Many people are accustomed to washing their clothes with fabric softeners, but if you have a newborn at home, it is time to change your laundry routine.
When my son was born, I stopped using fabric softener as I wasn’t sure how his skin would react to them. And that’s when I consulted with experts and conducted my research to determine when to start fabric softener on baby clothes.
If you, too, want to know the same, then continue reading!
Why Use Fabric Softeners?
Fabric softeners help keep the clothes wrinkle-free and soft by minimizing friction between fibers, which protects the clothes from wear and tear and makes them last longer. It is designed to be used in conjunction with detergent to soften clothes, towels, and bedding so that they don’t feel harsh against the skin.
Aside from that, it's a way to add fragrance to the baby's daily wear, which may make them feel more comfortable.
Should I Use Fabric Softeners On My Baby’s Clothes?
A. Newborns
Although fabric softeners may work well on your clothes, they may not be safe for the baby’s skin. These usually contain chemical compounds, some of which can be potentially dangerous for babies, especially newborns.
Mixing a fabric softener forms a fatty layer of “quaternary ammonium compounds” around the clothing. Although these ingredients soften the clothes, some of them are proven to cause asthma. Besides, some companies try to slip in some questionable ingredients like formaldehyde that may cause allergic reactions and even cancers when used in higher concentrations.
Moreover, baby clothes are designed to be flame-resistant for added protection to babies in the event of a fire. But according to experts, fabric softeners can degrade the flame resistance of the fabric, which can be extremely dangerous.
B. Toddlers
As babies grow, their skin becomes less sensitive to fragrances and chemicals. So, when your baby is a little older, you might want to start using fabric softeners for their clothes.
My answer to that will be both yes and no. Fabric softeners can be safe for some toddlers as they don’t show any visible signs of skin irritation. But that doesn’t mean that they are completely safe for use.
You must keep an eye on the transition and should stop using them immediately in case of any symptoms like rash or skin irritation. These might continue to occur until the age of 4 years or later, so try not to get frustrated if your child's skin stays sensitive for long.
So, if you want to start using baby softeners, I’d suggest using them when your child is about 4 or 5 years old, as the skin usually becomes a little more resistant by this age.
How To Use Fabric Softeners?
Tip #1
Make sure to rub off any clumpy stains, as these can get absorbed into the fiber and permanently stain the clothes. Rinsing the stains immediately with cold water can effectively prevent them from setting.
Tip #2
When machine-washing the baby clothes, pour the detergent and fabric softener into their designated compartments. If you have an automatic or semi-automatic machine, you need to pour the softener at the beginning or at the end, respectively.
Tip #3
Always ensure to dilute the softener before pouring it and use it in small amounts. If you’re hand-washing the clothes, mix a small amount of softener in a bucket full of water, dissolve it well, and then use the solution on the baby clothes.
What Should I Consider While Choosing A Fabric Softener?
When selecting a fabric softener, the first and most important thing to note is if the product is baby-friendly. Pick a softener that is:
- Dermatologically tested and approved
- Mild and gentle
- Suitable for the sensitive skin of your baby
- A non-dye formula
- Lightly scented
Final Words
Your little ones deserve nothing but happiness, love, and care, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take care of their clothes. And I hope that my tips and suggestions will help you do the best for your baby.
At the same time, I’d suggest speaking with fellow parents and most importantly, your pediatrician to better understand the ingredients that are safe for your child’s skin. On that note, goodbye and take care!