Fabric softeners
Among the issues raised by future and new parents, the question of rinse for a newborn - it is, of course, a liquid for fabric conditioner, such as bed linen or baby clothes, after washing them. Or any fabric softener fabrics is for newborn safe? Can fabric softeners be used with older children, and if so, from when?
The role of fabric softeners is to soften the fabric and give it a pleasant smell. We like to use them because they make clothes or bedding pleasant to touch and wear, and also keep them fresh for longer. The matter becomes more complicated, however, when we want to use them to rinse textiles for the youngest children. In the following text you will find out whether the rinse aid can be harmful to children, especially newborns and infants.
What is the composition of fabric softeners?
Fabric softeners contain surfactants (usually cationic surfactants), similar to those used, among others in washing powders, liquids or shampoos, as well as preservatives. In addition, almost every fabric softener contains a fragrance that makes the clothes smell nice and keep them fresh for a long time. Unfortunately, there is one problem - all ingredients contained in the fabric softener, added to the last rinse, penetrate into the fabric structure of the clothes, remain in it and are in constant contact with the baby's skin.
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Pharmacologist, Chief expert in the field of opinions on cosmetics, medical devices, washing and rinsing agents and biocides, Institute of Mother and Child
Rinsing liquids - are they safe for newborns and small children?
Research has shown that surfactants, preservatives and fragrances contained in e.g. fabric softener are irritating to the skin, moreover, the last two groups of compounds mentioned are the most common allergenic ingredients in cosmetics and washing detergents. The younger the child is, the greater the risk of such an action is - newborns, infants and young children are most sensitive. The skin of a child up to 3 years of age is more susceptible to irritation and mechanical damage and is more permeable to foreign substances than the skin of an adult. Her contact with substances that are not suitable for the age of the child carries the risk of irritation and allergy.
Since when to use fabric softener for children?
Fabric softener may cause allergies and irritation i it should not be used until the child is 3 years old. For children from 4 years of age, there are special washing liquids that contain surfactants with a gentle effect on the skin and fragrances free of the most common allergens. However, I would advise against using these fluids in children with allergies or atopic skinSimilarly, I advise against using any fabric softener if the child is under 3 years of age, even if the manufacturer gives such a recommendation on the label of its product.
Expert advises
Regarding the agents added to the last rinse, unfortunately, no liquid on the market should be used for rinsing textiles intended for the youngest children - not only newborns, but also infants and children up to 3 years of age. The ingredients of such a liquid remain in the structure of textiles and, having constant contact with the baby's skin, may be irritating and allergenic.
What instead rinse aid for the newborn?
Since no rinse aid for a newborn is recommended, how do you make washed clothes or bedding for babies soft? First of all, any textiles that come into contact with the skin of a newborn baby should be:
- not only light, soft and delicate to the touch,
- but most of all made of high-quality natural raw materials,
- with certificates confirming that they can serve the youngest (Oeko-Tex Standard class I or GOTS),
- and also suitable for washing at high temperature (60 degrees C).
Let's also remember To remove detergent residues from fabrics after washing, make sure to rinse them thoroughly each time – the easiest way is to set at least one additional rinse cycle. Moreover, clothes and other things of the baby should be ironed after washing, preferably on both sides or using a steam generator (steam station). The high temperature will not only kill any microbes that may have remained, but it will also soften and smooth the fibres. Thanks to this, without the use of fabric softener, fabrics and knitted fabrics will be more pleasant to the touch and more friendly to the delicate skin of a newborn and infant.
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