Cot sheets, swaddles and bibs get washed more than anything else in the house, and they sit against the most sensitive skin in the family. A gentle, consistent routine keeps them soft, hygienic and looking lovely wash after wash. This guide covers everything from the first wash to storage, and pairs with our general guide on how to wash and care for handcrafted cotton bedding. Explore the full range on our baby page.
Shown: Baby Crib Bedding Set - Bows and Greens, also in Bows and Peaches
Why baby bedding needs different care
Newborn skin is thinner and more reactive than adult skin, so residue from strong detergents, fragrance or fabric softener can cause irritation. Baby bedding also deals with milk, spit-up, drool and nappy leaks, which means frequent washing. The goal is to clean thoroughly while leaving nothing behind on the fabric.
Before first use: always pre-wash
- Wash every new cot sheet, swaddle, blanket and bib before baby uses it, to remove any finishing residue and dust from storage and shipping.
- Wash printed and coloured pieces separately for the first couple of washes.
- Expect slight shrinkage in cotton and muslin, so avoid hot water at first.
Setting up a nursery from scratch? See our list of newborn baby essentials.
How to wash baby bedding, step by step
- Choose a baby-safe detergent: mild, fragrance-free and dye-free. Use a little less than the pack suggests.
- Use cool to warm water (30 to 40°C) for everyday loads. Use warmer water only for heavily soiled, plain items or during illness, if the label allows.
- Pick a gentle cycle and don't overfill the drum.
- Add an extra rinse so no detergent stays in the fibres.
- Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets. They leave a coating on fabric and reduce breathability and absorbency.
Caring for muslin swaddles
Muslin is loosely woven, light and breathable, and it gets softer with every wash. To keep it that way:
- Wash in cool water on a gentle cycle, ideally in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging.
- Don't wring. Gently squeeze out water and shake the swaddle out.
- Line dry in shade, or tumble dry on low. Muslin naturally has a slightly crinkled texture; there's no need to iron it.
- Keep away from Velcro, zips and hooks in the same load, which can pull threads.
Choosing a new one? Read how to choose the right swaddle blanket for your newborn or browse our muslin swaddles.
Cot sheets and bedding sets
Change and wash cot sheets at least once or twice a week, and immediately after leaks or spit-up. Keep two or three sets in rotation so you're never caught short at 3 AM. Wash fitted sheets with their elastic intact on a gentle cycle and avoid high dryer heat, which can loosen elastic and affect fit. A snug fit matters, so learn more in our crib sheet buying guide. Shop organic cotton cot bedding sets and muslin cot bedding sets.
Cot bumpers
Bumpers have filling, so wash them less often and more gently. Remove covers where possible, wash on a gentle cycle in cool water, and dry thoroughly, flat or on a line, before refitting, so no moisture is trapped inside.
Shown: Muslin Cot Bumper - Ivory, also in Peach, Ecru and Grey. See all cot bumpers.
Baby blanket care instructions: dohars, quilts and sleeping bags
- Wash every one to two weeks with normal use, or sooner after spills.
- Use a gentle cycle and cool water; hand wash heavily stitched or quilted pieces.
- Press out water, don't wring, and dry flat or evenly over a line so the layers don't shift.
- Make sure filled items are completely dry inside before use or storage.
Browse baby dohars and sleeping bags.
Bibs and napkins
These see the most mess. Rinse in cold water straight after use, then wash with the regular baby load. Muslin bibs and napkins dry quickly, so they're easy to keep in rotation.
Shown: Muslin Bibs - Bear Love. Also see Muslin Napkin - Bear Love, our muslin bibs and muslin napkins.
Removing common baby stains
- Milk and spit-up: Rinse from the back in cold water as soon as you can. Hot water sets milk proteins.
- Nappy leaks: Rinse in cold water, soak in cool water with a little baby-safe detergent, then wash.
- Food and puree: Scrape off, rinse cold, and dab with a mild detergent paste before washing. Line drying in sunlight helps fade marks on white fabric.
- Oil or baby lotion: Sprinkle with cornflour or baking soda to absorb, brush off, then wash.
Avoid chlorine bleach and strong stain removers on baby items. Spot test anything new on a hidden corner first.
Drying and storage
- Line dry in shade to protect prints, or use low heat in a dryer.
- Dry everything completely before folding, especially in monsoon humidity, to prevent a musty smell.
- Store in breathable cotton bags or a clean pillowcase, in a cool, dry cupboard.
- Before reusing stored items for a new baby, wash them again.
Which fabrics are easiest to care for?
Soft cotton and muslin are gentle on skin and handle frequent washing well. For a deeper look at fibres and finishes, read what fabric is safest for baby bedding and the complete guide to buying handcrafted baby bedding and linen.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wash baby bedding before first use?
Yes. Pre-washing removes finishing residue and dust and softens the fabric.
What detergent is best for baby bedding?
A mild, fragrance-free and dye-free detergent, used sparingly, with an extra rinse.
Can I wash baby clothes and bedding with adult laundry?
Once your baby is a few months old and shows no skin sensitivity, many families do. In the newborn weeks, a separate gentle load is safer.
How often should I wash cot sheets?
At least once or twice a week, and right away after any leak, spit-up or illness.
Do muslin swaddles shrink?
Slightly, mostly in the first wash. Cool water and low drying heat keep shrinkage to a minimum.
The bottom line
Mild detergent, an extra rinse, cool water and shade drying are all it takes to keep baby bedding soft, clean and gentle on skin. Find cot sets, swaddles and more on our baby page, or explore the nursery collection. Curious how our pieces are made? Read the story behind Aplito.
