Your baby might be tiny, but they have a surprising amount of clothes. And to keep them happy and content, you want everything they wear to be as huggably soft against their skin as possible.
Which means along with knowing the best way to wash baby clothes, you may be wondering if you can use fabric softener … not to mention which is the best softener for sensitive skin.
Here’s all you need to know before tackling your laundry pile.
What is fabric softener?
Ever wondered what fabric softener does ... and if you really need to use it? If you want super soft clothes the answer is yes!
Fabric conditioner or softener is designed to be used with detergent to make clothes, towels and bedding soft and gentle against skin.
Can you use fabric softener when you wash baby clothes?
Yes, you can use fabric softener on your baby’s clothes, bedding and towels, even if they have sensitive skin. Better yet, it will make baby clothes extra snuggly soft.
The NHS says there’s no evidence that using fabric conditioners will irritate your baby's skin. However it’s worth picking a fabric softener suitable for sensitive skin to be sure it’s as gentle as possible.
One thing to bear in mind though is some baby clothes are treated with flame-resistant chemicals. Fabric softener can make this less effective, so always read the care labels first.
What’s the best fabric softener for baby clothes?
When it comes to washing your baby’s clothes, you want detergents and softeners that are designed even for newborn skin.
Lots of parents (and parents-to-be) in our Netmums forum swear by Fairy Non Bio. So you just might want to check out Fairy Non Bio’s Sensitive Skin Dream Team: Fairy Non Bio PODS® and Fairy Fabric Softener. It’s softness guaranteed!
The whole Fairy Non Bio range has been awarded the Skin Health Alliance seal of approval, giving you peace of mind when you're washing your baby’s clothes. It's been voted the best laundry brand for sensitive skin.
Pop a Pod in your washing machine drum and pour a slosh of Fairy Fabric Softener into your machine drawer for snuggable comfort and softness. It'll leave your baby's clothes smelling amazing, too!
If you're wondering if fabric softener is necessary, why not give it a try. We're pretty sure you'll be convinced it's a laundry must-have! In fact, using fabric softener may even make it easier to iron your clothes, so it's well worth using on the whole family's wash.
*Online panel of 7,413 adults among which Fairy Non Bio laundry products were voted most often as the #1 laundry brand for sensitive skin.
Looking for more laundry tips? Check out these stories or visit our forum to swap ideas and advice with other parents.
And head to our Laundry Room hub for more expert tips for washing your family's clothes.
Comfort Pure promises kindness on the most delicate and sensitive skin. It will leave even the tiniest little baby clothes beautifully soft and gentle next to your baby's skin. It is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.
Pigeon Baby Fabric Softener keeps your baby's clothes softer and refreshing on skin with a unique Fabric Cool formulation that actively and quickly cools down clothes by up to 3.2 °C! Enjoy lasting freshness with its anti-odor and 99.99% anti-bacterial formulation.
A: Yes, but you should NOT use this or any other fabric softener on baby or child clothes labelled "flame resistant" (usually pajamas), as it will reduce or eliminate the flame resistance (and it says so right on the back of the package).
Use a washing liquid and fabric softener that are specially formulated for sensitive skin, such as Sta-soft Baby and Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate Sensitive - which are hypoallergenic and gentle for delicate or sensitive skin.
3. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) Baking soda is right up there with vinegar as one of the most effective and economical all-natural cleaners. To use as a fabric softener, add 1 cup directly to the rinse cycle (you can even add it at the beginning, and it will work fine) and launder as usual.
Since fabric softener creates a waxy film that's designed to soften your laundry, it's not safe to use on down or feather-filled items like blankets, jackets, and coats.
Is it OK to wash 6-month-old clothes with the rest of the family's clothes? If you've been washing baby clothes in their own detergent, the 6-month-old mark is the “perfect time to start integrating baby's clothing in with the rest of the family's laundry cycle,” says Zuñiga.
A: No, Dreft does not contain fabric softener, and we don't currently offer this product in our laundry care line. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!
Do avoid using softeners in your baby's wash, because the dyes and perfumes may irritate your baby's skin. Instead, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the load to naturally soften clothes.
The fabric of your baby's clothes can make a real difference to their comfort. Select clothes that are soft against your baby's delicate skin, such as cotton, and avoid wool, nylon, rayon and polyester as these are more likely to irritate skin and cause discomfort.
Just check the label before adding fabric conditioner to your wash: some baby clothes have a flame-resistant coating on them that can be damaged by fabric softener. If the label gives you the all-clear, try using a gentle, hypoallergenic fabric conditioner like Comfort Pure .
Can you use fabric softener when you wash baby clothes? Yes, you can use fabric softener on your baby's clothes, bedding and towels, even if they have sensitive skin. Better yet, it will make baby clothes extra snuggly soft. The NHS says there's no evidence that using fabric conditioners will irritate your baby's skin.
Drawstrings in pants or hoodies are a major choking hazard for babies. It's also important to avoid clothing with small buttons or pieces because these can fall off and also become a choking hazard.
Liquid fabric softeners can be used infrequently (for example every third wash). A mainstream detergent and hot wash are needed to ensure that softener residue is removed in the subsequent wash. This will prevent build-up which reduces absorbency.
Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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