| It is indeed daunting to realize that once a baby | | | | synthetics and permanent press items). |
| arrives, not only does your laundry chore doubles, | | | | • They are designed to make clothes feel softer |
| but you need to make arrangements to shield off | | | | and smoother, and at the same time reduce wrinkles |
| the tender skin of our baby from harsh clothes. | | | | in clothing and mitigate the need to iron. |
| Fabric softeners for baby clothing then becomes a | | | | How to Use Fabric Softeners |
| necessity. | | | | • Liquid fabric softeners: Add liquid fabric softener |
| It may be reassuring to know it is not always | | | | during your washing machine's final rinse cycle for |
| necessary to use a baby detergent for your baby's | | | | enhanced softening. Make sure there is water in the |
| clothes. Because a baby detergent does not always | | | | machine when you add the softener; however, avoid |
| get rid of stains and odors on your baby's clothing as | | | | overfilling the washing machine. Staining may result if |
| you'd like, it may be better you switch to some | | | | a fabric softener is poured directly on the clothes. |
| other detergent. | | | | And most importantly, keep your baby's fabric |
| Switching on to fabric softener | | | | softener in an environment where it will not freeze; |
| Before switching to a fabric softener, make sure to | | | | freezing leads to thickening of the liquid fabric |
| test one article of clothing first. Unless your baby has | | | | softener. |
| allergies, eczema, atopic dermatitis, or other | | | | • Fabric softener sheets: While using sheets, it is |
| conditions affecting your baby's sensitive skin, liquid | | | | always advisable to add them just before you start |
| detergents meant exclusively for babies are your | | | | your drier. The drier's heat activates the softening |
| best bet because they work for all types of clothes. | | | | properties of fabric softener sheets. Staining might |
| But if there seems to be some irritation, you can still | | | | result if you allow a fabric sheet to sit in a wet load |
| try using a fabric softener detergent that does not | | | | of clothing. |
| contain colors or fragrances. | | | | Remember to avoid washing your little one's clothes |
| Why Fabric Softeners? | | | | with the rest of the family's clothes; the harsh |
| • Better than an ordinary baby detergent that | | | | detergents are likely to irritate your baby's skin (most |
| only washes because they come with choices to | | | | common of them, diaper rash). All said, remember to |
| meet the need of your baby's sensitive skin. Fabric | | | | always read the manufacturer's instructions and |
| softeners come in two types: sheets and liquids; they | | | | follow them; also look for any special cleaning |
| also come in scented as well as fragrance-free | | | | instructions that may appear on the labels of your |
| options. | | | | baby's clothing. Following these will ensure soft, fluffy |
| • Fabric softeners give fabrics a softer feel and | | | | clothes for your baby's comfort. |
| help reduce static cling (particularly useful for | | | | |