Babies are fragile tiny beings whose immune systems are still developing and are hence, more susceptible to infections and diseases. As parents, we always try our best to keep our babies away from germs and bacteria that can lead to sicknesses, but did you know that your babies clothes can be a hotspot for bacteria growth?

Babies clothes are constantly exposed to food spills, vomit, snot, saliva, urine and even poop. Yikes! This is why new born baby clothes require proper washing. When it comes to cleaning baby clothes, hand washing is the most preferable.

In this article, we are going to talk about the ways to wash baby clothes by hand for both new and experienced parents.

Hand-washing your baby’s clothes are highly recommended for fabric care since they are smaller and softer, compared to adult clothes that can withstand harsher methods of washing.

NEW CLOTHES, MORE PROTECTION

For newly-bought baby clothes, you must wash them before putting them on for your child.  These clothes may be new to your closet but it has been in store shelves for longer than you think! This also means that they are exposed to pests and other bacteria which can cause allergies or skin irritations.

HANDWASHING TIPS FOR BABY CLOTHES

 Most baby clothes come with washing labels that will point you in the right direction when it comes to washing, but if the labels are absent, here are some general tips:

1. Check the water temperature to ensure that it’s not too hot. Baby clothes are mostly made with soft fibre and milder components, which makes them more vulnerable to damage and shrinkage. The ideal temperature to wash their clothes in would be between 30 – 40 degrees celcius, and up to 55 degrees to kill dustmites and germs if the washing instructions allows.

2. As much as possible, use a non-chemical or mild detergent for your baby’s clothes. A baby’s skin is much more sensitive than an adult’s skin and could react adversely to regular detergents which often contain reagents that can trigger skin abnormalities like rashes. Do also take note to use the right amount of detergent. If too much is used, there could be residual detergent even after rinsing, and if too little is used, you run the risk of the clothes not being properly cleaned.

3. Soak your baby’s clothes in warm water before and after the handwashing. This helps with disinfecting the clothes. You might also want to consider double (or even triple!) rinsing their clothes to get rid of any residual detergent.

4. When drying your baby boy and girl’s clothes, make sure that they are all completely dry before you store them inside the closet. This is to prevent odour-causing germs and mold from forming since they thrive in dark and humid places. If it’s possible, it would be best to let the clothes dry under direct sunlight.

Properly washing your baby’s clothes is more important than most parents might think. If you have a child, you would know that nothing keeps you up all night (literally!) like a child who is sick!

Are you looking for toddler’s clothes online in Singapore? Visit OETEO and choose from the many options that we have in store for you and your baby.