Laundry Det. for Newborns Clothes

Updated on March 01, 2010
J.K. asks from Phoenix, AZ
30 answers

What kind of laundry detergent do you use for your newborns clothes? Funny how this is my 5th baby and I can't remember what I did in the past. =) I probably just used what I use for our family since I use the dye-free stuff anyway. I'm using Melaleuca's Fresh-scent or dye-free ALL now. I'm not sure if I should use Dreft or just use what I use for the family. Just wanting some ideas! Thanks so much.

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J.J.

answers from Phoenix on

I always used Dreft for the baby clothes, and then switched to the regular family detergent at about 1 ot 2 years old.

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A.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I used Dreft with the first two kids. They were close in age. Then with baby 3 we just switched to dye free ALL and that what we still use.

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H.C.

answers from Phoenix on

I would use Dreft. I used that the first 3 years for both my kids. There are so many chemicals in everything we use and babies have such sensitive skin.

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C.R.

answers from Phoenix on

I use Shaklee. It is way cheaper than Melaleuca and works way better. It is 100% pure, nontoxic, natural and biodegradeable. They offer a whole line of 100%Nontoxic cleaning products as well as Supplements for the whole family, personal care and weight loss. I have used both and did not like Melaleuca at all. Contact me if you would like more info. Thanks, Cahy

1 mom found this helpful

G.H.

answers from San Francisco on

As a first time mommy I use the generic Dreft as I heard Dreft was the best. I see my boyfriend's sister use regular detergent by the time she is one or one and a half so I guess its not as big a deal as some people make it? But for now because I dont know if he does have sensitive skin or not, I use the Dreft type of detergent!

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

I used Shaklee's Get Clean laundry products and have continued to use them even though my boys are teenagers. I also use the cleaning products. They are great. Oprah has featured them on her show several times.
If you are interested, you can find them at http://www.shaklee.net/healthforlife
Because they are concentrated, they are less expensive than store brands.
Victoria

A.F.

answers from Chicago on

I just use the sensitive dye free fragrance free stuff we use for the rest of the family. It works way better (and is cheaper too!) The dreft would never do a good job at "cleaning" the clothes when there was food, spit up, etc. Good luck!

Best wishes,
A.
Local Childcare Coordinator
Cultural Care Au Pair
(and FTWM-attorney)
###-###-#### cell
http://aferrini.aupairnews.com

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K.V.

answers from Phoenix on

The Melaleuca stuff is great for new bron, I use to use dreft but then when I switched to Melaleuca it is just as gentle, since there is no chemicals. I would say stick with the Mela stuff since Dreft can be pricey.

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C.R.

answers from Las Cruces on

I used dye free/unscented ALL b/c I was told it was basically the same as dreft. Now I've switched to Arm & Hammer Essentials dye and fragrance free. It is so gentle that I would also use it on a baby's clothes.

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A.F.

answers from St. Cloud on

Hi Jaimee! I used to use Melaleuca detergent for my baby's clothes. It just didn't clean our clothes well but it didn't irritate baby's skin. Dreft isn't all it's cracked up to be!
Now I use Seventh Generation and I am wayyyyyy happier with that!

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Both Sam's Club and Costco carry All Free and Clear and Dreft in warehouse sizes which reduced the cost tremendously.

We used All Free and Clear/Dreft for our son for months.
We only used 1 bottle when our daughter was born. We ran one load in normal detergent, and when she didn't have a reaction, we used our normal stuff.

The real issue for newborns is the sensitivity of their skin to detergents/fragrances. If your child does OK, I'd not spend the extra money on those brands.

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L.B.

answers from Phoenix on

Yeah they say Dreft is the best but its crazy priced,I use this time around with my 3 month old daughter Tide or All Free & Clear,its for sensitive skin so she has no problems with it. I actually thought Oh I will use dreft cause had coupon but heck no not even with coupon is it decent price which is dumb since its suppose to be great product for babies. Well good luck with baby!

L. B.

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J.V.

answers from Phoenix on

My family all has sensitive skin and are allergic to perfumes. So dreft was out. it is so full of dyes and perfumes. We all use All Free and Clear. and we are very happy with it.

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L.L.

answers from Seattle on

I used tide free, or all free until my son was about 2, then i switched to the normal stuff.

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J.J.

answers from Dallas on

I never used separate laundry detergent for any of my 3 children. I have sensitive skin and use Tide or All Free and Clear...

C.S.

answers from Charlotte on

I use Dreft until age one. After that I use what we use. When you switch, watch out for any rash or itching caused by the new detergent.

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R.O.

answers from Tucson on

I use All Free and Clear, too. That Dreft isn't necessary at ll and is really expensive!

B.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

you dont' need to use anything special for baby clothes. Dreft is expensive, full of dyes and perfumes, and it fades clothes horribly.

Melaleuca's laundry soap is perfect for everyone. I never seperated clothes, baby clothes got washed with the regular laundry. Why make more work for yourself?

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D.H.

answers from Phoenix on

If you're using the all-natural, or dye-free stuff, you'd probably be alright using the same for your newborn. But I just love Dreft! I loved washing all my newborn's clothes and putting them all away in the new nursery before the "big day"!

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V.J.

answers from Phoenix on

I used Dreft with my first child and it was expensive so I tried the Purex Baby liquid detergent with my second and really liked it. It was a lot less expensive and I liked the scent better than Dreft too. If your baby isn't sensitive to whatever you use for the rest of the family then there's probably no need to use a special detergent for your infant wash though.

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T.N.

answers from Phoenix on

Jaimee - if you are a Melaleuca customer you know that there isn't anything out there that is better or safer for your family! Melaleuca manufactures their own products and has 100% quality control on each ingredient! They guarantee their products!

I have been a customer and business builder for over 9 years, started when myd aughter was 3 months old and she is now 9 years old and I have a son who is 7!

BEST products you can buy! No need to do anything different! Enjoy your new one!

J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

Dreft was pricy, so I bought the other brand next to it on the shelf. It had a scent, but was dye-free. Had no problems. I think it was Purex It had a pink label and was right next to the dreft at the grocery store.

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A.W.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Dreft or anything 'Free'. Dye free, fragance free, etc. Since you already seem to have the 'Free' stuff, you should be good in my opinion.
Good luck!

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R.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Just had my third baby last month and like using Tide Free for my HE machine. Using a non-fragrance, hypoallergenic detergent like Tide Free saves me the trouble of using a different detergent for baby clothes. Best wishes and congrats. R., midwife mom of 3

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R.A.

answers from Phoenix on

I used Melelauce when my daughter was a new born and I still use it.

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J.H.

answers from Flagstaff on

I used Dreft while my daughter was an infant. It just seemed like it made her clothes softer and smell like a little baby. I am sure you can use one of those dye free, everything free ones for an infant but the dreft is just made for a baby.

G.R.

answers from Dallas on

i use all detergent for baby i love the smell .

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A.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

Hey Ladies,

I work with a team that helps moms have safe and healthy homes for their families and save money while doing it. Jaimee I can tell you that Melaleuca's laundry detergent is the best you can use for your baby and your family. It is guaranteed NOT to have any harmful chemicals or toxins in it, as all of their products are. It's also a lot less expensive since it is 6X concentrated and you only use 1/2 oz. for an entire load.

Most people don't realize that laundry detergents you buy from the store are only 2 X concentrated. You're pay for a lot of proctor and gamble's water. Plus, they put fiber glass in their detergents, which is how the clothes come out cleaner and how they wear out faster and why we have SOOO much lint in our dryers. It also cause skin irritations like eczema.

I encourage you all to check out The Safe Shopper's Bible, written by David Steinman and Samuel Epstein, M.D. You'd be surprised how many products you have in your home are actually harming your family and not helping.

You can check this out too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO2xONIbv24

BTW Shaklee's laundry detergent is only 3X concentrated. It cost about the same as Melaleuca's but you use 2 oz. for a large load. So, Shaklee compared to Melaleuca is quite a bit more expensive. If you're looking for a way to have safe products that are guaranteed and save money, do your research. I have!

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S.R.

answers from San Francisco on

I wasn't impressed with Dreft either, especially for the cost even when on sale. I use All free & clear and it works great at getting stains out and our kids have never had a problem. Melaleuca would probably be fine too. My friend has the hand soap and I can't use it though because it totally dries my hands out instantly. They are dry enough with how much us moms wash our hands.

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R.M.

answers from Nashville on

Dreft has perfumes from what I remember, and it is sooo expensive. I use Melaleuca, but All Free and Clear is a great second choice. I would not bother with Dreft, it isn't any gentler than other ones in my opinion.

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