How to wash your baby’s clothes

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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