Ten Tips for washing baby clothes

During the first few months, it is essential to wash the baby's clothes separately with mild soap and no fabric softeners

Thebaby's skinis much more delicate and sensitive than adults, so it is necessary for parents to pay particular attention to washing and garment care and clothes that are in direct contact with it. During the first few months you shoulduse specific laundry detergent for babiesor delicate andavoid fabric softener and other additives. In any case, the baby's skin will show if a product thatwill produce a negative reaction.

Basic Guidelines

Before washing any garment, whether baby or adult, it is essential to follow some basic guidelines that promote the correct washing, prevent deterioration and prevent garments suffer any damage:
•Separate color: white clothes in the washing must separate that which presents strong or intense colors. Thus, it prevents clothes and color fade spoil the lighter.

•Separate by fabric type: Some garments are made ​​with delicate fabrics that require more care in washing. You should avoid clean these garments are more resistant to damage them, and follow these guidelines to clean thistype of specific tissues.

•Empty pockets: you need to check the pockets of the clothes are empty to prevent other elements or objects that can damage clothes washing interfere.

•Pay attention to the labels: the label contains the information necessary to care for the clothes properly. Importantly, the various symbols that indicate, among otherthings, the type of washing, the useof additives and guidelines recommended drying and ironing.

Specific tips for baby clothes

1.All clothing: applying guidelines washing baby clothes should not just limited to clothing, it is also important to pay attention to the washingof beddingwhich is touching the baby, and with other items such as gauze, bibs or stuffed animals.

2.Independent Washing: during the first six months, you should wash the baby's clothes separately from other garments of people living in the home. This is particularly advisable to avoid contact with dirt extreme or dangerous products that may contain other clothes.One can also use protective clothes bag.

3.Delicates: more delicate clothes (asincluding embroidery, beading or lace) and which is made ​​more sensitive fabrics (like silk) Hand washing is preferable to prevent damage or break the contact with other clothes in the washer.

4.Woolens: washing wool clothing baby can be performed by hand or,if desired, in the washing machine on a gentle cycle for delicate or specific to wool. Pay special attention tothe washing temperature, which must be kept warm. On drying, it is bestnot to hang clothesand let it dry on a flat surface (can be placed under a towel to absorb moisture) so they do not stretch or deform.

5.Remove any tough stains: baby clothing is stained with stool frequency, leftovers or vomiting that must be add ressed befor eproceeding with normal washing.It is important to act quickly so that the stain does not dry out and put the garment so aked with a little soap to remove dirt more important.

6.Soap Type: during the first months is recommended to use both hand washing and machine, a special soap for delicate or specific baby. As the baby grows from about six months you may introduce other detergents and apply them first on a single garment to check that it has no negative reaction on the baby's skin.

7.Using softeners and additives: bothsoftening and other additives that are often used for clothes (bleach and other cleaning fluid) may contain chemicals harmful to the delicate skin of newborn baby, especially if there are remains afterwashing. You can avoid the use of these products in the first months and then gradually incorporate by tests on a single garment.

8.Hand Washing: When washing clothes by hand is necessary to payspecial attention to the final rinse to avoid leaving traces of soap or detergent on the clothes.

9.Machine wash: if possible, you can use a program that includes double rinse to prevent remaining detergent residue on clothing. When accumulated baby clothes is not enough to charge the entire washing program can choose a reduced charge.

10.Ironing: many baby clothes do notneed ironing but when so, avoid using very high temperatures in the iron that can damage delicate garments which are composed of sensitive tissues.

Children and clothing: three steps to dress themselves

Children must learn to dress themselves, a very important aspect to gain autonomy, feel more independent and strengthen their self-esteem

Depending on the ability of each and their level of maturity, between two and six years, children should learn to dress themselves. It is the next "big step" after leave the diaper. In addition to being a time saver for parents, the acquisition of this skill represents an important advance in autonomy, which helps bolster confidence in their own abilities and feel more independent. To facilitate this task, among other things, parents should respect each child's individual pace, teach them in a fun and entertaining and help only when needed.

1. Allow children to develop their autonomy

• Step by step: can not expect a child to learn at the same time to put all the clothes because some need a certain ability or skill to put them. It is better to structure the task at different stages, depending on their level of difficulty. During the first few weeks, you can leave that you only underwear and socks, gradually introduce new elements.
• No end for him: delay before the children to wear, it is common for parents to be who end up placing most small clothes. Thus, children lose the motivation to perform the task of dressing themselves and take long to learn to put some clothes well.
• Give them time: at first, and even that strengthen their skills, it is normal to be slower. Hurry to get his or berate his delay in these cases will only serve to put them nervous and frustrated with. At the beginning of learning, it is best to choose times when you have no hurry (and weekends) and, later, if necessary, restructure and raise the child hours earlier so that time is not a discordant element.
• Provide assistance when requested: is important not show overprotective attitudes, or help immediately perceived as a small difficulty placed a garment. It is advisable to let them try and help themselves only if they request it. At that time, it is advisable to explain step by step how to do it, and even let them do it later, so that the next time will not have much difficulty.
• Do not break the rule: Once the child has learned to dress himself, we must respect their autonomy provided by all adults. That is, it does not leave you with one parent is seen by himself and, in parallel, the other will offer to help. Neither should clothe when time is scarce.

2. Simple and neat clothing to make it easier

• For younger children, it is preferable to start let alone to dress in clothes that do not have closures (elastic waist pants, dresses without buttons, sweatshirts, etc..).
• When you gain more skill, it's time to try simple fasteners (Velcro or snaps) and book by the end closures "harder" as buttons, laces or zippers.
• Give them clues on each garment to avoid making mistakes. Should indicate that the tag must be behind the clothes in the back, while the drawing of a shirt or a shirt pocket have to see ahead and seams should be always inside.
• Prepare the clothes in the order they should be placed: underwear, shirt and pants (or skirt or dress) and finally, sweaters and coats. Thus, the child will avoid improperly superimposed garments and needed to start over.
• Dressing in front of the television or in a room with many distractions can slow enough to small. Parents should ensure that the child is dressed in a quiet environment, without elements that prevent you from concentrating on the task.

3. Tricks and fun tips for children to dress themselves

• Painting a letter in the templates of shoes or half of a drawing in each of them, so that when put together properly instructed what goes on each foot.
• Organize competitions with the brothers to see who gets put each piece in less time.
• Inventing songs with clothing, which may give clues about the best way to position each.
• One of the best ways to train is to plan an evening of costume play they have to be themselves.
• Dressing up dolls or put clothes help a younger brother will help them learn and build self-esteem.
• The puzzles and games strung lace and small parts favor the development of motor skills necessary to handle more precise elements of dress.