The arrival of a baby at home often changes the routine of a family, especially for first-time parents, and requires some day-to-day care: one of them concerns the way the child's clothes are washed. .
This caution is mainly due to the fact that the skin of the newborn (which is 20-30% thinner than that of an adult) is extremely sensitive and more prone to allergies, dermatitis and diaper rash.
In addition, smelly products (such as fabric softener) are not suitable for babies' clothing and extra attention needs to be paid to ensure that parts are well rinsed, leaving no product residue, which could trigger changes in skin.
But don't worry: washing baby clothes is no seven-headed animal! It only requires a little attention and patience. Below you give the main tips for washing them correctly and safely:
Step by step to wash baby clothes
Bia Martins, a partner at Lares Organizer, which specializes in organizing environments and daily routine of homes, explains how to wash newborn baby clothes:
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- Newborn babies' clothes should be washed separately from the clothes of other people in the household.
- The first step is to look at each piece individually and check for stains on the clothes;
- If so, you will need a baby-only bucket where no chemical has been used. There you will leave the pieces to soak in warm water and baby-specific soap or liquid coconut soap. Always, of course, separating the pieces by color.
- If there are no stains, you can usually wash the pieces by hand (with baby-specific soap or liquid coconut soap), but never with ordinary soap.
- Finally, the big secret is to rinse the parts well, as this reduces the chances of causing allergies or dermatitis on the baby's skin.
Never use fabric softeners or bleach! A great substitute for fabric softener is vinegar ?, adds Bia.
Tips for washing the clothes of babies from 3 to 6 months
Bia explains that at this stage, it is still recommended to avoid as much as possible any contact of the baby's clothes with chemicals, because at this age the baby is still extremely vulnerable to allergies.
Clothes should continue to be washed only with mild soap and by hand, and thoroughly rinsed afterwards.
Tips for washing the clothes of babies 6-12 months
From this age, you can start washing the baby's clothes in the washing machine, but separated from other adult clothes.
A good tip is to remove the stubborn stains from clothing with vinegar and baking soda. Bleach don't even think! ?, highlights Bia.
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Tips for washing clothes for babies over 12 months
"At 12 months, if the baby's clothes begin to be washed along with those of others in the house, it is nice to put them in sachets, specific for delicate clothes, not to lose the little pieces," says Bia.
Regardless of the phase, if the mother chooses to wash the baby's clothes on the machine, it is essential to ensure that she is well cleaned. For this, the tip is to start with a wash cycle (or self-cleaning if the machine has it); then remove from it any remaining hair and chemical residue that may have remained; and only then put on the appropriate baby clothes and products to start the wash.
12 questions about washing baby clothes clarified
It is normal that, in everyday life, other questions arise about washing the child's clothes. Expert Bia clarifies the main ones:
1. How long before the probable date of delivery is ideal to wash the baby's clothes?
"From the seventh month of pregnancy, so as not to risk losing clothes if the baby is born prematurely," says Bia.
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2. Can I wash the baby's clothes in the machine?
Yes, but it is recommended that this be done only after six months, in gentle mode, and thoroughly sanitizing the machine before use, taking care to remove any residue of washing powder or fabric softener from the machine.
3. Can I wash the baby's clothes along with the adult clothes?
Only from 12 months. But if your baby is prone to developing allergies, wash everything separately until at least 2 years of age ?, recommends Bia.
4. Can I iron the baby's clothes?
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? Must! The heat helps to eliminate the impurities of the fabric ?, highlights Bia.
5. When can I use ordinary soap (powder, liquid or bar) on baby's clothes?
Only from 12 months, according to Bia.
6. Do I need to sanitize the washing machine before using with baby clothes?
?Yes! This is essential to remove any chemical residues that may be in the machine ?, advises Bia.
7. Can I put baby diaper, towel, sheet and clothes all together in the machine?
From the moment the clothes start to be machine washed, yes.
8. Are baby-specific washing products safe?
Yes, but it is important to be aware if your baby is sensitive to any brand. Avoid the ones that contain perfumes ?, highlights Bia.
9. Can I use fabric softener on baby clothes?
? Not! Can fabric softener cause allergies and dermatitis in babies ?, recalls Bia.
10. Do I need to use specific buckets and bowls for baby clothes?
? Yes. Buckets, especially plastic ones, can hold the products used, so is there a need for an exclusive baby bucket?
11. Is there any secret to ironing baby clothes?
It is important to wait for the clothes to dry well before ironing them. Then just iron them with the care that other clothes usually require.
12. What kind of product should never be used on baby clothes?
"Bleach, fabric softeners and perfume products should not be used," says Bia.
It is worth remembering that from the moment the child's clothes are machine washable, a nice tip is to put the smaller and / or more delicate pieces in specific bags that protect the pieces during the washing.
With careful care of clothes, the baby will be protected from allergies or other skin problems, and the parts will be clean and well maintained!
Caring For Your Newborn (April 2024)
- Babies
- 1,230
