laundry detergent

jenskurn

Do I really need to use special baby laundry detergent?  Or is that just a scam?  I am a ftm and I really have no idea.  I have a TON of clothes that ppl have given me.  I would like to start washing them and sorting them by age while I am on Thanksgiving and Xmas break, but I'm not sure which detergent to use. 

MelbaCat

I use Kirkland brand free and clear from day 1 with no issues. I have never used defer. DS has sensitive skin but nothing that warrants baby detergent.

ktekne

I use ALL free & clear.

Lanatir

I'm a FTM, as well, but I think All (the scent free/dye free one) and one of the versions of Purex (probably also the scent/dye free) are recommended for baby use.  I've been using the All without scents/dyes and if for some reason baby has a reaction to it in a few months, then I'll look into something more "baby tailored."  Until then, I can't justify spending so much more for detergent!

mrs.gee

We took a child care class when I was pg with DS and the nurse giving it was a huge hater on Dreft and other special baby laundry detergent. She recommended using any kind of "free and clear" to avoid extra fragrance, etc., against baby's skin, which is really the whole point. We did that from the beginning and haven't looked back. Her big thing was "Why do you think Dreft smells like babies? Because it's got a ton of fragrance in it!"

 

JENVALENTINE1981

Baby Detergent, in my opinion, is just another one of those silly pricey items that has been marketed to make you think you have to use it and you don't...my solution is using store brand free and clear, never had a problem and its super sensitive!

L0L0

I don't see what benefits baby detergent would have over any brand of unscented, dye-free detergent. I smelled Dreft in the store and actually found it a little overpowering. Plus I plan to wash our clothes all together, and I don't think my husband wants to smell like baby powder.

I used to like scented detergent, but the pregnancy made me super sensitive to added fragrances, and I figure those chemicals may be harmless to the fetus but in any case aren't helpful or necessary.

LizzyBlueEyes

Dreft is expensive.  I am a FTM too and I may go with free and clear and all natural stuff.  My DH's skin is so sensitive and we already use free and clear or all natural stuff.  7th generation stuff isn't too pricey.

straws24

ktekne:

I use ALL free & clear.

 I plan to use this - I've read it's just the same as the baby stuff, but cheaper.  Plus, it's already our detergent of choice.

Fergie+1

Lanatir:

I'm a FTM, as well, but I think All (the scent free/dye free one) and one of the versions of Purex (probably also the scent/dye free) are recommended for baby use.  I've been using the All without scents/dyes and if for some reason baby has a reaction to it in a few months, then I'll look into something more "baby tailored."  Until then, I can't justify spending so much more for detergent!

This. I've used both of those as well as Arm&Hammer free and clear and it all works just fine. I even use scented softeners now ::gasp:: and we've never had an issue. But then, neither H nor I have sensitive skin. If you or YH have sentitive skin, your LO may have the same sentitivities.

526SadieSadie

jenskurnick:

Do I really need to use special baby laundry detergent?  Or is that just a scam?  I am a ftm and I really have no idea.  I have a TON of clothes that ppl have given me.  I would like to start washing them and sorting them by age while I am on Thanksgiving and Xmas break, but I'm not sure which detergent to use. 

You've gotten great advice on the detergent but I'll add this - if any of the clothing still has the tags on it, don't wash them yet.  Babies grow fast and your baby might not fit in the sizes long enough to wear everything.  If they still have the tags on them, you can exchange them for stuff that will fit.  If you meant people had given you hand-me-downs (awesome!) wash away!

MelBell829

You've gotten lots of advice, but I'll just add my two cents anyway.

When I was registering this weekend at BRU, I was in the detergent section and a woman with two young kids in tow offered up some advice. She said the All Free and Clear cleans way better than the Dreft, it's less expensive, and the whole family is able to use it, so she never has to worry about using the "adult" detergent on the baby's stuff by accident. That was all the convincing I needed to go with the All.

kel716

We use All Free & Clear and either BabyOxiClean or OxiClean Free and Clear as our stain booster.  The baby Oxiclean is FABULOUS for getting stains out.

When DS was a newborn, I would start the washer, put in the oxiclean/detergent, and let his clothes soak for 1-3 hours before closing the lid.  We have a top loading machine, and this was a great way to stain treat his clothes.  I didn't have to scrub stains out, and very rarely did I ever find a stain that stuck. 

kmiller1012

kel716:

We use All Free & Clear and either BabyOxiClean or OxiClean Free and Clear as our stain booster.  The baby Oxiclean is FABULOUS for getting stains out.

When DS was a newborn, I would start the washer, put in the oxiclean/detergent, and let his clothes soak for 1-3 hours before closing the lid.  We have a top loading machine, and this was a great way to stain treat his clothes.  I didn't have to scrub stains out, and very rarely did I ever find a stain that stuck. 

I am going to have to get some, thanks for the tip!

I use Arm&Hammer free and clear and it works great.  My sister never even switched to free and clear and my niece never had a problem.  It all depends on how sensitive your babies skin is.

LilyPotter218

Everyone, including the hospital, just said to use any free and clear.

sroddy12

I'm using Baby Purex.  It is $3 a bottle at walmart!  Granted they are always out of stock because it's popular, but when they have it, I buy lots at a time.  It's a white bottle with a pink lid and says Baby right on it