The Gentle Art of Washing Preemie Clothing

Cloth care is a delicate process that often requires a fine balance of temperament and patience. 

It can often be a hit or miss, especially for new mums and dads who are sleep-deprived and overworked. 

Not to worry, though.

Being informed and planning ahead, goes a very long way.

Now, if you’ve just come home from the hospital, here is a little guidance to help you embrace the life of a preemie parent!

Clothes for a premature baby boy or girl need to be treated with kindness and love.

Here are Greendigo’s laundry tips to help keep things clean, lean, and pristine.

1. One wash before each wear 

The cardinal rule of laundering premature baby clothes is making sure the garment is washed just before your baby is dressed. This is because your preemie’s skin is hyper sensitive, further his or her immune system is not strong enough. Which means, you must, at all costs, prevent dust and dirt particles from settling onto the clothing. This can cause irritation or infection. While a clean outfit from the drawer might seem good enough, we’d recommend picking a garment fresh out of the washer (after it’s dry of course).

2. Warm water is the way to go

While Greendigo always recommends running a cold wash on a gently cycle for eco-friendly reasons, in some cases, like this one, warm water is the preferred choice. Preemie organic baby clothes must be washed in either lukewarm or hot water, in a smoke-free environment, for the most ideal condition. Remember, your premature child has delicate skin, and you must take extra care to ensure the garment is of the right quality.

3. Pick preemie-sensitive soap 

The detergent you use makes all the difference when it comes to washing premature baby clothing. You must know, preemies, as compared to full-term babies, have fragile respiratory systems. And so, synthetic soaps are a big no-no. A Greendigo pro-tip is to choose a washing liquid that is perfume-free and dye-free. This is to prevent the child from reacting to strong smells and chemicals.

4. Do away with fabric softeners and dryers

While fabric softeners can often seem like heaven, with your baby clothes smelling oh-so delicious and feeling buttery soft, it can actually be very harmful for a preemie. Intense fragrances can hamper the child’s ability to breathe freely. In addition to this, it is also advisable not to use dryers. Let the clothes dry naturally with the help of the sun. 

There you have it - Greendigo’s dos and don’ts to aid you in your preemie parenting journey.

Check out our GOTS certified collection of baby clothes for peace of mind.