1. Hand-wash Delicate Fabrics
Always wash delicate items gently by hand, especially if they are made of: lace, chiffon, jersey fabric, or have hand-sewn embellishments. Use cold water and a mild, baby-safe detergent.
Many photographers have told me that the props I make are surprisingly durable—even after years of use and machine washing, they still look great. While I truly appreciate hearing this, and it speaks to the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, my official recommendation remains hand-washing—especially for delicate fabrics. It’s the best way to preserve the textures, shape, and soft finish of your outfits.
Avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric. Instead, press it gently between your hands or roll it in a soft towel to remove excess water.
2. Reshape and Air Dry Flat
After washing, reshape the outfit while it’s still damp, especially around ruffles, sleeves, or lace edges. Then lay it flat to air dry. Avoid hanging delicate items, as they can stretch out of shape.
3. Remove Wrinkles Without Risk
Once the item is dry, you may notice some wrinkles or flattened ruffles. While it’s tempting to use a regular iron, I speak from experience when I say: standard irons can easily destroy these delicate pieces.
In my sewing studio, I’ve tested multiple irons, and even a slightly high setting can melt lace or synthetic fabrics in seconds. That’s why I highly recommend using a handheld vertical steamer instead. It doesn’t need to be expensive—any small steamer that produces gentle steam will do the job beautifully.
Because it never touches the fabric directly, the steam gently smooths out wrinkles and brings back volume to ruffles and textured details.
4. Special Note for 100% Wool Outfits
If your outfit is made of 100% wool, be extra careful. Washing it in warm or hot water can cause it to shrink and felt, ruining the texture and size.
Always hand wash in cold water only, using a wool-safe detergent, and treat the fabric gently—no twisting or rubbing.
5. Protect Your Props During Photo Sessions
Accidents happen—it’s part of newborn photography. To protect your delicate lace rompers during a session, I recommend using neutral-colored diaper covers underneath, especially skin-tone shades.
This way, you can keep the diaper on the baby without it showing through the lace, and the romper stays protected. It also saves you from needing to wash the outfit after every single use.
6. What If an Accident Happens?
If something does happen and the outfit gets soiled:
-
Rinse it in cold water as soon as possible, before stains set in.
-
A small drop of mild dish soap works well on organic stains.
-
Gently rinse, reshape, and lay flat to dry.
-
After drying, steam if needed to refresh the look.
Your delicate newborn photo props are more than just outfits, they’re part of the story you tell through your lens. With gentle care and a few smart tools, you can preserve their beauty and keep your studio wardrobe looking clean, soft, and professional.