| It is indeed daunting to realize that | | | | • They are designed to make clothes |
| once a baby arrives, not only does your | | | | feel softer and smoother, and at the |
| laundry chore doubles, but you need to | | | | same time reduce wrinkles in clothing |
| make arrangements to shield off the | | | | and mitigate the need to iron. |
| tender skin of our baby from harsh | | | | How to Use Fabric Softeners |
| clothes. Fabric softeners for baby | | | | • Liquid fabric softeners: Add |
| clothing then becomes a necessity. | | | | liquid fabric softener during your |
| It may be reassuring to know it is not | | | | washing machine's final rinse cycle for |
| always necessary to use a baby detergent | | | | enhanced softening. Make sure there is |
| for your baby's clothes. Because a baby | | | | water in the machine when you add the |
| detergent does not always get rid of | | | | softener; however, avoid overfilling the |
| stains and odors on your baby's clothing | | | | washing machine. Staining may result if |
| as you'd like, it may be better you | | | | a fabric softener is poured directly on |
| switch to some other detergent. | | | | the clothes. And most importantly, keep |
| Switching on to fabric softener | | | | your baby's fabric softener in an |
| Before switching to a fabric softener, | | | | environment where it will not freeze; |
| make sure to test one article of | | | | freezing leads to thickening of the |
| clothing first. Unless your baby has | | | | liquid fabric softener. |
| allergies, eczema, atopic dermatitis, or | | | | • Fabric softener sheets: While |
| other conditions affecting your baby's | | | | using sheets, it is always advisable to |
| sensitive skin, liquid detergents meant | | | | add them just before you start your |
| exclusively for babies are your best bet | | | | drier. The drier's heat activates the |
| because they work for all types of | | | | softening properties of fabric softener |
| clothes. But if there seems to be some | | | | sheets. Staining might result if you |
| irritation, you can still try using a | | | | allow a fabric sheet to sit in a wet |
| fabric softener detergent that does not | | | | load of clothing. |
| contain colors or fragrances. | | | | Remember to avoid washing your little |
| Why Fabric Softeners? | | | | one's clothes with the rest of the |
| • Better than an ordinary baby | | | | family's clothes; the harsh detergents |
| detergent that only washes because they | | | | are likely to irritate your baby's skin |
| come with choices to meet the need of | | | | (most common of them, diaper rash). All |
| your baby's sensitive skin. Fabric | | | | said, remember to always read the |
| softeners come in two types: sheets and | | | | manufacturer's instructions and follow |
| liquids; they also come in scented as | | | | them; also look for any special cleaning |
| well as fragrance-free options. | | | | instructions that may appear on the |
| • Fabric softeners give fabrics a | | | | labels of your baby's clothing. |
| softer feel and help reduce static cling | | | | Following these will ensure soft, fluffy |
| (particularly useful for synthetics and | | | | clothes for your baby's comfort. |
| permanent press items). | | | | |