ive got 5 more weeks to go before i pop this kid out,,,,should i wash my baby's clothes now??? is there a special soap i should use??? what about fabric softner? can i use baby shampoo to wash the clothes???
2007-09-23 02:44:58 · 17 answers · asked by Riegirl 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I didn't use anything special. I have always used Gain detergent and softner. I just used lots of the fabric softner in the loads with his clothes. If there are are any skin sensitivities in your family, you might want to buy one of the baby detergents. I never needed them. I just put the clothes on my son and watched for any reactions. I know SOME babies do get rashes from the detergent, but I do not personally know anyone who had to use them.
Good luck and best wishes.
I can't believe people are saying to not use fabric softner. I wouldn't want to wear something scratchy, WHY would I put it on my baby without being soft???!!!!
2007-09-23 02:52:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, wash the clothes first. Manufacturers use detergents, starches, resins and God knows what else in finished garments to give the fabric more body. This makes it look like higher quality material than it really is. It also irritates sensitive skin.
Wash with plain detergent. The ingredients should say something like ionic and anionic surfactants. Babies can be irritated by optical brighteners, fragrances, enzymes and other additives. I like the Free and Clear varieties, but I've also used Dr Bronner's soap. You could use baby shampoo, just watch out for suds overflow!
Don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets. They're irritating, stinky and make baby clothes less absorbent. They need to be absorbent!
Dreft has perfume, but I've used it and it will probably work for you too. Just use whatever works.
Answermama has a valid concern. A little bit of white vinegar in the rinse will keep the clothes soft without synthetic chemicals. Read the fabric softener label sometime. Whatever that stuff is, it can't be healthy, and it's full of perfumes that are proven neurotoxins and hormone disruptors. Weird.
2007-09-23 10:13:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, wash them now, especially if they are new because they have chemicals on them that give them the "new" feeling.
I suggest mild detergents w/o additives or perfumes, not Dreft and nothing with fabric softener. The reason you need fabric softener is because you've too much soap in the wash . When washing you should see very few, light bubbles and the soap should rinse completely out. In your final rinse add 1/2 to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. This will get rid of soap residue, soften clothes and get rid of static. Your clothes will smell so fresh!
Here's a test gather up a load of clothes, dump them in the wash w/o soap or detergent. Wash on warm and look to see how many bubbles there are. All that soap is irrititating to skin and collects odors and dirt. And the perfumes in soap/additives can cause allergy.
Within weeks of switching to this routine my DH's stinky work clothes were not longer stinky when I pulled them out of the dryer. He also has no more skin irritation.
Read "Clean House, Clean Planet" you'll be frightened and amazed.
2007-09-23 15:29:52 · answer #3 · answered by ElioraImmanuel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How EXCITING for you!! Congratulations on your new upcoming arrival!!
YES, wash all those new clothes in DREFT soap, and wash them a few times. Purchase a small box at the grocery store and use it specifically. Regular fabric softeners have perfumes...that defeats the purpose. Your baby could have an allergic reaction to dyes and perfumes, that's why it's so important to use the Dreft Soap. It's specially designed for this purpose. "Baby Shampoo" in the washing machine is a disaster waiting to happen!!
Good Luck & write back anytime,
Susan
2007-09-23 09:55:34 · answer #4 · answered by Susan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes wash the clothing in dreft or ivory snow, or some other no perfume detergent and rinse well. I would avoid fabric softner.
2007-09-23 09:58:31 · answer #5 · answered by RED 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use Dreft if you have it available. It is gentle, smells awesome and it is perfume and dye free. It is recommended you wash all clothes before wearing them, even adult clothes. I believe dreft has dryer sheets too as a fabric softner. Congratulations and good luck!
2007-09-23 09:51:44 · answer #6 · answered by Jen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baby shampoo would ruin your washing machine.
You should buy either a baby-specific laundry detergent like dreft or Ivory or you can buy any brand's dye and perfume free formula. They also make a "free & clear" version of fabric softener.
You should wash it all first and it's not too early as long as the clothes will not be exposed to smoke, pet hair or excessive dust.
2007-09-23 09:49:44 · answer #7 · answered by iampatsajak 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You should wash the clothes that don't come in a sealed pack, since they might have dust. There is a detergent made specially for baby's clothes called ALL Baby, but I have washed my baby's clothes with regular Wisk without any problem. I guess it depends on the sensitivity of your baby's skin. I have also used Downy without any problem.
2007-09-23 10:00:30 · answer #8 · answered by Amarilis M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't wash all of them....leave the tags on some if you have the receipts. Babies are notorious for growing fast and not wearing all their new born clothes...if they even fit in them at all. My daughter wore 2 of her NB outfits before she grew out of them and was wearing some of her 3-6 month outfits from day 1. I use dye and fragrance free detergent and dryer sheets and haven't had any problems. But do keep a close eye on your newborn, watch for irritation. Even baby detergents and shampoos can irritate, if they have super sensitive skin.
2007-09-23 10:00:22 · answer #9 · answered by gypsy g 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I always wash new clothes before they are worn..I think some gentle soap will work..I like Arm and Hammer..No fabric softner...
2007-09-23 09:48:51 · answer #10 · answered by Momto8gr8 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋