BR: When to wash baby's things (how far in advance)?

Married2MrWright

For all my research, books, links, etc. I haven't found any advice on this.

When do you wash all of baby's clothes, blankets, sheets, etc.?

Many of our items are gently used, so they came to us laundered, but I definitely will wash them with our own detergent, etc.  And the new stuff, with tags, needs to be washed since it has manufacturer's chemicals, etc. on it.

We've prepped cloth diapers and that's it.  When should the baby's laundry begin?  We have about 10 weeks to go. 

MrsNJSwimmer

I think we started around 36 weeks because I had a full load of clothes by then.  Also, you are full term at 37, so you just never know.  I think I just prioritized and made sure with the first day of laundry I had enough of a variety of things (few blankets, onesies, etc) that if he came later that day, I would be prepared. 

vanceandlori

Pretty sure you can wash baby's clothes whenever you want, but we washed it around 34 (I think...) weeks. It was pretty good timing since she came at 38 weeks, but again, I don't really think it matters unless you mind washing your clothes now and having them sit around for the next 10 weeks.

mrs.winter

I agree with PP but I washed all my stuff and Ashton didn't wear half of them.  I would only wash a few of your new items (one of each style, etc.) to make sure baby fits it or it's something you find easy to get on and off for changing diapers, etc.  We wasted ALOT of $$ of cute clothes that Ashton never wore.  Just my 2 cents:-)

myday1708

OK, I am bad I don't think I actually washed things until a week before my due date! I know I kept meaning to but never got around to it. Luckily, Alexa was a week late (due 9/2, arrived 9/9)!

From my blog on 8/23:  

Also this weekend, I washed all baby bassinet bedding and clothes, plus burp cloths, slings and changing pads. I used Seventh Generation Baby Laundry Detergent and washed cold on delicate cycle with no fabric softeners. 

mrspresley

I washed everything around 34-35 weeks, just in case she decided to make a surprise appearance and come early.  that said, most of it was all from consignment so there was no harm in washing them early - we tucked them away in a dresser where they wouldn't get dusty or anything like that.  if you have things that are NWT i would hold off on washing any of those to see if they fit, unless of course it's something you only have one of and you would need it right away.  that way, you can still return it if you need to after Libby is born.

SirenSong

I did all the washing/folding/putting away of Maya's stuff about 3 weeks before she was due.

jaysgirljulie

Nothing useful to contribute here but OMG Lori, I can't believe you only have 10 weeks to go!!!! Wow, I just got so excited for you!

Married2MrWright

Thanks ladies, especially on the tip to hold off on new stuff, if possible.  I think we can do that since the majority of our clothing is second hand.  New blankets, etc. I am sure we'll use, at some point.

Julie - OMG!  I know!  Somedays it seems like it will never get here and others...it's right around the corner!