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Taking Care Of Baby Clothes
By Paula Heron

Because more attention is now focused on a baby's skin sensitivities and allergies, parental concerns about not only the clothes they buy for their children but also how the clothes and bedding are washed - and which detergent to use - have heightened.
One solution is to use a purpose-formulated detergent specifically for baby clothes, but this adds yet another item to the list of expenses that parents take on when they start a family - as if it is not daunting enough already. Preparing the nursery, buying a crib and stroller plus baby clothes, diapers and so on is followed by additions to the weekly budget including food, medical costs and other expenses. Is it really necessary to use some special laundry detergent for baby clothes alone?
But the marketing machines of big companies have worked very efficiently to exploit the idea that extra care is needed for baby clothes. Specialized baby clothes detergents are very similar to standard products. And often those that cause your baby's skin to become irritated could also do the same for your skin. So why not try a detergent for the whole family that has no added coloring or perfume and is gentle?
It is a good idea to wash all new baby clothes and crib bedding before use on your baby as this will get rid of any finishes that the manufacturer uses to keep the clothes looking good until they are bought. It is also essential that you wash any gently used baby clothes that you have bought or even had handed down from a family member or friend to prevent your child getting

a rash. If your baby's skin does irrupt in a rash have it checked out by your health professional.
Returning to the question of a separate detergent for baby clothes, there is one piece of evidence that suggests it is not required. Since you cuddle and hold and hug your baby in clothes that are washed in regular family detergent, why is a special one needed? Babies haven't changed in the thirty years or more since I had my own and regular detergent worked fine then.
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.
Babies grow quickly and soon their clothes become too small - but you can avoid accelerating this process by selecting the right tumbler dryer setting. Use the low, gentle heat settings to limit the amount clothes shrink.
For centuries babies have suffered no ill effects from having their baby clothes washed with the family laundry and I feel sure that twenty first century babies will thrive equally well.
If you want more baby toddler clothes advice? Take a look at Paula's baby clothing blog.