Washing new baby clothes before wear?

[mumtobee22]

Hi. I've heard you have to wash newborn clothes before they wear them. Is this true ?

I always have.

You don’t HAVE to. Lots of people do and if you don’t there is a very teeny tiny chance that your baby might react to the dye chemicals or something else. But they might also react to the washing powder if they have very sensitive skin.

When I was expecting DD1 I washed everything (not all of our stuff was brand new, in fact I’d say 95% was second hand) including the new stuff. But that’s because I had the time before she got here! When she went into bigger sizes or we got gifts etc I didn’t always wash stuff first. Especially the bits that you inevitably buy in an emergency when you’re out with them and they’ve already thrown up all over the spare outfit you brought and you’ve changed them again and then they have a big nappy explosion! (I think my record was 8 changes in one day due to poo, sick or a combination of the two)

I didn't. I didn't even know it was a thing until I read it on here

Nope. Didn't know that was a thing.

I always do. They use all sorts of chemicals when producing clothes so better to wash before 1st wear on such delicate skin.

Omg of course you do! Don't you find new bought clothes smell strongly of chemicals? I would never wear new clothes without washing them first myself, and baby's skin is super delicate.

All clothes should be washed before wearing, not just baby clothes.

I didn't. I don't wash new clothes either. Meh

Yes because of the nasty chemicals they put in the fabric. You should.

I do with non bio

I'm still washing my 18 months old before he wears. A month ago decided I didn't need too, then he had a nasty reaction to something on the clothes

I do wash everything new before being worn including bedding sheets etc

Yes, wash with non bio detergent

I do. Simply because I was my own new clothes before wearing them too 😂

I didn’t bother for months then I realised they actually fit better after a wash. So I’ll probably do that in the future.

Yes to dc1, some for dc2, hardly ever for dc3

You don’t have to use non-bio washing powder to wash babies clothes... it’s a marketing ploy and only found in the UK

It's never occurred to me to wash any clothes before wearing them.

Clothes have a Starch on them and it irritates their skin quite badly. Always best to wash them

@sipsmith1

You don’t have to use non-bio washing powder to wash babies clothes... it’s a marketing ploy and only found in the UK

Obviously you don't have to but incase your newborn has sensitive skin why wouldn't you? Most things for newborns are non scented etc as their skin is often more susceptible to be being irritated...

Always as a mum and highly recommend it to anyone.60 degrees wash plus hot iron as this kills most of the bacteria.
When working in maternity I've seen so many newborns with rashes caused by chemicals in brand new,unwashed baby clothes.

@user7891011 it’s honestly a massive myth, look at the NHS website. It says that there is no evidence that biologically washing powders cause skin irritation. Why would only British babies have sensitive skin. Non bio washing powder is still scented, it’s the scent that causes irritation.

@3JsMa

Always as a mum and highly recommend it to anyone.60 degrees wash plus hot iron as this kills most of the bacteria. When working in maternity I've seen so many newborns with rashes caused by chemicals in brand new,unwashed baby clothes.

How do you know that's what caused the rashes? Not being goady, I am genuinely curious!

@PopcornAndWine
Most of newborns are developing ETN(Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum) as a skin response to activating the immune system.The rash looks more severe with newborns in contact with brand new,unwashed materials. If there is an option to make that transition to the outside world a bit more comfortable then as a mother,I am glad I could do it.

I washed all my baby clothes. Baby was born a lot larger than expected so husband had to rush out to buy larger clothes. Obviously didn’t have a chance to wash them (still in hospital) and baby was fine.