Having a baby inevitably means having doubts. And many of them pop up at moments you never imagined they would. The various questions that arise when we think about having a baby may not sound so common to others, but for mothers they really make a lot of sense. This is what happens, for example, when a mother wonders about the effects of fabric softener on her baby’s clothes. Even though this may seem like a less relevant question to many, it can help avoid several common problems among mothers and babies. But for you to better understand the importance of this issue, it’s first necessary to understand how babies’ bodies work.
Babies’ skin
The younger a person is, the more sensitive their skin is. This is because when we are born, many of our body’s functions are not yet complete, and it’s no different with our skin1. A baby’s skin is not yet used to the various agents in the external world outside the womb, including both natural things like flower pollen, for example, as well as artificial things, like cleaning products. That’s why many mothers worry when it comes time to wash their baby’s clothes.
Is fabric softener on baby clothes really harmful?
The most recommended advice is not to use fabric softener on your baby’s clothes. This is because, although the products are not very harmful, a baby’s skin is very sensitive and may end up getting irritated. What you should do, then, is wash clothes well with neutral soap and be very careful when drying to make sure no soap residue is left on any item. 
How to wash baby clothes?
To clear up this question that so many have, we’ve prepared a step-by-step on how to wash baby clothes safely, so as not to cause any kind of irritation and to keep your little one smelling great, of course. See below where to wash, what products to use, how to wash, and how to dry.
Where to wash?
The first thing you need to know is that baby clothes should be washed separately from anyone else’s clothes in your home. This means you need to provide an exclusive container for washing these items. As we said earlier, it’s recommended to use only neutral soap. The use of fabric softener on baby clothes can cause minor allergy problems, so it’s not recommended. Even though there are fabric softeners made specifically for babies, neutral soap is still the best option, especially for newborns’ clothes.
How to wash?
In the exclusive container for baby clothes, you should soak the items for about 15 minutes and then scrub them with neutral soap. Pay attention to spots that are stained or have been exposed to some kind of dirt for longer. Washing your baby’s clothes by hand is more recommended than washing them in the machine. However, if machine-washing is necessary, make sure there are no residues from other products so that the baby’s clothes won’t be affected.
How to dry?
After washing, make sure that no soap residue remains on the clothes. Hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area or in the sun. The old wives say that clothes left out in the dew can give babies colic. But this is just an old legend with no proof at all.
How to iron?
Many mothers think ironing baby clothes is unnecessary. But this step is important so you can check whether the clothes are truly clean. Besides, the heat from the iron helps eliminate bacteria. You can iron the clothes as normal, but be careful not to dress your baby in clothes that are too hot.
When should you start washing baby clothes?
There is no exact time to start washing your baby’s clothes. If they’re not very dirty, there’s no reason to start washing them. But usually they end up getting dirty, mainly due to spit-up or leaky diapers. When you feel your baby will need to wear clothes more than once, that’s the right time to start washing. However, if you want to start using fabric softener on your baby’s clothes, it’s recommended to do this only after the first year of life. This is the time needed for newborn skin to get used to, and not be irritated by, contact with certain chemicals. Still, you must pay attention and use only specific products for babies, as other types of fabric softeners can cause irritation or allergies in your child. Using fabric softener on baby clothes is just one of many issues involving the sensitivity of babies’ skin and the many types of allergies that can end up affecting little ones2. From time to time, it’s necessary to review everything you know about these topics, especially as babies start to grow, their bodies change, and consequently, the ways you care for them change too. This is a fleeting doubt, but it will end up turning into many other questions that will follow you along your motherhood journey. And that’s a good thing, since that’s how we grow and learn. See Also: Tips for Washing Baby Clothes Photo: pxhere
