If there's one thing that surprises new parents, it's just how much laundry a tiny baby can generate. Between spit-ups, nappy blowouts, and milk dribbles, you might find yourself doing laundry daily. But washing baby clothes isn't quite the same as washing your own—there are important considerations for protecting your baby's sensitive skin while also ensuring clothes are properly cleaned and sanitised.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about washing baby clothes, from preparing new garments to tackling tough stains and keeping fabrics soft wash after wash.
Washing New Baby Clothes Before First Wear
One of the most important steps in baby clothing care happens before your baby ever wears an item. All new baby clothes should be washed before their first wear, and here's why:
- Chemical residues: New clothes often contain formaldehyde and other chemicals used in manufacturing and shipping to prevent mold and maintain colour
- Dyes: Excess dye can irritate sensitive skin, and some dyes may not be properly fixed
- Handling: Clothes have been handled by multiple people during manufacturing, packaging, and stocking
- Allergens: Dust and other potential allergens can accumulate on stored clothing
This applies to both brand-new purchases and second-hand items. For second-hand clothes, washing also helps remove any lingering fragrances or detergent residues from the previous owner.
Wash new baby clothes in a separate load before mixing them with your regular laundry. This helps you identify any items that might bleed colour or have quality issues before they affect other clothes.
Choosing the Right Detergent
The detergent you use on baby clothes matters more than you might think. Baby skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, making it more susceptible to irritation from chemicals and fragrances.
What to Look For
- Fragrance-free: Artificial fragrances are one of the most common causes of skin irritation
- Dye-free: The dyes used to colour detergent serve no cleaning purpose and can irritate skin
- Hypoallergenic: Formulated to minimise allergic reactions
- Dermatologically tested: Has been tested for skin safety
What to Avoid
- Strong fragrances (even "fresh" or "clean" scents)
- Optical brighteners (chemicals that make clothes appear brighter)
- Fabric softeners (can irritate skin and reduce absorbency)
- Chlorine bleach (too harsh for baby clothes and skin)
Many Australian parents use brands specifically marketed for sensitive skin, such as eco-friendly options that use plant-based ingredients. However, even baby-specific detergents should be fragrance-free to minimise irritation risk.
You don't necessarily need a special "baby" detergent—any fragrance-free, dye-free detergent suitable for sensitive skin will work well. The important thing is avoiding irritants, not the marketing label.
Water Temperature Guidelines
The right water temperature depends on what you're washing and why:
Warm Water (30-40°C)
Suitable for everyday baby clothes like bodysuits, sleepsuits, and light garments. Warm water effectively cleans normal soiling while being gentle on fabrics and helping colours last longer.
Hot Water (60°C)
Reserve hot water for items that need sanitising:
- Nappies and nappy covers (if using cloth)
- Clothes soiled with vomit or diarrhoea
- Items worn during illness
- Second-hand clothing on their first wash
- Heavily stained items
Always check care labels, as some fabrics can shrink or be damaged at high temperatures.
Cold Water
Cold water is best for:
- Delicate fabrics like wool and silk
- Bright or dark colours that might bleed
- Items with embellishments
The Washing Process Step-by-Step
Before Washing
- Check all pockets and fold-over cuffs for hidden items
- Close all snaps and zippers to prevent snagging
- Turn items inside out to reduce wear on the outside
- Treat any stains (see our stain removal guide)
- Sort by colour and soil level to prevent colour transfer and ensure adequate cleaning
During Washing
- Use the recommended amount of detergent—more isn't better and can leave residue
- Choose a gentle cycle for most baby clothes
- Don't overload the machine—clothes need room to move for proper cleaning
- Consider using a mesh laundry bag for small items like socks that tend to go missing
Rinsing
An extra rinse cycle is worth considering for baby clothes. This helps ensure all detergent residue is removed, which is particularly important for babies with sensitive skin or eczema.
- Pre-treat stains before washing
- Use fragrance-free, dye-free detergent
- Choose appropriate water temperature
- Don't overload the machine
- Consider an extra rinse cycle
- Skip the fabric softener
Drying Baby Clothes
Line Drying
Line drying is the gentlest option for baby clothes and has several benefits:
- Extends the life of fabrics
- Natural sanitisation from UV sunlight
- No risk of heat damage or shrinkage
- Better for the environment and your electricity bill
However, be aware that strong Australian sun can fade colours over time. Turn brightly coloured items inside out when line drying, or dry in the shade.
Tumble Drying
When tumble drying:
- Use low heat to prevent shrinkage
- Remove clothes promptly to prevent wrinkles
- Clean the lint filter before each use
- Don't overdry—slightly damp clothes can finish drying on hangers
Avoid tumble drying items with elastic (which can degrade with heat), wool, and anything with special finishes or embellishments.
Storing Baby Clothes
Proper storage keeps baby clothes fresh and ready to wear:
- Ensure clothes are completely dry before storing to prevent mould and mildew
- Fold soft items rather than hanging to prevent stretching
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Use breathable storage (fabric bags or boxes rather than plastic)
- Keep items you'll use soon within easy reach
Special Fabric Care
Organic Cotton
Wash in cool to warm water with gentle detergent. Organic cotton may shrink slightly, so consider this when purchasing sizes.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabrics are delicate despite being durable. Wash in cool water on a gentle cycle and avoid high heat when drying.
Merino Wool
Hand wash or use a wool-specific machine cycle. Use wool wash detergent, never regular detergent. Lay flat to dry—never tumble dry or hang wet wool.
When to Replace Baby Clothes
Even with the best care, baby clothes don't last forever. Consider replacing items when:
- Elastic in necklines or cuffs becomes stretched or loose
- Snaps no longer close securely
- Fabric becomes thin or develops holes
- Stains cannot be removed despite treatment
- Zippers become stuck or damaged
By following these washing and care guidelines, you can keep your baby's clothes clean, soft, and comfortable while extending their lifespan. Given how quickly babies grow, well-maintained clothes can be passed on to siblings or other families, making your investment go further.