When to Wash Baby Clothes
Ask anyone what newborns do mostly and they’ll tell you it’s sleep. So you might be thinking, “Do I need to wash baby clothes as frequently as mine given their mostly sedentary state?” Bringing a baby home means everything changes, including your laundry routine. Babies might not be mobile yet but they still sweat and produce grime like the rest of us. If you’ve wondering how often you should be washing those little onesies, here’s a quick guide to help.
Wash Baby Clothes Before Wear
Before your baby wears anything be it new clothes, hand-me-downs, or even those cute baby shower gifts, run them through a wash cycle. Brand new clothes tend to have excess dyes and chemicals that you don’t want to come in contact with delicate skin. Giving them a quick wash will remove these extra chemicals left behind from production. For recycled items, even those that smell and look clean, wash them in a load by themselves to ensure lingering bacteria is removed.
Daily Spills and Spit-Ups
Babies are messy. Between spit-ups and diaper blowouts, you’ll probably find yourself doing laundry more often than you did before. As a general rule, wash baby clothes that’s been soiled right away—or at least rinse it out to prevent stains from setting. Pro tip: keep a stash of burp cloths handy to save yourself from constant wardrobe changes!
Daily Spills and Spit-Ups
Babies are messy. Between spit-ups and diaper blowouts, you’ll probably find yourself doing laundry more often than you did before. As a general rule, wash baby clothes that’s been soiled right away—or at least rinse it out to prevent stains from setting. Pro tip: keep a stash of burp cloths handy to save yourself from constant wardrobe changes!
Sheets, Blankets, and Bibs
Anything your baby sleeps on, snuggles with, or wears during feedings should go in the wash regularly. Sheets and blankets can collect drool, sweat, and who-knows-what-else, so aim to wash them weekly (or sooner if they’re soiled). Bibs, on the other hand, might need a quick wash after every meal—especially if your baby is going through the “learning to eat” phase.
Don't Wash Baby Clothes More Than Needed
While you might feel like washing everything your baby touches every single day, you don’t have to overdo it. Don’t wash baby clothes that haven’t been spit on, drooled on, or otherwise soiled can wait for the next laundry load. Babies go through clothes fast enough without unnecessary wear and tear from over-washing. Wash baby clothes only when truly required to keep them soft and fresh.
Use Baby-Friendly Detergent
A gentle, baby-safe detergent is a must. One of the most popular choices is Dreft, trusted by parents for decades. Its hypoallergenic formula is designed to be tough on stains but gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin. Wash baby clothes in a detergent like Dreft to ensure that your little one’s clothes are soft, clean, and irritation-free
When it comes to washing baby clothes, the rule of thumb is simple: wash what needs washing. Your baby’s comfort and health come first, but don’t stress about every little thing. Laundry is just one of the many adventures in parenthood—take it one adorable outfit at a time.
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