Bringing a newborn baby home comes with a steep learning curve [1] of new schedules, new budgets [2], and loads and loads of laundry. "Babies make a lot of mess between spitting up, drooling, and having nappy leaks," says Sandra Crawley, BSN, RN at a Level II Family Birth Centre in central Illinois, and Medical Consultant at Mom Loves Best [3]. "You'll be doing a lot of additional laundry as a parent."
With delicate skin and evolving immune systems, the little bundles of joy are extremely vulnerable to the environment around them. Luckily, there are many steps you can take when washing your baby's clothes to their exposure to unnecessary germs, chemicals, and bacteria.
Read the label for washing instructions.
Some fabrics require special treatment to help preserve them. Sleepwear [5], for example, is required by law to be flame resistant [6], so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when laundering so you don't compromise the fire resistant coating.
Skip the fabric softener and dryer sheets.
"The chemicals used in fabric softer and dryer sheets [7] can build up on clothing and coat the flame-retardant layer, making it ineffective," says Crawley. But if you really enjoy the static-free and extra softness, go with fragrance- and dye-free versions.
Wash baby clothes separately.
Your baby's immune system is still developing, so washing their clothes separately will spare them exposure to bacteria or harmful chemicals from other laundry. "If not separated, bacteria like salmonella or E.Coli could transfer from food prep towels to clothing," explains Crawley. "Or, if a family member is sick with the Rotovirus or a 'stomach bug,' washing their clothing with a newborn's clothing can also transfer the virus." Plus, separating your baby's clothing out will help conserve your baby detergent, rather than using it for your entire household.
Wash after every wear.
Babies make a lot of mess. While drool, snot, and other bodily fluids may not always be visible on your baby's clothes, they can be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, so it's best to launder after every wear. "Some bacteria can last for weeks or even months if not properly cleaned," cautions Crawley.
Wash your washing machine.
Washing machines can harbour a lot of bacteria, but don't worry – there easy ways to clean them [8] that include simply running an empty cycle with normal household products like bleach or vinegar. Find a method that works for you and clean your machine at least once a month [9].