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