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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

new baby clothes - silly question

20 replies

newmumtobe84 · 08/03/2009 21:11

I know this is going to show my first time mum-ness but do all new baby clothes have to be washed in non-bio powder before being put on for the first time?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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becktay · 08/03/2009 21:15

i will as the clothes manufacturing companies often use funny chemicals to keep the fabrics nice in the shops. It will see you in good practice for all the washing you do with a brand new baby!

hopeforbundleofjoy · 08/03/2009 21:18

im not a mum but i would so you know that they are all clean and smell nice you dont know who has had hold of them in the shop or where they have been in the shop. it might of been on the floor or any thing!!!

Sophie2008 · 08/03/2009 21:18

I washed all my new baby clothes before my daughter wears them, at least then i know they are 100% clean. As you never know where they have been prior to you buying them. Could have been on the floor.

As for washing powder I use fairy for my daughters clothes, but when i visit my parents they just use their normal powder. Unless your baby will have very sensitive skin, i don't think it matters to much on the powder.

Hope this helps!

QueenFee · 08/03/2009 21:19

I did. My family have sensitive skin so at least I know where we are starting from!
(plus it gives you an extra chance to hold them and dream about your newborn!)
Saying that once my DCs were born I do remember putting on a particularly gorgeous outfit I was given without washing it first...

FAQinglovely · 08/03/2009 21:20

I never did - and my kids have all been fine for it - and I'd already switched over to Bio powder when I fell pg with DS3 - so his clothes were washed int that from birth too

Tommy · 08/03/2009 21:20

I didn't.

the MW opened the packet of babygros after DS1 was born and put one on him - didn't bat an eyelid that I obviously hadn't washed them

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 08/03/2009 21:20

I did 1st time round, particularly with the younger age group clothes. As he got older I didn't bother!

Poor old ds2 has hardly had any new clothes so it's not an issue!

If you've got time then it's not a bad idea to do it

onepieceofcremeegg · 08/03/2009 21:20

I have seen posts on here more than once to say that non bio isn't necessary (it isn't even available in a lot of countries). Apparently if you have a reaction to a washing powder/detergent it is more likely to be to the perfume or some other element of it rather than the "bio" part of it.

wrt to prewashing, I do tend to wash vests and babygros etc for the reason that becktay says.Be aware that once you snip the labels off and wash them you won't be able to exchange them even if you find you have far too many.

I wouldn't bother washing coats, cardigans and outer clothing tbh.

smellyeli · 08/03/2009 21:23

I did it with number 1. He had eczema. I was too busy to do it with number 2. She doesn't have eczema.

I am a slattern - I never wash their new clothes, even now. The first time they wear them is the least creased they ever look....

Chelsie · 08/03/2009 22:50

I washed all clothes in non-bio before DD was born. BIG MISTAKE as many clothes were never worn but coudn't be returned and changed for bigger size as labels removed and washed. If I had the time again I would wash them as before, but only as I was about to need them, not the whole lot in one go!

Qally · 09/03/2009 06:12

Yep. I use Ecover - it's so mild. Though with poo-stained stuff I also use Napisan, which probably rather defeats that point! New clothes have chemical dressings on, and anyway are stiffer than something washed & tumble dried.

On Chelsies point - don't buy too much in newborn sizing? They're only in it a couple of weeks. On the other hand, buy 20 - 30 sleepsuits the size up; I didn't, and boy does our electricity bill show it. Sleepsuits in a big enough volume to stop you having to launder every day are cheaper (probably greener, too).

I wouldn't buy "outfits" except for the odd special occasion. They just get sick all over them, and they aren't that comfy for the baby to sleep in. I mean, I wouldn't want to sleep in a jeans and jacket combo, or even a party dress, no matter how cute, and their skin is much thinner and more delicate. Sleepsuits in nice soft cotton, all the way.

CookieMonster2 · 09/03/2009 09:52

20-30 sleepsuits?! I think we had 6. I know they don't take up much space in the washing machine but by the time you have added their vests, cardys, and any bedding (which you need to wash often if they sick up milk during the night) then you very quickly have a full load. I think I did a load of baby washing every second or third day.
If you want cheap and basic but good quality baby clothes I would recommend Tescos. All ours have lasted really well and will be used for the second baby.

Qally · 09/03/2009 14:23

My son still gets through about 3 a day! Early days, was more like 9. Sometimes he'll get through 3 one after the other in about 15 minutes, even now, and that can be 6 in a single day. But he's always been pretty sicky, I suppose not all babies posset like that.

We went easier on bed linen because we always, always keep a folden muslin under his head, so just wash that unless he manages to spread further.

PeppermintPatty · 09/03/2009 14:26

I did [PFB emotion]
What else do you do in the first few weeks of mat leave (before baby arrives)?

Tee2072 · 09/03/2009 14:39

I will wash first in non-bio, since both DH and I have very sensitive skin and have had/do have exczema.

Being from the States, I didn't even know Bio existed until I moved here! Its all non-bio over there!

badbadday · 09/03/2009 14:44

I did, but stopped as he got older. As someone said, you have plenty of time on your hands during pg, so won't do any harm!

Think 20-30 is a bit much imo. Think we had about 6 and it was adequate. Lots of bibs and muslins though

Qally · 09/03/2009 15:39

I'm starting to think my baby must be a LOT more vomit prone than average...

mondaymonday · 09/03/2009 16:22

lol qally maybe we're just slummy types who don't change them all the time!

girlywhirly · 09/03/2009 16:56

Even if you don't wash things before baby wears them, it's worth checking garments folded in packaging; I bought some sleepsuits for DS from M&S once, and one of the feet was so badly sewn he could never have worn it, don't know how it got through quality control and packing without someone noticing! I was able to exchange, but still. I think it's worth washing them to see if they shrink ridiculously or are in any way not fit for their purpose.

2Helenback · 10/03/2009 10:00

I am just listening to the spin cycle as lots of brand new stuff gets non bioed. I did this to all dds stuff and gave up after about 3 months.

I also ironed ALL dds vests, babygrows etc whilst on maternity leave. What a nutter! I'll iron this load for the hospital bag, but after that if the creases don't fall out whilst they're drying it's tough! (now pay to have all dds stuff ironed, god, I hate ironing)

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