When Should I Wash My Baby’s Clothes?

You know better than us: babies get dirty fast. In no time at all, you can find yourself with a waist-high pile of rompers, T-shirts, and bibs! 

So, to make sure you always have clean clothes that respect your little one's delicate skin, it's important to get organized. 

We explain when to wash your baby's clothes as well as the frequency and ideal washing method for each type of garment.

When should I wash my baby's clothes before birth?

If your baby hasn’t arrived yet, it's a good idea to get ahead on washing. Get the baby’s clothes ready so they can immediately enjoy soft clothes that respect their sensitive skin. 

A baby's skin is 3 to 5 times thinner than that of an adult. New clothes can be full of bacteria and germs, having been handled by many people before purchase. They also contain chemicals, notably from textile dyes. An early wash will eliminate all these potential irritants and allergenic agents for your child.

So wash your baby's clothes (including rompers, T-shirts, pants, underwear, and pyjamas) and bedding 3 to 4 weeks before your baby's due date. Simply follow the instructions on the labels, respecting the recommended washing temperature.

How often should I wash my baby's clothes?

Your little one is now part of your daily routine. Would you like to know how often to wash their clothes? Washing your baby's clothes at the right frequency will ensure that you're always well-equipped but also keep your clothes in good condition for the long term!

Washing frequency varies according to the type of laundry:

• Bibs, underwear, pyjamas (see baby girls’ pajamas and baby boys’ pajamas), and cloth diapers, which get dirty the fastest, should be washed daily. 
• Romper suits, pants, and T-shirts should be washed every two days on average, depending on how dirty they are.
• A sleeping bag should be cleaned every 4 days or so. 
• Bed linen, such as fitted sheets and pillowcases, should be washed about once a week. Comforters should be washed twice a year to prevent dust mites. 
• Soft toys and stuffed animals should be cleaned about once a month. They should be washed at a low temperature or with steam to retain their scent, which is important to your little one.

Note that, in summer, the frequency of washing may increase as your little one sweats more!

Washing baby clothes is a matter of method!

To ensure your baby's clothes are soft and fresh for every occasion, there are two things to consider: the washing method and the products used.

Washing mode:

For cotton garments, opt for a wash cycle lasting one to two hours, at medium to high temperatures, i.e. 40°C to 60°C. Delicate garments should ideally be washed at a low temperature, and the cycle should be shorter (around 30 minutes). 

Remember to wash your baby's clothes separately. As babies’ skin is still sensitive, it's best to minimize contact with the rest of the family's clothes. As far as possible, organize your laundry so as not to mix your baby's clothes with those of other family members.

Products used

When it comes to washing products, opt for a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent based on natural and/or organic ingredients, such as those with the Ecocert label. Avoid detergents and fabric softeners with high concentrations of perfumes and dyes. You can also make your own homemade detergent with white vinegar. 

Finally, when washing, don't use too much detergent so the rinse cycle completely eliminates product residue. 

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We hope these tips on washing baby clothes help you!