Stick to soft fabrics

The fabric of your baby’s clothes can make a real difference to their comfort. Select clothes that are soft against your baby’s delicate skin, such as cotton, and avoid wool, nylon, rayon and polyester as these are more likely to irritate skin and cause discomfort.

Wash new clothing before wear

New clothes can still contain chemicals that may aggravate your baby’s dry, itchy and irritated skin. Wash new clothes using a non-bio detergent and a fabric softener before your baby wears them. Some people like to give everything an extra rinse to make sure any irritants or allergens have been completely washed away.

Use second hand clothes

Clothes that have already been worn by an older sibling or a friend’s child can be kinder to your baby’s skin than new clothes, as they will have been washed several times, which makes them softer. You can also try buying second-hand baby clothes but always make sure you wash items using a non-bio detergent and fabric softener before they’re worn.

Avoid tight clothing

Tight clothing can irritate your baby's sensitive skin, so it’s best avoided for all skin types. Your baby’s clothes should be loose against their skin, so try going up a size if you think they are too tight.

Check seams and labels

Labels and seams can rub against your baby’s delicate skin and cause irritation. Check that all labels are removed; turn garments inside out, then run your hand along the seams to see if they feel rough or smooth against your skin.