Fabric Choices

Avoid harsh fabrics that have rough and heavy fibers, such as certain wools and synthetic materials, they can feel like sandpaper to a sensitive baby. Cotton, on the other hand, does not irritate the skin. In fact, cotton fabrics are often recommended for people with skin allergies. Your baby is safe wearing cotton clothing because it is hypoallergenic and you can rest assure that your child won't have any adverse reaction. Look for cotton knits and jersey for soft, stretchy outfits.

Detergent Choices

For the first 3 months, you can protect your baby's sensitive skin with the use of mild detergent such as Dreft, Ivory Snow, Tide Free or any hypoallergenic detergents. Harsh fabrics are those that have rough and heavy fibers.

When trying a new detergent, wash one of baby's outfits and try on baby to check for any skin reactions. If this garment test works, then you know that your baby is not allergic to the detergent and it is safe to wash all of baby's clothes.

Cotton Personal Care Products

A baby's skin is especially sensitive and delicate, so it is important that parents know what is contained in the personal care products they use on their children's skin.

"Parents purchase cosmetic balls, baby wipes and swabs and automatically assume they are made of cotton," says Edward McLean director of nonwoven research for Cotton Incorporated. "They want cotton in these products because of the fiber's naturalness, purity and hygienic properties, but they're sometimes disappointed to find that what they bought is made of rayon, polyester or polypropylene."

Although personal care products made from other fibers may look like cotton, McLean says they don't perform as well. Cotton personal care products are made with fibers that meet U.S. Pharmacia specifications for purified cotton. Synthetics used for personal care products are often chemically treated to make the fiber absorbent and suitable for processing.

Parents can be sure that they are using 100 percent cotton personal care products by purchasing products that feature the distinctive Cotton Seal.