There is no single best detergent for every baby, and you do not need one labelled “baby”. For most families, a fragrance-free, sensitive-skin detergent used at a modest dose with an extra rinse is a sensible choice. If your baby’s skin is happy with the detergent you already use, there is usually no need to switch. If your baby has eczema or seems to react after washing, try a fragrance-free non-bio and speak to your health visitor, pharmacist or GP.
New parents are often told to buy a whole new set of laundry products. In reality, what touches your baby’s skin matters more than what is printed on the bottle: perfume, leftover detergent and fabric softener residue are the usual suspects. This guide is part of our wider advice on fresh, clean laundry in the UK.
What to Look For in a Detergent for Baby Clothes
| Feature | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| No perfume or fragrance | Removes one of the most common laundry triggers for sensitive skin |
| Non-bio formula | Many people with sensitive skin say they get on better with it, although there is no proven scientific reason |
| Easy to dose lightly | Liquids and powders let you use less; pre-measured capsules do not |
| A simple ingredient list | Fewer extras such as optical brighteners and added scents means fewer things to rule out if a rash appears |
The National Eczema Society makes a useful point here: expensive or specialist products are not automatically better, and many people find supermarket own-brand non-bio detergents work just as well. Its readers also disagreed about powder versus liquid, so if one format irritates, try another version of the same product before changing brand.
Do You Need a Special Baby Detergent?
Not usually. Products labelled for babies are typically gentle, low-fragrance formulas, but an ordinary fragrance-free or sensitive non-bio detergent does the same job. Washing baby clothes with the rest of the family’s laundry is fine as long as everyone’s washing goes through the same gentle detergent. For a closer look at gentle formulas, see our guide to the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin.
How to Wash Baby Clothes
- Wash new clothes, sheets and muslins before first use to remove dust from storage and packaging.
- Use less detergent than you think. Use as little as still gets the wash clean, which may be less than the pack suggests.
- Add an extra rinse. Some machines have a baby programme that does this automatically.
- Leave room in the drum so clothes are rinsed properly.
- Wash at 30–40°C for everyday loads, following the care label. For clothes or bedding with poo or vomit on during a tummy bug, the NHS advises a separate 60°C wash.
- Skip fabric softener at first. Once a detergent has suited your baby for a few weeks, you can try adding one to see how their skin responds.
If Your Baby Has Eczema
The NHS notes that atopic eczema can be made worse by soap, washing detergent and some fabrics. Before switching detergent again, try an extra rinse, which reduces the residue left in clothes. Keep in mind that a flare-up is not always caused by laundry, so speak to your health visitor, pharmacist or GP if your baby’s skin is red, dry or itchy.
Dealing With Common Baby Stains
Milk and Formula
Rinse in cold water as soon as you can. Hot water can set protein stains.
Nappy Leaks
Remove any solids, rinse from the back of the fabric in cold water, then wash as normal.
Fruit and Vegetable Purée
Rinse straight away and wash promptly. Drying in daylight can help fade leftover marks.
Nappy Cream
Greasy creams need pre-treating. Work a little of your detergent into the mark before washing.
Spare Sheets for the Cot
Cot Bed Jersey Fitted Sheets, 100% Cotton, Pack of 4
Four 100% cotton jersey fitted sheets for 140 x 70cm cot bed mattresses, with an elasticated skirt and machine washable at 30°C. Having spares means a night-time leak never leaves you waiting for the wash.
View ProductShop Laundry Care
Detergents, stain removers and laundry essentials for busy family wash days.
Shop Laundry CareFrequently Asked Questions
Can I wash baby clothes with the rest of the family’s laundry?
Yes, as long as the whole load is washed in a detergent that suits your baby’s skin. Wash heavily soiled items separately.
Should I wash new baby clothes before my baby wears them?
Yes. A first wash removes dust and residues from storage and packaging and softens the fabric.
Is fabric conditioner safe for baby clothes?
Many families use it without problems, but it adds fragrance and residue. Leave it out while you find a detergent that suits your baby, then try it later if you want softer clothes.
Sources: National Eczema Society, In a spin: washday wisdom; NHS, Atopic eczema; NHS, Norovirus.