How long did you use Dreft washing detergent, if you used it at all?

Question

Just wondering if I should save my money on Dreft or splurge for baby's sake.

It's expensive! $14 some for a large, 64 load container of this stuff. I splurged the $14 this time for my baby that is due in June, but I'm wondering if it's all that necessary. My doctor likes it, but I also read in "Baby Bargains" that it's no better than washing detergent that's labled "fragrence free, dye free, etc, " unless you have a REALLY sensitive baby. What about the other knock off's of Dreft; the detergent that's labled "baby?"

Thanks!

Answer 1

It is VERY expensive, and unless your baby has very sensitive skin, not worth the price.

With our first child, I washed all her initial clothes in Purex Baby thinking that if she ever had a reaction, I would not have to rewash everything in her closet--just the clothes she had worn and we had washed with our regular detergent. She never had a problem.

However, if your child has a reaction you'll know it and then you can adjust your wash accordingly. Another thing to think about is that her skin touches YOUR clothes all day long --so washing only her clothes in Dreft would not solve the problem completely.

On the unlikely chance she is sensitive, you should know that Dreft actually has some fabric softeners and additives that coat the clothing--if your child is super sensitive Dreft might irritate her as well. Allen's Naturally is a Wash Soap that actual washes cleaner than detergents. Also, use only about half to 1/3 of any amount of the detergent recommended . It still get your clothes clean and saves you money. Finally, if you think your daughter may be sensitive, a second rinse is another good idea.

Good luck

Answer 2

Dreft is DEFINITELY worth it. I used it til my children were about 6 months old, then switched to the fragrance free, dye free stuff. The Dreft is formulated for babies and will make the clothes softer. It's alot better for the baby. As for the expense, if you haven't had a baby shower, ask that people get you some of it. Just remember it doesnt' take much of the Dreft to wash a babies small clothing. Look for coupons too. In some parents magazines. I have 3 kids and used it with all of them. The dreft website, www.dreft.com has a $1 coupon. Better than nothing and check at places like Walmart and Kmart for it.

Answer 3

I have two girls, ages 1 and 3. With each I started washing their clothes with ALL Free and CLear.....no fragrance, dyes, etc. After a month of so, I washed with normal detergent (our family brand) and just watched to make sure there were no reactions. I definately would NOT buy dreft unless I first saw a reaction. Oh, and you might also keep in mind that fabric softeners and sheets can also irritate baby skin. Good Luck

Answer 4

I never used Dreft, but I did buy arm and hammer dye free and fragrance free in the beginning. Then I just washed a couple outfits in the same regular detergent as mine and he wore them and was fine! I think it is very obvious if your baby has a skin condition. My son has excema so I thought it was from the detergent and it turned out it was from the lotion! So just try things for a week and if he or she is good then so are you! spend the money on cute toys or cloths! hope it helped good luck

Answer 5

I washed my son's clothes with Dreft until he was about 2 months, maybe closer to 3. I then washed some of his clothes in Tide and he's been fine with it.

Actually, after i used up my bottle of Dreft, i bought Purex Baby and that stuff worked just as well as Dreft and it was way cheaper too!

Answer 6

You can get something cheaper like All Hypoallegenic formula because hypoallegenic detergents have no fragrance and are designed to be gentler, there is less of a chance of your baby's skin becoming irritated. I myself, have used Dreft and I don't see what the difference is between that and a cheaper hypoallegenic detergent. My baby is 2 monthes old now and I have found that regular detergent doesn't seem to any adverse effects on him.

Answer 7

I never used Dreft. I use the Arm and Hammer in the white bottle. It is fragrance free, dermatologist tested, and made for sensitive skin. and VERY inexpensive........I have been using it since the baby was born and we never had an issue. and her skin is SO sensitive. I can not even use the pink Johnson/Johnson lotion because it gives her a rash. But the Arm and Hammer did not.........it really works too.

Answer 8

My aunt who is Nurse said to use all free & clear. I just used that for everybody's stuff! Still use it! It cost about $16.99 for 250 gallons that last my family of six two months! And some times like last week was on sale at target for $5.99! I bought three! Dreft is a waste of money

Answer 9

I tried dreft with my first baby and realized that I could go out to dinner with the money I spend on it. So, I purchased another baby brand that was less expensive at the supermarket. (Purex Baby) After about 8 months, I put my babys clothes in with ours and he was just fine! No irratations on his skin and no breakouts or reddness! My second child, I put his laundry in with ours about 4 months and he was fine too! Dreft is overpriced in my opinion!

Answer 10

I never bothered, not for seven babies. I choose the "free & clean" version of whatever detergent I"m buying when possible, but I don't think baby detergents are at all necessary.