Heidi Norton
Babies have sensitive skin that can react to harsh chemicals in standard laundry detergents, causing rashes, dryness, and other skin issues. Baby detergents are formulated to be gentle on a baby's skin and tough on stains like spit-up and diaper blowouts. When choosing a baby detergent, it's important to look for one that is fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic, and made with plant-based ingredients. While it's not necessary to use a baby detergent, it's recommended to use a hypoallergenic detergent to prevent any skin irritation or allergic reactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Remove stains, protect baby's skin from irritation, limit exposure to harsh chemicals |
| Skin Safety | Hypoallergenic, dye-free, fragrance-free, gentle, safe for sensitive skin |
| Stain Removal | Effective at removing most stains, including food and formula |
| Skin Irritants | Avoid fragrances and dyes |
| Liquid vs Powder | Liquid detergents are preferable as they rinse out more easily |
| Eco-Friendliness | Plant-based, biodegradable, eco-healthy, cruelty-free, vegan |
| Price | Varies, with some options being more budget-friendly than others |
What You'll Learn
The benefits of fragrance-free detergents
Fragrance-free detergents are formulated without artificial fragrances and dyes, leaving your clothes with a pure and clean scent. They are an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause skin irritations, allergies, and flare-ups of conditions such as eczema or dermatitis.
Gentler on Sensitive Skin
One of the most significant advantages of fragrance-free detergents is their gentle formulation. By omitting artificial fragrances and dyes, these detergents minimize the risk of skin irritations, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. This includes babies and young children, who typically have more delicate skin. Fragrance-free detergents are often recommended for washing baby clothes to reduce the likelihood of skin reactions.
Environmentally Friendly
Fragrance-free detergents often have simpler formulations with fewer synthetic chemicals, resulting in a reduced environmental impact. Their production and use contribute to a cleaner ecosystem, aligning with a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.
Preserves Fabric Quality
Fragrance-free detergents are known for being gentler on fabrics. Their milder formulations reduce the risk of colour fading and wear and tear, making them ideal for preserving the longevity and quality of clothing, especially delicate fabrics and vibrant colours.
Hypoallergenic
Fragrance-free detergents are often hypoallergenic, meaning they are designed to cause fewer allergic reactions. This is especially important for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, as well as for babies, who may have very sensitive skin.
Effective Cleaning
Fragrance-free detergents are just as effective at cleaning clothes and removing odours as their fragranced counterparts. Natural, fragrance-free laundry detergents contain earth-sourced or plant-derived cleaning agents that effectively remove dirt and fight tough stains.
In summary, fragrance-free detergents offer a range of benefits, including gentleness on sensitive skin, environmental friendliness, preservation of fabric quality, hypoallergenic properties, and effective cleaning. They are a great choice for individuals with skin sensitivities, those seeking eco-friendly options, and anyone looking for a gentle yet effective laundry solution.
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Eco-friendly options
When it comes to eco-friendly options for baby laundry detergents, there are several products that fit the bill. Here are some recommendations:
Attitude Little Ones Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent
This detergent is an eco-healthy, vegan, and cruelty-free option. It has a limited ingredient list, and it is one of the few products that has received an A rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). It effectively removes stains and leaves clothes clean and soft. However, it comes in a small bottle, which might require more frequent purchases.
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent is an eco-friendly choice that comes in a small bottle but packs a punch. It is highly concentrated and offered in refill pouches for reduced waste. It is free of many potentially harmful chemicals and works well on removing stains from poop and food. It is also safe for septic systems, vegan, gluten-free, and biodegradable.
Seventh Generation Free and Clear
This detergent is a 96% USDA Certified Bio-based Product, free of dyes, artificial brighteners, and fragrances. It leaves clothes soft and fresh-smelling. It is produced in the USA and comes in a smaller, easy-to-handle bottle with a mess-free lid. However, it does contain methylisothiazolinone, a synthetic preservative that is not considered environmentally friendly and may be an irritant for those with sensitive skin.
Honest Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent
This detergent is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. It is designed for sensitive skin and has received the National Eczema Association's seal of acceptance. It effectively removes tough baby stains with its four stain-fighting enzymes.
Babyganics Liquid Baby Detergent
Babyganics Liquid Baby Detergent is an eco-friendly option, free of fragrances, dyes, sulfates, optical brighteners, chlorine, phthalates, and phosphates. It is plant-based and works well on most stains. It has a concentrated formula that can be used for up to 60 loads and is compatible with HE machines.
Frosch Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
Frosch Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent is another eco-friendly option, ideal for baby clothing. It is free of enzymes and dyes and is perfect for sensitive skin.
When choosing an eco-friendly baby laundry detergent, it is important to look for products with minimal concerning chemicals and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
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How to choose a baby detergent
When choosing a baby detergent, it's important to keep in mind that a baby's skin is more delicate and sensitive than an adult's. As such, it's crucial to select a detergent that is gentle, safe, and effective in removing tough baby stains like spit-up and diaper blowouts. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a baby detergent:
Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic
Look for a detergent that is fragrance-free rather than simply 'unscented'. 'Fragrance-free' means the detergent is completely free of any fragrance, while 'unscented' products often use masking fragrances that can still irritate sensitive skin. Additionally, opt for a hypoallergenic detergent, which means it has been tested and is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Plant-Based and Dye-Free
Plant-based detergents are formulated with ingredients derived from plants rather than synthetic chemicals, making them less likely to irritate your baby's skin. Choose a dye-free detergent, as synthetic or natural dyes are unnecessary and may cause skin irritation.
No Optical Brighteners
Optical brighteners are chemicals that make clothes appear brighter but do not contribute to their cleanliness. These chemicals can linger in fabrics and potentially irritate your baby's skin, so it's best to choose a detergent that does not contain them.
Liquid or Powder Over Pods
While baby laundry detergents come in liquid, powder, or pod form, it is recommended to choose liquid or powder detergents for safety reasons. Pods resemble candy and pose a serious risk of accidental ingestion by children, which can lead to severe health complications.
Gentle and Effective
The detergent should be tough on stains but gentle on clothes and your baby's skin. Look for detergents with plant-based or enzyme-based formulas that effectively remove stains while preserving the softness and colour of your baby's clothes.
Pre-Wash Baby Clothes
It is recommended to pre-wash baby clothes before their first use to remove any lingering dust or chemicals that could irritate your baby's skin.
Consult a Paediatrician
If you are unsure about which detergent to choose, consult your paediatrician or a trusted healthcare professional for guidance, especially if your baby has very sensitive skin or specific skin conditions.
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How to wash baby clothes
Choosing a Detergent
When selecting a detergent, opt for one that is fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic, and formulated for babies' sensitive skin. While baby-specific detergents are available, you can also use regular laundry detergent if your baby doesn't have sensitive skin. Avoid detergents with optical brighteners, as these can irritate your baby's skin.
Washing Baby Clothes for the First Time
It is essential to pre-wash new baby clothes before your little one wears them. This helps remove any chemicals, dust, or dirt that may be present on the fabric. Remove any stickers and turn the garments inside out before washing. Use cold water and a gentle wash cycle, and avoid adding any additives to the laundry.
Washing Baby Clothes in the Washing Machine
When washing baby clothes in the machine, separate them by colour and place small items like socks and bibs in a mesh laundry bag. Review the care instructions on each garment's label, but don't stress too much about following individual labels—focus on what works best for the majority of your baby's clothes. Use cold water, a gentle wash cycle, and a low heat setting in the dryer.
Drying Baby Clothes
You can dry baby clothes in the dryer on a low heat setting or air dry them. Line drying is recommended, as sunlight has germ-busting properties and can help make white clothes whiter. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can irritate your baby's skin and compromise the flame resistance of the fabric.
How Often to Wash Baby Clothes
Wash your baby's clothes after each wear to prevent the spread of germs and remove stains. You can either do small, frequent loads or batch them once a week. Small frequent loads can help you stay on top of laundry and ensure you don't run out of essential items. However, batching can save time as you won't be doing laundry every day.
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The best detergents for eczema
When choosing a laundry detergent for babies with eczema, it is important to opt for a product that is gentle on the skin and avoids common irritants. Here are some recommendations for the best detergents to use for babies with eczema:
All Free Clear Liquid Concentrated Laundry Detergent
This detergent is hypoallergenic, dye-free, and perfume-free, making it suitable for babies with eczema. It has been recognised by the National Eczema Association and is gentle enough to use on delicate skin. However, it may require pre-treatment for stubborn stains.
Honest Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent
This detergent is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. It has been designed for sensitive skin and contains plant-derived ingredients. It is also free from dyes, sulfates, optical brighteners, and other potential irritants. This product has received a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Ecos Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
This is a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent that uses gentle coconut-based surfactants instead of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It has a short, plant-based ingredient list, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is effective in removing stains and has been recommended by dermatologists for eczema-prone skin.
Rockin' Green Detergent
Rockin' Green offers an unscented variety of detergent that is gentle on the skin. They also have fragranced options, but these wash away without leaving any scent on the laundry.
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Detergent
This detergent is another option recommended by dermatologists for eczema-prone skin. It is hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes.
Tide Free & Gentle Detergent
Tide's Free & Gentle Detergent is hypoallergenic and free of dyes, perfumes, brighteners, chlorine, and phosphates. It is recognised by the National Eczema Association and is suitable for family members with sensitive skin.
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Frequently asked questions
While some babies may not experience skin irritation from fragranced laundry detergents, many parents opt for fragrance-free options to ensure their baby's delicate skin is not irritated. Fragrances are known to be the most common contact allergen after nickel, and can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Baby laundry detergents are formulated to be gentle on a baby's skin, and typically do not contain fragrances, dyes, and other irritants. Look for products labelled as "hypoallergenic" and "fragrance-free".
When choosing a baby laundry detergent, opt for one that is free of fragrances, dyes, and optical brighteners. Plant-based detergents are also a good option as they are less likely to irritate a baby's skin.
Pediatricians typically recommend waiting until your baby is at least 6 months old before switching to regular laundry detergent, as their skin is very fragile and absorbent in the first few months.
