Washing new baby clothes

[Bibby26]

Hi all!

Just wondering what everyone’s thoughts are about pre washing new clothes for baby? I don’t think it will matter in terms of baby not wearing all the clothes so I cannot return/exchange as most of the clothing has been bought months ago anyway!
Anyone had any bad experiences not doing so?

I lovingly washed everything in non bio powder and had it out on the line. Then baby was born much smaller than expected and DP had to do an emergency dash to the supermarket for clothes, which she wore straight from the packet.

Another vote for washing (and ironing) everything. I wouldn't want something that was lying in a store, was shipped and touched by god-knows-how-many-people touching my newborn's skin.

35 weeks pregnanct.. and Yes will wash all newborn clothes twice as these are hand me downs from dS1 and packed away in garage for long. The new set of clothes will definjtely need to be washed..

I did because I have worked in many stock rooms and know what they are like...🤢

No never washed mine. He grew quite quick so lots ended up going back to the shops to be exchange for bigger sizes. Wouldn't of been able to do that if I'd washed the clothes.

Nope never done that. Don't wash new sheets either. Life's too short (but if you love washing then go for it).

I wash all of mine too- apart from the packaging chems used, clothes are 'fingered through the rails' if your buy direct from shops and I just dont get on well with the 'where have your fingers been!?' thought....

Lol think it's the kind of thing you do with first baby. I did but it's not necessary

Washed everything on 60 degrees, no special detergent, ironed only first couple of days worth of clothing

Yes. I wash all clothes before wearing them. I used to work in retail and had to unpack the new deliveries every so often. Clothes had spent a long time in shipping crates and god knows how long in factories overseas before they got to our shop floor where then countless people would touch, try on etc. Clothes also could have been on the floor itself. I don't iron though...

Definitely wash first in non bio. All my babies have had reactions to non washed new clothes. Especially if they on racks in shelves and people pawing though them with god knows what on hands. And the chemicals used to make and transport them. Only bothered with the newborn/0-3 stuff as by 3-6 nornally ok with the sensitive skin but habit means I do wash new clothes. Saves sore skin and hassle :)

I washed what went in my hospital bag, but my lb ended up staying in a week so whatever else was brought to hospital after that wasnt washed and Ive never washed anything new since.

I returned a load of clothes to shops that were gifted/unworn and most shops are happy to put it on a store card without a reciept. I think it's unnecessary to wash everything

I washed all the clothes because I wanted them to smell like our home detergent rather than plastic packaging. Also I was excited about baby arriving and it made me happy to wash the clothes.

People iron baby clothes

I didn't bother washing with either of mine. They seem OK.

@Teachermaths I was thinking the same on the ironing!

Unless the clothes or bedding is starchy, I would suggest this is just something you can do to amuse yourself as a mum to be as part of nesting tendencies. If you want to you do it: if you dont, do not stress yourself over this. However, I would suggest getting very gentle washing up powder/tabs as some babies' skin can be very sensitive.

Said here now with a load of baby clothes in the washing machine ready for baby number 2, I don't think it's necessary but makes me feel more prepared and organised