As a new parent, keeping your newborn healthy is the number one priority in your life right now. The immune system of your baby is not fully developed, and that’s why babies should not be exposed to bacteria, germs and other microorganisms that can get them sick.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind regarding unhealthy microorganisms? That’s right: keeping your baby’s clothes fresh and clean. Babies are very delicate and sensitive. They can become irritated with all kinds of things; from a soaked diaper to the detergent you use. So, it’s totally normal if you, as a parent, are confused and nervous about the right way of washing your baby’s clothes. The washing process is not complicated at all, but still, there are some things you should consider.

It goes without saying that you must wash all your baby’s clothes prior to using them. Another common recommendation is that the baby clothing should be washed separately. Needless to say, you need to buy a special baby detergent. But how can you make the right choice?

Buy the right detergent

There are millions of detergents for babies on the market, all claiming that they are the best for sensitive skin. In order to buy the right detergent for your baby, you need to research the detergent area a little, but the best thing you could do is to ask your pediatrician for advice.

You need to stay away from harsh detergents, and buy the mildest detergent possible. Usually, the detergents for babies don’t contain additives, dyes or perfumes. After your baby wears the clothes you washed with the new detergent, his skin will show whether or not you made the right choice.

Useful tips:

• A warm water cycle will do the work.
• An extra rinse cycle is recommended so that you can be sure that the soap and detergent suds are completely removed from the garments.
• Immediately hang the clothes to dry – don’t let moist baby’s clothes sit in the washing machine for too long.

Baby’s stains treatment

Babies can’t control their bodily functions, and therefore, their clothes often get messy. As for stains, you know the rule: different treatments for different stains. The best way for managing stains made by formula, poop, spit-up, or breast milk is to try rinsing or wiping off the substance while it’s still fresh. Yes, this might be easier said than done – you might be in the middle of feeding or a diaper changing, but try to remove even a small part of the stain by soaking the clothes in warm water with detergent.

• Proteins – soak the clothes in plain water and add an enzyme cleaner detergent to directly attack the stain and digest the protein.
• Oily, greasy stains – remove the excess from the clothing and cover the stain with talcum or cornstarch powder to absorb all the oil.
• Vegetables and fruits – flush the clothes with cold water and soak in a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.
• Leaky diapers – for stains from urine, pre-treat the clothes with 1tbsp ammonia diluted in 1 cup of water.

We’re all aware that baby’s skin is delicate and gentle, but remember that in the past, most parents (even ours) weren’t using special treatments regarding washing baby’s clothes. And we’re strong and healthy now, aren’t we? Baby’s clothes might take an extra effort when it comes to washing, but don’t worry; with these helpful tips, you and your baby will be fine.

About Vesna Petrova

Unlike many people, Vesna enjoys spending time in the laundry room of her house. She is not a fan of strong perfumes, which is why she has learned plenty of smelly laundry tips and became a mad scientist when it comes to removing stains from clothing. In her spare time, you can find her drinking cappuccino on her balcony, watching French movies or eating chocolate when no one’s watching.