Laundry time for babies
Ah,
the life of a new parent. Your schedule follows a predictable pattern: eating,
sleeping, constantly changing diapers, and, yes, the joy of seemingly endless
laundry. Some days your child may change clothes so many times that your head
can spin faster than your washer or dryer.
But is
your washing routine safe for your baby's delicate skin? There are a few things
to keep in mind as you tackle this mountain of baby clothes, washcloths, bed
sheets, blankets, and even cloth diapers.
Always wash before wearing. Babies, especially newborns, have
sensitive skin, so throw most of your baby's new clothes in the wash before
they wear them. Use a mesh bag to wash and dry your socks, and attach Velcro to
keep them from snagging on other clothing.
No need to wash your child's
clothes separately.
And most people don't need to invest in a special "baby" cleanser. In
most cases, you can match their clothes with the rest of the family.
If
your child has allergies, eczema, or is just worried that a regular detergent
will cause problems, use it to wash one or two of the children's clothes, and
then check for irritation after wearing. If they have a reaction, baby
detergent may be a good investment. Or look for an unscented, hypoallergenic
soap. It can wash the clothes of the whole family.
Because
liquid detergents rinse off more easily than powder detergents, they may be the
best choice for a baby's sensitive skin. Do not use antistatic agents or fabric
softeners that may contain harsh chemicals. And avoid soap flakes, which can
take away the flame retardant properties of pajamas.
Wash cloth diapers separately. Ordinary detergents can cause
diaper rash, so they should be separated from the rest of the laundry. In
addition, in this case, baby detergent can be a good investment to protect the
delicate skin in the diaper area. After flushing the feces down the toilet,
rinse the cloth diapers in cold water, then soak them in a mild detergent with
bleach. Wash them with baby detergent in hot water. Rinse twice with each load.
Attack stains right away. If your child spits out a bottle
on their new designer summer dress, act quickly. If you can, wipe up as much of
the mess as possible with a baby wipe or soak their clothes in a mixture of
water and detergent. This reduces the likelihood that the stain will set in and
stay permanently.
Keep
children away from laundry. Washing powders are toxic. Always keep them out of
sight and reach of your baby. If there is a spill, clean it up immediately.
Washing powder capsules are especially dangerous. Children are often attracted
to them because of their bright colors. But if they get even a small amount in
their mouths or eyes, it can cause irritation, breathing or stomach problems,
or even death. It's a good idea to lock the laundry when you're not around.
Be very careful with eczema. If your child has this itchy skin condition, you need to be more careful when washing his clothes. Choose hypoallergenic detergents that are free of dyes and fragrances and rinse your laundry twice with each load. Liquid products are better because they leave less residue than powders. You should always wash any items that may come into contact with your baby's skin, such as bedding, blankets, towels, and stuffed toys, before your baby uses them for the first time.