergents can irritate. Most of the baby's clothes must be pre-soaked in water before washing.
Make sure to clean your washing machine before washing your baby's clothes. Run an empty wash cycle on the highest temperature with a cup of white vinegar to kill all bacteria that might be living inside of it. Do this every couple of weeks to keep your washing machine fresh and hygienic.
Which soap is best for washing baby clothes? ›
- Mee Mee.
- Mother Sparsh.
- Bumtum.
- Little's.
- LuvLap.
- Himalaya.
- Mamaearth.
This helps to avoid any potential color bleeding or damage to the clothes.
- Separate. ...
- Detergent. ...
- Go gentle. ...
- Low heat or air dry. ...
- To wash baby clothes for the first time:
- Choosing The Right Detergent.
- Check the label.
- Skip the fabric softener.
Using wool dryer balls eliminates the need for liquid fabric softeners or dryer sheets that may contain irritants. They are hypoallergenic and safe even for delicate newborn skin.
How do you sanitize baby clothes in the washing machine? ›
Make sure to clean your washing machine before washing your baby's clothes. Run an empty wash cycle on the highest temperature with a cup of white vinegar to kill all bacteria that might be living inside of it. Do this every couple of weeks to keep your washing machine fresh and hygienic.
Do baby clothes need special detergent? ›
In general, you can wash newborn clothes the same way you'd wash an older baby's clothes – in cool water on a gentle cycle setting with regular detergent. If you're worried about your newborn's sensitive skin, you can opt for a baby detergent or any dye- and fragrance-free detergent to start out.
Should you wash baby clothes in warm or cold water? ›
First, apply a little detergent on an inconspicuous spot on the clothing to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric. (You might also try a detergent that's formulated for delicate clothes, like Woolite Opens a new window.) Then, hand-wash the garment in cold or warm water — not hot.
