When you’re a parent, you start to pay more attention to the things you choose to invite into the household – including the clothing. As the newborn’s skin is more sensitive to the fabrics and chemicals and it’s easy for it to become irritated, natural options become the staple in a practical and stylish baby wardrobe.

Nowadays, one quick look through the internet is enough to come across quality organic onesies and other baby clothing essentials to fill up the wardrobe with and have the peace of mind the risks of irritation and allergies are significantly reduced. From exceptional organic cotton to silk and merino wool, there are different fabrics to choose from for the different seasons and occasions.

While there’s no doubt organic baby clothing is an investment worth making, knowing how to select these high-quality items isn’t enough – to be able to use them time and time again and protect little ones while keeping them stylish early on, it’s necessary to also be aware of the care required for each organic option. Same as you would take the time to find the ideal models and items for your bub, paying attention to design, style, colour and size, it takes knowing some basics of care for prolonged use.

How Do You Care for Organic Cotton Fabric?

As these aren’t your regular cotton or synthetic fabrics, you should be mindful with how you wash, how you store and how you treat stains on the organic newborn onesies and other essentials as they’re sure to occur with little ones prone to diaper and burp messes. First and foremost, start with what you choose to wash cotton with; preferably, it should be a mild detergent free from harsh chemicals harmful to the cotton fibres as much as baby’s skin.

Products like bleach and fabric softeners are best left out if you want to prolong the lifespan of the fabric. As there’s the chance of shrinkage with some items, it’s ideal to wash them in cold water. If washing in the machine is inevitable, try the normal low temperature setting. With the drying, if you don’t like to rely on some old-fashioned air drying, then be sure to choose the low heat setting on the dryer. The low heat in washing and drying can also preserve the colours.

In case of stains, it’s ideal to treat them immediately by spot cleaning with the mild detergent and cold water. If it’s an older or more persistent stain, you can try adding white vinegar on the spot before throwing the item in the washing machine for thorough cleanup. Now, in terms of the storage, it’s best to leave clothes in the wardrobe away from any moisture, heat or direct sunlight.

If you plan on saving the quality organic onesies and other items for future use, get breathable muslin or cotton bags for storage as these are perfect for preventing mould or mildew because they allow air circulation. Folding the items neatly is a no-brainer, and so is adding lavender sachets to prevent insects from coming in and damaging the fabric.

How Do You Care for Merino Wool?

Merino wool is one of those options known for being naturally anti-bacterial, perfect for the little ones’ sensitive skin. Although it’s got naturally self-cleaning properties, and you could do with the occasional refreshment, it’s still a delicate fabric that requires thoughtful care. A merino organic baby onesie should be washed with a specialised wool detergent, which is gentle and pH neutral.

In terms of temperature, it’s best to hand-wash it in cold water, or if washing in the machine, a delicate, wool cycle is mandatory. This is important because it helps protect the wool items from shrinking. When treating stains by spot cleaning, avoid adding too much water and a lot of pressure with the rubbing as it can damage the fabric.

If you can, dry the clothes laying them flat instead of hanging them as they can stretch. The same can be said about the storage; avoid hanging the items and instead fold them neatly and add them in a drawer. Same as with the cotton, be sure to add in some lavender sachets to repel the insects.

How Do You Care for Silk?

Silk is a premium fabric choice known for the amazing texture gentle on the skin. It’s also breathable and lightweight, all properties that make it the perfect choice of fabric for babies. But, despite the unbeatable benefits, it’s also one of those delicate fabrics that require more care with the handling, so when you’ve got organic baby bodysuits or other items made with silk read through the manufacturer’s instructions.

When washing, cold water is the best for preventing damage. If it’s allowed to machine wash them, the silk items should be washed with the gentle setting. While the dryer has a delicate setting too, avoid it if you can and air dry the silk away from direct sunlight. Avoid rubbing and twisting the fabric as it can get damaged, and always wash with a specialised mild detergent.

In case of stains, pre-treat them with a gentle stain remover then wash them in the machine. Avoid soaking the fabric too much, and blot out the excess moisture with a dry towel before drying. When it’s time to iron, use the low heat setting without the steam. Lastly, when storing, choose a cool and dry spot and keep the items in a fabric bag to protect them from damage and insects.