Baby clothes are more than just adorable outfits—they’re a part of your little one’s daily comfort and care. Whether you’ve stocked up on essentials or received cherished gifts, keeping baby clothes soft, clean, and in good condition is essential for your baby’s delicate skin.
At Vincent Faith Baby, we craft our clothing with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, designed to be gentle, breathable, and long-lasting. With the right care, you can preserve the softness and durability of organic fabrics while keeping them free from harsh chemicals or irritants.
This guide will help you safely wash, dry, and store your baby’s clothes so they remain fresh and soft for as long as possible.
Why Baby Clothes Require Special Care
Unlike regular clothing, baby clothes need extra attention due to their delicate fabrics and close contact with sensitive skin. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborns have thinner and more absorbent skin, making them more vulnerable to irritants in harsh detergents or fabric treatments.
Proper washing helps:
• Remove allergens, bacteria, and residue from the manufacturing process
• Prevent skin irritation caused by harsh detergents or fabric softeners
• Extend the lifespan of delicate organic cotton fabrics
Step-by-Step Baby Laundry Guide
1. Wash Before First Use
New clothes may look clean, but they often contain residual dyes, fabric finishes, or dust from packaging. Washing before your baby wears them ensures they’re free from irritants and safe for sensitive skin.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent
• Wash on a cold or lukewarm cycle to prevent shrinkage
• Skip fabric softeners, which can coat fibers and reduce breathability
2. Choose the Right Detergent
Many conventional detergents contain harsh chemicals, dyes, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate newborn skin. Instead, opt for:
• Fragrance-free, dye-free detergents
• Plant-based, hypoallergenic formulas
• Liquid detergent instead of powder, which rinses out more easily
The National Eczema Association recommends avoiding detergents with sulfates, phosphates, or optical brighteners, as they can trigger skin irritation and allergies.
3. Wash Baby Clothes Separately
To prevent cross-contamination with dirt, lint, or strong fragrances from other laundry, wash baby clothes separately—especially for newborns and preemies.
• Sort by fabric type and color (light vs. dark)
• Wash in small loads to avoid overloading the machine
• Use a gentle cycle to protect delicate fabrics
4. Skip Fabric Softeners & Dryer Sheets
While fabric softeners make clothes feel smoother, they leave behind a chemical residue that can be harsh on baby skin and reduce fabric absorbency.
Instead, try:
• A cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle for natural softness
• Wool dryer balls to prevent static and keep fabrics fluffy
5. Use the Right Water Temperature
Hot water can weaken natural fibers and cause baby clothes to shrink, while cold water may not remove stains effectively.
• For everyday washing – Use cold or lukewarm water (30-40°C / 85-105°F)
• For tough stains or illness-related laundry – Wash in warm water (40-60°C / 105-140°F) to kill bacteria and germs
6. Treat Stains Immediately
Baby clothes are bound to get messy with spit-up, diaper leaks, and food spills. The key to keeping them looking new is treating stains quickly.
• Breast milk/formula stains – Soak in cold water with mild detergent before washing
• Poop stains – Rinse in cold water, apply baking soda or gentle stain remover, and let sit before washing
• Food stains – Pre-treat with a mixture of water and white vinegar to break down residue
Avoid bleach, as it weakens fibers and can cause irritation. Instead, opt for oxygen-based stain removers if needed.
7. Drying Baby Clothes the Right Way
Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to preserving softness and preventing shrinkage.
• Air-dry whenever possible – Organic cotton lasts longer when air-dried
• Use a low-heat setting if using a dryer – High heat can weaken natural fibers
• Avoid hanging heavy items – Lay flat to maintain shape
8. Properly Storing Baby Clothes
Once washed and dried, storing baby clothes correctly helps maintain freshness and prevent fabric wear.
• Fold instead of hanging – Hanging can stretch out delicate onesies and sleepers
• Use breathable storage bins – Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause mildew
• Add lavender sachets – A natural way to keep clothes fresh without synthetic fragrances
Why Organic Fabrics Need Extra Care
Organic fabrics, like the 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton used in Vincent Faith Baby clothing, are free from synthetic treatments, meaning they require gentler washing techniques.
• Avoid harsh detergents – Chemicals can break down organic fibers
• Wash in cool water – Hot water can cause shrinkage
• Skip chemical softeners – Organic cotton is naturally soft and breathable
With the right care, organic baby clothes can stay soft, durable, and beautiful while remaining gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.
The Bottom Line: Gentle Washing for Lasting Comfort
Properly caring for your baby’s clothes ensures they remain as soft and safe as the day you bought them. By choosing organic fabrics, using gentle detergents, and washing with care, you can keep your little one’s wardrobe fresh and free from irritants.
At Vincent Faith Baby, we believe that every baby deserves clothing that is as pure as their skin. Our organic, NICU-friendly designs are crafted with love to keep your baby comfortable and safe.