Soft Clothes for Sensitive Skin: The 10 Best Baby Detergents

Soft Clothes for Sensitive Skin: The 10 Best Baby Detergents

Being a parent is no easy task, especially when your child is a newborn. There is so much to learn, and you can’t always shop the way you used to. Your child’s skin is delicate at first, which means that all of the cleaning and skincare products you buy need to be designed with your infant in mind; yes, even the detergent you’ll be using to clean their cute little clothes.

So, before you throw your usual detergent in your washing machine, make sure that it’s the best detergent for your baby. While it may seem tough to find the right brands, or even how to know which brands are good or not, we’ve researched for you. We’ve compiled a list of the ten best baby detergents that you can find, and we’ll give you some great tips to help you pick the best product along the way.

Factors to Keep an Eye On

Loads

One of the primary things to consider when shopping for detergent is the number of loads that a given detergent will produce. It’s essential to know how many loads you’re getting because you’ll want to know how long the detergent is going to last you. If your budget is tight, always look for products that produce well over 100 loads. The products tend to be inexpensive, and they work just as well as other products. If results come in a pack of 2, the number of loads is generally measured on a per-bottle basis.

Type

There are three different types of detergents that you’ll find on the market. For adults, the kind that you choose is not too important, but you might want to think twice when shopping for baby detergent. For example, liquid detergents tend to work best for babies because powder blends can end up causing skin rashes. Still, it’s essential to know what each type is and how they work.

Liquid

Liquid detergents are relatively common, and, for the most part, they work the best with modern washing machines. Liquid detergent is poured straight from the bottle into your washing machine’s detergent holder. Liquid detergent is excellent for children with sensitive skin.

Pods

Pod-based detergent is similar to liquid detergent, but the main difference is that the liquid is housed in pods. The brand tide is famous for its pod-based detergent, and it provides the same benefits as traditional liquid detergents. The only risk to using a pod-based detergent is that older children, specifically toddlers, may consume the detergent if they believe it’s food. Therefore, it’s imperative you keep pods out of reach and don’t leave them lying around loose.

Dry

Dry detergent is a powder-based detergent that suds up once the washing cycle kicks in and it mixes with water. While dry detergents work well for adults, they can put a lot of pressure on your child’s sensitive skin. If your baby is under six months old, we always recommend using either pod detergent or liquid detergents. So, since dry detergent is not a great fit for infants, you won’t see any dry detergents on the list.

Amount

The amount you get is very straightforward. The reason that we want to focus on the amount is to make sure there is no confusion. For example, brands like Dreft tend to package their detergent together in a pack of two. So, if you want to buy in bulk and know which brand you like, consider the two-pack options.

Hypoallergenic

You’ll want to keep an eye on whether or not the detergent you’re looking at is hypoallergenic. Non-hypoallergenic detergent can cause irritations for babies that suffer itchy skin, eczema, or other skin conditions. So, before you buy, always be sure to double-check whether or not a brand is hypoallergenic. If a brand is not hypoallergenic, make sure that the formula keeps out parabens, sulfates, phthalates, phosphates, dyes, and unnatural fragrances.

Top 10 Best Baby Detergents 2023

1. The Best Overall: Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent

Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent

Why we like it: Tide is a brand that's been making high-quality detergent for decades, and they're known as one of the best in the business. It's no surprise that their baby detergent is both strong and safe.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Loads: 81
  • Type: Pods
  • Amount: 1 bottle
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent is a sensitive skin-friendly Tide detergent designed for babies. While Tide Pods may work well for toddlers and adults, Tide went ahead and created a pod-based detergent that specially caters to the needs of infants. For example, their formula lacks harmful additives, dyes, phthalate, parabens, while still having enough concentration and power to fight off tough stains. Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent can do everything normal Tide Pods can do, but this time they’re for your child.

What Sets It Apart?

What makes Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent unique is that Tide makes it. Tide is a well-rounded company when it comes to detergent, so it’s extra peace of mind to know that your baby’s detergent is backed by years of research. Plus, unlike Puracy and Dreft, Tide PODS Free and Gentle is much better at fighting stains and providing value for the number of loads that you get out of one bottle. What makes Tide PODS Free and Gentle the best overall is how versatile the detergent can be. It’s common for brands to focus on one area of cleaning, like fighting stains or wrinkles, but Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent does it all at a great price point.

Things You Should Know

Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent is a great product, but it has one fatal flaw. That flaw is that it lacks a proper fresh smell. Whereas normal Tide Pods feel and smell great, Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent makes it hard to tell whether or not your baby’s clothes are clean. You should also keep pods out of reach from children as ingesting them can be fatal.

Who It’s For

Tide Free and Gentle HE Laundry Detergent is for parents that already know and love working with Tide. All around, Tide is a great company with excellent customer support. While their baby detergent is newer than Tide Pods, working with a brand you know and trust can make all the difference when shopping for your child. If you only like using main brands or well-known detergent, Tide is the way to go.

Pros

  • Comes with a lot of loads for the value
  • No harmful dyes or additives
  • Safe and easy to use
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Works well on adult clothes and cotton friendly

Cons

  • Pods can be dangerous if children get their hands on them

2. The Best for Newborns: Dreft Stage 1

Dreft Stage 1

Why we like it: Dreft is one of the most well-known brands in the baby detergent market, and Dreft Stage 1 is the reason why. Dreft Stage 1 is a balanced detergent designed for children under a year old.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Loads: 32
  • Type: Liquid
  • Amount: 2 pack
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

Dreft Stage 1 detergent is designed specifically for newborns. The formula is hypoallergenic, made with 65% plant-based materials, and works well for sensitive skin. Dreft Stage 1 is a liquid formula that leaves out dyes, preservatives, and extra additives. Overall, Dreft Stage 1 offers a high-quality detergent for parents caring for young children.

What Sets It Apart?

Dreft Stage 1 is unique for a few reasons, but the main feature that sets it apart from companies like Tide is its natural formula. Making detergent plant-based is tough to do, but this is where Dreft Stage 1 excels. Draft Stage 1 is also the number one recommended brand by both dermatologists and pediatricians. Plus, the brand has been steadily improving over the past 80 years. Dreft Stage 1 is the best for newborns because it has the least amount of potentially harmful chemicals.

Things You Should Know

Dreft Stage 1 is one of the best detergents that you can get for your child, but there is one major drawback: the smell. The company advertises that it’s a fragrance-free product, which it is once the load is complete, but the odor when adding the load to the washing machine can be potent, and not in a good way. So, when considering Dreft Stage 1, make sure you’re aware it can be a bit smelly to start a wash.

Who It’s For

Dreft Stage 1 is for parents with newborn babies that have sensitive skin. Dreft Stage 1 is also an excellent choice for parents that prefer detergent to be made naturally. Sure, it’s only 65 percent plant-based, but compared to brands like Tide, that’s a high number. If you have a newborn with sensitive skin, Dreft Stage 1 is a solid option.

Pros

  • Designed specifically for children under the age of 6 months old
  • Hypoallergenic and 65% plant-based
  • No added fragrances left on clothing once washed

Cons

  • Comes with a strong odor that can be overwhelming during the first few uses
  • Dreft Stage 1 is specifically designed for newborns, meaning it falls off in performance for older children

3. The Best Value: All Mighty Pacs

All Mighty Pacs

Why we like it: All Mighty Pacs gives you a lot of bang for your buck. While the price point may be similar to other brands like Tide, Dreft, and Puracy, All Mighty Pacs will do a superior number of loads.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Loads: 134
  • Type: Pods
  • Amount: 2 pack
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

All Mighty Pacs provides more than enough loads for all the laundry you and your child (or children!) need to get done. The pods can be used for both small loads and large loads (2 pacs for a large load, 1 pac for small load), and the formula is 100% hypoallergenic. All Mighty Pacs detergent also works well for children with sensitive skin, and the company prides itself on leaving out unnatural fragrances and artificial dyes. Overall, All Mighty Pacs detergent is a simple and effective detergent for newborn babies.

What Sets It Apart?

All Mighty Pacs is unique in that it offers consumers a high-quality newborn friendly detergent in bulk. There are a lot of brands that may sacrifice quality for quantity, but it’s clear that All Mighty Pacs appreciates both. The detergent works just as well as Dreft Stage 1, but with All Mighty Pacs, you get more bang for your buck. What makes All Mighty Pacs the best value is simple: the sheer amount of loads you get.

Things You Should Know

All Mighty Pacs detergent is a well-rounded product with barely any flaws, but there is always the issue of safety when using pod detergent. If you are using All Mighty Pacs for toddlers, just be sure to keep the pods out of reach to avoid accidental injuries. The pods may also give off a rancid smell as they dissolve, but once the wash cycle is complete, the scent fades away.

Who It’s For

All Mighty Pacs is a detergent for parents that want a safe detergent for their children in bulk. With the number of loads you get out of just one container, there is no need to purchase more detergent for quite some time. All Mighty Pacs also speak to parents that prefer natural products that leave out additives and fragrances. What you see is what you get period.

Pros

  • Washes up to 134 regular sized loads (bulk product)
  • Great value for the amount of detergent you get
  • Hypoallergenic
  • No additives or fragrances

Cons

  • The pod system can be dangerous for children that stumble across the pods

4. The Best Budget: All Liquid Laundry Detergent

All Liquid Laundry Detergent

Why we like it: All Liquid Laundry Detergent gives you a well-rounded and fresh smelling wash at a bargain deal. For the price, All Liquid Laundry Detergent is the best you can buy.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $
  • Loads: 110
  • Type: Liquid
  • Amount: 1 bottle
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

All Liquid Laundry Detergent combines a natural formula with strong allergen removal for a great price. The formula is created with natural plant-based ingredients and leaves out harmful chemicals that can cause irritation. For example, All Liquid Laundry Detergent doesn’t add any dyes or fragrances to alter their detergent in any way. All Liquid Laundry Detergent also places a heavy emphasis on how well it works for children with sensitive skin.

What Sets It Apart?

All Liquid Laundry Detergent is a detergent that brings value to the whole family. While brands like Dreft, Puracy, and Babyganics focus primarily on infants, All Liquid Laundry Detergent can be used on adult clothing as well. All Liquid Laundry Detergent is also one of the least expensive detergents that you can buy, and it works the same as other natural brands. What makes All Liquid Detergent the best budget product is the amount of loads you get for a low price.

Things You Should Know

All Liquid Laundry Detergent comes with tremendous value, but there is no fresh scent left behind. For parents that love the idea of fresh-smelling clothes, All Liquid Laundry Detergent falls a little bit short. All Liquid Laundry Detergent is also weak when it comes to fighting stains. For the best results, only use All Liquid Laundry Detergent on whites or colors individually, not at the same time.

Who It’s For

All Liquid Laundry Detergent is for parents that are looking for a one-size-fits-all detergent. Instead of buying a separate detergent for both you and your child, All Liquid Laundry Detergent can take care of the whole family. All Liquid Laundry Detergent works well for parents that are shopping on a tight budget. It’s also an excellent choice for parents that want a bulk amount of loads done.

Pros

  • Very inexpensive
  • Hypoallergenic and all-natural
  • Works for the entire family

Cons

  • Weak against stains
  • Lacks a fresh scent

5. The Most Natural Choice: Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent

Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent

Why we like it: Puracy is known for being a natural brand that makes eco-friendly products. Purcacy's Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is no different.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $
  • Loads: 96
  • Type: Liquid
  • Amount: 1 bottle
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

Puracy is a well-known brand when it comes to baby products, and their detergent is no exception. Puracy goes to great lengths to make sure that their detergent is made with plant-based ingredients to help preserve the environment. Their packaging is minimalistic, the detergent is biodegradable, and their detergent is safe for the whole family. Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is 99.5% all-natural and includes different scented options.

What Sets It Apart?

What sets Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent apart is their dedication to the environment and child safety. Puracy is one of the most eco-friendly brands on the market, and their detergent stays true to this trend. Also, Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent was created by doctors, and their formula is non-toxic for both children and pets. While brands like Dreft claim to be the most natural, Puracy is made with over 30% more natural ingredients. That 99.5% number is what makes Puracy the best natural choice.

Things You Should Know

Not every parent loves scented detergent, which can make Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent a poor choice for parents that prefer laundry scents. Parents that have never worked with plant-based or natural detergents may have trouble adjusting.

Who It’s For

Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is for parents that can get behind the idea of preserving the environment. More specifically, Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is a great fit for parents that prefer a minimalistic approach. Plus, if you’re shopping for a toddler or have pets around your home, it’s good to know that Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is non-toxic. Plenty of brands are natural and hypoallergenic, but not a lot of brands can say that they’re non-toxic if ingested. For parents that prefer a scented choice for their detergent, Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is a great choice.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Biodegradable and 99.5% natural
  • Non-toxic
  • Both newborn and toddler friendly
  • Scented options

Cons

  • The scents aren't a great fit for every parent

6. The Best for Toddlers: Dreft Stage 2

Dreft Stage 2

Why we like it: Dreft Stage 2 is very similar to Dreft Stage 1 in that the formulas are excellent for sensitive skin. While Dreft Stage 1 is designed for babies, Dreft Stage 2 works best for toddlers.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Loads: 32
  • Type: Liquid
  • Amount: 2 pack
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

Dreft Stage 2 is a similar product to Dreft Stage 1, but Dreft Stage 2 is marketed towards toddlers instead of newborns. Dreft Stage 2 is hypoallergenic, 65% natural, and safe to use in most washing machine models. Dreft Stage 2 also leaves out dyes, fragrances, and other extra additives that may cause irritation. Along with other Dreft products, Dreft Stage 2 has been tested over 80 years and maintains a number one pediatrician rating along with Dreft Stage 1.

What Sets It Apart?

Dreft Stage 2 is set apart by the decades of research that goes into their natural and toddler-friendly formula. Not a lot of brands, including Puracy and Babyganics, can say that they’ve been refined for over 80 years. When shopping for detergent that’s right for your child, it’s always good to know that an option is backed by research. Dreft Stage 2 is the best for toddlers because it can handle stains they may get while playing around outdoors. When Dreft Stage 1 falls short, Dreft Stage 2 picks up the slack once your child is crawling and walking.

Things You Should Know

The main issue with Dreft products is the powerful odor that they give off while you pour them. While there is no fragrance left behind on your child’s clothing, you might feel a bit overwhelmed when working with Dreft for the first few loads. Dreft Stage 2 works well for toddlers, but it shouldn’t be used with newborns.

Who It’s For

Dreft Stage 2 is for parents that want to ensure that their toddler’s clothes and skin are adequately taken care of. For toddlers, Dreft Stage 2 is a great natural choice that works well on children that have sensitive skin. Plus, Dreft Stage 2 also works well on adult clothing as well.

Pros

  • Natural formula with no dyes, fragrances, or additives
  • Specifically designed for toddlers
  • Works well for children with sensitive skin

Cons

  • Not a great fit for newborn babies
  • Pungent odor before wash

7. Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent

Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent

Why we like it: Babyganics Liquid Baby Detergent is environmentally friendly, natural, and great on sensitive skin. As with other Babyganics products, their detergent is quality tested by dermatologists and doctors.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $
  • Loads: 60
  • Type: Liquid
  • Amount: 1 bottle
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

Babyganics is a company that takes a lot of pride in their natural products. Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent sticks with the company motto, as their detergent is made with natural plant-based ingredients and enzymes. Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent also leaves out chemicals that can harm your child’s skin like phthalates, parabens, phosphates, sulfates, dyes, fragrances, and chlorine. Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent is about as natural as you can get when it comes to detergent.

What Sets It Apart?

Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent is unique in that its products are not tested on animals. Brands like Dreft may be natural, but there is no information about how their products are tested. Knowing that Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent is not tested on animals is a bonus for a detergent that does an excellent job maintaining skincare and cleaning dirty clothes. Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent is also one of the few baby detergents that can tackle stains.

Things You Should Know

Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent produces a fresh smell on clean clothes, but the odor produced while pouring the liquid detergent can be rough on the nostrils. Also, Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent lacks a foaming agent, making it hard to determine the effectiveness of each given load.

Who It’s For

Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent is for parents that are focused solely on safety. The detergent is as effective as other brands, like Dreft, but the formula that Babyganics uses is even more gentle on a newborn’s skin. For parents of toddlers, Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent is also excellent at fighting tough to remove stains.

Pros

  • Not tested on animals
  • Plant-based ingredients; harmful chemicals and dyes are left out
  • Great value

Cons

  • Hard to determine how much detergent you need to use

8. The Most Loads: ECOS Baby Detergent

ECOS Baby Detergent

Why we like it: ECOS Baby Detergent comes with a lot of loads, more than most brands, but not by sacrificing the quality of the wash. ECOS Baby Detergent is a great bulk detergent product.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Loads: 200
  • Type: Liquid
  • Amount: 2 pack
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

ECOS Baby Detergent is a product made within the United States that uses plant-based ingredients from local farms and pastures. ECOS detergent is hypoallergenic, all-natural, and comes with a signature lavender scent that helps baby clothes smell fresher than ever. ECOS detergent also leaves out chemicals like: phthalates, parabens, sulfate, dyes, and phosphates. ECOS detergent is quality tested and safe for newborns and toddlers.

What Sets It Apart?

ECOS detergent is special because everything is bottled, farmed, and produced within the United States. Brands like Dreft and Puracy need to outsource some of their ingredients, but ECOS makes sure that local businesses are supported. ECOS detergent also comes with a built-in fabric softener that works with both whites and colored apparel. Plus, ECOS can remove stains too. ECOS Baby Detergent is the best choice if you need a lot of loads.

Things You Should Know

ECOS detergent is a bit limited when it comes to its signature fragrance. While the touch of lavender smells fresh, it can quickly become repetitive after the 100th load. So, if you don’t like the smell of lavender, it might be a good idea to consider a product that lacks a fragrance.

Who It’s For

ECOS detergent is for parents that love the idea of a homegrown detergent. It’s tough to find products made from start to finish within the United States, which makes ECOS detergent one of the only options on the market. ECOS Baby Detergent is also a good option for parents that want to buy enough detergent to last a few months.

Pros

  • Removes stains and works with both whites and colored clothes
  • Fresh smelling lavender fragrance that's all-natural
  • No harmful chemicals and plant-based formula
  • Made in the United States from start to finish

Cons

  • The lavender smell can become repetitive

9. The Best Premium Choice: The Laundress Baby Detergent

The Laundress Baby Detergent

Why we like it: The Laundress Baby Detergent is a premium baby detergent. The formula is one of the best you can find. Compared to other detergents, The Laundress Baby Detergent can give a superior and targeted wash.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$$
  • Loads: 64
  • Type: Liquid
  • Amount: 1 bottle
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes

Description

Laundress Baby Detergent is a niche product that appeals to higher-end consumers. Laundress Baby Detergent is made in the United States – New York specifically – and uses a special formula. The ingredients are all-natural and hypoallergenic, but the detergent can produce a stain-free and wrinkle-free wash. Laundress Baby Detergent comes with a fresh-smelling natural scent and can directly target stains.

What Sets It Apart?

Laundress Baby Detergent is a well-rounded detergent that offers similar benefits to less natural detergents. This means that Laundress Baby Detergent produces wrinkle-less washes and a fresh smelling scent without needing to add extra chemicals. Laundress Baby Detergent, like ECOS detergent, is also made in the United States. Laundress Baby Detergent is the premium choice thanks to its formula. While plenty of detergents are natural, Laundress Baby Detergent provides a clean that’s on the same level as chemical-based detergents.

Things You Should Know

Laundress Baby Detergent is a niche brand that’s relatively new to the market. While the detergent is of the highest quality, the price is a bit expensive for the meager amount of loads that you get from one bottle. While this may be the case, the quality of each wash is up there with some of the biggest names in the detergent market.

Who It’s For

Laundress Baby Detergent is for parents that want a premium washing experience. The detergent stacks up well against popular brands like Tide, but the difference is that Laundress Baby Detergent does so without adding extra chemicals to their formula. So, for parents that want a high-quality wash without harmful chemicals, Laundress Baby Detergent is a great choice.

Pros

  • Works well with cotton, linen, and other favorite clothing fabrics
  • Fights stains, wrinkles, and produces a fresh scent
  • Made in New York with local materials
  • All-natural
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • Not great value for the amount of detergent that you get
  • Niche brand
  • Newer company

10. Mama Bear Amazon Brand Baby Detergent

Mama Bear Amazon Brand Baby Detergent

Why we like it: It's nice to see an Amazon brand that can compete with well-known brands like Babyganics, Dreft, Tide, and Puracy. The detergent that Amazon created can clean just as well as other brands.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Price: $$
  • Loads: 53
  • Type: Liquid
  • Amount: 2 pack
  • Hypoallergenic: No

Description

Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent is a brand exclusive to Amazon, and like other Amazon products, the quality of their baby laundry detergent is up there with some of the best and most well-known brands on the market. Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent is created with a 95% organic formula, and their detergent is 100% biodegradable. Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent works well for children with sensitive skin and conditions like eczema while maintaining adequate strength to fight off tough stains. While Amazon’s brand of baby detergent may be new to the market, with a strong detergent like Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent, they’re up and coming.

What Sets It Apart?

Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent is an Amazon brand, which makes it special. Amazon is well-known for carrying great products, but it’s nice to see that Amazon is also producing high-quality detergent for infants. Along with brands like Babyganics and Puracy, Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent is just as natural and effective.

Things You Should Know

The only notable downside to Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent is that it’s not hypoallergenic in the same way that brands like Puracy and Dreft are. While it may fight stains the same way, and leaves out harmful chemicals, for children with allergies, Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent may not be the best fit if your child is prone to allergies.

Who It’s For

Mama Bear Amazon Brand Laundry Detergent is for parents that like the idea of picking up a high-quality product made by Amazon. For people that love and support Amazon, knowing that they have their detergent that can compete with top brands creates a great option.

Pros

  • 95% natural and organic; no harmful additives or dyes
  • Biodegradable
  • Powerful stain remover
  • Great for sensitive skin

Cons

  • Not hypoallergenic

How to Choose the Right Baby Detergent

Finding the Best Detergent for Your Child

Now that you’ve seen the products, we want to go over the shopping process briefly. With so many options that serve different purposes, it can be hard to know whether or not a product is right for you. So, to make the process a breeze, we’ll break it all down for you.

mother and son

Organic Versus Chemical

Chemical detergents can provide a superior clean, but they’re very tough on a child’s skin. Paying attention to the composition of detergent is important because it will tell you how it will interact with your child’s skin. For the most part, natural detergents are better, so always look for products that are made with at least 65% organic ingredients. You’ll want to get as close to that 100% mark as possible. Most of our list, including Puracy Natural Liquid Detergent, Babyganics Liquid Detergent, ECOS Baby Detergent, Mama Bear Amazon Brand Baby Detergent, and Dreft stages 1 and 2, are great organic options.

Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic detergent is designed to keep skin rashes and irritation to a minimum. You don’t need to use hypoallergenic detergent, but keep an eye on your child’s skin after using what you already have. If you start to notice patches of red skin, crying for no reason, or rashes, you’ll want to switch over to hypoallergenic detergents to see if they make a difference – and they often will. Most products on this list are hypoallergenic, giving you plenty of options. If you want a hypoallergenic product, you’ll want to steer clear of Mama Bear Amazon Brand Baby Detergent. You can find out more about these symptoms here.

Stain Removal

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably noticed that your child is not the cleanest. Stains can form on clothing for a lot of reasons, whether that be food or dirt. If using cloth diapers, it’s natural they’re going to get dirty! So, when considering the best baby detergent, consider how often your child’s clothing is stained or how many diapers they are using.

If you have a toddler, and stains are starting to become a bigger problem, you’ll want to consider products like Dreft Stage 2 or Laundress Baby Detergent. Any of these options can fight off stains that might be giving you trouble.

Stains tend to be more problematic in older children, but if your baby sicks anything up or spills on their clothes, you’ll want a detergent that can clean it up like Dreft Stage 1. Babies have sensitive skin, so you need to be careful when using highly concentrated detergents. Some other options that work well for dealing with stains on baby clothing include Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent and Puracy Natural Liquid Detergent.

Wrinkles

When clothes go through the washer and dryer cycles, they can become wrinkled if not appropriately handled. If you want to avoid wrinkles in your child’s clothes, you’ll need a brand that can provide an effective clean without digging into the fabric too much. So, for a wash that’s free of wrinkles, consider products like Tide PODS Free and Gentle Laundry Detergent or The Laundress Baby Detergent. Both options will fight wrinkles, but The Laundress Baby Detergent is superior to most other brands at handling creases.

Infants

Infants and toddlers need different detergents to get the job done. An infant’s skin is 30% more delicate than the skin of an adult, which means that your detergent needs to be gentle and free of harmful chemicals. If you have an infant, under the age of one year, you’ll want to consider products that are designed for infants. Some great product options include Dreft Stage 1, The Laundress Baby Detergent, Tide PODS Free and Gentle, and Puracy Natural Liquid Detergent.

Toddlers

While infants may need specific detergents, you can loosen things up a bit when your child is crawling or walking. Toddlers love to start interacting with their environments, and while this may be fun for them, it’s not fun for their clothes. So, when shopping for a toddler, you’ll want a stronger detergent that’s able to fight off stains and wrinkles. Some great products for toddlers include Dreft Stage 2, The Laundress Baby Detergent, and Mama Bear Amazon Brand Baby Detergent.

FAQ

Can I use regular detergent for my baby?

The answer to this question depends on the detergent that you’re using and your baby’s skin. If your child has no skin problems, then yes, using traditional detergent shouldn’t be an issue. If your child does have irritable skin, it’s always best to use a detergent that’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and liquid.

Is baby detergent more expensive than adult detergent?

It depends on the brand, but you’ll be surprised by how inexpensive a lot of popular baby detergent brands like Puracy, Babyganics, and Dreft are. As with any other product, the price varies based on the needs of you and your child.

What should I look for in baby detergent?

What makes baby detergent special is the lack of chemical additives that most adults detergents tend to have. These chemicals include parabens, phosphates, sulfates, phthalates, and dyes. Also, if possible, always consider hypoallergenic brands.

How much baby detergent do I need?

Finding the right amount of detergent is not always easy, but the good news is that most loads of baby laundry can be done using a small amount of detergent. So, any baby detergent that has over 30 loads will give you plenty of value. If you need more or want bulk options, there are plenty of products that can do well over 100 loads of laundry.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem difficult to shop for that perfect baby detergent, any of the products that we recommend can be a great choice. Not every product is made the same, and each detergent has its benefits and drawbacks, so always make sure that you thoroughly understand each selection before making a choice. Plus, if you have the means, it might be a good idea to give a few different brands a try to see which one works the best. Either way, making sure your child has the right detergent is just as important as making sure they have the right food or diapers.

On a final note, shopping for a toddler and infant are two different things. While it may seem like a detergent can work for both, infant detergent is always a bit special in that it caters to the needs of a newborn baby. So, when shopping for infants and toddlers, make sure you pay attention to what each product is good for. Luckily, it shouldn’t be challenging to find the best baby detergent once you know what you’re looking for. We hope this guide has helped you get the best detergent for your baby.