Babies have delicate skin that is prone to rashes and irritation, which is why choosing the right detergent is crucial. Baby detergents are specially formulated to be gentle on baby’s skin and to remove tough stains from clothes.
When looking for the best baby detergent, there are several factors to consider. First, it’s important to choose a detergent that is free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can irritate baby’s skin. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a detergent that is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a baby detergent is its ability to remove stains. Babies are notorious for making messes, and their clothes can quickly become stained with food, spit-up, and other substances. The best baby detergents should be tough on stains while still being gentle on baby’s skin.
After researching and testing various baby detergents, we have identified the top options on the market. Whether you’re looking for a liquid or powder detergent, we’ve got you covered. In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into each of our top picks and explain why they are the best baby detergents available.
Top 3 Best Baby Detergents
1. Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
2. Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
3. Mrs. Meyer’s Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid
As parents, we know how important it is to keep our baby’s clothes clean and free from harmful chemicals. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best baby detergents on the market. Our top picks are gentle on delicate baby skin, yet effective at removing stains and odors. We’ve considered factors such as ingredients, scent, and price to bring you a comprehensive list of the best options available. Check out our top picks below.
Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
If you’re looking for a safe and effective laundry detergent for your baby’s clothes, then Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Made with plant-derived and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
- Stain-fighting formula.
- Safe for cloth diapers.
Cons
- Not great in removing smells.
- The packaging is not the best.
- Not suitable for those who prefer scented laundry detergents.
We’ve been using this detergent for our baby’s clothes, and we’re impressed with how it cleans even the toughest stains without harming the fabric. We love that it’s made without sulfates, optical brighteners, chlorine, phthalates, fragrances, or dyes, making it safe for our baby’s sensitive skin.
The plant-derived and enzyme-based cleaning power makes it effective in removing stains, and we appreciate that it’s HE compatible, which means it’s suitable for high-efficiency washing machines. We also found it safe for cloth diapers, which is a plus for eco-conscious parents.
However, we noticed that it’s not great in removing smells, so we had to use scent boosters to add a pleasant fragrance to our baby’s clothes. Also, we found the packaging to be a bit inconvenient as it doesn’t have a safety seal, and sometimes it leaks during shipping.
Overall, if you’re looking for a safe and effective laundry detergent for your baby’s clothes, we highly recommend Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent. It’s made with plant-derived and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients, stain-fighting, safe for cloth diapers, and suitable for high-efficiency washing machines.
Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
We highly recommend Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent for new parents looking for a gentle and effective detergent for their baby’s clothes.
Pros
- #1 Choice of Pediatricians
- Specially formulated for newborn babies
- Trusted by moms for over 80 years
Cons
- May not be effective for tough stains
- Scent may be too strong for some
- More expensive than other detergents
Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent is specially formulated for newborn babies and is the #1 choice of pediatricians. We love that it is hypoallergenic and gentle on our baby’s delicate skin. It effectively removes dirt and stains from baby clothes without causing any irritation.
We also appreciate that Dreft has been trusted by moms for over 80 years and is recommended by Pampers. It gives us peace of mind knowing that we are using a product that has been tried and tested by generations of parents.
However, we have noticed that Dreft may not be as effective on tough stains as other detergents. Additionally, some people may find the scent to be too strong for their liking. Finally, it is more expensive than other detergents on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent for new parents looking for a gentle and effective detergent for their baby’s clothes.
Mrs. Meyer’s Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid, Infused with Essential Oils, Baby Blossom, 64oz – Pack of 2 (128 Loads)
If you are looking for a biodegradable, cruelty-free, and effective laundry detergent for your baby’s clothes, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid is a great option.
Pros
- The concentrated formula effectively removes dirt and grime from clothes while being gentle on them.
- The plant-derived cleaning agents, dirt and stain-fighting enzymes, and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients make it a safe choice for your baby’s delicate skin.
- The baby blossom scent with fragrances of honeysuckle and butterfly violets, with a tiny touch of apple, lemon, and mint, leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the scent is too strong and overpowering for their liking.
- The detergent may not be as effective in removing tough stains as other laundry detergents.
- The bottles are heavy and may be difficult to handle for some users.
We have been using Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid for our baby’s clothes for a few months now, and we are quite satisfied with its performance. The detergent effectively removes dirt and stains from our baby’s clothes without being harsh on them. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering, leaving clothes smelling fresh and clean.
One thing to note is that the scent may be too strong for some users, so it’s best to test it out before committing to a large bottle. Additionally, the detergent may not be as effective in removing tough stains as other laundry detergents, so it’s important to pre-treat stains before washing.
Overall, we would recommend Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid to anyone looking for a safe, effective, and cruelty-free laundry detergent for their baby’s clothes.
Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap (HE), Natural for Baby, Newborn, or Infant, 46 Fl Oz, (Pack of 2) 46.00 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
If you’re looking for a detergent that’s gentle on your newborn’s skin, Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Liquid Detergent is a great option.
Pros
- Pediatrician Recommended Baby Detergent
- Specially formulated for newborn babies
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- May not be as effective at removing stubborn stains as other detergents
- Some users may find the scent too strong
- More expensive than other baby detergents
We’ve been using Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Liquid Detergent for a few weeks now and we’re happy with the results. The detergent is specially formulated for newborn babies and is gentle on their delicate skin. We appreciate that it’s hypoallergenic and recommended by pediatricians.
One thing to note is that it may not be as effective at removing stubborn stains as other detergents. We’ve noticed that some stains require a bit more effort to remove. Additionally, some users may find the scent too strong. While we enjoy the fresh baby scent, others may find it overpowering.
Overall, we think Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Liquid Detergent is a great option for parents looking for a gentle and effective detergent for their newborn’s clothes. While it may be more expensive than other baby detergents, we think the peace of mind it provides is worth the extra cost.
Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder
If you’re looking for a baby detergent that is gentle on your newborn’s skin and the environment, Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder is a great choice.
Pros
- Formulated with earth and plant-derived ingredients, making it extra gentle for newborns, babies, and toddlers.
- Packed with stain-fighting enzymes that remove breastmilk, formula, and baby poop stains from clothing and cloth diapers.
- Safe for all washers, including standard, commercial, and HE washing machines.
Cons
- Leaves a light film on the glass door of the washer.
- Does not have a very strong scent after washing.
- May not work well on tough stains that have been sitting for a long time.
We’ve been using Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder for a few months now, and we’re really happy with it. The powder is easy to use, and it dissolves quickly in warm or hot water. We appreciate that it’s made with safe, simple ingredients and doesn’t contain any dyes or artificial fragrances. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and gentle on our baby’s skin.
One of the things we love about this detergent is how effective it is at removing stains. We’ve had a few diaper blowouts, and the detergent has always done a great job of getting rid of the stains. We also like that it’s safe for all washers, including our HE machine.
However, we have noticed that the detergent leaves a light film on the glass door of our washer. It’s not a big deal, but it’s something to keep in mind. Additionally, the detergent doesn’t have a very strong scent after washing. While we appreciate that it’s unscented, we do miss the fresh laundry smell that some other detergents provide.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Detergent Powder to other parents. It’s a safe, effective, and eco-friendly option for cleaning your baby’s clothes.
Arm & Hammer Baby Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
We highly recommend the Arm & Hammer Baby Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent for new parents looking for a safe and effective detergent for their baby’s clothes.
Pros
- Tough on baby stains, gentle on skin: This detergent is perfect for removing tough stains like blueberries, carrot and potato baby food, vegetable and fruit baby food, and grape juice, yet it’s delicate on newborn skin.
- No preservatives, no phosphates, no dyes: This gentle liquid baby detergent contains no preservatives, no phosphates, and no dyes, making it ideal for newborns with sensitive skin.
- EPA Safer Choice certified: This baby detergent is free from unnecessary chemicals, dyes, phosphates, GMOs, added preservatives, brighteners, parabens, or animal-derived ingredients, making it safer for people, pets, and the planet.
Cons
- Scent may be too strong: Some users may find the scent of this detergent to be too strong for a baby product, even when using just a little.
Arm & Hammer Baby Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent is a great choice for parents who want a detergent that is tough on stains but gentle on their baby’s skin. This hypoallergenic laundry detergent is pediatrician and dermatologist tested, making it safe for newborns and infants. We love that it is SaferChoice certified, which means it meets EPA Safer Choice product standards to be safer for people, pets and the planet.
To use, simply fill the cap to Bar A for medium-sized loads, or use half a capful for energy-saving cold water cycles compared to washing in warm water. This baby detergent is also ideal as a High Efficiency (HE) laundry detergent liquid for a powerful clean that’s gentle on newborn skin.
Overall, we highly recommend the Arm & Hammer Baby Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent for new parents who want a safe and effective detergent for their baby’s clothes.
Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
If you want a detergent that is specially made for your active baby, then Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Detergent is the best choice for you. It removes 99% of baby food stains and all the messes that your baby can find while crawling in grass and dirt. It is also designed to work in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines, so you can use Dreft products no matter what kind of washing machine you have. Choose Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Detergent and provide stainless and nice smelling fabrics for your crawling baby!
Pros
- Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Detergent helps remove 99% of baby food stains.
- It removes dirt and grass stains for your crawling baby.
- It is specially made for your developing, active baby.
Cons
- It is relatively expensive compared to other baby detergents.
- The scent may be too strong for some people.
- It may not work as well on tough stains.
We have been using Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Detergent for our baby and have been satisfied with its performance. It effectively removes baby food stains and dirt from our baby’s clothes. The detergent has a pleasant baby fresh scent that keeps our baby smelling like a baby. We also appreciate that it is designed to work in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines, so we can use it with our washing machine.
However, Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Detergent is relatively expensive compared to other baby detergents. The scent may be too strong for some people, and it may not work as well on tough stains. Despite these drawbacks, we still recommend Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Detergent for parents who want a detergent that is specially made for their active baby.
Dreft Pure Gentleness Liquid Baby Detergent
If you’re looking for a gentle and effective baby detergent, Dreft Pure is a great option. It’s made from 75% plant-based ingredients and is hypoallergenic, which means it’s gentle on your baby’s skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any dyes, chlorine, or phosphates, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Dreft Pure is made from plant-based ingredients, making it a great option for parents who want to use eco-friendly products.
- It’s hypoallergenic, which means it’s gentle on your baby’s skin and won’t cause any irritation or allergic reactions.
- Dreft Pure is fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any dyes, chlorine, or phosphates, making it a great option for sensitive skin.
Cons
- Some users have reported that Dreft Pure doesn’t remove tough stains as well as other detergents.
- Dreft Pure is more expensive than some other baby detergents on the market.
- The packaging can be difficult to pour from, especially when the bottle is full.
Overall, we would recommend Dreft Pure to parents who are looking for a gentle and effective baby detergent that’s made from plant-based ingredients. It’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, making it a great option for sensitive skin. While it may be more expensive than some other baby detergents, we think it’s worth the investment for the peace of mind that comes with using a high-quality product.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best baby detergent, there are several features that you should consider to ensure that you are getting the right product for your child. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Ingredients
The ingredients in baby detergent are crucial to the health and safety of your baby. Choose a detergent that is free of harsh chemicals and additives that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Look for products that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, dyes, and preservatives.
Type
There are different types of baby detergents available, including liquid, powder, and pods. Consider the type of washing machine you have and the convenience of each type. Liquid detergents are easy to use and work well in all types of machines, while powder detergents are more cost-effective and work well in high-efficiency machines. Pods are convenient but can be more expensive.
Stain Removal
Babies can be messy, so it’s essential to choose a detergent that can effectively remove stains. Look for a detergent that is specifically designed to remove baby stains such as formula, spit-up, and diaper leaks. Some detergents contain enzymes that break down the proteins in stains, making them easier to remove.
Packaging
The packaging of baby detergent should be easy to use and store. Look for a product that comes in a spill-proof container with a measuring cap for easy dispensing. Make sure the container is easy to store and won’t take up too much space in your laundry room.
Price
Baby detergent can be more expensive than regular detergent, so consider your budget when choosing a product. Look for a detergent that is affordable and provides good value for money. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always mean a better product.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best baby detergent for your child’s needs. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and keep the detergent out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which detergents are safest for newborns’ sensitive skin?
When it comes to choosing a detergent for your newborn’s sensitive skin, it is important to look for a detergent that is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. We recommend choosing a detergent that is specifically formulated for babies, such as those labeled “baby detergent” or “sensitive skin detergent.”
Can I use regular detergent for washing my baby’s clothes after a certain age?
While it is generally safe to use regular detergent for washing your baby’s clothes after a certain age, it is still important to choose a mild detergent that is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. We recommend choosing a detergent that is specifically formulated for babies or sensitive skin.
What ingredients should I avoid in baby laundry detergents?
When choosing a baby laundry detergent, it is important to avoid ingredients that can irritate your baby’s skin, such as fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. Some common ingredients to avoid include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and phosphates.
Are there any hypoallergenic baby detergents recommended for babies with allergies?
Yes, there are many hypoallergenic baby detergents available that are specifically formulated for babies with allergies. These detergents are typically free from fragrances, dyes, and other irritants that can trigger allergic reactions.
How do plant-based baby detergents compare to traditional ones in terms of effectiveness?
Plant-based baby detergents are generally just as effective as traditional detergents when it comes to cleaning your baby’s clothes. However, they are typically gentler on your baby’s skin and are made with natural ingredients that are better for the environment.
What certifications should I look for to ensure a baby detergent is eco-friendly and safe?
When choosing an eco-friendly and safe baby detergent, look for certifications such as the USDA Organic seal, the EcoLogo certification, and the Safer Choice label. These certifications indicate that the detergent has been made with natural and sustainable ingredients and has been thoroughly tested for safety.
