Soft on the skin, tough on the spit-up!

We all know and love that new baby smell — but the scent of fresh laundry is arguably just as good. And with the right detergent, you can keep your baby smelling clean and crisp forever.

With a baby in the house, your washer and dryer are likely working overtime. Most new parents agree that between the constant drooling, diaper blowouts, and spilled food, the amount of laundry will inevitably pile up fast. And with all those adorable baby outfits, parents are going to want to find a perfect detergent that isn’t just safe but also leaves clothes looking spotless.

There’s an overwhelming amount of detergents available — from Arm & Hammer to Tide and Puracy. So, which detergents are the best to use for washing baby clothing? Well, that is a complicated question, according to most pediatricians. While most name-brand detergents are safe for adults, babies and kids have especially sensitive skin, and there are several chemicals in many common detergents that should be avoided.

For answers to frequently asked questions and recommendations on the best baby-safe detergents, The Post consulted Ann Masciantonio, the Chief of Ambulatory Pediatrics at ChristianaCare. Masciantonio is a board-certified pediatrician who has cared for both outpatients and newborns for over 20 years.

Read on for Masciantonio’s recommendations on the best baby detergents or head directly to our FAQ section for more guidance on choosing the detergent right for you and your baby. And, for more laundry needs, check out our roundup of the best natural detergents and washer-dryer combos, per experts.

For a reliable formula that lifts dirt effectively, we recommend Purex. A little goes a long way with this product, so you won’t be running through it fast. Our Commerce Partnerships manager has been using it religiously, and while it’s advertised as lightly scented, he says that he describes it as fragrant-free, which works great for his kiddo and their family’s needs.

New York Post Review: “Purex baby soft laundry detergent ticks all the boxes for our family,” Father-of-one and Partnerships Manager, Ryan Murphy shared. “It is not the most expensive option out there, dermatologist tested, and fragrance-free. Not to mention there is a subscribe and save option on Amazon Prime. This has been our go-to detergent for not only our 16-month-old boy’s dirty clothes, but it is strong enough for all of our laundry.”

Size: 82 ounces | Scents: Light Fragrance

When it comes to choosing the right detergent for your baby, you may want to opt for a brand that specializes in all things baby. In that case, Babyganics is an excellent choice (and Masciantonio agrees). Their plant-derived formula is free of all sulfates, and gentle on newborn and baby skin. According to reviews, it’s also a tough weapon against stains. Shoppers can also check out the rest of the Babyganics line — including shampoos, eczema creams, and surface cleaners.

Size: 60 ounces | Scents: Fragrance-Free, Lavender

“Look for a laundry detergent that is fragrance-free, dye-free, and has no brighteners,” shared Masciantonio.

Puracy is one of the cleanest options on the market. The formula is completely free of phosphates, sulfates, petrochemicals, animal by-products, chlorine, perfumes, gluten, allergens, optical brighteners, or dyes. Instead, the brand incorporates plant-powered enzymes to lift stubborn stains. Each pouch is highly efficient, lasting for almost 200 loads. This detergent isn’t just good for babies, but also good for the environment — reducing plastic and water waste by more than 80%.

Size: 48 ounces | Scents: Fresh and Clean, Fresh Linen

Another one of Masciantonio’s top picks is Attitude Baby Laundry Detergent For Sensitive Skin. This safe detergent is offered in a variety of scents to kick strong odors, but it is also offered in a completely fragrance-free, hypoallergenic version for babies. Instead of harsh chemicals, Attitude is formulated with colloidal oatmeal known for its protective, soothing, and hydrating properties — which is great on sensitive skin. Plus, for the animal lovers out there — this is also a vegan brand that is committed to never testing their products on animals.

Size: 33.8 ounces | Scents: Pear Nectar, Pink Grapefruit, Citrus Zest, Summer Berries, Mountain Fresh, more

We’ve relied on All for some of our heavier laundry messes (ie. food stains, sweat, and dirt) and it’s proven to be one of the best at leaving laundry spotless. It’s twice as concentrated as some other formulas, which gives it a major boost in the wash. If you have a kiddo with a tendency to find a mess, this is the formula to try.

New York Post Review: “My laundry bin is usually stacked with everything from sweaty workout clothing to baby clothing with food stains,” explained Commerce Writer Miska Salemann. “All wins every time. This detergent is at least twice as concentrated as some of the other brands that I’ve tried. Both my daughter and I have sensitive skin, and this formula has never given us any sort of reaction. My skin feels cleaner after wearing clothes washed with All. The packaging is also great, and the large handle makes it easy to pout without a spill.”

Size: 82.5 ounces | Scents: Fragrance-Free

When it comes to more generic brands, Masciantonio has recommended Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Laundry Detergent. This is one of the more popular brands on the market, however, the ingredients are in line with what is safe for babies. Arm & Hammer uses their signature baking soda as the active ingredient in fighting stains — and most reviewers agree that it’s more effective than some competitors. Each bottle should last for 140 medium loads when used as directed.

Size: 140 ounces | Scents: Free & Clear

Tide is another tried-and-tested brand on the market. As a pediatrician, Masciantonio can recommend this brand because it does not contain chemicals like “phosphates, bleach, and sulfates… that can cause health concerns.”

While the formula is unscented, reviewers were very satisfied with how fresh and soft this detergent left their clothing — which is ideal for baby clothing that can get very soiled. Specific directions are offered in regard to measuring the amount of detergent per wash by using the cap on the bottle.

New York Post Review: “My wife and I use Tide when washing our young daughter’s clothes,” shared Live Events Reporter, Matt Levy. “It’s the industry standard for a reason. Her shirts, shorts, and socks always come back softer than they were before and smelling fresh. The fact that you won’t have to spend too much on the detergent is the icing on the cake. The tides will never turn for this Tide user- I’m in for life.”

Size: 146 ounces | Scents: Free & Gentle, Fragrance-Free, Unscented

AspenClean Unscented Laundry Detergent is another one of the pediatrician’s top picks. This brand is completely fragrance-free, per her recommendations. The natural detergent is made from sustainable sources, including mineral-derived ingredients and some derived from sustainably farmed palm oil. The bottle is also plastic-free and recyclable, making this an excellent choice for environmentally conscious households.

New York Post Review: “When my daughter was under a year old, I was very particular about which detergent we used. AspenClean was one of the brands that popped up in my search, and it did not disappoint. This detergent is completely fragrance-free and made with organic ingredients. I was impressed with how effective it was — my daughter’s clothing came out smooth, bright, and smelling clean but not scented (which is exactly what you want for a newborn or baby),” explained Salemann.

Size: 64 ounces | Scents: Unscented

Molly’s Suds does detergent a little bit differently. Unlike some of the clear liquid gels on the market, this formula is offered in powder form and has far fewer ingredients. It’s not too surprising that the brand was founded by a pediatric nurse and mother — each ingredient is carefully chosen to ensure nothing disrupts babies’ protective skin barrier. Customers agree that the quality justifies the cost.

Size: Two 79-ounce bags | Scents: Peppermint, Unscented, Citrus Grove, Lavender, Eucalyptus, more

“The skin is the largest organ of the body and babies have very sensitive skin. It is important to use a gentle laundry detergent for the first two years of life,” explained Masciantonio. “Parents want baby detergents that not only lift stains on the first wash, they’re also safe for the newborn’s sensitive skin and free of harmful ingredients,” she added.

The expert has a few tips for anyone looking to purchase a detergent to use on baby clothing or other products. She has recommended that parents start by taking a look at the ingredient list before making a purchase: “Look for a laundry detergent that is fragrance-free, dye-free, and has no brighteners,” stressed Masciantonio.

On the other hand, there are some ingredients parents should steer clear of: “Try to avoid phosphates, bleach, and sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate,” said Masciantonio. “Also avoid ingredients that can cause health concerns including borax, formaldehyde, and 1,4-dioxane.”

When shopping for the safest baby detergents, it’s important to consider a few features. Babies’ skin barriers do not fully develop until they are roughly two years old, which means it’s very important to look for a detergent that is suitable for sensitive skin. As with any household baby product, it’s also important to consult your child’s physician before use.

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