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 wash all clothes. In production they end up on the floor, dirty bags transported, handled by people in shops. I wouldnt wear them un washed.

I don’t use non bio though. As someone else said, it’s pretty much a uk invention. All laundry powder is bio where I live. The problem is when people use those super fast super eco washes that don’t use enough water to rinse. Have had no issues using bio persil/ Ariel powder with our baby.

Yes with DC1. Washed everything before usage. DC2 - wash vests, bedding and towels before usage but nothing else .

I do, because I like to know they’re totally clean, and to be soft and smell nice. I don’t think it’s strictly necessary though.

I wash everything before it’s worn. I doubt unwashed would actually harm them but it takes no time at all really and feels and smells a lot nicer.

I never did, I can see why some would but I didn't have the time and honestly, didn't want the extra laundry!

[quote 3JsMa]@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.[/quote]
Fair enough, I hadn't heard of that.

I don't have any children yet but I thought it was a must. I thought everybody did it.

Yes for newborns I have always washed their clothes. I didn't after they were about 4 months old.

I would never wear unwashed clothes myself and definitely wouldn't dream of putting a newborn in unwashed clothes! It's not just the chemicals, it's also the dust and dirt.

For a newborn? Yes.

I personally decided to wash everything of baby's (clothes, dribble bibs, muslins, sheets etc) in fairy non bio and fairy fabric softener. Especially during these covid times we're in you just don't know who has handled the items and how recently and it's better to be safe, but I would have been washing everything regardless! I also think it's quite a nice nesting task washing everything and folding it all up ready for baby

I did. Apparently lots of shops spray new clothes with something to make them feel soft to the touch. I didn't want that on my newborn's skin.

I'm going to do it , I would just feel better knowing they are all freshly washed especially when I've had stuff in drawers for a few months and just clothes that come out of packaging as well , I know it's a bit of work but worth it for the peace of mind

[quote sipsmith1]@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.[/quote]
My skin has not heard it's a myth it seems 😩I must be allergic to something else in it then, non bio saved my skin and I can't use too much softener either. I don't know why I wrote non scented I meant mildly scented, there's defo a lovely smell to it

I have to use non bio on my skin otherwise my eczema spirals out of control, it's the same price as bio so meh it seems to be different. I used it on DS' clothes as we had it in anyway, but probably would have bought it if not. Also yes I wash them first, just as I do my own as they usually stink of chemicals.

Yes, absolutely must.

As an adult I have very sensitive skin and will get a rash if I wear new clothing without washing. I would never risk that with a newborn.

My midwife advised us all in the our antenatal class to wash the clothes in non bio washing detergent.

Most clothes come from China and other countries where chemicals are used prolifically and are stored in less than ideal conditions before shipping half way around the world to us, sitting down in dusty warehouses, it's not worth it the risk of skin irritation or rashes or allergic response, when's you can just throw them in the washing machine for an hour or two to eliminate that risk, which albeit is small but not sure why you'd take that risk on your baby to begin with? Their start in life is hard enough.

Meant to tag @mumtobee22 sorry!

I can’t imagine buying any item of clothes has been handled, transported and sat around god knows where and not think to wash it. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to wash it?!

I didn't but as it happened DD unexpectedly needed tiny baby clothes anyway so I wouldn't have had time to wash them.

Yes 100%

Think your baby clothes could have the items in that were on the floor/ put back on the hanger- not to mention Covid (although it travelling via clothing this way is very unlikely!)

Mine is 4 and I still have to do this to stop skin rashes- sensitive skin!