🧺 The Newborn Laundry Guide: How to Wash Baby Clothes Safely Because baby-soft skin deserves baby-soft care.

🧺 The Newborn Laundry Guide: How to Wash Baby Clothes Safely Because baby-soft skin deserves baby-soft care.

🩵 Step 1: Choose the Right Detergent

Not all detergents are baby-safe.
Look for labels that say:

  • Fragrance-free (unscented, not “lightly scented”)

  • Dye-free

  • Hypoallergenic

You’ll also want detergents that are free from sulfates, phosphates, and optical brighteners — these ingredients can cause rashes or dryness.

🌿 Pro Tip: If your baby has eczema or allergies, look for detergents approved by the National Eczema Association.

🧦 Step 2: Wash Before First Wear

Baby clothes — even new ones — can have dust, residue, or dye particles from packaging.
Always wash everything before your baby wears it:

  • Onesies

  • Burp cloths

  • Swaddles

  • Blankets

  • Stuffed toys

✨ Parent Tip: Pre-wash with warm water and do a gentle rinse cycle to remove any detergent traces.

🧴 Step 3: Skip the Fabric Softener

Softeners might make clothes feel silky, but they often leave behind chemicals and fragrances that can irritate baby skin.
Instead, try:

  • White vinegar (½ cup per rinse cycle) — a natural softener and odor remover

  • Dryer balls — help prevent static and keep clothes fluffy

🍼 Step 4: Sort by Fabric and Function

Not all baby items need the same wash:

  • Everyday clothes: Warm water + gentle cycle

  • Cloth diapers or burp cloths: Hot water + extra rinse

  • Delicates (like knitwear): Cold water + mesh bag

💡 Tip: Wash baby items separately from adult laundry to avoid fragrance transfer.

🌤 Step 5: Dry with Care

Sunlight is your best friend — it naturally disinfects and removes mild stains.
If you use a dryer, set it to low heat to prevent shrinking or fabric wear.

Avoid dryer sheets — they’re coated in chemicals that can linger on baby clothes.

☀️ Bonus: Sun-drying baby blankets leaves them smelling naturally fresh.

🌸 The Takeaway

Baby laundry isn’t complicated — it’s just mindful.
By choosing gentle detergents, skipping fragrances, and caring for fabrics with intention, you’re protecting your baby’s comfort and health every single day.

Because the best kind of clean is the kind that feels safe. 🤍

Back to blog