Detergent for baby stuff

BarnStar

So, I have a question. I know everyone says to use a free and clear detergent - but why? Can't I just use the normal detergent that DH and I use (Purex HE) and if baby seems to have a reaction switch to a free and clear like All or something?

I'm just not sure if there is something I'm missing here. Is the concern more about the scents causing allergies, or is it more about irritating baby's skin? Does anyone else NOT use a fragrance free detergent?

SpartanGirl

I think it's to not irritate baby's skin.  We never used it though.  We use our regular detergent and our kids have been fine.  I'm sure it depends on how sensitive your baby's skin is though.

ocean71506

I used free and clear before dd so I am no help.  I like to avoid things with fragrances if I can.

MayBride2B2007

we use regular tide for our stuff but bought free and clear to use for hadley.  turns out she has very sensitive skin so i'm glad we have it and once this current bottle of regular is finished we'll use the free and clear for all of our stuff.

611bride05

We use dreft for all of DS things- and it is a good thing as he has very sensitive skin as well.  Although our clothes sheets etc never seem to irritate him and we use tide for our things.  I would at least avoid anything with a fragrance at least in the very beginning.

Snugs99

I wash all our clothes, towels, and sheets with Arm and hammer sensitive skin (free and clear).  I figure.....why take the chance to see if DS has sensitive skin if I don't have too.  It get everything really clean.

rowanthefrog

We used the free and clear stuff....as soon as Ethan got home from the hospital he developed a HORRIBLE diaper rash (think red, raw and bleeding) that nothing would clear up - antibiotic and antifuungal cream didn't work....he literally had it for a month until he stopped pooping all the time and then it went away on its own.

He has very sensitive skin (he gets eczema from being outside and in wintertime) so we've stuck with it.

A?

mrsdanigirl8

We use the Kirkland brand environmentally friendly detergent for everything. My pedi suggested switching what we wash everything in, not just baby's clothes because baby will be held and near everything we wash.

Stellar1

I use the same detergent that I use for me and dh. She has not had a reaction to it.

ncsubride

We started with all free & clear but we have moved back to regular Tide detergent and both babies have been fine, we would have switched back if there was a problem.