I need suggestions on buying a good brand of baby laundry detergent for the first time?

Question

I am a first time mom and looking to wash the hospital clothes for me and baby, as well as the crib bedding set so that whatever baby will come in contact with, is clean and washed. I have a couple questions on a good brand of laundry detergent and hope you will give me some suggestions?
I have always heard of the famous Dreft liquid. Over where I am, at Target it is sold for 300oz at $19.99 and at Toys R Us the 200oz is 19.99 so that is expensive if you ask me. Someone recommended that I use All detergent for babies as it's less cheaper and sometimes the Dreft will irritate an infant's skin. When my hub and I attended baby care basics class, my instructor told us that any brand is fine as long as it has no scent and no dyes. I am not too sure about just any brand, so I want some of your suggestions? What have any of you moms used and what worked? I also have to do a 2nd rinse when washing baby clothes right?

Answer 1

lol.

Unless you have super sensitive skin, theres no reason to buy special detergents. Its a marketing ploy. Of all the babies Ive known in my 14 years of child care, I have never known ONE who was sensitive to regular detergents.

Ive also never known anyone who wasted the time or water for a second rinse.

You make your choices, but generally after the first couple louds of special laundry, or by the second child you realize its just more work than you need to commit yourself to.

Answer 2

I used Dreft until my daughter was about 12 months old, then I switched to All Free & Clear. I'm sure there is a store brand of dreft available that would be perfectly suitable and less expensive.

I never rinsed anything the second time. I did switch to Bounce FREE dryer sheets, so as not to add a perfume to the dried clothes.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you can find it, Ivory Snow is a great detergent for baby clothes. It used to be popular in the 70's and 80's but I haven't seen it in my grocery store for a long time. Dreft is popular because it gives baby clothes that "baby" scent but I'd suggest just using a brand with no scent or dyes, as most babies have very sensitive skin.

Answer 4

There really is no sense in jumping the gun over all the baby products that are out there. Their advertizements are designed to make us parents feel huge guilt cause we are not providing the "best possible care" for our precious babies - like we don't love our children enough to give them the very best and what's a few dollars extra when it comes to the comfort and health of our babies.
Now for what you want to hear:
Ivory is a natural soap but you have to be careful with it as it can clog up your washing machine. Should be fine if you have soft water.
Other than that - I always used regular detergents for my kids. Tide, sunlight, etc. Double rinse your laundry and soften the water with vinegar instead of a fabric softener. I was fortunate and my kids never developed a sensitivity.
That being said, in my opinion, you should just stick with a regualar commercial brand like tide or whatever. IF your baby develops a sensitivity, you can experiment with others.

Answer 5

I use Dreft as well. I use it because my son has sensitive skin. You can try using regular detergent without perfume, or dyes and see how it works out first if you want to. I don't rinse the babies clothes twice, but I hear a lot of mothers do. Good luck

Answer 6

I used Dreft when my son was first born, but about 3 months old I stopped because it is so expensive. I used the same detergant that I use on my own clothes and it has never affected his skin or had any effect on him. I think it is all in your preference

Answer 7

Honsetly it really depends on your baby. Detergents are different for everyone. Where one might work for some, it might not work for another. I personally think you are looking into if too closely. I just used what I normally used to wash my daughters stuff and she never had any reactions, none whatsoever. And at the time as a first time mom I too was very protective and wanted to only use the specific baby products. As you get into the role more you will discover that you don't have to use the pricy baby products. Most (not all mind you) work just fine.

Answer 8

I was going to mention Dreft but yes that is pretty pricey. Try Cheer or Tide without the scents and dyes but continue with the 2 rinse cycle.

Answer 9

Dreft is one of the best for baby clothes. Ivory Snow is also an option. If you're worried about allergens, then use Tide Free. If you don't use a lot of detergent, a 2nd rinse isn't necessary, but if it makes you feel better, then rinse away.

Answer 10

i wouldn't buy supermarket brands. i've had good luck with dreft but it is a little pricey. all wasn't around when my kids were babies but i use it now because my son's skin is sensitive and, with the free and clear he has had no problems.any brand that is mild with no dyes or perfumes should be fine. definetly use liquid though. the powder tends to clump and leave a residue.best of luck with your little one.