Perhaps it’s because it’s gross or perhaps it’s because there are some miracle babies who manage to keep the milk in their bellies, but for some reason the topic of spit up gets lost when preparing a new mom for what to expect after baby arrives.

In an effort to resolve this, I am sharing my top 3 tips to avoid the dry cleaners while still keep your clothes looking great.

Because let’s face it, with the cost of diapers, childcare, and saving for their college educations—the last thing any of us needs is a sky-high dry cleaning bill!

1. Shop Smart

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Sounds simple I know, but if you start early you will avoid headaches later. Investing in high quality polyesters and wrinkle free cottons will allow you to care for your garments without the help of a professional service.

Additionally, white is your friend. Not only is it the color of spit up, but also the color of sugar, which is often what gets left behind and resurfaces even after washing.

2. Protect yourself

It’s funny how we carry bibs for babies and not for ourselves. Especially considering that they will outgrow their outfits in no time at all anyway.

The Aden + Anais Burby Bibs double as a bib and a burp cloth. They stay comfortably on the shoulder without sliding off and the double ply really keeps the spit up from breaking through to the other side.

If your baby has reflux, then you may need to upgrade. It may sound a little crazy, but a salon stylist’s jacket can save the day. They are available in black and a great thing to pack when you are taking baby out on the town for a long day of tasks/errands. Just be sure to also pack a gallon size Ziploc to store it in and wipe it down with a baby friendly cleaning wipe when you get home.

3. Be prepared

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The faster you react to the issue with your outfit the better.

I recommend keeping a Dreft Stain Remover Pen (safe for babies) or a Laundress Stain Remover Bar in your baby bag to help fight the battle.