*This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Dreft and DiMe Media and all opinions are my own.
Becoming a new parent for the first time is an exhilarating experience because you become engulfed in the excitement of bringing life into the world. While there is tremendous joy in planning for the arrival of your little bundle of joy, there is much preparation that must take place to make sure that everything is perfect when baby makes his or her big debut. This includes mothers and fathers learning everything that they can about how to care for a new baby and making sure their home is babyproof.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I had no idea that so many things had to be done before he was born. One area where I was completely clueless was how to do my baby’s laundry. I was worried about what detergent I should use, how I would remove stains on baby clothes, and whether baby poop came out in the washing machine. Most new moms are nervous about these types of things even if they might seem silly now that I’m a seasoned veteran. Here are some of the things I learned about doing a baby’s laundry:
5 Tips For Doing Baby’s Laundry
- You must wash every single item of baby clothing before your baby wears them. This is because many baby clothes are sprayed with chemicals so they will stay wrinkle-free during the shipping process. You don’t want to take any chances with your baby’s sensitive skin.
- It’s important that you use detergent that is especially formulated for a baby’s sensitive skin, especially since most regular detergents may contain harsh cleaning agents. Dreft is the #1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians and the #1 dermatologist recommended brand for baby clothes.
- Make sure you remove all store tags, price stickers, and inner labels from your baby’s clothes. Not only can these items damage your baby’s clothing in the washing machine, but they can also irritate and scratch your baby’s skin during normal wear.
- You should have a separate laundry hamper for your baby’s dirty clothing to make sure they don’t come in contact with germs and chemicals that adult clothing might come in contact with throughout the day.
- Keep all your baby’s folded laundry away from pets because cats and dogs love to snuggle up in children’s clothing. Hair and dander from your pets can also irritate sensitive baby skin.
When my boys were babies, Dreft was the only detergent that I used to wash their little clothes. Dreft Newborn and Active Baby detergents are gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s sensitive skin, tough on stains and have a baby fresh scent. Every single time I open the cap on a Dreft bottle, I am immediate transported back in time to when my boys were infants. I’m thrilled that Dreft introduced a line of laundry products that are specially designed for different stages of babyhood as babies grow and develop.
Dreft is partnering with popular reality TV couple Sean and Catherine Lowe from “The Bachelor” to celebrate their new role as expectant parents and share their beautiful, messy journey of “amazinghood.” Their parents used Dreft Newborn detergent when they were babies and they consider it a must-have for any baby shower registry, including their own.
Over the next year, we will all be able to share in the Lowe’s journey using the hashtag #Amazinghood by following Dreft on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Sean and Catherine will be sharing an exclusive view into their new family and their messy moments!
Let’s Discuss: What tip would you give the Lowes as they kick off this new, messy and wonderful journey of #Amazinghood?
GIVEAWAY:
Our Sponsor is giving away a Dreft Gift Package (ARV $80) containing:
- Dreft Product: Newborn, Active Baby and Blissfulls
- Welcome To The World 3-Piece Bib & Burp Set
- Gender Neutral Lovey
- Little Me Giraffe Gown
Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Dreft and DiMe Media. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
© 2016, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
We were such a Dreft family when we had newborns. It’s the only detergent we recommend to our friends that are expecting!
Goodness…where to start! I guess overall I would suggest to not compete or compare themselves to other parents. That will stress you out more than you realize. Just take their time and enjoy the whole experience, good-bad-and messy!
My tip would be to bring your children up with compassion for all people and animals. Also using products like Dreft is a great idea and natural and organic products also.
My tip is be willing to let others help out.
I would tell them to just relax and enjoy every moment even the tough ones! To not sweat the small stuff and just use your own instincts they are almost always right! Take the help when you need it and don’t feel guilty for needing time for you and the new dad!
My tip would be to accept help from anyone willing to help you out and to just have fun with the little ones.
My tips would be to not be afraid to ask for help and also to sleep when the baby sleeps…housework can wait.
I entered your Entenmanns giveaway
My best tip would be to sleep anytime you can, don’t worry about the house being perfectly clean or anything else if you have a chance to get some rest.
This sounds like a great way to make sure your baby’s clothes are well taken care of and their skin looked after.
I would advise the couple to remember to enjoy each moment. They grow up so fast!
One of my BFFs and I were walking into Target to look at baby care items. We stumbled upon DREFT and was curious how good this was for cleaning baby clothes. We definitely didn’t want any of the chemicals. Thanks to your post now have a point of reference!
I’m not a mom but I have a brand new puppy and I think that a lot of these tips could apply. Especially about separating the dog stuff from our stuff. Wash the dogs blankets different from ours because I think the fur gets in our stuff and makes it itchy. These are great tips to keep in mind! Great post!
I would tell them to relax and take it one day at a time. Being parents is a great adventure that is full of ups and downs.
Great tips. You definitely need a separate hamper for baby clothes. It helps you remember to wash them in something mild, and it keeps the baby funk in one place.
Two tips: First, take people up on their offers to help! Lock it down! You’ll need the rest. Secondly, document as much as possible. It’s a good idea for keeping an eye on your baby’s health and development, but you will also want to remember even the tiniest little details. It goes by in a blink!
Here’s a tip that helped us a lot: make sure to take a few minutes to organize yourself when disorder starts. It can happen constantly because of lack of sleep, exhaustion and all the responsibilities and tasks – everything gets thrown everywhere. Make sure everything has its place so you can keep all your clothes and items organized!
#AmazingHood… Take it easy. You are doing the best job you can. Accept the help and don’t give up and feel defeated. There aren’t any manuals, but everyone’s journey to parenthood is different. Congratulations! And remember.. sh*t happens! haha : p
I guess the advice I’d give is to not lose yourself in becoming parents. So many women lose their own identity, instead becoming “babyname” mom. Remember to take care of YOU first.
I would say be patient and be prepared for anything! Parenthood is always unexpected, so just enjoy the ride!
Dreft is such a great brand. Very reliable and I LOVE the smell! It makes clothes smell so fresh.
My advice would be to enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about havig to be perfect, just enjoy it! #Amazinghood
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I would say to breathe and not take everything so serious. Being a parent is amazing and messy and stressful.. but we are blessed to have that title!
I used Dreft too when my boys were newborns. The advice I would give them is to take the advice of others but follow your heart and instinct. That you will feel as if you are failing but you are actually succeeding.
I would tell them to enjoy this phase. It goes by so quickly and new changes will happen everyday.
It’s ok to ask for help you don’t have to do it alone.
My tip is to sleep when the baby sleeps. If someone offers you help, take it! You don’t want to overwhelm yourself with the new baby.
Thank you for the chance to win!
I loved Dreft when I was pregnant with my two kiddos. That is all we used! It was a great detergent!
One of my tips for new parents is to forget the fancy outfits till later. Dress baby simple and comfortable first few months. Laundry will be easier.
My top tip would be to sleep when you can. All the things you think you need to do instead can wait or be done by someone else.
You make some very good points here.
I did not realize how important it is to keep newborn clothes separate from adult clothes in the laundry and also to first wash new infant clothing before using.
Enroll in baby classes in your hood. Yes, you will be half alive from sleep-deprivation and your baby wouldn’t really care, but you will meet other moms, make best mommy friends and sharing that you were up five times with someone who did the same thing last night would make it seem so much more bearable.
My best advice is Don’t Freak Out! Things are going to happen and stuff is going to come up that you don’t expect but if you are mellow your baby will be too!
Love the post!
Take pictures! Before you know it all of this will be a memory. You will have plenty of spit ups throw ups & a few diaper leaks. Dreft to the rescue! You will enjoy many laughs later on after all of these oops, so enjoy the moment! They are little only once. Congratulations!
Relax and have fun, they grow up so fast. Dreft products are great and smell wonderful.
Rest when the baby is resting. Take care of yourself as well. Enjoy the little things.
We loved Dreft when the kids were little!! What a great giveaway, there is so much to stock up on when you have a baby.
I can remember worrying about what I should wash my baby’s clothes in after she was born. Their laundry is definitely different and deserves special care.
I would tell them that parenthood is the hardest, most rewarding thing they’ll ever do.
Let other people help you out. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Take a break when you can!
Great tips! I just love Sean and Catherine, too! Hey, with twins arriving this summer, I’m pretty sure I’ll take all the laundry help I can get!
My best tip would be to limit visitors at first. Those first couple days of just you and baby are amazing. You don’t want to worry about entertaining your whole family.
I love the smell of Dreft. Use it with all my children.
Dreft is a great detergent. I should put a bottle in my baby shower basket I am making.
My tip is do not be afraid to ask for help. Your family and friends are always willing to help.
I would say be patient and take lots of pictures, they grow up way too fast.
I’ve heard great things about dreft! I guess I would tell them to enjoy it!
My tips is to take time to enjoy the little things. You can clean the house any time. You only have a baby for a little while. Also take a lot of pictures ♡
That they grow super fast so when they are driving you insane remember that first.
I don’t really give much advice on parenting; every kid and every parent is just too different. I would only ever say to capture every moment in whatever way you can. Things will not always be fresh in your memory. Even your daughter’s cry… You’ll miss it!
My tip is to savor all the little precious moments because they grow up so fast.
I always used Dreft, thanks for the giveaway!
I love the smell of dreft. It always soothes me. 🙂
#Amazinghood take the time to enjoy every single moment.
My tip would be to be generous and help others out too! I’m not a parent but that’s my tip 🙂
I think my biggest suggestion would be to just enjoy it as much as you can because it goes by so fast and before you know what’s happening, they’re off to school. Also, relax and don’t sweat the small stuff like poop on the sheets or formula on the carpet.
My tip is for mommy to sleep when the new baby sleeps. It really does wonders.
I would say to enjoy every moment. Babies grow so fast and change everyday. Definitely try to fit in mommy and daddy time when you can.
I would say don’t try to be perfect and stop comparing yourself to everyone else. You will find people who have babies on special diets, participating in tons of activities etc. Just love your child and do the best you can for them.
Sleep when baby sleeps & take tons of pictures & videos.
I would suggest to sleep when the baby is sleeping, to ask for help whether it be someone to hold the baby while you tidy up,or to give yourself an hour to relax.
Dreft has been a staple for 8 years through three babies! My tip for #Amazinghood is to buy several of your favorite outfits. You’re doing laundry all the time and this takes the stress down a notch. Also, skip the onesies. You’ll get plenty of those as gifts and you find you use other full one pieces more often like the sleep and plays or rompers. I’m personally a fan of sleep and plays with zipper especially for the middle of the night when you aren’t as awake for all those buttons, lining them up, etc!
Take time for yourself.
My tip for #amazinghood is to make sure you make time for yourself. It’s hard to relax and have quiet time with a newborn, but most friends/family are willing to help out. I also like to get clothes from thrift stores. I don’t like buying brand new baby clothes because they are expensive and the baby grows out of them quickly.
The best advice someone gave me with baby #1 was to ask for help if you need it. I found that people often didn’t ask if I needed help. However, the minute I asked for it they were more than happy to lend a hand. I never felt as though I was bothering anyone.
Thank you!
I would suggest to them that they always make sure to do what works best for them. Meaning, instead of looking at all the mommy blogs and freaking out if something doesn’t work for their family and their baby, it will still be all OK. Plus, it’s always OK to ask for help!
My tip would be you’ll be getting tons and tons of unwanted parenting advice and opinions on you should raise your child. Pfft, brush all that off and do what works for your family. If people don’t like the way you do it, set them straight. They’re not little for long, so cherish every minute you can. There’s nothing better than the smell of a newborn. I had my baby girl on 4/14 and I’m so in love all over again.
My tip is not to forget to take some time for yourself, taking a walk, shopping with friends or just taking a nap. This will make you feel a lot better and keep baby blues away!
I’d say accept help when it’s offered. You’ll be exhausted and the offers for help will eventually stop coming – take and enjoy while you can!
Life is short, have fun and enjoy the good times. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
My tip is don’t be afraid to ask for help.
My tip is to sleep when your baby sleeps as you never know when you will get a chance to sleep.
I am, Mama De 4 and my advice to new parents! Having always present every moment, that every day will have a new surprise and try to capture those little moments photos videos, all the wonder that is the arrival of a baby to our life, the first smile, the first look with mom and dad until her crying love him because in the first few months and then they change them will be missed. A unique and unforgettable experience! No less important tip rest, rest before the baby arrives because after Goodbye quiet nights! Aww clear that the first few months because after they get used to the hours mommy sleeps! Well #amazinghood whole experience will be unique and a wonderful experience.
Take lots of pictures and don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t want people coming over to see the baby. Do it when you are comfortable and settled at home from the hospital.
Ask for help when you need it, try your best, and don’t compare yourself to others.
I would tell them not to be afraid to ask questions when you have them. Friends and family can really help when they have gone through the same thing themselves.
My tip would be to be organized, to take as many photos/videos as possible and to enjoy every milestone of your baby. Use Dreft to protect the baby’s sensitive skin please. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing giveaway.
I would say the parenthood is always unexpected, so just enjoy your journey!