Oh so Clean - How should I wash and care for my baby clothes Guide?

Salaam, hi, merhaba and welcome to this Lullaby Bloom Blog!

Wahooo, baby has arrived, and you’ve now excitedly bought a whole wardrobe for them! So now you’re wondering how to keep those clothes nice and clean, and how to keep them in good condition, as believe me – there will be a lot of clothes washing going on especially early on!

This Guide with Parent Tips will help to answer some of the top 6 questions about washing and caring for your baby clothes.

 

Q1: Do I need to wash baby clothes before the first wear?

The answer is Yes! Washing removes any dust, or irritants that might have landed on the clothing whilst being made, stored, or shipped. Even if the clothes look clean or come in sealed packaging, they can still carry chemicals, dyes, or allergens that could irritate your baby’s delicate skin. A quick gentle wash helps soften the fabric and gives your baby a fresh, safe start in their new clothes.

Q2: What detergent is best for my baby clothes?

Normal, regular detergent isn’t ideal for baby clothes, as they usually contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes that can irritate a baby’s delicate skin. That’s why it’s important to choose a detergent made specifically for babies, one that’s gentle, clean, and safe for our little ones.

There are a few things to consider when looking for a baby detergent:

• Free from harsh chemicals – Good for delicate baby skin

• Hypoallergenic – Helps to reduce the risk of irritation or allergic reactions, especially recommended for babies with eczema, rashes or skin irritation, especially in hot climates.

• Fragrance-free or lightly scented – Gentle on sensitive little noses

• Dermatologist-tested – Safe and approved for use on baby’s delicate skin

 

Look out for: There are a few trusted Global Certifications for Baby Detergents like; 

• EWG Verified™ - means that they they’re made without any harmful chemicals or allergens

• Ecocert / COSMOS Natural or Organic – means that the product is non-toxic, uses biodegradable ingredients and no synthetic fragrances or dyes
  
  
  

Q3: Can I wash baby clothes with the rest of the family’s laundry?

It’s best to wash baby clothes separately (at least in the early months), especially if using gentler detergent or the baby has sensitive skin or eczema. 

Our adult clothes might carry bacteria, dirt, or harsh detergent residue that could irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Washing separately with a gentle, baby-safe detergent helps to keep their clothes clean, soft, and free from anything that might cause a reaction.

Parent Tip: Avoid using normal fabric softener and dryer sheets: Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can irritate a baby's sensitive skin.

Q4: What temperature should I use to wash baby clothes?

Well this really depends on what item you’ve bought, so definitely check the care label, which will be either printed, or as a heat transfer label (when printed directly on to the clothing so there are no prickly labels!

Usually warm or cold water is usually best for washing baby clothes. Hot water can shrink delicate fabrics or fade prints.

At Lullaby Bloom, our clothes are designed to be practical, and for easy care, with a maximum of 30C wash recommendation.

Q5: How often should I wash my baby’s clothes?

As mentioned in my earlier ‘How many Baby Clothes do I need?’ Blog, babies can go through a lot of outfit changes a day thanks to spills, drool, or diaper leaks, so it’s very normal to wash their clothes frequently. 

Most parents do baby laundry every 2–3 days to keep up with the mess and to make sure there's always a clean supply of soft, fresh clothes on hand. Washing often also helps prevent stains from setting in and keeps baby essentials hygienic. 

But do try to fill up a load to not waste on electricity, water or detergent just washing a few items – believe me, your washing machine will fill up quickly anyway!

Q6: What’s the best way to remove stains from baby clothes?

Baby clothes are guaranteed to get stained with all sorts; milk, spit-up, poop, or food! Best thing to do is to gently pre-treat stains with a baby-safe stain remover or soak in cold water with mild detergent before washing. You can always test out the stain remover in a non-obvious area on the clothes to check first that it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Parent Tip: Definitely avoid bleach for baby clothes! It can be too harsh for delicate fabrics and sensitive skin.

Finally….

Caring for baby clothes is all about keeping things soft, simple, and safe. Always wash new clothes before the first wear to remove any hidden irritants, and choose a gentle, baby-safe detergent. In the early months, it’s best to wash baby clothes separately, avoiding fabric softeners and bleach, which can be harsh on delicate skin. 

Stick to warm or cold water, check care labels, and aim to do a wash every few days to keep up with all the outfit changes. With a few easy habits, you can keep your baby’s clothes clean, comfy, and kind to their skin.

If you're looking for baby clothing that’s Safe, Smart and Sustainable - you’ll love what we’re creating at Lullaby Bloom. 💚