Can I Wash My Clothes with My Baby's?
No, it's generally recommended to wash baby clothes separately from adult clothes, at least for the first few months.
Several reasons support washing baby clothes separately:
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Sensitive Skin: Newborns have incredibly delicate skin, highly susceptible to irritation from chemicals, dyes, and residues found in adult clothing or detergents. Washing separately minimizes this risk. ([Source: It's best to wash baby clothes separately from other laundry until baby is at least a few months old. This is to reduce the chance of germs and dirt from other clothing transferring on to baby's clothes and causing irritation to their incredibly sensitive skin.])
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Residual Chemicals: New clothing often contains processing chemicals that, while generally safe for adults, can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Washing removes these chemicals before your baby wears the clothes. ([Source: It is my understanding that they often come with chemicals on them so washing them prevents any irritants from hitting your baby. Newborns skin…])
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Germs and Bacteria: Adult clothing can harbor various bacteria and germs that could harm your baby's vulnerable immune system. Separating laundry minimizes the chance of cross-contamination. ([Source: The main thing is really just using a detergent that baby tolerates well--most people recommend free and clear detergents for babies--and making…])
What About Detergents?
While baby detergents are often recommended, many sources state that a gentle, fragrance-free, and dye-free detergent suitable for sensitive skin is acceptable for both adult and baby clothes. The key is choosing a detergent appropriate for sensitive skin to avoid irritation. ([Source: Absolutely yes…… laundry detergent is basically all the same whether marketed for babies or everyone. Baby laundry detergent will be more…][Source: A gentle detergent. You can opt for a baby detergent, but Dr. Ganjian says odor and dye-free detergents not marketed for babies are also safe.])
When Can I Stop Washing Separately?
There's no strict timeline. Many parents continue washing separately until their child is a bit older, while others combine loads once their baby's skin becomes less sensitive. This decision is best guided by your baby's individual skin sensitivity and reaction to detergents. ([Source: When did you all stop washing babies clothes separately? : r/Mommit])
In Summary
While using a gentle detergent for all laundry is acceptable, it's generally advisable to wash baby clothes separately from adult clothes, especially during the initial months, to safeguard your baby's sensitive skin and reduce the risk of exposure to germs and irritants.
