| So you're having a baby. You think you've thought of | | | | Another thing that is important when laundering baby |
| everything, but at the same time you're terrified that | | | | clothing is to make sure that you launder any cloth |
| you've missed something. Here's one thing you may or | | | | diapers separately. If you are using cloth diapers, you |
| may not have thought of: laundry. Yes, you know that | | | | may think of the obvious reason: these items of |
| you will have more, but have you considered the basic | | | | clothing are obviously much more soiled than the |
| differences between your baby's laundering needs and | | | | average baby clothing item. It is best to launder these |
| yours? If you regularly use perfumed detergents, | | | | items twice: once in bleach with a double rinse, and |
| bleach, or fabric softener, your laundering habits may | | | | then a second time with just vinegar during the last |
| need some reform. | | | | rinse cycle. This is important because not only is the |
| Gone are the days of washing clothes just because | | | | baby using these items a lot more frequently (so they |
| they smell. Your baby is going to burp up stuff you've | | | | get a lot more wear), but also they are the closest to |
| never thought of, and your laundry piles are going to | | | | the baby's very sensitive skin. So making sure that |
| skyrocket. This is only one new concern, however, | | | | cloth diapers are as allergen free as possible is a key |
| since your baby's skin is much more sensitive to | | | | factor in keeping your baby comfortable and happy. |
| chemicals than you and your spouses' grown up skin. | | | | The last item on our laundry agenda will keep your |
| Laundering the baby's clothing in detergents that are | | | | laundry service or electric company well fed, and you |
| free of perfumes and dyes is one quick way to help | | | | plenty busy. As your baby quickly outgrows each new |
| ensure that your baby does not get unnecessary | | | | item of clothing, and a new one needs to be |
| discomfort from irritating chemicals. There are | | | | purchased to replace it, the new items should all be |
| detergents formulated specifically for babies, but for | | | | washed before being put on the baby. That includes |
| the most part as long as you stay away from | | | | outerwear and bath accessories, but is especially |
| perfume and dye heavy products, your baby should | | | | important for things that you buy a lot of, like |
| be just fine. There are of course rare cases in which | | | | undershirts, socks, and onesies. The first couple of |
| the baby has specific allergies, in which case it is | | | | months are particularly crucial in determining what kind |
| probably best to find one brand that works for your | | | | of laundering ritual is best for your new addition. This is |
| baby's skin and stick with it. Unfortunately for your | | | | also a time in which you will be getting used to a lot of |
| baby, this may mean a short trial and error process. | | | | specifics about your new baby. Make sure no matter |
| As with food allergies, just keep a keen eye out and | | | | how you launder your baby's clothes, you keep a good |
| make sure you seek immediate medical treatment | | | | eye out for possible allergic reactions and rashes. A |
| when you are concerned about anything. | | | | comfortable baby is a much happier baby. |