Children & Adolescents Clinic

 Home Parent's Guide

Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Baby Laundry: General Information

Do not wash baby clothes with diapers. Baby clothes can be washed with the other family clothing.

Wash all new baby clothes and diapers before you use them--this ensures that they are clean and soft and comfortable for your baby.

CHOICE OF DETERGENTS

In addition to cost, a factor to watch for in your choice of detergent is a possible allergic reaction of your baby to the detergent.

NOTE: To preserve the fire-retardant qualities of your baby's clothes, be sure to launder them in detergent, NOT soap. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

It is probably not a good idea to use fabric softener in the washer or dryer. It tends to be highly perfumed and may cause a rash on the baby.

WASHING DIAPERS

Diaper rash is caused by bacteria; you can therefore help prevent diaper rash by keeping your diapers as germ-free as possible.

HINTS FOR WASHING DIAPERS:

  • Keep a pail for diapers by the dressing table where they can soak until you rinse them.
  • A solution of borax and water in the soaking pail will help remove stains and make the washing easier.
  • RINSE ALL diapers no matter how soiled before placing in the diaper pail.
  • Run diapers through two wash cycles. On the first, use hot water, soap, and bleach or whitener. On the second, use just water, adding white vinegar to the last rinse cycle. Vinegar gets rid of soap residue and acts as a whitener and clothes softener.
  • Baking soda added to last rinse keeps diapers soft and smelling fresh.
  • Hang diapers outside to dry: it helps bleach and disinfect them.
  • Avoid putting plastic pants in the dryer.
  • Hard water may require additional rinsing to remove soap residue.

HINTS FOR REMOVING DIFFICULT BABY STAINS:

  • Soak stained baby clothes in hot water with a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup laundry soap.
  • Use a moistened cloth dipped in baking soda to remove sour milk stains on clothes.

Written by Kate Capage.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems