Do You Need to Wash New Baby Clothes? A Guide for New Parents

You've bought the tiny sleepsuits, picked out those first little outfits and probably spent far too long admiring just how small everything is. But before packing your hospital bag, there's a question many new parents ask: should you wash new baby clothes before use?

There's no need to panic if you've already dressed your baby in something straight from the packet, though. Here's what matters, what to wash first and how to keep those tiny outfits looking lovely.

Why should you wash new baby clothes?

Brand-new doesn't always mean freshly cleaned. Even carefully packaged clothes can be handled, stored and transported before reaching your home.

Babies have delicate skin

Newborn skin is still developing, and some babies are more prone to irritation. Washing can help remove loose fibres, dust and some surface residues before fabric sits against their skin.

Fabric can carry manufacturing residues

Depending on how a garment was made, fabrics may have come into contact with dyes and finishing agents. A first wash can reduce some removable residues, although it doesn't eliminate everything or mean new clothes are inherently unsafe.

Clothes can pick up dust in transit

From packing to delivery, garments go through several stages. Washing first is an easy precaution.

Which baby clothes should you wash first?

You don't need to wash every outfit in every size before your baby arrives. Start with the things they'll actually wear in the first few weeks.

A small selection of newborn and 0–3 month clothing is a good place to start. Babies grow quickly, and leaving tags on larger sizes until you need them can be practical.

FIRST LITTLE OUTFITS

A coming-home outfit worth keeping

Our Welcome Little One outfit is designed for those first precious days, with options to personalise the finishing touches.

See the coming-home outfit →

How to wash baby clothes for the first time

There's no need for a complicated laundry routine. A few simple steps will do.

1. Check the care label

Follow the garment's washing instructions, especially for prints, delicate fabrics and special details.

2. Choose a gentle detergent

A fragrance-free, dye-free detergent can be a sensible choice for sensitive skin. You don't necessarily need one marketed specifically for babies.

3. Wash at the recommended temperature

Many cotton baby clothes can be washed at 30°C or 40°C, depending on the label. Higher temperatures aren't automatically necessary for brand-new clothing.

4. Skip unnecessary fabric conditioner

Fabric conditioner isn't essential, and fragranced products can irritate some sensitive skin.

5. Dry everything thoroughly

Make sure clothes are fully dry before storing them. Excessive tumble-dryer heat can cause shrinkage or damage some prints, so check the label.

Does the fabric matter?

It certainly matters for comfort. Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, wriggling and being cuddled, so soft, comfortable fabrics are worth looking for.

At Lottie & Lysh, our stretchy jersey garments are typically made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane using OEKO-TEX certified fabrics. That little bit of stretch makes room for movement and helps garments retain their shape through repeated wear.

Should you wash organic or OEKO-TEX certified baby clothes?

Yes, it's still sensible. Organic cotton certification concerns how cotton is produced under a particular standard. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 involves testing textiles for specified harmful substances. Neither means the finished garment has been freshly laundered just before it reaches you.

A few favourites from our studio

Practical doesn't have to mean plain. Here are three little outfits that show what we mean.

Bow Baby Girl Romper Shop the romper →

Mama’s Boy Babygrow Shop the babygrow →

Cherubs Baby Romper Shop the romper →

When should you wash baby clothes before your due date?

There's no perfect time. Many parents choose to prepare the first few outfits around 34 to 37 weeks, but earlier or later is fine too. Start with what you'll need for your hospital bag, and store everything clean and completely dry in a drawer or cupboard.

You don't need to rewash clothes simply because they've been neatly folded away for a few weeks.

What if your baby has already worn unwashed clothes?

There's usually no need to worry if your baby has worn something new straight from the packet and their skin seems comfortable. Washing first is a precaution, not another reason to feel anxious. If irritation develops, remove the garment and seek medical advice if it persists or is significant.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to wash new baby clothes before wearing them?

It's generally recommended, particularly for newborns and sensitive skin, to help remove dust, loose fibres and some residues.

Can you wash baby clothes with adult clothes?

Often, yes, provided the care instructions are compatible and the detergent is suitable.

Should you wash baby clothes at 30°C or 40°C?

Follow the care label. The right temperature depends on the garment and how soiled it is.

Do you need special baby washing powder?

Not necessarily. A suitable fragrance-free detergent may be enough. Follow healthcare advice if your baby has eczema or known sensitivities.

Should you wash second-hand baby clothes?

Yes. Wash them before use and check for loose fastenings, damage or other signs of wear.

Should you wash new swaddles and blankets?

It's sensible to wash them before first use according to their care labels. Always follow current safer-sleep advice for bedding and sleeping arrangements.

The little things matter

Preparing for a new baby comes with a seemingly endless list of things to think about. Washing those first tiny outfits is one of the simpler jobs. Choose comfortable fabrics, follow the labels and wash the essentials you'll need first. The rest can wait.

And when it comes to choosing baby clothes, we think they should be comfortable, practical and made to last longer than a handful of wears. Because childhood should look like childhood.