Does Your Baby Need Special Detergent?
It’s no secret that babies have soft, sensitive skin. For many, regular detergents may be fine. Dreft baby detergent is EPA Safer Choice certified, which means its safe ingredients reduce pollution, are easier on your baby’s skin, and still fight tough stains. If you continue to use a regular detergent, keep an eye on their skin for any telltale signs of irritation, such as:
Eczema
Bumps
Rash or red spots
Dry or scaly skin
Skin peeling
Itching, fussing, or sensitivity Regular detergents contain ingredients and compounds designed to enhance the colors and freshen the scent of your laundry. While these compounds are great at protecting your clothing through repeated wash cycles, they can be irritants to your baby’s sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic detergent for babies like Dreft Baby Detergents are specially formulated for newborn skin.
Newborn Skin Problems
What problems can laundry detergent cause? (common allergies)
Regular laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals designed to make your colors brighter and leaves your fabrics softer and smelling fragrant. The problem is, for sensitive newborn babies, these chemicals can irritate their skin. If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, it may be time to switch to a baby-safe laundry detergent.
Red rashes
Dry patches or scales
Itching and fussing over irritated skin
Bumpy skin
Parents should be aware, however, that not all skin issues are caused by irritants. Things like baby acne and dry, flaky skin are common with many newborns, especially in the first 2 to 3 months.
What are the symptoms of laundry detergent irritation?
Symptoms of laundry detergent irritation can take several forms and each child will react differently to different detergent types. If your baby is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, it may be time to switch to a hypoallergenic baby detergent.
Eczema
Rashes
Red spots or irritation
Itching or fussiness
Dry patches
Scaly skin
Skin bumps
What to consider when choosing laundry detergent for skin problems?
Standard laundry detergents can include chemicals that irritate sensitive baby skin. Ingredients and additives designed to enhance the look and smell of your fabrics can be a source of irritation for your newborn baby’s skin.
While many detergents boast that they are “100% natural,” this doesn’t automatically make them safe for your newborn baby. As you shop for a newborn-safe laundry detergent, examine labels closely and look for detergents that say:
Plant-based
Hypoallergenic
Phosphate-free
Non-toxic
No dyes or fragrances
Fragrance-free
Chemical-free
Avoid regular detergents with labels that include:
Fragrances
Brighteners
Surfactants (bind to dirt and help flush it away)
When possible, you should also select a liquid detergent or soap over baby laundry powder. Powdered detergents tend to be more abrasive and can linger on clothes through colder wash cycles, causing skin irritation.
Advantages of Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent
If your newborn baby or family suffer from allergies, skin sensitivity, or asthma, hypoallergenic baby laundry detergents are formulated to prevent irritations. They are regularly tested for their safety on sensitive skin and will be certified with a label on their packaging. Keep an eye on packaging and labels as you shop for a hypoallergenic detergent option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detergents for Skin Problems
Choosing a hypoallergenic laundry detergent may seem daunting, but by keeping an eye out on product labels and avoiding harsh ingredients, you can have the best of both worlds: clean clothes and a happy, irritant-free baby!