Washing newborn clothes

[sparklekitty]

Ok, I'm a bit confused. Do I need to wash all LO's clothes before she arrives or can she go into them straight from the packet? I know I need to use non bio when I do wash them just wondering about doing a big wash before she makes her appearance.

I wash all of my DS's things before he wears in Fairy non-bio. Good thing, really, as he has sensitive skin! I would recommend washing.

Thats what I thought. Cool. I'll give it a few weeks and wash the lot :) Thanks

DS's stuff was straight out of the packet.

Good job I'd not opened or washed the newborn stuff; he was 11lb 7oz and it all had to go back.

I didn't bother washing them either, just used them straight out of the packet.

I never washed any of it, not a sock. Only heard of such a thing online.

Generally its a good idea - cotton is often treated with chemicals to stiffen the garment (for display purposes) or to deal with any potential nasties while in transit/packaging. Personally, I would wash the bare minimum until you know what size you are starting out at, then dump everything you are keeping in the machine with some nice non-bio detergent. I do know someone who had not only washed but ironed the entire baby wardrobe, muslins and all ! That's some serious nesting.
Found this written by a doc on t'Interweb.
"In general, I recommend that new clothes be washed before children wear them, especially if the clothing will be in direct contact with the skin. This is because the clothes have been handled by multiple people before being brought home, and it's impossible to know what has touched the fabric. In addition, certain dyes in the fabric may leave a residue on the skin or rub off on other clothing. Also, products may have been sprayed onto the clothes to keep them fresh.

Some clothes are treated with chemicals to prevent the growth of certain bacteria. They may cause allergic reactions on the skin, especially in areas of friction or sweating. In addition, these chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose and breathing passages. While the United States places limits on the amount of preservatives that may be used on clothing, other countries have been known to allow higher levels.

Children tend to be more sensitive than adults to chemical irritants, so for clothes that are difficult to wash, it may be a good idea to try to air them out prior to wearing. Also, you may want to have the child wear light undergarments beneath them."

Yep I'd wash

I had heard mixed messages on this, but it gets me all excited for baby coming when I see all of the clothes drying on my line :)