Babies go through a surprising amount of laundry. Spit-up, blowouts and mealtimes mean some outfits get worn for an hour before they're back in the basket. A simple routine keeps clothes soft, clean and lasting long enough to hand down.
Should you wash baby clothes before the first wear?
Yes, it's a good idea. New clothes can pick up dust and finishing residue in the factory and on the way to you. A quick wash before first wear takes care of it. Many of our clothing product pages say the same, and it's worth doing for towels and anything that touches your baby's skin.
Always check the care label first
Care labels vary a lot, even on similar-looking clothes, so read the one sewn inside before the first wash. A few examples from our own pieces:
- The Sprig zip romper (95% cotton) is machine wash cold and hang to dry.
- The Critter fleece romper and the Rex dinosaur bodysuit should be turned inside out to protect the appliques and graphics.
- The Puddle hooded towel should be washed before first use, following its label for wash and dry settings.
Choosing a detergent
You don't need a special baby detergent, but many parents choose a gentle, fragrance-free one, especially if their baby has sensitive skin or eczema. Use the amount on the bottle, not more. Extra detergent can leave residue in the fabric. If you notice a rash, talk to your pediatrician.
Many parents also skip fabric softener and dryer sheets for baby clothes, since they can coat the fabric.
A simple washing routine
- Zip zippers and close fasteners so they don't snag other clothes.
- Turn printed and appliqued pieces inside out.
- Put socks and tiny items in a mesh laundry bag, so they don't disappear.
- Wash cool or warm, as the label allows. Cold is gentler on colors and prints.
- Dry on low, or hang to dry. High heat is the fastest way to shrink cotton.
Dealing with stains
- Act quickly. Rinse stains in cold water as soon as you can. Hot water can set protein stains like milk and spit-up.
- Pretreat with a little detergent rubbed into the stain before washing.
- Use sunlight. Drying a stained item in the sun can help fade some stains naturally.
- Check before you dry. A dryer can set a stain that didn't come out in the wash.
Keeping clothes soft
- Don't overload the machine, so there's room to rinse properly.
- Take clothes out and shake them as soon as the cycle ends.
- Hang or fold while slightly warm to avoid deep creases.
Hand-wash or spot-clean items
Not everything goes in the machine. Plush toys, quilted pouches and some accessories are spot clean only. Use a damp cloth and a little mild soap, and let them air-dry fully.
Questions parents ask
Can I wash baby clothes with the family's laundry?
Many families do, once they're sure their baby's skin tolerates the detergent. Keep very dirty items separate.
How often should I wash baby clothes?
After each wear for anything that touched spit-up, food or a diaper leak. Outer layers can go a little longer.
Why are my baby's clothes shrinking?
High heat is the usual cause. Wash cool and dry on low, or hang to dry.
See which clothes are easiest to change in zips vs. snaps, or shop the Clothing collection.
