How To Wash Newborn Clothes?
To know how to wash your newborn baby’s clothes, just follow three fundamental rules. The first is not to use common detergents, but only those specialized for babies. Also, you should never use fabric softener and, lastly, each piece should be washed separately.
As you can see, with the naked eye it is quite easy to ensure that the newborn is not exposed to the harmful chemicals in detergents. However, if we want to be more incisive on the subject, it is worth considering the opinion of specialists.
Recently, the American Academy of Dermatology issued a controversial statement regarding detergents. In the opinion of this entity, there is no real evidence that a baby can be affected if their clothes are washed with regular detergents, as long as the exact amounts suggested are used.
They further state that only in cases in which the baby has tested positive for allergies after exposure to the chemicals in laundry detergents, will the suspension of their use be recommended.
Without further ado, and thinking about the particular needs of newborn babies, pay attention to the recommendations that we will give you below.
How to wash newborn clothes?
In order to answer this question, we have decided to address each of the aspects related to the cleaning of newborn clothes that mostly generate doubts in parents separately.
Regular soap or baby soap?
Since always, one of the main premises has been not to use regular detergents to wash newborn clothes. Otherwise, it is advisable to use only special baby soap and in small quantities. This advice applies to the clothing of newborns and until they are approximately 6 months old, which is the age at which the American Academy of Pediatrics considers that regular soap can be used.
One of the options that are currently on the rise is to use ecological products in which little or no chemical reagents are used. In any case, it is recommended that, before using any brand of laundry soap, you try washing only one of the child’s clothes. Then, when putting it on, you should evaluate how their skin responds to contact with clothing.
Is it advisable to use fabric softener or not?
The fabric softener is contraindicated for newborn clothes and should only be introduced into the washing routine after six months of life have passed. The reason for this condition is that, during the wash cycle, the softener is the product that is applied right at the last rinse of the garment.
This presumes that a good amount of the product will not be rinsed off and, therefore, will be impregnated on the clothes. Thus, it gives rise to the possibility of an allergic outbreak in the baby.
If you decide to use it anyway, it is recommended that you use it for items such as bedding only. Also, it is better that you make sure that you place enough so that the maximum amount of product comes out.
Washing machine or hand carved?
For washing newborn clothes, both the use of the washing machine and hand carving are good options. In the case of hand carving, you must ensure that the rinsing is optimal so that no soap residue remains on the garment.
Now, if your baby has delicate garments such as those made with lace or embroidery, do not put them in the washing machine; these will deteriorate more quickly.
Other recommendations about washing are to program the washing machine on the delicate cycle and never mix adult clothes with baby clothes. Newborn clothes should be washed separately.
How often should I wash the clothes?
Ideally, wash and scrub stains from newborn garments every time they get dirty. It is important not to accumulate them in the laundry basket to prevent them from filling with bacteria or making stains impossible to remove. Remember that the premise is not to use stain removers or abrasive products.
As a final recommendation, remember that newborn towels should be washed at least every two uses; bedding, meanwhile, must be washed at least once every ten days.
