There is no greater gift than a child. Your life isn’t complete until they’re in it. Of course, there is some additional effort involved when you have a baby. A small person can make a surprising number of messes. We can’t help with everything that comes with being a parent, but we can take care of the laundry service. Taking special care with anything that comes in contact with a baby’s delicate skin is essential. The most pristine and comfortable belongings in your home should be reserved for your baby. To keep your baby as comfortable as possible and free from allergies and other potential sources of irritation, follow these guidelines.
A HOLIDAY WITHOUT A BABY
It’s time to bring the baby home, because the nursery is all set up, with the crib assembled and all the little drawers stocked with adorable newborn attire. So, you think you’ve got everything you need? In other words, hurry up and have the baby already! Hold on a second. Have you ever stopped to think about what your baby’s clothing and blankets might have been exposed to on their long journey from the factory to the store where you bought them? New clothing may have been chemically treated, may be dirty or dusty from the factory or warehouse where they were stored, and may be infected with germs from both the people who handled the garments and the customers who touched them in the store.
It’s important to pre-wash your baby’s clothes to get rid of any bacteria or other germs that could be hiding in there. This includes all fabrics your baby will come into contact with, such as those used for bedding and blankets. The instructions on the care label suggest washing the clothes at the highest temperature allowed. Additionally, if the label permits it, iron them at the highest setting to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
HEALTH TOWELS AND BABY CLOTHES: A PRENATAL WASHING HINT
You should clean your washing machine. Your washing machine has likely been used to clean much dirtier items than your baby’s clothing. Before washing your baby’s clothes, make sure the washing machine has been thoroughly cleaned. To eliminate any bacteria hiding within, run an empty wash cycle with a cup of white vinegar set to the highest temperature possible. It’s recommended to do this every two week to maintain the cleanliness and freshness of your washing machine.
CLEANING PRODUCTS AND DETERGENTS FOR BABY WASHING
Many brands of baby and kid-friendly detergents have been developed with sensitive skin in mind. Cleaning products specifically designed for use on infants can be found in most grocery stores. Some households prefer to use regular detergent, such as Neutral or another pH neutral and dermatologist-tested detergent, rather than those containing harsh chemicals or fragrances
Don’t use fabric softeners on your baby, as the added dyes and perfumes could cause skin irritation. Add half a cup of vinegar to the wash to soften the clothes without using harmful chemicals.
