2007-03-23 04:55:27 · 15 answers · asked by instilleddistress 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Unless your baby has allergies or very sensitive skin, this shouldn't be a problem for her, no matter how young she is," says Mary Spraker, a pediatric dermatologist at Emory University in Atlanta and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. Many new parents find that baby detergents don't always get the job done. Others just can't stand the extra expense of buying a special product just for the baby. If you decide to try regular detergent, choose a liquid -- they tend to rinse out more thoroughly, especially if you have "hard" water. Powders have a tendency to leave flakes on fabric that can irritate you baby's skin.
If you're worried about whether your baby's skin is too sensitive for regular detergent, do a test by laundering one or two articles of baby's clothing along with the rest of your family's wash. If your baby's skin seems fine when she wears those items, go ahead and toss in all her clothes. If her skin seems irritated (especially if it's marked by red spots) or she seems uncomfortable or itchy, try a detergent that's free of fragrances and dyes. If you still notice a reaction, try double rinsing the clothing or go back to the baby detergent your child is at least a year old. "Allergies to fragrances in laundry cleaners are rare, but they do occur occasionally," says Dr. Spraker.
If your baby has eczema (symptoms include red, scaly, dry patches of skin, especially on the face and in the bends of the elbows and knees), ask your pediatrician to prescribe a treatment and to recommend a bathing and skincare regimen. Children with eczema can be particularly sensitive to the ingredients in lotions and soaps.
2007-03-23 04:59:59 · answer #1 · answered by sexylittlemisstweetybird83 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I was going to use baby detergent, but I'm doing cloth diapers, and those CAN"T be washed in baby detergent-- it will build up and keep them from being absorbant. They recommend using the cheapest detergent available. I figured if I have to use the cheap stuff on the diapers, which are on his skin all the time, it can't be that bad. I've been using "Dynamo", buy one get two free, and have never had a problem. My son is now almost 3 months old. Just don't use fabric softener is what I've heard.
Plus, if you're really worried, try regular with an extra rinse cycle. Then at some point take out that extra rinse and see if things are fine. Most babies' skin isn't really that sensitive.
2007-03-23 05:13:38 · answer #2 · answered by Suliah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I started washing them in normal detergent after 6 months.
2007-03-23 05:03:01 · answer #3 · answered by momof4jdak 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
6 months old, their skin is so delicate before so yeah wait till about six months. And after that I would use Arm and Hammer detergent it's very good even with newborn clothes. Very best choice next too baby detergent.
2007-03-23 05:04:18 · answer #4 · answered by SexyBlackFasho 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never washed my babies clothes in Dreft or baby detergent. I used Gain, and they were fine, If your baby has a reactin to the detergent, That is when you usually need to use Dreft. Just watch for any reactions, ie: Rash, Bump, so on. I wish you luck.
2007-03-23 05:00:53 · answer #5 · answered by icerose2300 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Right away, as long as they have no reactions. I would recommend using a formula free of dyes and perfumes though, since their skin is so sensitive. Also, use liquid fabric softener. And dryer sheets contain a chemical that turns to an acid when it comes in contact with water. My baby had a rash for 3 months before we could figure out what caused it. We thought since we were using fragrance-free fabric softener sheets, it would be fine, but my doctor set us straight, and the rash is gone.
2007-03-23 10:38:23 · answer #6 · answered by Glory 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have washed baby clothes in regular laundry soap since day one and nothing has happened. I know some babies can have a reaction though so keep an eye out for redness, rashes etc.
2007-03-23 05:49:28 · answer #7 · answered by mama3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always used regular detergent to wash my babies clothing. I just made sure I bought the varieties that were free and clear of any additives. (Cheer makes free and clear)
2007-03-23 05:14:32 · answer #8 · answered by pamomof4 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Q: How long should I use Dreft for my child's laundry?
Babies have sensitive skin. The Dreft® formula is designed to not only help clean tough baby and toddler stains, but also rinse thoroughly. Thorough rinsing leaves clothes virtually free of residue, so they are soft and comfortable against your little one's skin. Dreft can be used for the first 18 months to 2 years. This will vary, of course, based on your laundry habits and your child's skin type.
2007-03-23 05:03:49 · answer #9 · answered by Tori's Mommy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
anytime is fine unless your child has an allergic reaction to regular detergent. I found that regular detergent and shout spray on spots worked far better for stain removal than dreft, baby all, ect.
2007-03-23 06:00:10 · answer #10 · answered by FiFi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋