As you prepare to welcome your little one into the world, it’s tempting to hang those tiny, adorable outfits straight into the closet or place them directly in the hospital bag. But before your baby wears any new clothes, there’s one important step you shouldn’t skip — washing them.
New baby clothes may look clean and feel soft, but they can carry irritants, dyes, or chemicals from the manufacturing and packaging process. Prepping baby clothes before their first wear helps protect your baby’s sensitive skin and ensures every piece is clean, soft, and safe.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to prep new baby clothes before first wear — what to use, what to avoid, and why it matters.
Why You Should Always Wash Baby Clothes Before Use
New clothes are often treated with preservatives, sizing agents, and dyes to make them look fresh and wrinkle-free in stores. These substances can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or rashes in newborns, whose skin is thinner and more sensitive than adults.
Even if baby clothes come sealed in a package, they may have been exposed to dust, mold, or other contaminants during manufacturing, shipping, or while sitting on store shelves.
Pre-washing eliminates:
- Chemical residues
- Dirt and dust
- Bacteria or allergens
- Potential irritants from handling
It also softens the fabric, making clothes more comfortable and breathable for your baby.
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepping Baby Clothes
1. Sort by Fabric Type and Color
Before you start washing, sort the clothes just as you would your own laundry. Separate:
- Whites and lights from darks
- Delicates (like lace or embroidered pieces) from everyday cotton
- Heavier items like jackets or blankets from thinner ones
Sorting helps prevent color bleeding and ensures every piece is washed gently and thoroughly.
2. Choose a Baby-Safe Detergent
Not all detergents are safe for newborns. Look for options that are:
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Free from dyes and harsh chemicals
- Dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
Many parents choose plant-based, eco-friendly detergents to reduce exposure to synthetic ingredients. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as they can leave residues that may irritate your baby’s skin.
If you’re unsure about techniques or detergents, our guide on how to wash baby clothes provides detailed instructions to help you get started.
3. Use the Right Washing Settings
Set your washer to a gentle or delicate cycle using cold or warm water (not hot, unless sanitizing cloth diapers). Always read the care labels on each garment to avoid shrinkage or damage.
For small or delicate items like mittens, hats, or socks, consider using a mesh laundry bag to keep them from getting lost or stretched out.
4. Air Dry When Possible
While tumble drying is convenient, air drying is gentler on baby clothes and reduces the risk of shrinkage, especially for organic or cotton fabrics. Hang clothes on a drying rack or clothesline, ideally in sunlight for natural disinfection.
If you use a dryer, choose a low heat setting and skip dryer sheets, which can leave behind residue that may irritate your baby’s skin.
What to Wash (and Not Forget)
Many parents focus on washing bodysuits and sleepers but forget about other baby essentials. Here’s a full list of items you should prep before your baby’s arrival:
Wash:
- Onesies, sleepers, pants, socks
- Hats, mittens, and bibs
- Swaddles, receiving blankets, burp cloths
- Towels and washcloths
- Crib sheets and bassinet linens
- Nursing covers and car seat covers
- Baby wraps and carriers
- Soft toys or loveys that will touch the baby’s face
Don’t Wash (yet):
- Clothes sized 6 months and up (unless you plan to use them soon)
- Items you may return or exchange
Only wash what you plan to use in the first few weeks to preserve clothing longevity and avoid over-washing.
How to Handle Hand-Me-Downs and Secondhand Clothes
Secondhand clothes are a great way to save money and reduce waste — but they should always be washed, even if they appear clean. If they’ve been stored for a while, they may have yellow stains, dust, or allergens.
- Pre-soak in a mixture of warm water and baby-safe detergent to remove lingering smells or stains.
- Inspect for damage or loose threads that could pose a choking hazard.
- Wash using the same method you would for new clothes.
Can You Wash Baby Clothes with the Rest of the Laundry?
It’s best to wash baby clothes separately at first, especially if you use scented or regular detergent for your own laundry. Over time, you may choose to combine loads using a shared baby-safe detergent, but separating them in the early weeks helps reduce exposure to potential irritants.
Final Tips
- Label clothes by size after washing to keep drawers organized.
- Use fragrance-free drawer liners if storing prepped clothes in a dresser.
- Inspect clothes after drying to ensure they’re completely clean and haven’t shrunk.
Conclusion
Prepping baby clothes before first wear is a small but essential step in caring for your newborn. By washing new clothes with baby-safe products and proper techniques, you’ll ensure that every outfit your baby wears is clean, soft, and safe.
And remember — understanding how to wash baby clothes properly doesn’t just protect your baby’s skin, it also keeps those tiny garments in top shape for as long as possible. With a little preparation, your baby’s wardrobe will be ready to go the moment they arrive.
