How to Write on Babies Clothes

Label her wardrobe without making a mess.

Children attending daycare, preschool or other social events are often required to have an extra set or two of clothing on hand at the facility they attend in case of accidents or other youth-related happenings. Keep track of your child's clothing by writing his name on the inside using a fabric marker. Your child's name is added insurance if another baby has a duplicate outfit or if a caregiver misplaces a garment belonging to your child.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric pen or marker

Instructions

1. Select a fabric marker in a shade slightly darker than the clothing you are writing on. A matching color might blend with the fabric too much so choose either a neutral color or one a few shades darker. On dark fabrics like black or navy, go with a lighter color choice like white or silver.

2. Take the article of clothing and turn it inside out. Always write on the inside of the clothing in case the ink runs or fades. A permanent fabric marker should not fade or run, but there is always a possibility; don't take a chance or you risk ruining the clothing.

3. Locate where you want to write your baby's name. Writing on the label prevents the ink from bleeding through however, if you write on the label you risk covering over washing instructions. The collar on shirts and dresses or the waistband on pants, skirts and shorts are generally thicker than the body of the clothing; consider these areas for your baby's name.

4. Pull the clothing taught with one hand and smooth out any wrinkles in the area with your other hand.

5. Carefully print your baby's name on the selected area.

6. Allow one hour for the ink to dry before turning the garment right side out again. Do not wash the clothing for at least 24 hours after printing your baby's name on it.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow manufacturer's directions when using a fabric marker to write on your baby's clothing.

• Buy fabric markers at any craft, hobby or fabric store.

• Consider using a fabric stamp for multiple clothing items. Fabric stamps are made with names or letters and use the same fabric ink as makers. Find these stamps and ink pads at craft, hobby or fabric stores.

• Use caution with fabric markers and stamps since there is a potential for bleed through or running.

• Test ink on an old, unneeded garment before labeling your baby's clothes.

Resources

• 1 Stop Square: Permanent Clothing Marker
• Name Dropper Stamper: Permanent Ink Clothing Stamp
• Joann: Fabric and Craft Stores
• Hancock Fabrics: Discover the Designer in You
• Michaels: Where Creativity Happens