If you are currently pregnant or have been pregnant in the past then you are probably very familiar with nesting. Don’t worry, if you haven’t experienced nesting yet, your time is sure to come!
One thing I was very focused on when nesting was washing and hanging my little one’s clothes. It was then it dawned on me that baby detergent was a thing. To save yourself the time and the trouble, I’m going to share what I learned from my research.
So come along with me if you want to learn more about the best baby detergent!
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How to choose a baby detergent?
Here’s a guide of what to look for in a laundry detergent for your baby.
- Fragrance-free: Look for a detergent that is fragrance-free or has a mild, baby-friendly scent
- Hypoallergenic: Opt for a detergent that is labeled hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction
- Gentle formula: Choose a detergent that is free of harsh chemicals and additives
- pH-balanced: Look for a detergent that is pH-balanced, as this can help prevent skin irritation
- Liquid vs. powder: Liquid detergents are generally considered better for newborns because they dissolve more easily and leave fewer residue
- Free of optical brighteners: Optical brighteners can leave residue on clothes and irritate sensitive skin, so look for a detergent that is free of them
- Pediatrician recommended: Consider looking for a detergent that is recommended by pediatricians, as this can help ensure that it is safe and effective for your newborn
Remember, every baby’s skin is different, so you may need to try a few different detergents before finding one that works well for your little one!
But don’t stress about this too much for the first wash you do on clothes before baby is born.
Baby detergents vs. regular detergent
What is the biggest difference between baby detergents and regular detergents? Simply put, baby detergents are far less harsh than regular detergents. Baby detergent contains fewer chemicals, little to no fragrance, and are just overall more mild than regular detergents.
Top picks for best baby detergents
There are so many baby detergents on the market – it can be difficult to narrow it down to just one. Hopefully this guide will help!
To read details about each specific product, continue scrolling through this article. But if you want to cut to the chase and see all my favorite baby detergents in one place, you can do so by clicking the button below!
Best dedicated baby detergent
Dreft Newborn Liquid Detergent
Dreft stage 1 newborn liquid detergent is specifically made with that delicate baby skin in mind. It has been trusted by moms for over 80 years and is the #1 choice of pediatricians.
Dreft also offers a stage 2 active baby detergent. This detergent helps remove 99% of baby food stains and is specifically made for your crawling, active baby. Dreft is a bit on the pricey side but can frequently be found marked down on Amazon so just keep your eyes peeled!
Best value baby detergent
Mama Bear Concentrated Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent
This detergent is hypoallergenic and free of dyes and perfumes. It’s specially formulated to be gentle on sensitive (baby) skin. With 2X more cleaning power, this concentrated formula cleans with half the amount of a standard detergent.
Don’t be fooled though, this detergent is still tough on stains and is effective whether you are washing in hot or cold water!
Best non-baby laundry detergent (that’s safe for baby!)
Tide Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent
This particular detergent isn’t specifically designed for babies but is hypoallergenic and free of dyes and perfumes. It’s dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin and a good option for not only your little one(s) but for the whole family.
Best unscented baby detergent
Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
Babyganics detergent is made with plant-derived and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients. It is free of fragrances, dyes, sulfates, chlorine, phthalates, and optical brighteners. It is also dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. Trust me – it’s a total game changer in the laundry room!
Best scented baby detergent
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Baby Laundry Detergent
This detergent contains plant-derived cleaning agents with stain-fighting enzymes. It is effective yet gentle at the same time. Infused with essential oils, this particular detergent has a fruity and fresh floral (baby blossom) aroma.
Best baby detergent for stains
Seventh Generation Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent
This stuff is powerful! Made with 97% plant-based ingredients, this detergent is perfect for stains caused by spit up, fruit and veggie purees, and diaper disasters.
Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and artificial brighteners, this detergent will work great on all your baby’s clothing, including cloth diapers!
Best all-around baby detergents
Here are my top 3 picks for best all-around baby detergents.
1. Dreft Newborn Liquid Detergent
2. Molly’s Suds Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
Formulated with earth and plant-derived cleaning ingredients, this detergent is extra gentle for newborns, babies, and toddlers. It’s hypoallergenic and made with safer and simpler ingredients. It’s packed with stain fighting enzymes that remove breast milk, formula, and baby poop stains from clothing and cloth diapers.
3. Purex Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent
Hypoallergenic and dye-free, this concentrated formula delivers 2X more cleaning power in every drop. It has a light fragrance that is appropriate for baby clothes without being overpowering. Dermatologist-tested, this detergent is certain to be gentle on your little one’s skin.
Want help with the rest of your stock up for baby?
Looking for some assistance with your baby registry? Let me and my team help you! We have created an amazing resource for you. And did I mention that it’s free? MLN’s Baby Registry Guide will walk you through the process of creating a registry and help you say goodbye to registry overwhelm.
We’ll help you make informed decisions about the items you’ll actually need. What’s more, we have shoppable links to products at every price point, to make purchasing or adding to your registry super easy!
Don’t miss out on this info-packed, comprehensive, and free guide. You can learn more and sign up to receive the guide by filling out the form below.
