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How to care for newborns' clothes
New Parent

How to care for newborns' clothes

2 min read
Key takeaways
2 min
  • Wash all new baby clothes before first use, including hand-me-downs, to remove manufacturing residues and allergens.
  • Use fragrance-free detergent and avoid fabric softeners to prevent skin irritation and rashes on sensitive newborn skin.
  • Treat stains immediately by blotting excess liquid and soaking clothes in warm, soapy water to avoid harsh bleaching chemicals.
  • Skip washing outer garments like jackets and overalls that don't directly touch baby's skin to save time and energy.
  • Run an extra rinse cycle if concerned about detergent residue, ensuring clothes are completely clean and safe for baby.

To care for newborn clothes, wash all items before first use with fragrance-free detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and treat stains immediately with warm soapy water. Always prioritize gentle, chemical-free cleaning methods to protect your baby's delicate skin.

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Because newborns' skin is so delicate, everything that comes into contact with it must be clean, soft, and allergy-free. This, of course, adds to the challenges for parents. We will attempt to reduce them.

Laundry

Wash all clothes before their first use, regardless of whether you bought them in a store, sewed them yourself, or took those worn by an older sibling. Since jackets, warm street pants, and overalls don't come into contact with the baby's skin, you can skip washing them.

You don't need a special "baby" detergent. Any ordinary fragrance-free detergent, especially when machine washing, is well rinsed and unlikely to cause harm to the baby [1]. But if you are concerned, you can run an additional rinse. Avoid fabric softeners, as they often cause rashes on baby’s skin. 

Removing stains

Stains can result from formula spills, breastmilk spills, and spitting up from babies. Fresher staining will make it easier to remove, regardless of the type. Immediate washing is the safest method [1].

Certainly a nursing mother is not always able to do her laundry immediately. At least, though, try to remove the stain from the clothing until it absorbs (with a rag or wipe). And give your garments a quick soak in warm, detergent-filled water. You will be able to forego using bleach as result.

Photo: shutterstock


Frequently asked questions

Any ordinary fragrance-free detergent is safe for newborn clothes when properly rinsed. You don't need special baby detergents, but avoid fabric softeners as they can cause skin rashes.

Yes, always wash all new baby clothes before first use, whether store-bought, handmade, or hand-me-downs. This removes manufacturing chemicals and potential allergens that could irritate delicate skin.

Treat stains immediately by blotting excess liquid and soaking clothes in warm, soapy water. Fresh stains are easiest to remove, and this method often eliminates the need for harsh bleaches.

No, you can skip washing jackets, warm pants, and overalls that don't touch baby's skin directly. Focus your efforts on items like onesies, sleepers, and undergarments instead.

No, avoid fabric softeners on newborn clothes as they frequently cause skin rashes and irritation. Newborn skin is extremely sensitive and requires gentle, chemical-free care.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meet our medical experts

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated September 6, 2024

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

  1. Cleaning Baby Clothes. Laura A. Jana, Jennifer Shu. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010.

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