One of the great mysteries of motherhood is how someone so tiny can produce so much dirty laundry. You'll have plenty of time to ponder that question while washing mountains of dirty onesies and tiny socks. Because your baby's skin is delicate and his clothing is bound to be stained by all manner of substances, doing his laundry may require more care than the general family wash.
Prewash Everything
Know Your Stains
Different stains require different treatments, according to "Better Homes and Gardens." Clothing with protein-based stains — those left by substances including breast milk, feces and spit-up — should be soaked for at least 30 minutes in a tub containing cold water and a laundry detergent that includes enzymes. To beat urine stains, combine 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 1 cup of water, advises "Better Homes and Gardens," and dab a cloth soaked in the mixture over the spot. Soak cloth diapers in cold water overnight, and washing them separately from other clothing.
Don't Stress About Detergent
It's nothing but the best for your baby, but that doesn't mean you have to shell out big bucks for pricey baby-only detergent. In fact, according to HealthyChildren, you can probably wash your infant's clothing with the same detergent you use for the rest of your laundry. Do avoid soap flakes, which can affect the flame retardants used to treat baby sleepwear. Test out different brands and types of detergent if you notice redness or irritation on your baby's skin, and double rinse his laundry.
