Baby Care

Do You Have To Wash Your Newborn Baby’s Clothes Before Wearing Them?


Shopping for your newborn baby’s clothes is such an exciting activity, let’s admit it, baby clothes are cute! And there are tons of options to choose from, if you’re not careful, you’ll end up buying the whole clothes in the mall! (just kidding).

But on getting home, you’ll drop your shopping bags on the chair and wonder if you really have to wash all the clothes, after all they are new.

A Mamalette asked this question, some time ago;

“Do I have to wash my newborn baby’s clothes before wearing them for him?” Read on to know the answer to this question;


I know it will be a lot of work to wash the clothes, yet any new clothes you buy for your baby should be washed, be it the ones you bought or the ones given to him, wash it at least once and make them ready for your baby to wear when he’s born.

Many of these clothes could have been on display for a long while, so you can’t testify to how clean they are. These clothes while being transported around could have been exposed to bugs, rodents and different things. The clothes might even have bacteria on them, and as babies have sensitive skin, it may irritate their skin.

To keep them looking fresh, there are times when new clothes are sprayed with formaldehyde solution, the chemical is harsh and may irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Wash your new baby clothes to protect your little one’s beautiful skin from unknown infections and bacteria.

“What washing products can I use in washing my baby’s clothes?”

A mild soap that is fragrance and chemical free is best used for washing your baby’s clothes. Don’t use the normal detergents you use in washing your clothes to wash your newborn’s clothes. Your skin is not as sensitive as your baby’s, so use a mild detergent. Ask your baby’s paediatrician to suggest one if you aren’t sure of what to use.

How To Wash New Baby Clothes?

If you have a baby already and he stains his clothes while eating, to remove the stain, use baby-safe stain removal detergents.

  • Wash all the clothes in lukewarm water. You can use hot water to wash only cloth diapers.
  • To wash baby clothes, start by soaking them in a tub of water, lightly wash them with a mild detergent and properly rinse them off with water.
  • After the first rinse, do a second rinse and add a few teaspoons of vinegar to a bucket of water, add the clothes, and squeeze it out.
  • Read the instruction on the label of the clothes before washing.
  • If you discover that your baby is allergic to a detergent, maybe he itches or you notice rashes on him, then stop use of the detergent and ask your healthcare provider on the best detergent to use.

I’m sure you are cleared of your doubts, washing your new baby’s clothes is alright, now if you are expecting your baby and you just bought his clothes, get on with the washing Mamalette! Don’t be lazy.

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8 Symptoms That Show When Baby Starts Teething

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8 Symptoms That Show When Baby Starts Teething


When it comes to teething, babies start at different ages and to be able to better cope with everything that comes with teething, it’s important that parents familiarize themselves with baby teething symptoms so it can be easier on them.

And here are the 8 symptoms of teething in babies;

1. Excessive drooling

Excessive drooling is one of the first symptoms of teething, the incoming teeth will stimulate the gum, then the water will pour. A lot of towels and bibs will come handy. Diarrhea and loose stools may follow excessive drooling.

2. Baby starts biting

Babies will bite anything they can put their mouth on, this is because of the pressure on their gum. Toys, teethers, and even their mother’s nipple is not exempted.


3. Baby cries in pain

Inflamed gum can make teething painful which will cause babies to be uncomfortable. Your baby might cry in pain and be extra fussy, just bear with them.

4. Bleeding gum

Their gum might bleed, this is called hematoma. The bleeding takes place under the gum. Watch out for a bluish lump on your baby’s gum, although it’s no cause for alarm.

5. Refusing food

Some babies are more sensitive than others in the way they feel and respond to pain, they might even refuse to eat. Feeding will be quite difficult for them when teething. Do not stop forcing food on their throat though.

6. Fever 

Fever is also another common symptom of teething, but it’s low-grade fever which is no cause for alarm or worrying. But if it lasts more than 3 days and it’s high, consult your doctor.

7. Diarrhoea 

Babies sometimes suffer diarrhea when teething, this may or may not be as a result of the large amount of drool they swallow but if it’s extreme, consult your doctor immediately to rule out other possibilities.

8. Cheek rubbing 

Your baby might rub her cheek from time to time, this is because often times, the pain from teeth may radiate to the cheeks thus her to rub the cheek and soothe the pain. Although, this might also be a symptom of an ear infection so watch out.

Finally, you can conduct a test if you suspect that your child is teething, wash your fingers, then with one clean finger rub your baby’s gum, if a tooth is on it’s way, you’ll feel it. Meanwhile, rashes, sleeplessness, and coughing are other symptoms of teething. If any of these symptoms are in the extreme, check with your doctor.

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