Every new parent worries about whether they are doing the right thing for their baby and which products are the right ones to buy. As there is now more focus on allergies and how sensitive a baby’s skin is the question many parents ask is “do I need a special detergent to wash my baby’s clothes to prevent avoid an allergic reaction?”
Having a baby is an expensive time with all the equipment you need like a crib, stroller, baby clothes, bedding, car seat, and diapers etc… not to mention the cost of doctors fees, child care and extra activities your child will do as they get older. So ways to avoid adding extra expense to the family budget is essential like not having to buy special detergent for taking care of your baby’s laundry.
It may be worth using a gentle detergent on the whole family’s laundry including the baby clothes and bedding. Choose one that has no added colors or perfumes. And recognize the the so-called specially-formulated products with baby in mind are frequently very little different than the normal brand, with just as much ability to irritate the skin on an adult as a child.
One approach that is recommended is to make sure you have removed any special finishes that the manufacturer has used on baby clothes and bedding fabrics by thoroughly washing them before first use. And don’t forget to do the same with any second hand clothes you are given by your friends and family. This should eliminate the chance of your child picking up a rash – but if he does, make sure a medical professional takes a look quickly.
Many new parents worry about whether it is safe to wash baby clothes with the rest of the family’s laundry. I think this must be a fairly recent worry as it was something I never even thought about when I had my own children in the 1970s. Providing you use a mild detergent for the wash loads there should be no problems. After all you are cuddling and caring for your baby in the same clothes as you will be washing with theirs without causing any irritation!
There is one exception to bear in mind, though. If you are using cloth diapers, separate washing is required. Use the toilet bowl to rinse away any solid waste, keep them in a bucket of water until you have collected enough to form a washer load and add a tiny amount of tea tree oil to the bucket to deodorize and disinfect them in the meantime.
Fabric conditioner is another item to consider carefully. If you use one it should be one that is manufactured for anyone with sensitive skin, so find one that all the family can use, including baby. Avoid any of the detergents that claim to include a fabric softener if you have any doubt at all about using it.
