The day of baptism is one full of emotion and beauty, and the little one's outfit plays an important role in the picture of this special moment. Baptism clothes are not just simple clothing items. They are memories. They are emotions wrapped in velvet, lace or fine cotton. The carefully chosen dress or suit, the delicate fabrics, the embroidered details or the elegant accents deserve all the attention, not only before the event, but also after.
Many mothers wonder: how do I keep my christening clothes in the best condition? Can they be washed at home? Can they be ironed? Where do I store them so they will remain a memory for years to come?
The answers come from care, patience, and a few simple rules. Here's what you need to know about properly caring for christening clothes, so they stay just as beautiful even after the event.
1. Washing – gentleness is key
When it comes to baby baptism clothes, the first step in caring for them is of course washing them. We recommend avoiding the washing machine, especially if the chosen model has lace, embroidery, pearls or fine fabrics like silk or velvet. These delicate details can easily be damaged in automatic cycles, no matter how gentle you set the program.
It is safest to hand wash each piece, using lukewarm water and a gentle detergent specifically for baby clothes. Do not rub or wring, just leave the clothes to soak and rinse them gently. If there are stains from milk, food or other "memories" of the event, you can apply a little detergent directly to the affected area, leaving it to act for a few minutes.
Pay attention to those little details! Don't forget to remove brooches, detachable bow ties, or other accessories before washing. Check the labels for each piece of clothing, because if the outfit consists of several pieces, each one may have different maintenance requirements.
If you have a christening suit for your little boy, especially one with a jacket, it's best not to try washing it at home if the material is wool, velvet, or brocade. In that case, call a professional dry cleaner who has experience with children's formalwear.
2. Drying – natural, without the rush of the dryer
After a gentle wash, it's time to dry. Here, too, the golden rule is patience. The tumble dryer is a quick option, but unfortunately not friendly to delicate fabrics. High temperatures can warp fabrics, discolor or even permanently damage decorative details.
It is best to lay the clothes on a clean, white towel and let them dry naturally, in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. This can stain or yellow certain light-colored fabrics, especially cotton or white lace.
Also, avoid hanging wet clothes on hangers because the weight of the water can stretch them and distort the fit. However, if you have a heavier piece, such as a velvet or linen jacket, you can leave it on a thick hanger, but only after the excess water has drained.
Jackets or dresses can be dried on a small hanger, which will not deform them. If there is a ruffle or embroidered hem, gently smooth it with your hand while it is still damp to avoid unsightly wrinkles after drying.
3. Treading – with patience and protection
Ironing is a step that requires time, attention, and a dose of delicacy. Not every fabric can withstand high temperatures, and a single moment of inattention can irreparably compromise an entire piece.
Always use a thin towel or white cotton cloth between the iron and the garment. This protective layer will prevent shine or burning of the material, especially with sensitive fabrics like velvet or linen.
Adjust the iron temperature according to the material. For cotton, you can use a medium temperature, while for velvet or embroidery, the best option is steam, without direct contact with the iron's soleplate. As with washing, the best thing to do is read the labels to make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
For more delicate details like collars or ruffles, use the tip of the iron and smooth with light strokes. Don't press too hard in one spot and never iron over decorative appliqués like sequins, crystals or bows.
If you have a steamer, this is ideal for delicate baby dress patterns. Don't touch the fabric directly, but let the steam remove wrinkles and refresh the garment.
4. Preservation – as a precious memory
After cleaning and ironing the clothes, comes the most beautiful part: storing them with care. Many mothers choose to keep them as a keepsake, a symbolic reminder of a truly magical day.
If you want to store them long-term, it is ideal to place them in a hard cardboard box or cotton bag, and it is recommended to completely avoid plastic bags, which can retain moisture and promote mold.
You can also put a sachet of lavender or a gentle, natural soap in the box to maintain a pleasant scent and to keep moths and other pests away. However, do not use synthetic perfumes or strong air fresheners, as they can stain fabrics. If you store clothes on a hanger, use a protective fabric bag, preferably made of cotton.
Place each folded item lightly, without pressure or crowding. Ideally, clothes should be stored in a cool, dry space, away from direct sunlight.
Caring for christening clothes is, after all, a gesture full of love for the little one. After the emotions of the event, the clothes remain as a symbol of the beginning of the journey, that is, pure, beautiful and full of hope. With patience, attention and a few simple tricks, you can transform these christening clothes into a family treasure, carefully preserved for future generations.
If you are still looking for the perfect outfit or if you have any questions about caring for delicate materials, we invite you to come to AnneBebe stores. Here, our specialists offer you personalized advice , adapted to the needs of your child and the event you are preparing.
We are waiting for you with a smile on our faces and personalized advice, so that your little one's baptism is exactly as you have always dreamed.
