washing baby clothes

[MunchkinJess]

first time mum to be here.

baby is due in three weeks. Got all the babies clothes out and washed it in non bio ...I didn't use fabric softer. ..do I need to or should do ?

The clothes dont feel very soft , but just wanted everything to be clean for when baby arrives.

[ilovepowerhoop]

I did but then I normally use fabric softener anyway

[BummyMummy77]

You aren't meant to use fabric softener as it can irritate them but I've used seventh generation clear and free on some of the really scratchy, rough things it wanted to soften.

[ilovepowerhoop]

have used bio and softener and not had any issues. I have not been aware of guidance not to use softener

[Reiltin]

Didn't use softener, never do. Baby fine!

[MummyJetsetter]

I just wash baby clothes in the exact same way as all our clothes. If your baby has sensitive skin you may need to change what you do but don't make things more complicated than they need to be. Most babies are just fine whatever you use. x

[BonaDea]

No need to use softener. They are usually heavily perfumed and can irritate

[Workinglate]

I use white vinegar - acts as a softener.

[aufaniae]

It wasn't till mumsnet that I realised people washed new clothes. It still befuddles me!

Why would you want to wash new clothes? They've got that lovely new smell for a start. And they're all new and fresh.

[BummyMummy77]

Because of the chemicals used to make most clothes. And the manky places they've been on the way to you. :)

I've worked with babies who are pretty robust and been fine and some who have had awful skin problems from unwashed clothes and clothes washed in normal detergents.

[TrucksAndDinosaurs]

I understand formaldehyde is used to preserve clothes from warehouse and transit mould, plus other chemicals which is why washing with gentle un scented soap is commonly advised....

[aufaniae]

The impression I get from thread like these is that most people are washing in normal detergent, so just replacing one set of chemicals with another.

Wrt to the "manky places" I thought it was bad for a baby's environment to be too sterile anyway? The immune system needs some dirt and germs to fight against doesn't it? There is a theory that environments being too sterile is responsible for the rise in allergies in the west (no idea how accepted this is).

Anecdotal, but FWIW ... I have had two babies, it never occurred to me to wash new clothes. No skin reactions.

[Fairydogmother]

I wasn't going to wash the clothes I bought but in the end I couldn't resist it! I'm allergic to most washing products and softener but the ones I've got seem to agree so used both for baby's clothes. Non bio washing liquid seems to be recommended.

[MunchkinJess]

I am not washing my babies clothes with normal detergent.

do you know how many people touch and handel clothes in a shop?!?! and your telling me every single person washes their hands after going to the toilet ? or eatin? or doing anything?

sorry but their are some very dirty unhygienic people out their and I would rather give my babies clothes a quick wash brand new then take a risk.

[PinkWitch803]

I am going to wash my clothes simply because so far, all the clothes I have have been given to me by various freinds who all use diifferent methods and have the clothes for different lengths of time, and I still have until christmas before I am due, so everything is being stored in the lift. I will be using our normal family washing powders and softners and will only change if the baby doesn't get on with it.

[mumingball]

white vinegar should work as a softener - plus it's anti-bacterial and won't leave smell. 2 tablespoons for a normal load.

[BlackholesAndRevelations]

I washed all new clothes in non bio with the White fabric softener that's supposedly hypoallergenic. Since my dd was born almost 4 years ago I've used the same stuff for all if our family's clothes. Think I stopped washing clothes when they got to about 9 months ish, now I only wash pyjamas before they wear them (they're 2 and nearly 4).

[MunchkinJess]

thanks for the great tip mummingball