Washing and Ironing Baby's Clothes, also Advice on Fabrics

All baby’s clothes, bedding, accessories must be washed before using.

Turn all embroidered garments inside out .

Use 'delicate' wash and dermatologically tested products, or better still natural products free of chemicals which can be passed on to baby’s skin.

Do not dry in a tumble dryer as it damages fabric fibres.

To iron embroidery: first fold a towel and place on top of the ironing board, then place the embroidered cloth face down (i.e. iron the reverse side) and cover with a damp cloth – the embroidery will stay raised that way.

Stains on white cotton or linen can be removed by boiling at high temperature whilst stains on dark coloured fabrics are more difficult to remove as stain removers can bleach the fabric and leave a mark.

What fabrics for baby soft and delicate skin?

Natural fibres such as cotton (fibres from the cotton plant seed pod), linen (from flax, a fibre taken from the stalk of the plant), wool (fibres from animal coats sheep, goats, rabbits, alpacas, llama), silk (fibre from the cocoon of the silkworm), allow skin to breathe.

If possible dyes should be natural.

Washing must be easy and improve fabric wash after wash.

Durable fabrics and garments that can withstand frequent washing.

Cotton
Cool, soft, comfortable, the principal clothing fibre of the world. Its production is one of the major factors in world prosperity and economic stability. Cotton 'breathes'. Absorbent cotton will retain 24-27 times its own weight in water and is stronger wet than dry. It can stand boiling and sterilizing temperature, it can be ironed at relatively high temperature, stands up to abrasion and wears well. It is increasingly organically grown for ecological reasons.

Wool
Brings to mind cosy warmth. Wool fibre comes from a variety of animal coats - not all are scratchy but can be extremely soft. Wool will not only return to its original position after being stretched or creased, it will absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. Also (contrary to what many think) it is not hotter than polyester but actually cooler. The weave of the fabric allows wool to absorb perspiration, and the fabric breathes, unlike polyester.

Mohair
Comes from the Angora goat (Angora comes from the Angora rabbit, Cashmere comes from the Kashmir goat). Separation of the soft fibres from the long, coarse hair is tedious and difficult, contributing to the expense of the fabric.

Silk
The fabric that makes its own statement, for centuries silk has had a reputation as a luxurious and sensuous fabric associated with wealth and success. Silk is one of the oldest textile fibres known to man. Silk is yet another word for elegance, versatility, wearability and comfort. The strongest natural fibre, it absorbs moisture which makes it cool in summer and warm in winter. It retains its shape and drapes well.

Elegant, versatile and washable, all silk is washable. Most silk fabric can be hand washed, but depending on the weave it can tighten up. Silk garments can shrink if the fabric has not been washed before garment construction. When washing silk do not wring but roll in a towel. Silk dries quickly but should not be put in an automatic dryer.

A good shampoo works well on silk, it will remove oil and revitalise the silk. Do not use alkaline shampoo or one which contains ingredients such as wax, petroleum or their derivatives. These products will leave a residue on your silk. A good hair conditioner (see above cautions) may be used in the rinse water. Press cloths and a steam iron are recommended. Silk is weakened by sunlight and perspiration.