Washing baby clothes is a lot different than washing your own clothes. You can’t just throw them in the washing machine and be done with it – you have to take extra care to make sure they’re clean and gentle on your baby’s skin.
If you’re not sure how to wash baby clothes, don’t worry! We’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll give you a 4 easy step-by-step guide on how to wash your baby's clothes, so you can keep your little one clean and comfortable.
Do I Need to Pre-Wash Baby Clothes?
If you're wondering whether or not you need to pre-wash baby clothes, the answer is simple: yes, you should! Pre-washing baby clothes helps to remove any potentially harmful chemicals or irritants that may be present in the fabric, and it also allows you to check for any issues with the garment before putting it on your little one. Plus, pre-washing can help baby clothes keep their shape and color better over time.
So, how should you pre-wash baby clothes? The best way is to machine wash them on a delicate cycle using a mild detergent. You can also hand wash baby clothes if you prefer, using a gentle soap and cool water.
Once the clothes have been washed, be sure to dry them completely before storing or using them. Pre-washing baby clothes may take a little extra time, but it's worth it for the peace of mind and protection it provides your child!
4 Easy Step by Step Guide - What You Will Need
Assuming you will be washing baby clothes in a home washing machine, you will need:
- A washer (preferably high efficiency)
- Laundry detergent (free and clear is best to avoid irritating skin)
- Stain remover (for any inevitable spills or accidents)
- Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of baby-safe detergent and swish it around to create suds.
- Submerge the clothing in the water and gently agitate it to get rid of any dirt or messes. Let the clothing soak for a few minutes.
- Drain the sink and refill it with clean, lukewarm water. Rinse the clothing until the water runs clear.
- Gently squeeze out excess water from the clothing and lay them flat on a towel to air dry or pop them in the clothes dryer on a low heat setting. Check out our blog post about the 3 Best Ways to Clean a Christening Gown Properly.
Tips and Tricks on Washing Baby Clothes
Washing baby clothes requires a gentle and careful approach to ensure that the garments remain soft, clean, and free from irritants. Here's a step-by-step guide for washing your baby's clothes:
- Separate Clothes: Wash baby clothes separately from the rest of the family's laundry to avoid any potential cross-contamination of germs or allergens.
- Pre-Treat Stains: Treat any stains on the clothes before washing. Use a gentle baby-safe stain remover or a small amount of baby detergent directly on the stain. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Use a Mild Detergent: Choose a baby-specific detergent that is free from dyes and fragrances. These detergents are formulated to be gentle on a baby's sensitive skin. Follow the recommended amount specified on the detergent packaging.
- Opt for Fragrance-Free Products: Babies have delicate skin, and fragrances in laundry products can sometimes cause irritation. Choose a detergent and fabric softener that is fragrance-free.
- Wash in Cold Water: Cold water is usually sufficient to clean baby clothes effectively and helps prevent colors from fading. It also saves energy.
- Use a Gentle Wash Cycle: Select a gentle or delicate wash cycle on your washing machine. This cycle is designed to be less aggressive and is suitable for baby clothes, which are often more delicate.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: While fabric softeners can make clothes feel softer, they may contain chemicals that can be harsh on a baby's skin. If you choose to use a fabric softener, select one specifically designed for baby clothes and use it sparingly.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure that all detergent is thoroughly rinsed from the clothes. Residual detergent can cause skin irritation.
- Dry Carefully: Air-drying baby clothes is the gentlest option. If you use a dryer, select a low heat setting. Avoid using dryer sheets, as they may contain fragrances and other chemicals that can be irritating.
- Check Labels: Always check the care labels on baby clothes for specific washing instructions. Some items may require special care.
- Iron If Necessary: If needed, iron baby clothes on a low heat setting to remove wrinkles. Make sure the iron is clean and free of any residues.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your baby's clothes are clean, soft, and safe for their sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Often Should I Wash Baby Clothes?
Baby clothes should be washed every other day in order to avoid buildup of breakable and toxic substances from our environment.
How Do I Remove Stains?
You're bound to get stains on baby clothes, no matter how attentive you are. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to remove them quickly and easily:
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To remove stains from baby clothes, start by pretreating the stain with a stain remover or rubbing alcohol.
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Then, launder the item as usual using hot water and laundry detergent.
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If the stain is still visible after washing, repeat the process or try soaking the garment in a mixture of oxygenated bleach and water.
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Finally, air dry or tumble dry the clothing on low heat to prevent setting the stain.
How To Dry Baby Clothes Without Shrinking?
If you need to dry baby clothes without shrinking them, here are a few tips:
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Hang baby clothes to dry whenever possible. This will prevent them from shrinking in the dryer.
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If you must put baby clothes in the dryer, use the delicate or low heat setting.
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Take baby clothes out of the dryer while they are still damp and hang them up or lay them flat to finish drying.
How to Fold Baby Clothes?
Folding clothes might seem like a no-brainer, but there are actually a few different ways to do it. The way you fold your baby's clothes will depend on the type of clothing and the size of the garment.
Fold baby clothes correctly and you'll save time and space. Wondering how to fold baby clothes? This step-by-step guide will show you the best way to fold onesies, shirts, pants, and other baby clothes.
Start with a Onesie:
Step 1: Start by folding one side of the onesie in towards the center.
Step 2: Then fold the other side in so it meets in the middle.
Step 3: Then fold the onesie in half vertically.
Now, Let's Move on to Folding Shirts & Tops:
Step 1: Start by folding one sleeve in towards the center of the shirt.
Step 2: Repeat with the other sleeve.
Step 3: Then fold the shirt or top in half so the sleeves meet in the middle.
Step 4: Finally, fold the shirt or top in half again so it's a manageable size for your drawer.
Pants are a Little Tricky, but We've Got You Covered:
Step 1: Start by turning your pants inside out and folding them in half horizontally. If they're wide-leg pants, you may need to make a horizontal crease first so they'll lay flat when folded in half.
Step 2: Fold each pant leg up towards the waistband, making sure each leg is evenly folded. If your pants are super long, you can also fold them up once more (so they're quad-fold
Conclusion
Most parents don't think twice about how to wash baby clothes, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important thing is to use a gentle detergent that won't irritate your baby's skin.
It's best to wash baby clothes in cold water, and you can even line dry them to be extra safe. With a little bit of care, you can keep your baby's clothes clean and fresh without any problem.
Do you need a cool and high-quality outfit for your newborn baby? At Carriage Boutique, we offer a great selection of baby apparel for boys and girls. Such as bubble rompers, dresses, Bobbie suits, and more.