How do you care for baby clothes?
Newborn skin is wonderfully soft, but also extremely sensitive. With everyday little mishaps (milk, spit-up and purées), washing baby clothes quickly becomes a daily ritual for new parents.
How can you remove stubborn stains while protecting your little one’s delicate skin? How can you keep their wardrobe essentials as soft as they were on day one?
Discover our ultimate eco-conscious guide to caring for baby clothes with confidence, from their very first outfits up to age three.
Should you wash baby clothes before their first wear?
The answer is an emphatic yes. Whether it’s adorable T-shirts, pretty dresses, summer shorts or delicate blouses and shirts fresh from our store, new clothes are handled many times before they reach baby’s wardrobe.
Bonton’s tip: A first machine wash (at 30°C or 40°C) removes dust residue and helps protect your child’s skin barrier from irritation or allergies. This also applies to textile accessories such as hair clips, scrunchies, scarves, bucket hats and caps.
Which detergent should you choose for baby’s sensitive skin?
Choosing the right detergent is the most important step in preventing redness and infant eczema.
Choose hypoallergenic and organic formulas
Forget regular family detergents, which are often too heavily scented with synthetic fragrances. Choose a hypoallergenic liquid detergent tested under dermatological supervision. It’s the best way to wash bodies and pyjamas, which stay in direct contact with your baby’s skin.
Say goodbye to conventional fabric softener
Conventional fabric softener leaves a chemical film on fibres that can irritate baby’s skin and reduce fabrics’ absorbency.
The green tip: Replace fabric softener with a small glass of white vinegar in the appropriate compartment. It neutralises limescale and naturally softens fabrics, from towelling outfits to swimwear after a trip to the beach or pool.
What temperature and wash cycle should you use for each type of garment?
There’s no need to boil-wash your child’s entire wardrobe! To protect the fibres and do your bit for the planet, choose the right temperature for each type of garment:
- 30°C to 40°C for everyday wear: This is the ideal temperature for lightweight pieces such as trousers, cotton jumpsuits, T-shirts and dresses. It helps preserve the vibrancy of Bonton’s exclusive colours.
- Caring for warmer pieces: For jackets and coats, an occasional low-temperature wash with a gentle spin is recommended to preserve the garment’s structure.
- A good habit: Don’t overload the washing machine, so everything gets rinsed thoroughly.
Stain SOS: how can you remove stains from baby clothes naturally?
Stains are part of baby life, especially during potty training or when introducing solid foods. The secret? Act quickly before the stain sets.
- Milk or purée stains: Rinse immediately with cold water (hot water sets proteins). Then dab with a little Marseille soap before machine washing.
- The power of sunshine: For stubborn stains on light-coloured clothes, hang the wet laundry in direct sunlight. It’s a wonderfully natural stain remover and whitener!
Knitwear and little shoes: Bonton’s golden rules
At Bonton, we love high-quality, durable fabrics. Warm layers and shoes need special care:
Your favourite knitwear
Garter stitch, merino wool and cashmere need gentle care. For your sweaters, cardigans and sweatshirts, choose a cold wool/delicates cycle, use a laundry bag and a suitable detergent. Dry flat to prevent the knitwear from losing its shape.
Shoes and slippers
It’s easy to overlook, but foot care is essential:
- Soft leather or canvas slippers can generally be cleaned by hand with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- For leather shoes, regular brushing and a suitable leather conditioner will keep the leather supple for baby’s first steps.
By adopting these simple habits, you’ll not only protect your baby’s delicate skin but also extend the life of their clothes. Caring for clothes properly means their favourite pieces can be passed down to future generations!
Discover the Bonton Baby Collection now.
