“I don’t know what went wrong,” a mom in our Premium Plan told us recently. “Ever since I washed my baby’s clothes with our usual detergent, she’s been scratching nonstop.”
When she handed us her family’s laundry bag (tiny rompers, soft bibs, baby blankets), she added, “Please, just make sure whatever you use is safe for her skin.”
Keeping your baby’s clothes clean is important, but ensuring they’re safe for your baby’s sensitive skin is even more important.
Many parents don’t realise that regular detergents may be unsafe for babies.
These detergents often have strong chemicals, artificial scents, and dyes that can remain on clothes, cause skin irritation, allergies, or even worsen eczema.
In the following sections of this post, we show you the best baby-friendly detergent free from fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals and how to wash your baby’s clothes safely.
In This Article
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Opt for fragrance-free detergent to avoid skin irritation for babies with sensitive skin.
- Babies with eczema need detergent that is extra soft for their sensitive skin.
- Baby detergents like Dreft liquid laundry wash, Pure Love baby detergent, and
- It is better to use liquid detergent for Baby clothes than powdered detergent because it is easier to rinse.
Babies’ skin is more sensitive than adults’, so they can absorb irritants easily.
That’s why it is important to choose a baby-friendly detergent. The best detergent should be hypoallergenic, free from harsh fragrances and dyes, and gentle on baby clothes.
It should also be strong enough to clean milk spills, food stains, and diaper leaks.
But it doesn’t end there.
What Makes a Detergent Baby-Friendly?
Source: Freepix
A baby-friendly detergent is made to be gentle, safe, and non-toxic for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Unlike regular detergents, which can have harsh chemicals and strong scents, baby detergents are created to avoid irritation and allergies while still being an excellent choice for cleaning clothes.
However, it is important to maintain a balance between gentleness and quality cleaning for your baby’s skin.
Baby detergents are explicitly created with the notion that babies are still developing, meaning that whatever detergent you choose for your baby must be gentle and safe on their skin.
In addition, baby detergents are a great choice because, unlike ordinary detergents, they rinse out thoroughly.
Leftover soap can irritate your baby’s skin.
A good baby detergent leaves your baby’s clothes free from any leftover residue, making them clean and soft, which is why you should check for the following qualities:
- Hypoallergenic: This helps lower the chances of causing allergies or skin irritation.
- Fragrance-Free & Dye-Free: No added scents or colours that could cause skin problems.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid ingredients like sulfates, phosphates, and brighteners. If you are confused about identifying these harsh chemicals, you can always check the ingredient description on the package.
- Soft on Clothes: Keeps baby’s clothes gentle and safe.
Best Baby-Safe Detergents Available in Nigeria
We have chosen some great options if you are wondering which detergent is preferable when selecting a trusted and safe detergent in Nigeria.
They are not only a great choice for you, but they will also ensure that you have the best experience washing your baby’s clothes.
All you have to do is visit the supermarket to get them; they are affordable.
1. Dreft Liquid Laundry Wash
Dreft is generally known as the number one tested and trusted brand for baby detergent.
It is made explicitly for newborn babies’ clothes with a soft and tender feel.
You can trust Dreft for the safety of your baby’s clothes. This liquid laundry wash is easy to use and dissolves well in water, freeing clothes from residues.
2. Pure Love Baby Detergent
Pure Love Baby Detergent is a gentle and safe laundry detergent for babies’ sensitive skin.
It doesn’t have strong chemicals, perfumes, or dyes, so it’s less likely to cause irritation or rashes. It’s designed to clean clothes well while being soft and safe for your baby.
This detergent helps keep baby clothes fresh, clean, and comfortable.
3. So Easy Baby Detergent
If you want something affordable and trusted, So Easy is the number one option we recommend.
It has a mild scent and fewer harsh chemicals, making it suitable for babies with soft skin.
Although the cleaning power may not be like the first two, it is a good baby detergent if you want something less expensive.
Liquid vs Powder Detergent for Babies’ Clothes
Another confusion parents face when doing babies’ laundry is whether to use liquid or powder cleaning agents. And it’s a simple question to answer. We explain better with this table below:
| Features | Liquid detergent | Powdered detergent |
| It is soft on fabric | Yes | Sometimes |
| It is easy to rinse | Yes | It leaves residue. |
| It is effective in cold water | Yes | It is not all the time. |
| It is preferable for a sensitive baby’s skin | Yes | No |
How Much Laundry Detergent Should I Use When Washing Baby Clothes?
Modern washing machines usually don’t require much detergent, but you only need two tablespoons of baby detergent for baby clothes.
However, most baby detergents include instructions on using their product efficiently before you start washing your baby’s clothes.
Baby clothes are easily irritated, so less is usually better.
Also, don’t forget to double rinse after washing to remove leftover detergent.
Wrapping up
The bottom line is to choose a non-biological baby detergent which does not contain strong chemicals.
In addition, always read the detergent’s description before you buy it. If you have issues reading the labels, check out our article on laundry symbols and their meaning.
You must also watch out for fragrances and choose less irritating detergents with no added scent.
At Laundry Boy, we are very particular about baby laundry. We use baby-safe detergent to keep your baby’s laundry fresh, clean, and soft.
Do you have any other questions about baby detergent and laundry? Please leave them in the comment section; we will gladly help.
