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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Do I really need to wash everything beforehand?

75 replies

KatnissMellark · 03/02/2017 16:52

Obviously all the second hand/hand me downs will get done. But what about everything else?

New clothes on hangers
New clothes in packets
Blankets
Muslins
Hand knitted gifts

How far do you take it?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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TheresABluebirdOnMyShoulder · 03/02/2017 17:29

If you're worried about them not fitting etc. you can just wash a few outfits to get you through the the first day or so and then whizz the rest through the machine once you know what size you need.

Wolfiefan · 03/02/2017 17:30

When DS was a toddler and too ill to get to the shops I ordered some Next tops. Bit of an emergency so didn't wash them. His eczema flared up.

ThinkPinkStink · 03/02/2017 17:31

I wondered the same when I was expecting DD. In the end I washed all her newborn stuff (in Fairy w'powder and f'softener). Now she is almost four months old I still pre wash things that go next to her skin and all tops/jumpers (as she chews her cuffs) but don't bother with outer wear (e.g leggings that she wears over tights).

Snowflakes1122 · 03/02/2017 17:34

Not long to go. How lovely

I would get washing those cute outfits and picking out a first outfit!

bibbitybobbityyhat · 03/02/2017 17:35

I don't suppose you have to, but why wouldn't you? Fabrics are treated with all sorts of chemicals in the manufacturing process.

Surely it would only take 1 or 2 loads at 40 degrees and some gentle non bio powder and you would be set up for the first week or so. Don't forget to wash sheets and blankets too.

EnidColeslaw771 · 03/02/2017 17:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

KatnissMellark · 03/02/2017 17:36

I've already explained why I'm reticent upthread bibbity, it's not about the effort involved.

OP posts:

fruityb · 03/02/2017 17:37

Washed muslins so they absorbed better but didn't wash anything else at all and DS has never had a problem.

bibbitybobbityyhat · 03/02/2017 17:44

Wash it about a week before your due date then and don't buy anything smaller than newborn size.

iknowimcoming · 03/02/2017 18:09

Has anyone actually had issues with their baby being harmed by chemicals in unwashed new clothing?

Op- congratulations on your pregnancy and sorry for your loss of dt.

This is parenthood - everyone will have a different opinion on what you should and shouldn't do, from washing clothes to sleeping, feeding, literally everything. The trick is to do what suits you and your baby, what you feel is right for you and your family. If you feel you want to wash the clothes (and you might find nearer the time a bit of nesting sets in and you will really want to) go ahead, but if you still (understandably) feel nervous, don't. As a halfway measure you could perhaps wash 4 or 5 babygros and vests just to go in your bag and then you could wash the rest when you are safely home (or better still get someone else to do it or you). Or don't bother at all. The most important thing is you and your baby are happy, enjoy the precious time you have when he/she is tiny and don't sweat about trivial stuff like laundry. Good luck

kel1234 · 03/02/2017 18:12

I didn't wash anything new

thenewaveragebear1983 · 03/02/2017 18:21

I never washed anything new for my 3. I washed stuff that had been stored in the loft between babies. I wash things that I buy off eBay or in charity shops before they wear them.

No one's skin fell off.

Lules · 03/02/2017 18:27

I definitely couldn't be bothered and my DS didn't seem to suffer any ill effects. They don't look as nice once you've washed them anyway, unless you can be bothered to iron them. Which is so far beyond anything I would do to be inconceivable to me.

EnidColeslaw771 · 03/02/2017 18:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Nan0second · 03/02/2017 18:35

Don't wash before baby comes!! It's really useful if you leave the tags on and then you can swap for bigger sizes etc if you need!

SnugglySnerd · 03/02/2017 18:36

Muslins are much softer when washed, and more absorbent so do them.
I wouldn't wash all the clothes, if the baby is bigger than you are expecting or if you get loads of clothes as gifts you might want to exchange some of them.

guiltynetter · 03/02/2017 18:40

i washed baby bedding, a few vests and sleep suits but nothing else. i hated doing it, they never looked as nice afterwards!

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 03/02/2017 18:42

Enid not poison obviously but usually starched which can be harsh on delicate skin.

NoUseNumber27 · 03/02/2017 18:44

I didn't wash anything for 6 month ds and he's perfectly fine!

blue2014 · 03/02/2017 19:12

I didn't wash anything, don't know anyone who did. All our babies are fine.

Massive congrats on your pregnancy DS (8 weeks) was also an IVF - I wouldn't let DH open anything until after he was born as I couldn't believe it was real so I know how you feel xx

GreedyDuck · 03/02/2017 19:18

how many dusty warehouse floors they've been dropped and kicked around on

Eh? Presumably you wouldn't actually buy a pack of babygros covered in big dusty boot prints!

I washed some hand me downs and a few bits and bobs, but the moment the baby was born she just got put in clothes straight out of the packet, still does. Never had any problems.

TheresABluebirdOnMyShoulder · 03/02/2017 19:23

I love how when this question comes up there's always the insinuation that people who land on the "washing things" side of the debate are somehow judgemental and looking down on everyone else. This is despite the fact that I've never on these threads heard anybody say it's neglectful not to wash the clothes or that it makes you a terrible mother. Just that they do wash them, plus often giving their reasons why. On the other hand, the "don't wash" side always produces quite a lot of judgement. For example those of us who choose to wash the clothes are ridiculed (no, I don't think anybody thinks that shops cover the clothes in "baby poison"?!) or that our there are sneering comments and all the faces.

At the end of the day it's a personal decision, people can only give their own opinions and experiences. I just wish they could do it without being rude about people who do things differently.

fruitpastille · 03/02/2017 19:29

Just wash the stuff for your hospital bag? I'd probably do vests and bedding and any new towels. Their skin always peels and goes a bit spotty in the first week or two whatever you do ime so don't feel guilty about it!

Original poster

KatnissMellark · 03/02/2017 19:35

I think I'll go happy medium as the moderates suggest- wash a few bits for hospital bag and then see how I feel later if nesting kicks in or guilt suddenly attacks.

Thanks for everyone's advice

blue Congrats on your DS, we've chatted before but I name change a lot

OP posts:

carrotcakecupcake · 03/02/2017 19:42

I was one who washed all newborn bits, though I did wait to check that they all fitted first! Have gotten a bit lax now that DS is 3 but last week he put on a pair of socks that were new (not washed) and very soon after he was scratching a patch of eczema on his ankle that had recently cleared up. I'll probably be a bit more careful in the future and make sure to wash new clothes that come in direct, close contact with his areas prone to eczema.

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