Are you new to parenting? Do you need to know how to wash your baby clothes before your little one arrives? Here are our top 10 baby laundry tips....
1) Choose a gentle detergent
Baby skin is really sensitive, so choose a gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent, such as a free and clear formulation or one designed for babies.
2) Include a fabric conditioner
Fabric conditioner can help to soften fabrics so that they don’t feel rough against your baby’s skin. What softener should you use for baby clothes? Again, just be sure to choose a gentle, hypoallergenic product.
3) Air dry where possible
Another useful tip is to air dry baby clothes, as sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant. Just make sure items are completely dry before using them, to prevent mold.
4) Soak for stain removal
Soak the items in a mix of warm water and laundry detergent, then put them in the washing machine on a normal wash cycle. Remember, the quicker you treat a stain, the easier the stain removal process will be.
5) Baking soda and vinegar work wonders for little ‘accidents’
If your little one has peed on their clothes or any other fabric, try using this traditional method of removing stains. Simply sprinkle baking soda over the stain to soak up the moisture, then put them through the wash with a little white vinegar to help remove odors.
6) Wash delicate fabrics by hand
If you’re hand-washing delicate items, the same rules apply—use a gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent to make sure it won’t irritate your baby’s skin.
7) Always wash hand-me-down baby clothes
If you’ve received any hand-me-down items, be sure to wash them before your baby wears them. This will help to remove any germs or dirt that might be left on the clothes.
8) Get help with heavy loads
If you’ve just given birth, your body has been through a lot, so don’t be afraid to ask for help with heavy loads of laundry. Let your helper know what detergent and fabric softener you want to use.
9) Include your baby’s bedding in the laundry
Don’t forget, it’s not just baby clothes that get dirty—their bedding needs to be washed too. Use the same gentle laundry detergent that you use for their clothes.
10) Check for reactions
If your baby’s skin keeps getting sore, red or itchy, try using a gentler laundry detergent. If that doesn’t help, speak to your pediatrician. They’ll be able to give you advice on what baby-safe laundry detergent to use for your little one.
While it might sound complicated, the basics of baby laundry are pretty simple—wash all their clothes and bedding regularly using a detergent that’s gentle enough for a baby’s sensitive skin.