Baby clothes can follow much of your normal laundry routine. Wash new clothes first and separate items when colours or wash needs differ. Treat fresh stains early and use the detergent amount shown on the pack. Babies with eczema may need fragrance free and dye free detergent.
Takeaway
- ✓Wash new baby clothes before your baby wears them.
- ✓Separate colours that may bleed or need different cycles.
- ✓Use the detergent amount shown on the pack.
- ✓Treat milk, food, and poo stains before they dry.
- ✓Follow clothing labels for water temperature and wash cycle.
- ✓Make sure clothes are completely dry before storage.
1. Wash new baby clothes before first wear
Wash new clothes before your baby wears them. Wash hand me downs before your baby wears them too. Check buttons, snaps, seams, and loose threads before washing each item.
Place tiny socks and mittens inside a mesh laundry bag. Follow the clothing label when an item needs special washing. Wash new baby clothes before first use to remove dirt picked up during handling and storage.
2. Separate clothes when colours or wash needs differ
Baby clothes can share a family wash in many homes. Separate them when colours may bleed or wash instructions differ. Heavily stained clothes may also need attention before machine washing.
Check these points before starting the washing machine:
- •Wash new dark clothes separately when colour may bleed.
- •Use a gentle cycle for clothes that need one.
- •Remove poo or thick food before machine washing.
- •Close zips, snaps, and fabric tabs before washing.
Baby clothes can go into the family wash when everything suits the same cycle. Cloth nappies need different washing steps. NHS advice covers washing poo soiled cloth nappies separately.
3. Choose detergent based on your baby skin
Regular household detergent works for many babies. NHS information on bio washing powder and baby skin reports no evidence of skin irritation from enzyme washing powders. Use only the detergent amount shown on the pack.
For eczema, choose fragrance free and dye free detergent. Unscented products can still contain fragrance used to hide other smells.
If skin irritation appears after changing detergent, review that product first. Avoid changing several laundry products at the same time. Speak with a doctor when redness, itching, or eczema keeps returning.
Store detergent where young children cannot reach it. Read the AAP information about laundry detergent pod safety if you use pods at home.
4. Treat milk, spit up, food, and poo stains early
Treat milk, spit up, food, and poo stains before they dry. Remove poo or thick food before rinsing the stained area.
Use these five steps for fresh stains:
Lift away thick mess without rubbing it deeper.
Rinse the stained area with water.
Apply detergent or a suitable stain product.
Wash the item using its clothing label directions.
Check the stain before putting clothes in a dryer.
For milk, formula, spit up, and poo, treat fresh baby stains early. Follow the stain product directions and the clothing label.
5. Choose the right water temperature and wash cycle
Check the clothing label before choosing water temperature or wash cycle. Use the warmest water allowed for that item. Hot water can damage clothes that need a cooler wash.
Use detergent at the amount listed on its pack. Choose the wash temperature listed for the clothing. CDC laundry advice also covers detergent use, water temperature, and complete drying.
Some illnesses can require extra laundry steps. Ask your doctor when an illness needs different washing or disinfecting steps.
6. Make sure baby clothes are completely dry
Make sure every item is dry before folding or storage. Damp clothes can develop an unpleasant smell. They may also need washing again before your baby wears them.
Use a dryer, indoor rack, or outdoor line. Check the clothing label before using heat on delicate items.
Wash your hands after touching dirty laundry. See the CDC advice on handwashing after handling dirty laundry. Store clean clothes in a dry place away from cleaning products.
Conclusion
Baby laundry does not need a complicated routine. Wash new clothes before first wear and treat stains early. Choose detergent and wash settings that match your baby clothes.
For eczema, fragrance free and dye free detergent may be useful. Speak with a doctor when redness, itching, or eczema keeps returning. Extra washing or disinfecting steps may also be needed during some illnesses.
