During those first few months of my baby's life, I vividly remember wondering what was going on with her skin. I couldn't figure out why it was perpetually red and bumpy, and I hadn't yet realized the importance of using one of the best baby laundry detergents. To be quite honest, I believed baby detergent was just an unnecessary product that took advantage of first-time parents who were willing to buy anything people suggested to keep their baby safe.
Boy, was I wrong.
Lots of babies have sensitive skin, and it isn't uncommon to find out (like I eventually did) that your little one has eczema. If your baby has sensitive skin, you may want to stick to a laundry detergent that's free of dyes, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals that can cause reactions.
If you're concerned that your baby's super stain-ridden onesies and pants won't be as clean if you use an alternative detergent, brush that worry aside. Gentle, earth-friendly detergents work just as well as the ones you've probably been using this entire time, and they're totally affordable. And with so many manufacturers getting on board and embracing more natural ingredients, there's never been a better time to make the switch.
1A Plant-Based Detergent Free Of Formaldehyde
Earth Friendly Products Baby Ecos Laundry Detergent (2 pack), $23, Amazon
This hypoallergenic baby laundry detergent is free of dyes, enzymes, chlorine, petroleum, and phosphates and is 100 percent plant based and biodegradable. It's also ultra-concentrated, which means it's tough on grime, grease, and the dirt your child accumulates on their pants from frolicking in the yard.
2Hypoallergenic Detergent For Delicate Newborn Skin
Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Liquid Laundry Detergent (2 Pack), $17, Amazon
This pediatrician-recommended baby laundry detergent is as gentle as it gets: It's hypoallergenic and contains biodegradable ingredients, but works well on soiled clothing. If you love sweet baby scents, this will become a fast favorite, as it boasts a light, relaxing fragrance but the scent won't irritate skin.
3A Doctor-Approved Detergent That Won't Cause Allergic Reactions
Babyganics 3x Laundry Detergent, $13, Amazon
A sulfate- and fragrance-free laundry detergent that you can feel good about using on baby's clothes. This plant-based triple concentrated formula is powerful enough to fight stains, but also has the nod of approval from pediatricians and dermatologists who have tested it for allergic reactions.
4A 4x Concentrated Formula Infused With Essential Oils
Mama Bear Gentle Baby Laundry Detergent (2 pack), $22, Amazon
The packaging is adorable on this baby laundry detergent that's made with four times concentrated formula for effective cleaning. Its light scent is brought to you courtesy of essential oils and botanicals and it's totally free of artificial dyes, scents, and phthalates.
5A Soft-Smelling Detergent That Lifts Up Dirt & Stains
Purex Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent (2 Pack), $18, Amazon
The soft baby scent of this liquid laundry detergent is just one highlight. It's also hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and compatible with the most sensitive skin types. Reviewers say this soap works so well and smells so good, that they even throw some of their own laundry into the mix.
6A Sulfate-Free, Powerful Detergent That Destroys Odors
Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent, $15, Amazon
There's no doubt that babies are cute, but they can also be a little smelly. Tough odors won't stand a chance against this plant-based laundry detergent, which has 10 times concentrated formula, zero sulfates, bleach, or toxic chemicals, and boasts Zinc Ricinoleate to help eliminate unpleasant smells.
7A Stain-Fighting Dynamo Detergent That's Safe On Baby & The Environment
Seventh Generation Natural Baby Laundry Detergent (2 pack), $27, Amazon
This baby laundry detergent's quadruple power stain-fighting formula ensures you'll lift up every food and whatever-else stain imaginable, and its fresh scent is attributed to essential oils and botanicals. It doesn't have synthetic fragrances, dyes, or artificial brighteners and each bottle lasts a whopping 53 washes.
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