Quick answer
Wash your baby blanket in cool water on a gentle cycle, then air dry flat to prevent shrinking. Skip the hot water and high heat.
Why baby blankets shrink
Cotton and other natural fibers shrink when exposed to high heat or vigorous agitation. The Lange Baby Star, made from 100% soft cotton, is especially prone to this if washed in hot water or dried on high heat. Understanding this helps you choose the right care method.
How to wash a baby blanket without shrinking it
- Check the care label: Always read the tag first. If it says 'hand wash' or 'cold water,' follow that. Ignoring it is the most common mistake that leads to shrinkage.
- Use cold water and a gentle detergent: Fill your machine or basin with cold water. Add a mild, baby-safe detergent. Hot water can shrink cotton fibers permanently. Avoid fabric softener—it can reduce absorbency. Cold water is your best defense against shrinkage.
- Wash on a gentle cycle: Set your machine to the delicate or gentle cycle with low spin. For hand washing, gently swish the blanket without wringing or twisting. Agitation causes fibers to tighten.
- Rinse and remove excess water gently: After washing, rinse with cold water. Press the blanket between two clean towels to absorb moisture. Do not wring or twist—that can distort the fabric and cause shrinkage. Pressing, not wringing, keeps the blanket's original size.
- Air dry flat, away from direct heat: Lay the blanket flat on a drying rack or a clean towel. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Tumble drying on high heat is the fastest way to shrink a cotton blanket. Air drying flat is the safest method for cotton blankets.
Product facts
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Lange - Baby Star: 100% soft cotton with a star print, designed for multiple uses like a light blanket, bib, or sun shade. Because it's pure cotton, it needs cool water and gentle handling to keep its shape and softness.
Lange - Baby Star
