Hi Heva

I've often wondered why we need to wash things before wearing/using them. I think it's mainly to soften the item, get rid of any smells (from packaging, etc), remove any excess dyes and generally clean them as they no doubt would have been handled by many people before you bought them.

With regards to the baby's clothes and bedding, maybe just wash the bear essentials and leave the rest until you get home from the hospital. Obviously this isn't helping you to be super organised before bubs arrives but it would mean you could then return items that don't fit or aren't appropriate.

HTH!