How To Wash Baby Clothes (Step-By-Step)

Binging a newborn home from the hospital frightens many new parents. They're not so much worried about their ability to care for the baby, but the dangers the world creates. A baby is especially vulnerable to disease, illness, and injury during the first year of life.

Parents have so many things to do before a baby arrives home to ensure his or her safety. Pre-washing clothes may not top the list of important tasks, but should. This simple strategy protects a baby during his most vulnerable time in life. It's comforting to know that you are taking all the necessary steps to keep your baby safe.

Chemicals, dirt, and germs become trapped inside clothing as it travels. So many people touch the clothing during the transportation process as well. Once the baby clothes arrive, they accumulate dirt and germs hanging in the nursery.

These things can irritate baby's skin and may also cause other health concerns. Washing clothes before baby wears them reduces these risks.

 

Dermatologist Recommended

Its not just talk. 9 out of 10 dermatologists recommend new parents pre-wash baby's clothes. Dermatologists also recommend using a gentle laundry detergent on baby's clothing. These detergents are free from perfumes, dyes, and other skin irritants. Dermatologists know a thing or two about skin. Heed their advice for an added layer of protection for your baby.

How to Choose a Baby Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent designed specifically for baby's clothing is available. These speciality detergents costs more than traditional laundry care products in most cases. They do a wonderful job of protecting your baby's skin against irritation.

Other detergents aren't labeled specifically for baby but instead say 'gentle.' These detergents do not contain chemicals, perfumes, or dyes. Wash baby's clothing in a speciality or gentle detergent before first wear. Continue using this detergent for the first year of baby's life. When you learn how to wash baby clothes orrectly, you will appreciate this detergent a little bit more.

The following tips can ease the purchase process for parents.

• Ask other parents which laundry detergent they use
• Sort through online reviews left by parents with an opinion
• What brand laundry detergent to dermatologists recommend? Ask your dermatologist or find out online.
• Consider the cost of each detergent. Search for coupons online and in the local newspaper for added savings.

 

How to Wash Baby Clothes for the First Time

Ready to toss all baby's clothes into the machine now that you know it's so important?

Here's your step-by-step guide to pre-washing baby clothing.

Step One: Sort Clothes

Sort clothing by color. Secure all buttons, zippers, and snaps. Next, turn the clothing item inside out. Place baby socks, mittens, bibs, and other small accessories inside a mesh bag before tossing them into the laundry-if you ever want to see these items again.

Step Two: Purchase Speciality Detergent

Buy a specialty detergent. Do not use more detergent than recommended per wash.

 

Step Three: Read the Label

Check the care instructions on the label of each garment for care for that particular piece. Follow the directions on the label to launder the item.

If the clothing does not include special instructions, you can wash them as normal. Do keep the information above in mind as you launder baby's clothing to prevent damage.

Some parents wash their baby's clothing on the gentle cycle. If this is your preference, do so, but it is not necessary unless washing diapers.

There are a few rules to keep in mind when washing baby clothes, however.

• Consider washing baby clothes on the 'gentle' cycle
• Wash baby clothes in cold water. The exception to the rule is diapers. Always wash diapers in hot water.
• Use only the suggested amount of detergent for a load of baby clothing. More detergent may irritate the skin.
• Avoid using dryer sheets when drying baby's clothing.

Always wash baby's clothing before first wear. Doing so keeps your baby healthy and may prevent skin irritations. Continue washing baby's clothes using the above process until age one. After baby turns one, it should be okay to use normal detergent and washing processes if you choose.

Washing your baby's clothes is pretty simple, especially after you do it a few times. You know how to wash baby clothes correctly now, which should offer plenty of comfort for new parents. The most difficult part of washing a baby's clothes is choosing the best detergent! Use the step-by-step guide above as your reference to pre-washing your baby's clothing before wearing it for the first time.