The baby is about to be born and the mother is preparing to welcome him! It's time to wash the clothes for the upcoming bundle. There are a few things you should know before putting everything together in the washing machine.
Steps
Step 1. Remove all tags from new clothes, including the covers and sheets
Be sure to remove any adhesive labels as well. If you leave them on, the adhesive may melt and leave a rough stain on the cute new garment.
Step 2. Double-check the second-hand clothing you have received from relatives or friends
Sometimes they may have stains or mold build-up from being stored indoors for a long time.
- Since you don't want the baby to wear moldy clothes, wash them separately with hot water, detergent, and vinegar if desired.
- Make sure you have cleared the mold and that no unpleasant odors are left. It will probably take more than one wash, and don't take it if you have to throw away any garments.
- Hot water or bleach (for white or light-colored items) will eliminate mold, but harmless stains may remain.
- Wash these items for the last time along with all the other baby clothes.
Step 3. Wash your baby's clothes as you would other clothes
It is advisable to use a detergent without perfume and without dyes, for sensitive skin and avoid bleach, softeners and stain removers. Beware of detergents with a strong scent or bleach as they could irritate the baby's nose, eyes or skin.
"Fragrance-free" generally means that it contains no perfume, while "light fragrance" can mean that it has no perfume or that the quantity is minimal and only to mask any strange odors given by the active ingredients. Both are fine, but other characteristics being equal, the "fragrance-free" ones should be preferred
Step 4. Put your clothes in the dryer if you have one
There is no need to use fabric softener sheets, but if you want to use them choose them suitable for sensitive skin, without intense perfume.
You can also dry the baby's clothes outdoors. The sun's rays help clean cloth diapers
Step 5. Fold and tidy clothes
Choose a place that makes it easy to use. Keep in mind which clothes the baby will wear most frequently and where he will sleep. Put your clothes, as well as your pajamas, in the easiest place to reach, like a changing table drawer or dresser in your room.
Step 6. Put dirty clothes in a separate basket
In the first few days of life, the baby will need to be changed frequently due to diaper leakage or regurgitation, or even just because you will like to see it in other clothing. Keeping your clothes separate and organized will make it easier for you to understand how many you have already used and when to wash them.
Advice
- Wash cloth nappies separately and with a little detergent. It is also a good idea to have the washing machine do an extra rinse to make sure we get rid of all the detergent. Do not bleach these nappies and do not use fabric softener in the dryer.
- If you have pets, put your baby's clothes in a place they can't reach, and keep drawers and wardrobes closed. Pet hair can irritate the baby's skin.
- When the baby is older you will be able to wash his or her clothes together with those of others; or you can wash them together from the start as long as you use a mild detergent.
- Even if you are "sure" of the baby's gender, don't prepare ALL the clothes before the baby is born. 8-10 outfits are enough for the first days of life. However, it is also advisable to choose colors that are good for both a male and a female.
