What pregnant woman doesn’t dream of this moment? Preparing the layette, washing the little clothes, packing the hospital bag… But then doubt may arise: when should you wash the baby’s clothes and when should you finally pack the hospital bag? Everything should start to be prepared as soon as the mother knows the baby’s sex or, if she chooses not to know, the layette can be put together from the 16th to 20th week, which is when there is absolute certainty about the baby’s sex or how many fetuses there are1.

When putting together the layette, there may also be doubts, which is why it’s important to decide on the list even before going to the stores, as this way you’ll spend less than if you simply go out and shop. In stores, there are so many options for baby clothes that can end up confusing moms even more, leading to loss by buying extra and unnecessary items.

After buying the little outfits, which at this initial stage should be size Newborn or Small, you can wash them properly before finally putting them away. In fact, where to store them should also be one of the first things to decide: in a dresser, wardrobe, or even a section of the parents’ closet. But when should you wash baby clothes to await their arrival, and how should you wash them? Should you wash absolutely everything? The recommendation is that clothes should start being washed from the 30th week of pregnancy. To start, it is recommended to wash the larger items first, such as:

  • Blankets
  • Sheets
  • Duvets
  • Shawls
  • Quilts
  • Towels
  • Cloth Diapers

Soon after, the smaller clothes, size Newborn or Small, should be washed, as these will be the first to be used and need to be clean so that the mother can pack the hospital bag.

Which soap to use to wash baby clothes?

To wash baby clothes, you should use mild soap. There are many products on the market these days, but the main and best tip is: the less fragrance, the better! That’s why you should still prefer coconut soap or soap made for baby clothes or delicate fabrics, such as the Ola brand, for example.

There are other brands such as Ruth, Vida Macia, Omo and Roma which may be in powder or liquid form, and Coquel which are equally effective. However, the mildest scent is from the Ola liquid brand or the most natural possible, unscented liquid coconut soap, which are by far the best. The use of fabric softener is not recommended for washing baby clothes, especially if you use an appropriate liquid soap for them, as they’ll already be soft. But if the mother really wants to use it anyway, it’s recommended to use those appropriate for newborn clothing, like Mon Bijou or Comfort, for example.

The ideal day to wash baby clothes is when it’s warm and sunny, so the clothes dry the same day and you avoid insects and unpleasant smells. If that’s not possible and it’s raining, it’s best to wash and leave the clothes in a well-ventilated area to dry so they don’t pick up a musty odor or mold. If you don’t have a large space at home, wash a few at a time or use the house of someone who does have enough space.

You can wash baby clothes in the washing machine, including washer-driers. The secret is to use the shortest washing cycle. There’s no need to scrub for long, as the baby clothes aren’t dirty. Washing is only to remove dust and any dirt from hands that handled them. To wash by hand, you can start with a 2-hour soak in a mix of mild soap and water, then gently rub them between your hands to remove starch and dust. The mini washer, just like the machine, can be used, but take care with how long you leave the clothes washing. Always choose the shortest washing cycle.

The most valuable tip for all types of washing: Don’t use too much soap to wash baby clothes! Just use the recommended amount on the package for perfect rinsing and to avoid residue, and rinse well.

Ironing the clothes is essential2. Even if the mother can’t do it herself because of the pregnancy weight, she can ask grandma, an aunt, or even hire someone to help. To store the baby’s clothes, the tip is to use individual bags until they are used, to prevent them from getting dusty again. You can easily find bags of all sizes at packaging stores, even large enough to store blankets, quilts, and everything else that needs to be washed and ironed to await the baby. Enjoy this moment, it is unique! Take pictures of the clothesline full of tiny, colorful clothes—it will be a beautiful memory of your pregnancy.

See also: What to pack in the hospital bag?