5 Tips for Washing Baby Clothes

Many parents are nervous and confused about the proper way of washing clothes for their newborn baby. Currently pregnant with my third child, I have spent a lot of time over the years washing and drying baby clothes. I have learned that the process really isn't much different, but there are a few things to consider when washing clothing for a baby. A few things to keep in mind are listed below.

Tip 1: Remember that baby has more sensitive skin than you do.

Common household laundry detergents can be too harsh for a newborn's skin, and may cause irritation and itching in your baby. Some products are available specifically for a baby's delicate skin, such as Dreft, but generally any gentle detergent that is free of perfumes and dyes will work just fine for most newborns. Adding a second rinse when washing your baby's clothes can be very beneficial as well.

Tip 2: You do not yet know what your baby is allergic too.

Soaps and perfumes are a very common source of allergic reactions even in adults, and a newborn is often even more susceptible to such reactions. Introducing your baby to harsh chemicals or perfumes increases the likelihood that he or she will develop an allergy to it later on. Be on the lookout for any redness, irritation, or rash on your baby's skin, as it might be caused by the detergent you are using to wash your newborn's clothes. Report any allergic reactions to your baby's pediatrician right away, and immediately discontinue using the laundry detergent. If you have a family history of allergies, your baby might be at risk of developing allergies as well.

Tip 3: Most baby clothes can be dried in the dryer.

A common fear many new parents have is that all those cute little newborn clothes they just bought are going to shrink if they are dried in the dryer. This rarely happens, but to decrease the possibility of shrinkage, dry clothes on the lowest heat setting on your machine. Drying on a lower heat setting will also keep your baby's clothes looking fresher and more vibrant.

Tip 4: Avoid dryer sheets and fabric softeners.

Not only can dryer sheets cause irritation and allergic reactions, but they can also be a serious hazard to your baby's health. Most dryer sheets and fabric softeners have the potential to reduce or remove the fire retardant chemicals on your newborn's clothes, putting him or her at risk in the event of a fire. It is also important to keep in mind that using dryer sheets on your clothes, even if they are dried separately from your baby's, can leave a residue inside the dryer and rub off onto your newborn's clothing.

Tip 5: Wash all clothes and sheets before they come into contact with your newborn.

All clothing and bedding should be properly washed before using it on your baby for the first time. Chemicals are often left on clothing during the manufacturing process that can be irritating to your newborn's skin. Dyes in the fabric can also bleed onto your baby if the clothing gets wet.