ParentlistBaby Laundry Essentials
Gentle detergent and a system for all those tiny clothes
Laundry is the category nobody puts on a registry, yet babies create a lot of it. Spit-up, diaper leaks and food all end up on clothes and sheets, so it helps to have a simple system ready before the birth. Most families wash baby clothes before the first wear and keep a gentle, fragrance-free detergent and a reliable stain remover within reach.
Mesh laundry bags stop tiny socks and bibs from disappearing, and a hamper in the nursery keeps dirty clothes off the floor. Wool dryer balls and a foldable drying rack help with delicate items and anything you'd rather not tumble dry. Laundry needs don't really shrink with age, either. Toddlers and preschoolers just trade spit-up for paint, mud and spaghetti sauce.
By age
- Newborn essentials
- 3 Month Old essentials
- 6 Month Old essentials
- 9 Month Old essentials
- 1 Year Old essentials
- 18 Month Old essentials
- 2 Year Old essentials
- 3-5 Year Old essentials
All laundry items
Gentle Laundry Detergent
Dye- and fragrance-free detergent for baby clothes and bedding.
Stain Remover
Enzyme spray or bar for poop, milk and food stains.
Foldable Drying Rack
Indoor rack for air-drying small clothes and swimsuits.
Mesh Laundry Bags
Zip bags that keep tiny socks and bibs together in the wash.
Nursery Laundry Hamper
Separate hamper so baby laundry stays together.
Wool Dryer Balls
Reusable balls that soften laundry without fragranced sheets.
Momblet
Something calm for kids and parents, from the people behind Parentlist. Join the waitlist and we'll tell you when it's ready.
Questions parents ask
- Do I need a special baby detergent?
- Not necessarily. Many families use one gentle, fragrance-free detergent for the whole household. If your baby has sensitive skin or eczema, ask your pediatrician what they suggest.
- Should I wash baby clothes before use?
- Most families do, to remove residue from manufacturing and shipping. It's also a good moment to cut off scratchy tags and sort by size. A gentle cycle with a mild detergent is enough.
- How do I get baby stains out?
- Treat stains as soon as you can. Rinse in cold water, apply a stain remover and wash as usual. Drying whites in the sun can also help fade stubborn stains.
- Are dryer balls better than dryer sheets?
- Wool dryer balls help clothes dry and soften fabric without added fragrance, which some parents prefer for baby clothes. They're reusable for a long time. Dryer sheets work too, and fragrance-free versions are gentler on sensitive skin.