Do you need to wash baby clothes before use?

[AC786]

Just wondered if it is necessary to wash baby clothes before bub goes in them please!

Some people do, I never have and both bubs have been fine.

I do. Don't think it's essential, but I like them to be clean.

I didn't at the time, but probably would now, you really don't know where they've been or who has handled them.

I did most of them but the one time I stuck DS in an emergency unwashed vest he came up in a rash (nothing serious faded away the next day). I felt really bad about it though.

I read in one or more of the baby books that you should wash themdue to dye/chemicals on the fabric that may irritate sensitive baby skin.

I would. I got sleepsuits from Mothercare and they were way softer after I had washed them.

Yes if it's your first, no for any subsequent!! Same goes for ironing

I washed mine twice .
First time because they would have been exposed to lots of nasty chemicals and germs in a sealed plastic bag in mothercare
Second time because they were covered in life threatening house dust from being in a closed drawer for a few weeks.

I got over washing baby clothes quickly.

I washed the newborn things, although its a bit of a balancing act washing stuff that may turn out to be too small if your baby is larger than newborn size. Or vice versa in fact as DH had to make an emergency run to mothercare when DD was two weeks early and needed tiny baby size. I've given up no she's four months. I figure she's tough enough now for me to be disorganised and she's been fine.

I do. Always.

Not because of germs - although you should watch people next time you go to a baby section, everyone strokes/touches baby clothes!

Because most retailers have their clothes sprayed with a cocktail of chemicals to prevent them creasing or attracting dust when packaged before getting to the shop.

Both of my DD's have sensitive skin though, so I tend to be a bit over cautious.