Looking For A Safe Baby Laundry Detergent? Here’s What You Need To Know

With a newborn at home, there is an added load of laundry. Babies need their clothes to be changed frequently and so do their linens and blankets, toys etc. it’s an endless list! 

That’s not all, as a parent you need to make sure that the laundry detergent you are using to wash your baby’s clothes is baby-friendly since your baby’s skin is delicate and any kind of contact with harmful chemicals can cause rashes. The regular laundry detergent that we use is too strong for a baby’s tender skin.

Choosing the right laundry detergent for your little one can be confusing. Here’s what you need to consider before picking the right laundry detergent for your baby’s clothes.

Why You Should Use A Baby Laundry Detergent

Baby’s skin is still tender and delicate and new to the environment outside. Therefore they need very special care.

Additionally, regular detergents are made of chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and other harmful chemicals which are not safe for a baby’s skin and health. 

Safe laundry detergents for babies are specifically made to protect the baby from these harmful chemicals that can irritate their skin and cause other health issues. 

How To Choose The Right Baby Laundry Detergent

Check the list of ingredients before you purchase the baby laundry detergent. When in doubt, ask your doctor.
Some of the things you need to look for are:

Hypoallergenic

Choose a baby laundry detergent that is hypoallergenic as they have fewer things that can trigger allergic reactions in a baby’s skin.

Liquid Detergent

Choose liquid baby laundry detergent over the powder ones as the liquid ones rinse out better and powder detergents usually leave behind residues that can harm a baby’s skin and health.

Mild Formula

A baby’s detergent needs to be gentle. Since it’s common for babies to develop skin allergies and eczema, your baby’s detergent should be such that it does not cause flare-ups of those conditions.

Good Cleaning Power

Babies’ clothes will have a lot of throw-ups and poop. Hence, the formula of the detergent should be good enough to get things clean off the baby’s clothes but minus strong chemicals.

Ingredients That Are Considered Safe In Baby Laundry Detergent 

Here is a list of a few ingredients that are considered safe. However, check with the authorised seller for the exact composition.

Washing soda
This is commonly called soda ash. 
Pure Castile Soap
This comes in the form of liquid or bar.
Borax
It is white in colour and is also called sodium borate.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are all-natural oils like eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil.

Things To Avoid While Choosing Laundry Detergent for Babies

If the baby laundry detergent contains any of the following things then it must be avoided:

1. Phosphates

Phosphates can strip off the moisture from your baby’s skin hence steer clear of this ingredient. 

2. Dye or Colours

Some detergents are made of a distinct colour by adding chemicals that might not be suitable for your infant.

3. Strong Smell

A detergent with a lingering odour could alleviate any possible allergies that your little one has. It could also cause respiratory allergies.

4. More Foam

Excess foam in your child’s detergent could mean that there is a presence of too many surfactants in it. These surfactants can stay on the baby’s clothes and cause irritation to their skin. 

5. Brighteners

The fluorescing agents or brighteners which make the fabric appear whiter after washing are harmful and can cause allergic reactions.

6. Bleach Agents

Many bleaches that help reduce stains may have chlorine or oxygen and can irritate the baby’s skin. 

Tips to Wash Baby Clothes 

Wash Baby Clothes Before they Wear it

Before your baby wears any new clothes, wash them to avoid any dirt or dust. You can also wash them in a mesh bag so that they do not come into contact with other clothes. 

Choose a Certified Baby Laundry Detergent

You can pick a natural baby laundry detergent in the form of liquid, pods or powder. Whichever form you pick, ensure that it is specially formulated for your baby’s delicate skin to prevent your baby from developing allergic reactions. 

Separately Wash Clothes of the Child

In order to prevent dirt from other clothes from coming in contact with your baby’s clothes, wash them separately. This helps reduce the risk of allergies and any other risks. 

Soak Cloth Diapers Before Wash

Rinse cloth diapers in cold water and then soak them in the baby’s laundry detergent in hot water before washing. 

Now that you are aware of all the harmful, nasty stuff that goes into regular laundry detergents, make sure you use a baby laundry detergent made with natural extracts to avoid any possible issues to the baby’s skin and health.

Cover image credit – Mom Loves Best