Anyone not washing all their newborn stuff?

[Ohdeargod1]

DC2 due shortly. I washed all of DS1s new stuff - the baby grows in packets. This time I don't really want to! I'm going to do the blankets. What is everyone else doing?

[willoughboobs]

Df that was meant to be

[AsukiBlue]

There seems to be a lot of scare mongering on this thread, as a baby wear technologist I can confirm that there is no way baby clothes are 'sprayed with formaldehyde', this is a substance used to add stiffness (e.g. To A mans shirt collar) unless you wanted a baby grow to stand up by itself you would not use it and permitted levels within even adult wear are so low. Chemicals used during the manufacture process are safe, the chemicals left on garments at time of purchase are no worse than domestic powders and softeners used at home.

To wash your baby's garments is completely a personal decision, not one of safety, I have washed mine but more due to the fact that they will shrink slightly, also I am more than aware just how many people touch that garment in a factory during manufacture.

Nobody should be made to feel guilty about not washing new stuff, there's already enough things that actually matter to worry about, if my little one arrives and can't fit into anything I've bought I wouldn't hesitate to put them in an unwashed suit.

[Librarina]

I'm washing the baby clothes, mainly because I like the smell of fairy but partly because it feels like a nice ritual of getting ready for the baby. Most of the baby clothes we have are second hand but I'm washing new things too so that they all smell the same.
I imagine I'll be a lot less fussy about it after a few months but while I've got the spare time I'm quite enjoying it (makes a change from me being the hideous slattern that I usually am!)

[neontetra]

Asukiblue thanks for that post, I was panicking.

[worsestershiresauce]

I didn't. I was so disorganised she was lucky to have any clothes let alone pre-laundered ones. She hasn't developed skin or other problems so I am assuming I got away with it. I am fully aware that I am a bad mother, and will just have to live with my guilt.

[Ohdeargod1]

Asuki - thank you for that. Mind made up, not washing new stuff.

[lollypopsicle]

Have been watching this thread with interest and would like to thank Asukiblue for being the voice of reason.

[Ohdeargod1]

Also baby wear technologist sounds like a pretty lovely job!

[ginmakesitallok]

I've never washed new clothes, I don't know anyone who does. I've never heard of anyone reacting to new clothes. I don't think it is an issue.

[Crunchymunchyhoneycakes]

Levels of hysteria on this topic hilarious. I never bothered and won't if there is a next time. What a waste of the worlds resources(and my time!) to wash things that are already clean.

[ChippingInIsEggceptional]

But the point is they aren't clean.

[WestieMamma]

There seems to be a lot of scare mongering on this thread, as a baby wear technologist I can confirm that there is no way baby clothes are 'sprayed with formaldehyde', this is a substance used to add stiffness (e.g. To A mans shirt collar) unless you wanted a baby grow to stand up by itself you would not use it and permitted levels within even adult wear are so low.

I'm sorry, but you are wrong. Research carried out by the European Commission's Chemical Exposure Unit says that formaldehyde releasing resins are commonly used to prevent mold amongst other uses. Furthermore their research shows that 11% of baby clothing sold across the EU release levels of formaldehyde which exceed established limits.

publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/111111111/5233/1/6150%20-%20HCHO_survey_final_report.pdf

[ghosteditor]

I do always wash new clothes. Clothes shipped in from overseas are exposed to all sorts of stuff en route.

I had a huge allergic reaction to (presumably) the dye from a bra I bought new and wore unwashed - started where the bra sat and spread up to my neck and down past my hips. It lasted two weeks even with treatment. I even washed it and braved wearing it again months late and it was fine after a wash.

It's my understanding that exposure to chemical products can set the immune system to overreact to allergens - so eczema and other problems could be influenced by that. Btw, I'm not scientifically trained as I'm sure is obvious and I'm too ill to think straight so I realise this is the least persuasive statement ever

[sugarandspite]

The thing is, when they're newborn their skin is so so delicate and new - it's only just been exposed to air for the first time! Why would you not do what you can to avoid unnecessary chemical contact.

I wash baby stuff in pure soap flakes too and no fabric conditioner for the first 6 months, only bath them in water, no soaps / shampoos and try to avoid using wipes as much as possible for the first few months.

I don't get hysterical about it but it makes sense to me

[AsukiBlue]

Well obviously I have learnt nothing during my 5 years in the industry, I'd be better Looking everything up on google and scaring myself Any reputable retailer is going to have dangerous substances banned, legally due diligence must be carried out to check for banned/harmful substances and with the introduction of REACH there is more pressure than ever for retailers to know exactly what is used within manufacture. I can't believe people seriously think that retailers would be allowed to sell products that pose a threat to babies.

I'm not trying to prove anyone right or wrong but I think this thread is causing already paranoid mums to be unnecessary worry, personally I've never opened the paper to read a story about a baby harmed by chemicals on clothing, nor have I received complaints for the same, and believe me mums are super quick to complain about any issues with baby clothes, as you should!

[ChippingInIsEggceptional]

Surely if you were that well trained you would know that the issues are not always 'obvious'

[WestieMamma]

Well obviously I have learnt nothing during my 5 years in the industry, I'd be better Looking everything up on google and scaring myself

I didn't google, I asked my husband who is a chemistry professor with a PHD in the field plus 20 years experience working for the European Commission researching industry processes, so you can drop the patronising . I've supported what I've said with scientific evidence from a reputable source which I've linked so others can read for themselves. You've supported what you've said with 'because I say so and I know better than you'.

I hate threads like this, where someone posts something to be helpful and then someone gets off on trying to patronise and make them look stupid. Mumsnet at it worst. I'm done.

[UniqueAndAmazing]

I'm with Asuki on this one.
Naivety doesn't come from not believing that certain things are harmful, rather it comes from believing every thing you hear

[BabyHMummy]

As i posted earlier - surely it is down to personal choice?!

Some people will chose to wash everything and others will chose to be selective or wash nothing, but who the hell are you all to judge?!

There are 2 opposing arguments stated here from people who have profesional knowledge, and whilst it is interesting to read the information it does not mean that it is wholly acurate or balanced. All companies and governing bodies of those industries will have their own positions on the issue of chemicals used or not used. So read both and make your own mind up, but stop with the nasty comments aimed at the OP as it is unfair and unjustified.


I personally agree with her on the issue of prewrapped sealed garments, i won't be washing them through for the first wear as they are sealed.

In my worklife i used to deal with imported goods from the far east so am aware that items especially fabrics can becoming tainted by the odours of other things they are shipped with, and if things whiff too much then i will wash, but this is MY choice and not for anyone else to condemn just because they choose to do it differently!

[AsukiBlue]

My hubby is an electrician, shall I tell everyone how to re-wire their house?! [Grin] I'm sorry if you thought I was patronising, I truly wasn't trying to be, I'm just trying to supply my view from someone on the inside. Not everyone is a chemist and providing docs on chemical levels is a bit daunting and confusing, especially with baby brain! I'm not saying I know better than anyone else, but doing it for a job means I feel more informed.

As for not knowing what issues are 'obvious' if you worried about the unknown you would never leave the house, or dress your child, it can be said for absolutely everything, how can you be completely certain about what's in the washing powder you use?

And I'm in agreement re. Nasty threads, I don't like them, I definitely was not trying to be nasty but I think telling someone they are wrong is a sure way to make them bite!!

I think I made a mistake commenting on this thread, I'm meant to be on mat leave!!

[ChippingInIsEggceptional]

I think I made a mistake commenting on this thread, I'm meant to be on mat leave!!



Westie - given your DH's credentials, people would be stupid not to listen wouldn't they?! People can choose to do whatever they like, but to deny the truth of it is ridiculous.

[Longfufu]

I'm with Asukiblue on this one. I was a babywear clothes buyer for a high street store. Baby clothes are completely safe out of packets, no need to wash.

[midori1999]

No, I never have and never will wash my baby's clothes before using them.

As for someone saying 'why wouldn't you, it's the first act of love you can give your newborn', you've got to be fucking joking, imagine if I said the same about breastfeeding....