As a parent, it’s natural to worry about the safety of your baby’s clothes. You want to keep them clean and soft and use products that will keep them in the best condition. A natural question that might have popped up is if you should use dryer sheets for baby clothes.
Dryer sheets are a popular product for keeping clothes soft and reducing static, but is it safe to use them with baby clothes? In this blog post, we’ll explore the safety of dryer sheets, the potential benefits of using them, and what alternatives are available for parents who would prefer not to use them.
We’ll also discuss the importance of being aware of the ingredients found in dryer sheets and what effects they could have on a baby’s clothes. Whether you’re a first-time parent or an experienced one, this post will help you make the best decisions when it comes to caring for your baby’s clothes.
What are dryer sheets?
Dryer sheets are a staple in the laundry process. After washing your clothes, those light tissue-like sheets add a final touch of softness while ensuring that your clothes are fresh and scenting. In addition, these sheets help fight, offset, and combat the effects of developed statics in most fabrics. In short, they are a great way of keeping your baby’s clothes clean. (Folding baby clothes is a different game altogether)
Considering the usefulness of dryer sheets on our clothes, including their ability to neutralize built-up statics, using them with your baby’s clothes may be a good idea, right?
There is only one way to find out. Below, we have answered important questions regarding the use of dryer sheets on baby clothes that you should keep in mind.
Can I use dryer sheets with baby clothes?
I know you are anxious to figure this out, as your baby’s health depends on it. But before we delve into that, let’s talk about the baby’s skin.
As you know, your baby’s skin is quite delicate, more delicate than anything you can think of. In fact, the skin barrier of your baby is 30% thinner than yours. This is the major reason why babies can get dry or irritated skin easily.
If you are considering getting dryer newborn dryer sheets for your laundry or you currently own one, you should know that they boast of nice fragrances that make them smell good, courtesy of the chemicals they come with. However, the fragrance of this sheet doesn’t stop it from irritating sensitive skin like that of your baby.
Dirty clothes can, of course, be dried with dryer sheets, but there is one exception. The dryer sheet you use must be fragrance and dye-free. Alternatively, rather than embrace using these sheets, you can go for a more natural option like organic wool dryer balls, baking soda, or vinegar.
Benefits of using dryer sheets
When used to dry a baby’s clothes, dryer sheets can be beneficial. The dryer sheets contain harmful chemicals that can help reduce static cling, which can be a problem when drying delicate baby clothes. Additionally, the dryer sheets can help to soften the fabric and reduce wrinkles. The fabric softener in the sheets can also reduce the amount of time it takes to dry the clothes. Finally, the dryer sheets can contain fragrances that can impart a pleasant smell to the baby’s clothes.
Risks of using dryer sheets
When it comes to using dryer sheets with baby clothes, there are some risks to consider. Firstly, it may contain harsh ingredients, such as chemicals and fragrances used in dryer sheets can be irritating to a baby’s sensitive skin. Secondly, the static electricity created by dryer sheets can cause static cling and cause baby’s clothes to stick to their skin. Finally, some of the chemical residue and fragrances in dryer sheets can be toxic if ingested, so it’s best to avoid using them when washing and drying baby clothes. So, look for a brand of safe dryer sheet that is free of fragrances and dyes.
Natural alternatives to dryer sheets
Regular dryer sheets are great for adding a nice scent to your clothes and reducing static, but they do contain chemicals that may not be safe for your baby’s delicate skin. Fortunately, there are some natural ingredients that you can use to achieve the same effects.
One option is to use a few drops of essential oils on a washcloth or piece of fabric. Just add a few drops to the fabric, then toss it in the dryer with your baby’s clothes. It will give your baby’s laundry a light scent and reduce static. Get rid of smelly clothes the natural way.
Another option is to use wool dryer balls. Make sure to get the ones made of natural wool and not synthetic materials. The wool fibers will help to soften your baby’s clothes and reduce static.
You can also use aluminum foil balls. These balls will help reduce static and can be reused over and over. Simply crumple a few sheets of foil into balls and toss them in with your baby’s laundry.
Another option is to use naturally-derived ingredients like baking soda or vinegar in the wash cycle to help reduce static and soften clothes.
Tips for keeping baby’s clothes soft
Washing baby clothes is imperative, however, keeping the clothes soft is important too for their comfort and skin health. Here are four tips for keeping your baby’s clothes soft and cuddly:
1. Use a mild detergent.
Baby’s skin is delicate and prone to irritation, so you should always use a mild detergent that is free of harsh chemicals and fragrances that are gentle on newborn skin. If your regular detergent is too harsh, try switching to a baby-specific detergent.
2. Don’t overload the washing machine.
Babies’ clothes are small and lightweight, so it’s important to make sure you don’t overload the washing machine with all types of clothing items. An overloaded machine can lead to clothes becoming stiff and rough. Don’t put too many clothes in a single load.
3. Dry on low heat.
High heat can damage the fabric of wet clothes, so use the lowest heat setting possible when drying your baby’s clothes. If possible, air dry them instead. The drying time may be longer, but the clothes will be softer.
4. Use fabric softener.
Fabric softener is designed to make clothes softer and more comfortable to wear. For baby clothing, you should use a low-suds product with no fragrances or dyes to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
To Conclude
It’s best to air dry the baby’s clothes instead of using a dryer sheet. Doing so will help reduce the risk of skin irritation and keep the baby’s clothes soft and free of any chemicals or fragrances.
FAQs
Can I use dryer sheets on newborn clothes?
Dryer sheets, no doubt, are an important component of the laundry cycle and process. They help combat static cling, soften fabrics, and give a nice scent to your family clothes. Considering the amazing benefits these sheets come with, it makes sense to use them on your newborn clothes, right? No!
As mentioned earlier, the skin of your baby is quite delicate and sensitive. Thus, using dryer sheets on your baby’s clothes can result in skin irritation. And that is not even the worse part. Using dryer sheets on your baby’s clothes can also irritate his eyes and nose and result in a sore throat.
Dryer sheets often contain artificial fragrances and dyes that cause these irritations. In light of this potential risk, if you are buying laundry products for your baby, ensure you go for one free of dyes and scents. You will be doing yourself and your baby a whole lot of good by embracing such an option.
When can I use dryer sheets on my baby’s clothes?
You love the features of dryer sheets (their freshness and scent), and you are aware of their effects on your baby’s skin as well. However, you want to know the appropriate time to use dryers on your baby’s clothes; is it when he is 5 months old? A year?
You should use dryer sheets on your baby’s clothes based on the nature of his skin. If your baby had a history of skin irritations a lot when he was little, it makes sense to discard the dryer sheets. Furthermore, if you or your spouse have a history of skin conditions such as eczema, your baby might end up reacting to dryer sheets.
How to reduce static electricity?
Separate synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester and use wool dryer balls to reduce dry time.
Can I use dryer sheets with Dreft?
For washing babies’ clothes, Dreft is one of the most common and oldest laundry detergents. Introduced in 1933, this brand boast detergent designed for newborn, including active baby. If, perhaps, you use Dreft for laundry in your home, it is advised that you don’t use dryer sheets with the detergent.
Why?
The chemicals in dryer sheets can mitigate the flame resistance present in baby pajamas that are treated with flame retardants. Dreft’s detergent is rated an F by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
What are disposable dryer sheets?
Disposable dryer sheets are a type of fabric softener that is used in the dryer to reduce static cling, soften fabrics, and add a pleasant scent to clothes. They are made from a thin sheet of paper or cloth that has been treated with chemicals such as fragrances, dyes, and softening agents. The compostable dryer sheets are designed to be thrown away after each use. They are considered more eco-friendly dryer sheets as compared to traditional dryer sheets.
Should I use dryer sheets?
Of course, dryer sheets boast several benefits. They give your clothes a nice fresh smell and make them look fresh. As an adult, you can use these sheets (especially if you don’t have sensitive skin). But, using these sheets in your baby’s clothes isn’t advisable as they can cause skin irritation for them. Aside from that, dryer sheets pose some environmental hazards, as single-use sheets are discarded in the trash. If you have to use one, get something that is chemical-free and reduces the fire resistance of flame resistant clothes.
Should I use hot water, warm water, or cold water for cleaning baby clothes?
When it comes to cleaning baby clothes, the temperature of the water you use is important. Generally, it is recommended that you use a cold or warm water wash cycle. Hot water should be avoided as it can cause skin irritation and damage delicate fabrics.
What are the health risks of dryer sheets?
Like some laundry components out there, dryer sheets have a few health risks. For adults with highly sensitive skin, these sheets can cause irritation. What about your baby? Of course, as said earlier, dryer sheets can cause allergic reactions and irritate a baby’s skin. This is a result of the scents and dyes lodged in the sheets.
However, if you are still keen on using these sheets on your baby’s clothes, it is advised that you go for those that are scent and dye-free and use the safest ingredients to lessen the risks of allergies. Another important reason dryer sheets shouldn’t be used on your baby’s clothes (especially pajamas) is that the coating on the sheets can make them more prone to fire.
Can I use any dryer sheets on baby clothes?
Ok, so the thing is, the additives in dryer sheets may irritate your baby’s skin (due to its sensitivity). But does this apply to all types of dryer sheets? While it is certain that most dryer sheets would likely result in skin irritation for your baby, there are a few newborn baby dryer sheets options out there that may be appropriate for your baby. These options are often fragrance-free, dye-free, and reusable.
Below, we’ll highlight some of the common dryer sheet brands and determine if it’s right for your baby.
Downy’s dryer sheets
The dryer sheets from Downy contain some fragrance. Because fragrance on dryer sheets is one of the root causes of skin irritation in babies’ skin, you may want to embrace another option.
Bounce free and gentle dryer sheets
Bounce-free and gentle dryer sheets are not bad for babies. In fact, the good thing about these dryer sheets is that it doesn’t contain fragrance, and it’s hypoallergenic. You should, however, avoid using them on your baby’s pajamas since they may reduce their flame resistance.
All free and clear dryer sheets
All free and clear dryer sheets contain zero dyes and fragrances. In addition, they are hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
How can I soften baby clothes without dryer sheets?
Normally, dryer sheets are a great option for softening a baby’s clothes. However, since these sheets pose harm to your baby, what are the available alternatives? What is the best way to soften your baby’s clothes without using dryer sheets?
While dryer sheets remain the common option when it comes to softening clothes, there are other friendly alternatives that wouldn’t harm your baby’s skin. Dryer balls, vinegar, baking soda, and sunshine can be used to soften and refresh your baby’s clothes.
