6 Helpful Tips About Prolonging Baby Knitwear You May Not Know

Soft baby knitwear is a popular choice among parents for its comfort and durability.

If you’re looking to make the most of these reliable and affordable baby clothes, understanding how to maintain their quality is crucial.

At Best&Less, we’re a trusted name in family apparel and baby accessories. Join us as we not only offer quality pieces but valuable suggestions on how to extend the lifespan of organic baby knitwear. From rotating usage to simple repairs, these basic practices can help keep your baby’s wardrobe going.

Tip #1: Rotate knitwear usage to prevent fibre fatigue.

Rotating knitwear helps extend the garment’s lifespan.

Regularly switching between different knitwear items reduces strain on individual pieces, allowing fibres to ‘rest’, maintain their shape and regain elasticity between uses.

If your little one frequently uses the same knitwear, the fibres can become overstretched and may not bounce back to their original form, leading to sagging and wear over time. So when you rotate between items like baby sweaters and baby cardigans, you distribute the wear across multiple pieces rather than just one.

This simple habit can contribute to the longevity of baby outfits, keeping everything from baby knitwear to baby headwear fresh, well-maintained and in good condition for longer.

Tip #2: Minimise the use of fabric softeners to preserve knitwear quality.

Excessive fabric softener use can lead to fibre damage.

Too much fabric softener can actually do more harm than good to your baby’s knitwear.

Generally, overusing fabric softeners can leave a residue that attracts dirt, making the knitted baby clothes less breathable and more prone to wear. That’s because the trapped dirt can cause the fibres to break down over time, significantly decreasing the lifespan of the garment.

To avoid these issues, opt for fabric softeners that are specifically formulated for materials like cotton, as they’re less likely to leave harmful residues. Just keep in mind that moderation is key. So, use these specialised softeners sparingly to maintain everything from baby knitwear to baby beanies without compromising structural integrity.

Tip #3: Avoid direct sunlight exposure to protect knitwear colours.

Prolonged sun exposure can cause colours to fade.

Keep cosy baby knitwear out of direct sunlight when drying so you can preserve its vibrant colours and prevent UV damage. Drying baby knitwear in direct sunlight can lead to fading, as UV rays break down the pigments in the fabric. Sunlight can also be harsh on knit fibres, causing them to become brittle and lose their inherent softness.

To maintain vibrant colours, softness and strength, it’s best to dry knitwear in shaded areas or indoors to spare the material from undue stress. Additionally, shaded drying prevents uneven discolouration, keeping the garment uniformly bright and attractive.

Tip #4: Avoid wearing knitwear underneath heavy outerwear to prevent pilling.

Heavy outerwear can cause friction and damage knitwear.

When you layer heavy outerwear over your baby’s knitwear, the friction that happens during movement can cause the delicate fibres to rub against each other. This frequent rubbing can create small, fuzzy balls of fibre, known as pilling, which not only look unsightly but also weaken the fabric.

This degradation can make the knitwear lose its softness and become more prone to tears and holes over time. With this in mind, choosing smoother, lighter fabrics for the inner layers can protect the knitwear’s texture and increase its lifespan. Fabrics like cotton are excellent choices because they glide easily against the knitwear, minimising wear and tear.

Tip #5: Use natural stain removers to maintain knitwear condition.

Natural stain removers are gentle on knitwear fibres.

Commercial stain removers often contain chemicals that can be too aggressive for delicate baby knitwear and even accents like baby bows. These harsh chemical stain removers can break down the delicate fibres of knitwear, causing the material to weaken over time. They can also strip the colours, fading the garment and ruining its visual appeal too.

Instead of settling for this, natural options like diluted white vinegar and baking soda paste provide a mild yet effective way to tackle stains. These alternatives not only remove stains but also help preserve both the colour and texture of the baby knitwear.

Tip #6: Repair small damages promptly to extend knitwear usability.

Immediate repairs prevent further damage to knitwear.

Whether it’s baby knit outfits or add-ons like baby hats, be sure to address small holes or loose threads as soon as they appear. This is so you can prevent them from worsening and compromising the garment’s integrity.

Ignoring these minor issues can cause them to grow larger, further weakening the fabric used in knitted baby apparel. These damages often spread under the stress of daily wear and tear, perhaps even eventually leading to a point where the garment is beyond repair.

Given this, early fixes mean that you not only preserve cute aesthetics but also maintain the strength and usability of the knitwear. It doesn’t have to be complicated either; snipping off pesky and protruding threads can go a long way. Remember that you don’t always have to bust out a sewing kit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I prevent baby knitwear from shrinking?

To prevent shrinkage, wash baby knitwear in cold water.

The cold water helps maintain the integrity of the fibres, reducing the risk of shrinkage that hot water can potentially cause. Washing in cold water also prevents the colours from bleeding, keeping the knitwear looking fresh and vibrant for longer.

What are some tips for ensuring the comfort and safety of my baby when it comes to knitwear?

Only consider baby knitwear that’s soft, breathable and free from harsh chemicals so you can help prevent skin irritations and overheating.

At Best&Less, we ensure our baby knitwear meets stringent safety standards. Our rigorous quality assurance protocols mean you can dress your baby with confidence, knowing their clothing is both durable and comfortable.

How can I style baby knitwear?

Pairing baby sweaters with soft leggings usually makes for a go-to cosy and practical outfit suitable for daily wear. You can also opt to layer a lightweight baby cardigan over a dress to achieve a more formal and elegant look. Matching knitwear sets, such as sweaters and pants, also provide both warmth and style, making them an excellent choice for the colder months.

Buy baby knitwear online at Best&Less.

At Best&Less, we’ve been a trusted name in family apparel since 1965.

With around 200 physical stores in Australia and a growing online presence, we focus on delivering quality baby and kids’ clothing that families can rely on.

We also give you peace of mind with our 100 Day Quality Guarantee. This exclusive promise allows you to refund or exchange items if you’re not fully satisfied or if you’ve just had a change of heart. Last but not least, we’re all about ethical sourcing and animal welfare, upholding cruelty-free and environmentally responsible practices.

Shop with us at Best&Less for pieces that combine quality, comfort and high standards.