Do babies new clothes need to be washed with Special detergent?
It’s suggested that you use a special detergent, but it really depends on the baby, as some have more sensitive skin than others. I personally washed my daughter’s clothes in Dreft for her first 18 months (which was probably longer than necessary, but I’d bought a huge bottle of the stuff, so I used it up – and it smelled good, too!) I’m now expecting baby #2 any day and I did rewash all of our baby clothes and bedding in Dreft just to be safe. As far as ruining or fading the clothes, they’re baby clothes, you’re going to have to wash them a lot! One more wash won’t make much difference in terms of fading/wear. It’ll be the baby spitting up and pooping on them that will ruin them! : ) Ultimately, it’s up to you. You could always buy a small bottle of Dreft, or a similar baby detergent, and wash the first clothes your baby will wear, then gradually introduce clothes washed in your regular detergent. If the baby doesn’t have any bad reaction to the change, then it won’t be necessary to c
I usually wash his clothes with Ivory Snow, or a similar “baby” detergent. But if I don’t have any, I just use regular detergent. It shouldn’t matter too much, just as long as your baby’s skin isn’t extra-sensitive like some babies are. You will know, because the baby will get rashy. My husband was allergic to certain brands when he was a baby. You also aren’t supposed to use fabric softeners or anything like that, but I admit that I do. And my baby is perfectly fine, his skin is fine and he has shown no reaction to it. So don’t stress. Unless your baby appears to have a reaction to the detergent, don’t worry about what detergent you used. Try to look for baby detergent in the future though, as it is supposed to be gentler on their skin. I do use it when I have it, I only use regular detergent when I run out.
My MIL has said with each and every one of my babies, 3 of them now, that I simply have to use Dreft! And guess what…I never have. We use the Arm and Hammer with Oxi clean additive and none of them have ever had a reaction to that or the Snuggle fabric softener. Just watch for rashes and discontinue if that is the case. Some babies have more sensitive skin than others. Also be SURE to read labels on the pajamas as some of them are fire retardant and the fabric softener can cause it to become more flammable. Other than that just use what you are already using as every time you hold your little one they will be rubbing up against the same detergent washed fabric as their own. Best of luck!
