How Often Should You Wash Baby Clothes and Blankets?

As a new parent, you're probably wondering how often you should be washing your little one's clothes and bedding. It's a common question, and the answer may surprise you. Keeping your baby's items clean is important, but over-washing can actually do more harm than good.

Let's dive into the details on how frequently you should be doing laundry for your baby.

Clothes

Babies tend to go through a lot of outfit changes in a day, so it may seem like you're constantly doing laundry. However, most baby clothes don't need to be washed after every single wear.

For onesies, shirts, pants, and other clothing that hasn't gotten excessively dirty, you can typically get 2-3 wears out of them before needing to wash. Things like socks, bibs, and burp cloths that get more soiled should be washed after each use.

The key is to pay attention to how dirty the item is. If it has a big spit-up stain or is visibly soiled, go ahead and wash it. But if it's just a little drool or spit-up, you can probably get another wear or two out of it.

Bedding

Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, so their bedding can get dirty pretty quickly. Most experts recommend washing crib sheets, blankets, and mattress pads at least once a week.

If your little one has had a particularly messy diaper leak or spit-up incident in their crib, you'll want to wash the bedding right away. But for normal use, once a week is a good rule of thumb.

Laundry Detergent

When it comes to washing your baby's clothes and linens, you'll want to use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Many regular detergents contain harsh chemicals and perfumes that can irritate a baby's sensitive skin.

Look for a detergent that's specifically formulated for babies or labeled as "free and clear." Brands like Dreft, Babyganics, and Seventh Generation make great options.

In Summary

So how often should you be washing your baby's clothes and bedding? Here's a quick recap:

• Clothes: 2-3 wears before washing, except for socks, bibs, and burp cloths
• Bedding: Wash crib sheets, blankets, and mattress pads at least once a week
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent

Of course, every baby is different, so you may need to adjust your laundry schedule as needed. Pay attention to how dirty their items are getting and use your best judgment. The goal is to keep them comfortable and safe, not to do laundry 24/7!