new clothes

[SCHBR'smom]

I was just taking the tags off the baby's new clothes so I could wash them. I was talking to my DSiL and she told me that her SiL doesn't wash the kids clothes before they wear them. It has never occured to me NOT to wash the clothes first. The only time they have ever worn clothes without washing them is when we've been out and someone either threw up or pooped on their clothes and it was better to get something new and put it on than wear clothes covered in vomit or poop. You don't know who has touched the clothes with dirty hands or what chemical residue could be left from the manufacture and shipping. Am I crazy?

 

[Robinrs]

I'm probably older than your Mom and I've never heard of that until I read it on these boards about a year ago.

I'm still alive so I guess I survived the "residue"

 

[snapppyd]

My Dh won't wear clothes until they've been washed. I agree, I would do it for a baby also. Me, I love clothes when they are new and have that "sizing" still in them.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

No. You're not crazy.

I wash all my new clothes before wearing them. I know there are chemicals on them and as I'm allergic to so many chemical, I'd rather not take a chance.

If I did that for me, you know I'd be doing that to all my kids clothes.

 

[mousetravel]

You don't know who has touched the clothes with dirty hands or what chemical residue could be left from the manufacture and shipping. Am I crazy?

I would never wear clothes without washing them first. I wouldn't even wear a pair of socks without washing first. Especially with babies or little ones, you never know what they may have a reaction to. For me, my DD has asthma, and any weird smells (chemicals, dust, etc) can interfere with her breathing, so I don't take any chances. I always wash first, then wear!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I did it when DD was a baby. After that, nope. I don't know anyone that actually does this except new moms...and now the folks on the Dis.

We've survived so I'm not going to start now.

 

[NMAmy]

I'm probably older than your Mom and I've never heard of that until I read it on these boards about a year ago.

I'm still alive so I guess I survived the "residue"

Eh, come sit by me, Robin. I have new clothes "residue" on me, as well.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

when the kids were little, I did always wash everything before wearing - one DD has very sensitive skin and I took no chances. One word of caution - if this is a brand new baby, and you are washing clothing you received as gifts - don't wash everything at once. Several friends did this and then when the baby came home, they realized they had about 4 months worth of size 0-3 clothes washed and ready to go.... 1/2 the stuff never got worn before it was outgrown.

Now I don't wash things ahead of time, except for jeans. They are too stiff and the dye bleeds easily.

 

[Robinrs]

Eh, come sit by me, Robin. I have new clothes "residue" on me, as well.

I even have OLD clothes residue on me, too, since I do LOTS of shopping at thrift shops. Those I DO wash before wearing, though, but NEW? No.

Ya live and learn...

 

[Angelhalo]

I never wash new clothes before wearing them unless its a bathing suit. I'd like for the clothes to look brand new for at least ONE wear before they're washed and lose a bit of luster forever.

Thrift store clothes I always wash before wear. New? Never.

 

[ckoncurat]

I have six kids, the oldest is 12. I have NEVER washed a new item of clothing for anyone, and we have never had a reaction. I like the feel of brand new (not washed) clothes!

 

[bubie2.5]

I always wash the baby's new clothes before he wears them. I've never given it much thought as to why, it just has always been done that way in our family.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I have six kids, the oldest is 12. I have NEVER washed a new item of clothing for anyone, and we have never had a reaction. I like the feel of brand new (not washed) clothes!

 

[Va-bear]

I even have OLD clothes residue on me, too, since I do LOTS of shopping at thrift shops. Those I DO wash before wearing, though, but NEW? No.

Ya live and learn...

Ditto on all accounts. Heck, I even have "sensitive skin" (per my doctor) - no news clothes have ever given me a reaction, but clothes washed with my own detergents have (I've tried a LOT and have found good ones now..)

I the feel of new clothes, all fresh and stiff!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

- no news clothes have ever given me a reaction, but clothes washed with my own detergents have (I've tried a LOT and have found good ones now..)

Me too!! I'm allergic to All free - the stuff that's supposed to be free of dyes, etc. Makes me break out in a horrible rash. New clothes - never!

 

[Va-bear]

Me too!! I'm allergic to All free - the stuff that's supposed to be free of dyes, etc. Makes me break out in a horrible rash. New clothes - never!

I tried to use this to explain to DH why I *NEED* to buy all new clothes...somehow he didnt quite see it that way.

 

[KSchwagg86]

I never wash my new clothes

 

[lvanleer]

I never wash my new clothes before wearing and I honestly can't remember my mom doing it either....it still excites me when I get wear something new.....the only clothes I can see washing before wearing are jeans to soften them however I don't even do that.

 

[pezheadmeg]

If it's not in a manufacturer's sealed package it gets washed.

Between cleaning fitting rooms out and walking loading docks, a decade working in retail means I wash everything. My mother the nurse, puts all the new stuff right on and tells me I'm a hypochondriac germ-a-phobe.

 

[Kit'smommy]

I wash dark jeans, undies and sleepwear for the whole family before they are worn. I also washed all of DS's things until he was about a year old.

Every washing wears clothing out a little. Why would I want to waste that fresh crisp clothing look by washing everything first?