Do You Need to Wash New Baby Clothes? A Guide for New Parents
June 07 2025 – Lottie & Lysh
The Big Question: Should You Wash Baby Clothes Before Wearing?
You're nesting. You're folding tiny clothes. You're imagining your newborn in that impossibly soft babygrow. But then the thought hits: Wait... do I need to wash this first?
The short answer? Yes - in most cases, it’s a good idea. Newborn skin is delicate, and new clothes can carry residues from manufacturing, packaging, or even shop shelves. A quick, gentle wash helps remove anything that could cause irritation.
That said, not all baby clothes are made equal. And that’s where we come in.
Why It Matters: Baby Skin Needs Extra Care
Newborns have skin that’s five times thinner than an adult’s. That means they’re more vulnerable to:
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Harsh dyes or finishing chemicals
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Residual dust or warehouse lint
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Fabric stiffeners or synthetic coatings
Washing baby clothes before wear helps ensure they’re clean, breathable, and safe for snuggling. Especially if they're mass-produced or shipped from overseas.
The Lottie & Lysh Difference: Handmade & Certified Safe
Not all baby brands are built the same. Here at Lottie & Lysh, every single garment is:
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Handmade in Cornwall by our in-house team
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OEKO-TEX certified or GOTS certified for chemical safety
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Packaged with care using recycled tissue and sustainable materials
So while a gentle pre-wash is still perfectly fine, our clothes are made clean, soft and skin-safe right from the start.
How to Wash Baby Clothes for the First Time
Here’s a simple approach that works well for handmade or store-bought baby clothes:
Wash Tips:
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Use a non-bio or baby-specific detergent
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Wash at 30°C to 40°C (unless care labels say otherwise)
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Avoid fabric softeners that could coat fabric fibres
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Air dry where possible to preserve prints and fabrics
Bonus Tip: Want to keep your Lottie & Lysh prints looking gorgeous? Turn garments inside out and avoid tumble drying on high heat.
What About Organic or Ethical Baby Clothes?
Great question. When baby clothes are made from certified materials, in small-batch, ethical settings like ours, there’s far less concern about hidden chemicals.
Still, a gentle wash never hurts - especially for newborns or babies with eczema or allergies.
Can You Use Clothes Without Washing If They're Handmade?
If you’ve bought handmade items from a brand like Lottie & Lysh, you're in a better position than most. We don’t mass-produce. We don’t use harsh dyes or sprays. Your item has been made, folded, and wrapped by someone who genuinely cares.
So while you can use them straight away, a quick wash gives peace of mind and that just-laundered softness.
Still Choosing Baby Clothes?
Whether you're packing your hospital bag or planning your newborn’s first wardrobe, we’re here to help. Start with these parent favourites:
- Blog - What Size Clothing to Choose
Need more practical tips? Our Hospital Bag Checklist has you covered.
FAQs About Washing Baby Clothes
Do I really need to wash new baby clothes?
Yes, it’s usually recommended to wash all new baby clothes before use, unless they’re handmade with certified fabrics.
What detergent should I use?
Go for non-bio, fragrance-free options. Eco detergents are a great choice.
Do Lottie & Lysh baby clothes need washing first?
They can be worn straight away, but a gentle wash before wear is always welcome.
Can I machine wash your clothes?
Absolutely. All our items are machine washable. Just check the care label.
Explore Our Baby Clothes Collection
Ready to shop? Our full Baby Clothes Collection is packed with soft, ethical, UK-made styles designed to support your little one’s comfort — and your peace of mind.
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