Baby Bedding Quilts

Washing Baby's Clothes and Bedding
Safety Alert I: Fabric softeners can reduce the flame resistance on children's sleepwear. If a garment reads flame resistant or flame retardant, DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER.

Safety Alert II: If a member of the family works in an environment where chemicals, minerals, smokes, etc., may come into contact with their clothing, make certain that this clothing is washed separately.


There are two trains of thought when it comes to washing babies clothes. Thought #1:

• Wash baby's clothing, fabrics, with the family's regular detergent. If baby shows no reaction, just keep doing what you've been doing.


• If baby has a reaction, then try a dye, scent, perfume free, product. Wash all family's clothing together.


• And if baby still reacts, bite the bullet and try baby only products. Wash baby fabrics separately from the families.

Thought #2 - Mom needs to wash every fabric that comes into contact with their baby, with baby detergent.

Before baby comes homes, make certain that all fabrics that will come into contact will baby's skin are washed in baby detergent. This includes every article of clothing and cloth diapers, towels, wash clothes, bibs, every piece of baby nursery bedding including quilts and comforters, every receiving blanket, car seat liner, stroller liner, playpen pad and even Mom's shirts.

Baby's laundry should be done separately from the rest of the family for quite some time. Some of us work in places where our clothing is exposed to unsavory materials that could harm our little ones. We may not even know that we are being exposed to these materials. Plus their precious skin, and noses, are not ready for perfumes, cigarette smoke, adult laundry soap and harsh clothing treatment products.

Next, baby may be allergic to laundry soap. Be vigilante in watching for signs of a rash. Check the neck, wrists, armpits, crotch, ankles and tummy. If you find a rash, you should call your doctor or doctor's nurse and ask them for another laundry soap suggestion. When you find a soap that works, take a big calming breathe and wash all of baby's clothes, blankets, sheets, everything, over again.


The following is a list of 13 manufactures of baby laundry soaps, there are many others:

Dreft - www.dreft.com

• Dreft has been helping mothers clean baby clothes for over 75 years...and is the most recommended baby detergent by pediatricians."


• The following is an example of the Laundry Tips page.

Laundry Tips from Dreft

Having a baby can change almost everything in your household - including how you approach laundry and your family’s
fabric care needs. Dreft is here to help with our gentle clean and these handy laundry tips.

Results for individual fabrics may vary. Before treating any garment, always first refer to the instructions on the care label.

* tips
* removing stains
* removing oily stains
* removing diaper soils
* pretreating spots
* storage of hand me downs

While no one detergent can remove all types of stains, we recommend the following for diaper soils:

* Rinse cloth diapers with cold water immediately after use.
* Pre-soak in a solution of Dreft® and a color-safe bleach for 30 minutes.
* After soaking, wring out excess water by hand or run diapers through the spin cycle.
* Fill washer with warmest water allowed according to garment label, add 1 1/2 uses of Dreft® and launder as usual.
* Repeat process if needed.

This is a very useful website especially for the inexperienced. Just go to the website, click on one of the material stain problems and bingo you've saved a $50.00 romper.


all, Free Clear - www.all-laundry.com.

• According to "all," "all, Free Clear is recommended by allergist and recommended #1 by dematologists for sensitive skin. This special formula has all the stain lifting power of "all," but is free of dyes, perfumes, and preservatives. That means it's tough on stains yet gentle enough for the whole family."



• "91% of physicians surveyed said they would never recommend a detergent with perfume. all-Free Clear has no perfumes, while many popular baby detergents do."



• "all-Free Clear costs $00.13 per load - that's about half the cost of many popular baby detergents."



• "More pediatricians use all-Free Clear in their own household than any other free clear detergent."



• "In a resent survey, 87% of people who used all-Free Clear for their baby's laundry said they were likely to recommend it to a friend."



• "Choose products from cleansers to detergent that are hypoallergenic, free of dyes and fragrances and formulated for sensitive skins."

Baby Magic Detergent - Valued for Generations - www.babymagic.com.

• "The story of Baby Magic® began in 1951 and over 50 years later, Baby Magic® brand's heritage, and the "Original" Baby Magic® scent that people have grown to love over the years has created a long-standing relationship with moms everywhere."



• "Baby Magic® continues to become a part of the bond between mommy and baby, by replenishing moisture and providing a delicate, soft, clean scent - leaving baby smelling wonderful - as a baby should."



• "Mild Laundry Detergent - 100 ounces & 50 ounces"



• "Gives a full load cleaning effect using only half the amount of detergent. It is specially formulated to be gentle on baby's clothes. Wash all baby's fabrics with Baby Magic 2x Laundry Detergent for that soft, cuddle-up-close feeling."



• Baby Magic Laundry Detergent if mild, gentle, soft and has a gentle fragrance for baby. It is free from dyes, tough on stains and rinses out easily.



• "INGREDIENTS: Contains anionic and/or nonionic surfactants and enzymes.

Maggie's Soap Nuts - Natures way to wash clothes, 100% safe for baby's skin & no residue. - www.maggiespureland.com

• "Maggie’s Soap NutsTM are the only laundry soap that grows on trees! Truly effective, 100% natural and safe for your most sensitive skin. Soap NutsTM are the dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry tree. They contain saponin, a natural cleaner used for thousands of years to clean clothes, just like the plants used by Native Americans
  for washing."



• "Simply put a few Soap Nuts into the included cotton sack and drop it in your laundry. Your clothes come out clean, vibrant, and soft. Replace your laboratory detergents and softeners with the soap made from Nature by Nature. Your clothes, your skin, your family, and your planet will thank you."



• "100% BIODEGRADABLE! IDEAL FOR SILK AND WOOL! HYPOALLERGENIC! SAVE WATER! SAVE ENERGY! BRIGHTENS COLORS! NATURAL FABRIC SOFTENER! LOW SUDSING!"



• References:



• “I cannot believe how great it is. I can't find the words to express my amazement. My clothes are
  softer, brighter and fresh smelling… Thanks so much.” Tawny, Petaluma, CA



• “… Everything comes out so clean and fresh… I love knowing that my
  new little guy is wrapped up in cloths that are truly clean. No chemicals on my baby! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Ashley, Costa Mesa, CA



• “What I can’t believe is that I actually feel better after washing my clothes with Soap Nuts!” Joe Tucson, AZ

Baby Magic Detergent - www.babymagicdetergent.com


• "Baby Magic Detergent gives a full load cleaning effect using only half the amount of detergent. It is specially formulated to be gentle on baby's clothes. Wash all baby's fabrics with Baby Magic 2x Laundry Detergent for that soft, cuddle-up-close feeling."



• Baby Magic Detergent is mild and gentle for baby's skin. It is free from dyes. It is tough on stains and it rinses out of fabrics easily.

Ultra Seventh Generation

• "Seventh Generation Ultra Concentrated Natural Baby Laundry Detergent - 50 fl oz
  Description: Introducing a natural laundry liquid specially formulated for babies!
  PartNumber: Seventh Generation Ultra Concentrated Natural Baby Laundry Detergent."


Mrs. Meyer's Baby Blossom Laundry Detergent -- 6 Bottles / 64 fl oz Each



• "Babies sure mean doing a lot of laundry! Their sensitive skin needs an extra gentle detergent and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Baby Blossom Laundry Detergent's special formulation is just the ticket. It is dermatologist tested to be safe for baby. Concentrated, effective and HE compatible. 64 loads."



• "Use 1/2 capful of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Baby Blossom Laundry Detergent per load (64 loads per bottle), or 3/4 capful for extra-large or particularly messy clothes. If you have a spot, dab Laundry Detergent directly onto the spot and let sit for a minute or two. Wash as usual."

Method Baby Squeaky Green Laundry Detergent

• "Method Baby Squeaky Green Laundry Detergent -- 32 fl oz. Method Squeaky Green HE compatible baby laundry detergent rice milk + mallow tough on stains, gentle on babies specially formulated to be tough on stains that cling to a little ..."



• "The blossoms of spring wildflowers, butterfly violets & honeysuckle with a teeny bit of apple, lemon & mint, so gentle for you and your little one. Shh, the baby’s sleeping."



• "Ingredients:"
  
  
  o • "Deionized Water"
  
  o • "Plant Derived Surfactants"
  
  o • "Cotton Extract"
  
  o • "Borax"
  
  o • "Solubolizing Agents"
  
  o • "Organic Essential Oils of Orange and Lemon"
  
  o • "Natural Honeysuckle"
  
  o • "Fragrance*"
  
  o • "Preservative*"

• "More information on this ingredient is available in the Environmental and Safety section of Company Information."

BabyGanics Loads of Love Laundry Detergent

• ulo Babyganics Loads of Love Laundry Detergent - 3 Pack & 35 Loads. The key to power is knowing when to use it.

Here, we apply 3X the power of regular detergent against your toughest dirt and odors. But when it comes to safety we really power through: no harsh chemicals or toxins to harm or irritate, and we wont damage the flame retardants in your little ones PJs. Thats what we call tough love, baby. Follow garment care label instructions. Load of Love can be used to pre-treat stains before washing. Pour directly onto stained fabric and rub gently. Allow garment to soak before washing. (Always test inside seam for colorfastness.) Measuring instructions apply to both standard and HE washers. For normal loads fill to line #2 (approximately ½ cap full). For larger or heavily soiled loads fill to line #3 (approximately ¾ cap full). Washing full loads helps conserve water. Remember to wash all fabrics that come in contact with your babys skin in BabyGanics, eg., clothes, bedding, towels. Do not store below 50°F."

The Laundress Baby Detergent

• "The Laundress Baby Detergent, Baby, 33.3 - Ounce Bottle."



• "The Laundress is a collection of specialty fabric care and accessories for clothing, home and travel. The Laundress was born out of necessity and practicality."

Caldrea Sweet Pea Laundry Detergent

• "Formulated especially for babies, Caldrea's Sweet Pea Laundry Detergent keeps your whites white and your brights bright while still being the gentle detergent you want for your..."



• "Caldrea Sweet Pea Laundry Detergent is mild, yet highly effective against stains, and uniquely formulated for the laundry of babies and children."

SUN & EARTH Citrus Power Laundry Detergent

• "Hypoallergenic. Safe for Babies' Clothes. Natural Deep Cleaning Formula. Powerful Natural Cleaning Products That Really Work!"

Earth Friendly Products Baby Laundry

• "Earth Friendly Products 3X Ecos Baby Liquid Laundry Soap, Chamomile & Lavender, 32-Ounce Bottle, 64 HE Loads, 32 Regular Loads,(Pack of 6)."



• Seventh Genration High Efficiency Laundry Liquid - Baby 50 fl. oz. (16 Loads)

Dressing Baby, The First Six Weeks

A friend said, the first six weeks of baby's life is simply "delicious." And it is.



You will want your baby to be dressed in soft and simple clothing that will keep baby's body temperature comfortable and warm . Soft to the touch and simple meaning easy on, easy off, easy to change diapers in and finally, perfect for the season. You don’t want to be doing laundry every day, every other day or every second day and the following list keeps that desire in mind. You will want to be resting, getting to know your baby and your new life with your baby.

If your are uncertain about our list, ask close friends and relatives for their advise. They will have plenty of thoughts and ideas on this subject. When you come to your final list, try to stick to it and to your budget. We've tried to be thorough however, your climate may not require any cold weather items. Also babies grow quickly and most of the items on this list will be used during the first six weeks only. Remember you will continue to need to purchase clothing for them for, at least, the next 18 years.

1. Homecoming Outfit
2. 6 to 8 One Piece Underclothing, Onesies
3. 4 to 11 One Piece Sleepers with Feet, Nightgowns or Sleep Sacks
4. 4 to 6 One Piece Rompers with Crotch Snap Up and without Feet
5. 4 to 6 Pullover T-Shirts or Tops
6. 4 to 6 Pairs of Pull On Pants
7. 2 to 4 Pair of Booties
8. 4 to 6 Pair of Socks
9. 4 to 6 Small Sized Bibs
10. 2 to 4 Blanket Sleepers (if required)
11. 1 Snowsuit, Stocking Hat, Mittens (if required)
12. 2 Sweaters
13. 2 to 4 Hats
14. 4 to 10 Receiving Blankets
15. 1 to 2 Pair of Mittens (if required to keep baby from scratching face)


The "Onesie"

Onesie style underwear can be worn over a diaper in the warmer months. They don't have to be pulled over baby's head. They snap down the front and the bottom part snaps across the belly, or the they snap at the crotch. They are made of lightweight 100% cotton. Onesie and other 100% cotton undershirts are meant to wick body moisture away from baby to evaporate which keeps baby dry and warm.

Onsies are essential pieces of under clothing. They will get a lot of wear in the summer when they can be worn over a diaper. During summer they can be worn as a sleeper as well. In the winter, they will be used often as that important first layer, of wicking, for warmth.

Sleepers

One piece, footed sleepers are mandatory pieces of baby clothing. They are soft, warm, and comfortable. Their comfort and ease of use makes them another favorite. Long sleeved sleepers, use loose fitting elastic around the waist and the ankles to keep the close fit. However, there is ample room for baby's feet to move about and grow. Most sleepers have a soft, round neckline that does not promote chaffing.

Sleepers protect your baby’s skin from irritating straps, seats, chairs, swings and chairs. They are easy on and off clothing and they are easy to change a diaper in.

They are typically made of a light weight, 100% cotton or polyester with covered snaps running down the front and one leg, or a soft nylon zipper runs down the same pattern. This light weight fabric breathes easily which allows baby's body moisture to evaporate which keeps baby dry and warm.

IMPORTANT: Always check the manufacturers written materials to find out if your baby's sleepers are flame retardant or flame resistant. Flame retardant or resistant fabrics resist catching fire and burn slowly when in contact with a flame. Some fabrics may even self-extinguish or be easily extinguished by smothering the flame. Sleepers should also be form fitting. Form fitting sleepers do not ignite easily and do not burn well because there is little oxygen to feed the fire.



FABRIC SOFTENER MAY RUIN THE FLAME RETARDENT OR FLAME RESISTANT ELEMENTS OF FABRIC.

Rompers

Rompers are one piece outfits that stretch over baby’s head and snap closed at the crotch. Any one piece outfit whether short-sleeved or long-sleeved is typically a romper.

They are loose fitting and provide ample rooms for "romping" about. They are usually made of 100% cotton, although blends of cotton and polyester can be found. Soft and comfortable even the seams are flattened to prevent baby's skin from chaffing. Again, rompers are easy to change baby's diaper in.

Booties

Keeping your newborn baby's body temperature stable and warm is one of your very important goals; your baby's feet can become easily chilled. Hats keep body heat from leaving through the top and booties keep body heat from leaving through the bottom. They are reasonably priced, easy to put on and take off and they protect and warm your baby’s entire foot and ankle.

Baby booties are sack type socks, with elastic or ties around the ankles to keep the booties on baby’s feet. The elastic or ties should be just snug enough to hold the booties on while kicking. They used to be made of soft cotton, fleece, wool or hand crotcheted. Today you can find them in almost any fabric.

Many commercial booties are lined with a soft cotton or plush to keep baby’s feet cozy and warm. Lined booties are perfect for moderate to cold temperatures.

Booties are a necessity for newborns and infants to keep their tiny feet warm and dry. They are also a necessity for babies during those early walking stages.

Medical experts recommend flexible, soft soled booties for babies learning to walk. Soft booties are the next best thing to bare feet. They allow baby to curl their toes, flex their feet, and grip the floor as they walk. These movements are essential foot movements for learning to walk.

IMPORTANT NOTE: They also promote proper arch formation. Always make sure baby booties for older babies have a skid resistant bottom. This prevents baby from slipping and falling on slick floors when first learning to walk. AND, don't purchase socks that cut off baby's circulation.


Always use your shopping list while preparing for the first six weeks. You will want to have everything that you will need and it will help you to stay within your budget. Consider shrinkage, baby's size and always keep your receipts.

Always purchase machine washable and machine dryable pieces of baby clothing. And ask around about which manufacturers make clothing that is easily washed and wears well over time. This clothing will last longer and will be more affordable in the long run.