What’s the best detergent for a baby with sensitive skin?

Last modified on Thursday 31 March 2022

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Remember the days before kids when you chucked all your clothes in the washing machine and didn’t think twice about the washing powder you used? Fast forward to today and the supermarket laundry aisle is a shopping minefield. With so many washing powders and liquids to choose from, picking the right one for your baby’s sensitive skin can be tricky.

And if you’re a new parent, you’ve probably got LOTS of questions … do you need to use non bio for washing baby clothes? What’s the best washing powder for sensitive skin? And can you add fabric softener?

We’ve scoured our Netmums forum for tips and advice from the people who know best – mums and dads just like you.

Here’s all you need to know about finding the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin.

FREE NEWBORN NAPPIES

Bio and non bio detergent: what’s the difference?

The first step in finding a sensitive washing liquid is deciding whether to use biological or non biological detergent. So what’s the difference between the two?

Basically, biological washing powder and liquid contains enzymes to help break down the dirt on clothes into smaller pieces.

Non biological detergent doesn’t have any enzymes so is thought to be gentler on sensitive skin, but still has great cleaning power.

Take parent-favourite Fairy Non Bio : it contains gentle ingredients and clever technology to tackle everything from tomato sauce to the (actual!) fallout from your baby’s explosive nappies.

Should you use non bio detergent for washing baby clothes?

It’s entirely up to you. However, lots of parents in our Netmums forum agree that non bio is the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin.

The whole Fairy Non Bio range has been awarded the Skin Health Alliance seal of approval, making it ideal for even newborn skin.

What’s the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin?

Again, it’s up to you which washing powder, liquid or capsules you pick for washing your baby’s clothes.

But if you’re looking for recommendations, Fairy’s Sensitive Skin Dream Team – Fairy Non Bio PODS® and Fairy Fabric Softener – is Netmums recommended!

In our product trial, 98% of parents said they’d recommend the laundry products to family and friends. Not only that, Fairy Non Bio has been voted the number one laundry brand for sensitive skin*.

The clever multi-compartment Fairy Non Bio PODS® , which contain gentle ingredients and mild perfume, are super easy to use. Simply pop one in your washing machine drum before loading the clothes on top.

Or add a scoop of Fairy Non Bio Washing Powder or Fairy Non Bio Washing Liquid to your machine.

Finish with Fairy Fabric Softener to add huggable (and gentle) softness to your family’s laundry.

*Online panel of 3,433 women among which Fairy Non Bio detergent/softener was voted most often as the #1 detergent and fabric softener for sensitive skin.

Can you use fabric softener on baby clothes?

For safety reasons, some baby clothes are treated with special flame-resistant chemicals. If they’re washed with fabric softener this can reduce their effectiveness, so always check the care label on your baby’s clothes first.

What does our Netmums community say about Fairy Non Bio?

Does your baby have sensitive skin? Check out these parent-recommendations for which detergent to use …

'Fairy all the way for babies stuff'

‘I use Non Bio Fairy Pods. My son is 8 months and I've used it with him from day one and will do with new baby in October. It smells amazing!’

‘We use Fairy Non Bio. First time I used it I was surprised that it actually smelt like my baby. Weird I know. Other non bio products seem to still irritate skin.’

‘I use Fairy Non Bio gel. DS has sensitive skin so I have to be careful with detergents. Only recently started using softener - use Fairy too!’

‘I can only use Fairy Non Bio for all my family otherwise they develop a rash.’

‘My family is exactly the same. If I change from using Fairy we all come out in rashes.’

‘I only use Fairy Non Bio on my kids. I also have very sensitive skin so that's all I'll trust.’

Want more advice for washing baby clothes? Check out our articles below, or swap tips with other parents in our forum:

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