Detergent for Newborn

I prefer to use soaps that aren't based on petroleum (that's for environmental reasons), and also that are dye-free, fragrance-free, and absolutely without bleach (because a baby's skin is more absorbent than an adult's, and that means that mild irritants can be major irritants for them)! Seventh Generation makes a good detergent, as does Method (you can find it at Target). I personally really like Charlie's Soap the best - look on Amazon.com. It's expensive but it lasts FOREVER. I know people who just used regular Tide with no consequences, though.

I used Arm & Hammer Free or something like that... then I switched to a brand at Costco called Ecos. It is specifically for people with eczema, which my daughter has. She's never had any trouble with this detergent and has super sensitive skin.

We also have always used Aveeno as a shampoo/ body wash.

Good luck!

I use any "free and clear" (dye free, unscented) detergent... my DD hasn't had any issues with it.

Hi there-

You are on the right track on using detergents without the bleach, dyes, and perfume. Just play it according to your babies needs. If he/she develops a sensitivity to what you are using, cut out: fabric softener/dryer sheets then experiment with the detergent.

Good luck and congrats on your new one!

Dreft...it is made especially for newborns. Works great on stains, too.

I use Melapower for everyone's clothes. It is gentle enough and strong enough for the tiniest baby or the largest diesel mechanic. If I didn't have access to the Melapower I would purchase Seventh Generation laundry detergent. It's about 6 times the cost but I know it's safe. Please avoid Tide, gentle name or not, free and clear or not. It's not even safe for adults.

My two cents!

M.

Use any detergent you want but put a cup of white vinegar in the rinse water. It removes any residue left over from the detergent. My son had mild exema (sp?) and I had to do that with him b/c I couldn't afford the expensive "baby" detergents and I was using a laundromat at the time for the entire family's clothes so I couldn't afford to wash his separately. It worked like a charm. It also neutralizes the urine in case it doesn't get washed out completely (that tends to be a problem until they are potty trained).

We use Mela Power. My sister uses it too and my nephew has super sensitive skin. It is safe for everyone AND is less expensive then the super market brands.

I hate Dreft - its what 'they' say to use for infant things. I think it smells terrible and can't be natural. I've always used the ecos brand from Costco and found it is the least perfumey and does a fine job - and I always wash with oxyclean. I think the artificial smells are the main irritant, but try different ones. If you baby doesn't react to your detergent - why change?

County my vote for Dreft. I've used that with all 4 of my children for over 13 years. I love it, I love the smell and my first two childrens have skin sensitivities and so far so good.

I use special baby detergent for the first 6 months or so. After that my babies use the same detergent as the rest of the family. I figure, if sunscreen is safe at 6 months, so should detergent be. Just watch the first few times your baby wears clothes washed in the new detergent for reactions.

Hi Mama-
For babies there are number of detergents, like Dreft. All makes a free and clear, as does tide. I think the gentleness factor has to do with the soap itself. My nephew was really sensitive to some soaps. I used the Purex naturals water lily one and it seemed to work just fine. I am also super sensitive (as is my sister/his mom) and those work for us, too. I would go with either the dreft or the purex. I think they are just gentler brands. I love Tide, too, but really only for the fragrances =).
I hope that helps.

I have always used Tide or Kirkland brand with my kids since birth. I also add in some Oxiclean to every load....has gotten out almost every stain! Good luck!

Dreft made spefically for newborns. You can find at Babies R us or Target.

Having just come from the doctor and this was a discussion question for my daughter we learned that Tide is the worst soap one can ever use as the lye content is so high. The docotr said that Ivory and Dreft are the best out thier to prevent skin problems for children and adults that get rashes easy.
It really is not with the reakdown of cost any more expensive to use when you add up the savings from not having to buy special lotions and creams for the skin that other soaps can cause. I have found that the clear from Costco is better for my family clothes.

It is best to use the detergents specially for babies, but if you do use a "regular" detergent, I would just run it through the rinse cycle twice to be sure all the soap residue is out.

I use Country Save on all our cloths and my son's cloth diapers. It's chemical free, gentle, and cleans very well. When you use multiple detergents, it's kind of like a chemistry experiment, in your washing machine.

I used Dreft in the very beginning but then switched to our regular detergent when my daughter was about 4 months old. It is ok to use detergent that is dye/perfume free. Just watch out for rashes or other reactions.

I have noticed that Dreft seemed to get out stains much better than other detergents, even better than Tide plus using a stain remover.

I use Melapower also. It's safe and less expensive than other chemical free detergents.

H. M.
http://hannahmayr.blogspot.com

I use Kirkland free and clear.

I always just used the same detergent as for my stuff. I have sensitive skin and nose, so I always use perfume free, dye free detergent, which you definitely want for baby. But Tide free and clear, All clean and clear (or whatever the specific names are) work just fine.

Hi! I always used Dreft & never had a problem. I know that there are other brands, but I can't think of the names right now. Yes, there are ones for baby clothes, & Dreft is one of them. I hope this helps!