Maybe a dumb question about baby laundry

klv

I know you are supposed to use a free and clear detergent, but what about dryer sheets?  Do those need to be fragrance free as well? 

mrscjwatts

I have used bounce sheets since she was born with no issues. We don't have skin sensitivity issues in our family though.

tripin

I don't use anything different than we ever used. My son never had a reaction to our fabric softener or dryer sheets or anything, so we just kept using them.

maeghan21

Because she does have skin issues I only just started using dryer sheets. I get the fragreance free ones now

MainelyFoolish

I use liquid fabric softener and I used the Downy free version for the first few months.  After my big bottle of Tide free ran out, I went back to using my regular old powdered Tide and Downy.

kristen80

I never use dryer sheets because I thought they rendered the flame-resistant sleepwear useless.

meganmarieCA

The other issue (besides sensitive skin) is that dryer sheets reduce/remove the effectiveness of fire retardants on baby clothes.  Not a ton of clothes are treated, but non-cotton or non-snug ones like sleep sacks, fleece pjs, etc. are.

MainelyFoolish

kristen80:

I never use dryer sheets because I thought they rendered the flame-resistant sleepwear useless.

My personal theory is that if my child is that close to an open flame, the house is on fire and we've got bigger issues to worry about. 

This article from Consumer Reports about sleepwear safety doesn't mention not using fabric softener. 

Glitzyklm

we don't have kids- but I use vinegar as my fabric softener- it makes your items soft and static free.

 

MrsSweetpeaMagee

We don't use fabric softener and we have those reusable balls that we use in the dryer instead of dryer sheets.. I would never remember to put the sheet in and would also forget to pick them up at the store!