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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Do I really need to wash baby's clothes before she arrives?

151 replies

Ellarose85 · 25/05/2016 17:38

Is it really necessary to wash all the new clothes/blankets etc that we have bought for baby?

I spent days washing as DS's stuff before he arrived then any new stuff I bought for him when he was here but stopped washing new stuff when he was about 3 months old and it didn't do him any harm. I also stopped using non-bio as I read that the UK is the only country that does this and that is isn't necessary - again this is doing him no harm, never had a problem with sensitive or sore skin.

Just wanted opinions on what others do or don't do.

OP posts:

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Mouikey · 27/05/2016 20:55

Hey,

One of the things used to preserve clothing is formaldehyde (sorry about the spelling) - especially non-iron/easy press clothes. Over time this can lead to an intolerance or full scale allergy (I had to be tested last year as I had a serious reaction to something and we thought it was this as I have other chemical allergies some related to formaldehyde). Its a pretty horrid chemical, and although I am sure not washing clothes before using on baby will cause little if no harm, its also useful to be aware that clothes are preserved with various chemicals and what impact they could potentially have. I'm not sure if I can post a link, but will try... www.babycentre.co.uk/a1037200/formaldehyde

Cleo1303 · 27/05/2016 22:04

I personally wouldn't wash new stuff but if you want to wash one or two things to make them softer then do.

I would wash things from a charity shop to freshen them up.

Don't do what a friend of mine did. She washed every single item and then had a very big baby. The clothes were all too small and of course she couldn't return any of them to get larger sizes.

urkidding · 27/05/2016 22:42

No, I did not! I was too exhausted and puking all the time. It didn't make any difference! Enjoy your life and get plenty of rest!!

RosieMumOfOne · 27/05/2016 22:44

Yes suggest you wash everything. There are plastic residues from packaging and overall safer to ensure no germs or allergens. Suggest non-bio. Also, a newborn is very sensitive to smell. Your body smell and cloths. It gives them a feeling of comfort and security when smells are consistent do suggest you always keep to same soap brands and fabric Softneners. It's not much effort to keep a baby safe and comfortable.

e1y1 · 27/05/2016 22:49

I would, but then I really don't mind washing .

The non bio thing though is a load of tosh, totally a UK invention, no other country has non bio vs bio. There is no distinction, they're all bio without even saying.

The only difference between the 2 is bio has enzymes, which are naturally occuring anyway.

If anyone has a sensitivity to a detergent, it is most likely going to be the fragrances.

I do use Fairy, as I like the smell, but never bought it just because it's non bio.

Also, a lot of wash products have formaldehyde in them anyway (it is used as a preservative).

AbsB · 27/05/2016 22:55

I would wash everything you buy new. I worked in a bra and knicker factory for a couple of years and all the product was sprayed with insecticide on arrival to stop unwanted pests coming into Europe from Asia. The underwear was then stored in a dusty wear house and a lot of products were returned by customers after being tried on. The factory staff handled all the knickers for packaging. I would definitely wash clothes for a newborn as the chemicals being applied have high toxicity and perfumes to disguise the smell.

Alasalas2 · 27/05/2016 23:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

e1y1 · 27/05/2016 23:12

Also, for anybody who is interested (especially if you will be using washable nappies).

The NHS is changing it's advice on washing powders HERE.

WeeM · 27/05/2016 23:16

I had never heard of this so it never even crossed my mind to wash a whole pile of new clothes! We use non bio anyway so anything I wash goes in that. Never heard of the formaldehyde thing until now!

silkyoreilly · 27/05/2016 23:19

I didn't. What do people think is going to happen if you don't wash them? It's OTT.

Rowanhart · 27/05/2016 23:20

Didn't. Wouldn't. Babies fine.

LD33 · 27/05/2016 23:34

I did with first ds not sure why I did other than thinking it was the dun thing to do... my dd is 3 months old and I didn't wash any of her things b4 born apart from a few white sleepsuits that i had stored in the attic. Glad I didn't wash the new clothes as ended up swapping loads for different sizes. DD's skin is fine, also used wet wipes from day 1 and she hasn't had any problems! My friends a midwife and she didn't wash any clothes for her children b4 born and didn't know why people thought u shud

Linedancer35 · 28/05/2016 00:52

The only time i washed my babys clothes before he arrived was when i got them from the 2nd hand shop x

AgingJuvenileBinkyHuckaback · 28/05/2016 01:12

I didn't when my babies were small, but since then I've watched that episode of House where that bloke almost dies from not washing his dodgy Mexican jeans, so if God forbid I had another then I probably would.

On the non-bio thing, I had an allergic reaction to an unfamiliar washing powder once and I assumed for years that I was "allergic to bio washing powder" and avoided it religiously. Then I read a thing in Which? saying "it's probably bollocks, just try bio" and I gave it a go, and it was absolutely fine, even for slightly ecsma-prone DS. The random allergy was probably a perfumed fabric conditioner.

MrsTeabag · 28/05/2016 04:15

I did and still do, but then my DS has eczema and I have a strong sense of smell so find new clothes smell odd. It felt part of the process of preparing for their arrival, so I didn't mind it and did it again with DD. Plus like others have said, always assume that manufacturing and transportation is not going to be overly clean. Also, there always seems to be a wash on in our house, so it's easy to pop new clothes in! It's personal preference though, I doubt it's essential.

WanderingTrolley1 · 28/05/2016 08:04

I wash all new clothes before wearing.

Andbabymakesthree · 28/05/2016 08:29

Yes. DC3 but family of five here.

It doesn't take long.

Currently have new pants for DD in wash even though organic hm ones.

lljkk · 28/05/2016 09:00

why wouldn't you?!

It's an environmentally unfriendly habit (matters a huge amount to me)
It isn't free.
It still takes time.
Every wash makes clothes look more worn so the brand new item doesn't look as good as it could have that first wear.
Makes it harder to return or resell items if they turn out to be wrong size or never used.
Most of our clothes are 2nd hand already, so whatever factory nasty they might have had is long gone.
We have never had any problems.
Only on MN have I heard of this habit.

Obviously some people just like to wash which is fine. But it's fine not to wash, too.

For first 15 yrs I lived in UK I used non-bio because I was told to. We switched to bio so that we could wash in 30 degrees and... nothing. We're all absolutely fine with it. Was a waste to use non-bio all those yrs. Definitely there are times to ignore what other people like to do.

Housemum · 28/05/2016 09:16

No. I was stupid enough to do this for DD3, for whom I had also bought a stupidly expensive pretty baby grow from mamas and papas to come home in. New born size, as my other two were swamped by their multipack Asda 0-3 month ones.
She was 9 lbs and no way would she fit into the supposed "up to 12lb" outfit, so now her doll has an £18 onesie!! If I hadn't washed it it would have had tags on and I could have changed it!

CarShare · 28/05/2016 10:33

I did- I kind of enjoyed it Nice to feel prepared and like everything is in order.

Palpatine · 28/05/2016 13:24

I always wash new clothes before the first wear and that's for kids and adults in the house, but that's just my preference.

Vicky1990 · 28/05/2016 15:55

Yes you should wash all new clothing for baby , and yourself if worn next to skin. It will have been treated with all kinds of chemicals in producing, stitching, storing and transporting. Only wash in mild detergents, and do not use fabric conditioner. Also do not use any kind of talcom powder on baby, it can be absorbed through the skin, and has been linked to some cancers.

Ilovewillow · 28/05/2016 16:20

I would but I wash new clothes for all members of my family before they wear them!

Broody1976 · 02/06/2016 22:04

I did most stuff but only because I was up at daft hours as I couldn't sleep & washing tiny clothes was as exciting as it got for a 36 week pregnant bird at 3am

cornishglos · 03/06/2016 00:43

Of course not.

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