Washing LO's clothes, Need special detergent?

rodgersonmumma · February 2010

With DS I used baby freindly detergent and washed anything that could touch his skin before he was born. Within a month I switched to just washing everything in Tide, like I do the rest of our clothes. He never had any skin reactions or anything so I figure I didnt really need the specail detergent to begin with. This time around I really dont want to go buy special detergent if I dont need it. Do you think this is a nessesary thing or a just in case your baby has sesitive skin thing? Im going to start washing all of LO's things tomorrow and Im not sure if I should go buy the baby detergent or if just using Tide is fine. My MIL suggested not using any detergent at first because the things arent really dirty yet, as LO hasn't worn them yet, and they would probably be just fine in the washer on warm setting with no detergent. I dont know...... opinions?

Desert*Flower · February 2010

We just switch the family from regular Tide, to Tide Free and Clear.

anabell0920 · February 2010

All free and clear. I am gonna use it on not only LO's clothes but ours as well. If you think about it LO will be up against your clothes as well so if only LO's clothes are being washed in special detergent it's pointless.

BBachmann · February 2010

I've heard that you should be fine using something like All Free and Clear because it free of dyes and perfumes.

kberlyab · February 2010

We use free and clear all on our clothes, and that's what we're washing LO's clothes in too. Dr said it's prob better than the baby detergents. Those have perfumes in them.

Melissa & Eddie · February 2010

I think Dreft detergent and/or Free and Clear detergents are the most recommended. I personally am using Dreft only because I already have to wash my clothes in it due to sensitivity and I love the smell.

baby_tar_heel · February 2010

I think it's silly - wash them in what you normally use and if they have a reaction, then change detergent at that point. No need to assume the worst (that there will automatically be a skin reaction).

Shell24 · February 2010

I've always used the All Free and Clear, so I just used that for my DD's stuff (and for this baby). My DD has never had any problems. I do still wash her stuff separate from ours, mostly because my DH's stuff is gross and I wash it all on hot LOL

I actually despise the smell of Dreft...I feel like it leaves a lasting musty smell

baby_soon_31 · February 2010

i am going to use regular Tide HE that i use on all other clothes for LO.... I will just use a small amount for the new clothes. I don't think washing without any detergent like your MIL suggested would make sense - the clothes are not exactly that clean, if you see how they handle them when they receive it in the stores, you would definitely want to wash them with detergent. :-)

I can't stand the smell of Dreft and many other 'baby detergents' - some smell of sickly perfume, some have a weird musty chemical smell (since they are 'perfume-free')... and from my experience with DD # 1 they really don't do a good job with washing the stains out. I believe for people without hyper-sensitive skin Tide is just fine - it washes very well, leaves a nice hint of fresh scent, and if you add a small amount to the wash it rinses out so there is no residue (of course depending on your washer)

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