How to Wash Baby and Toddler Laundry Safely

No one knows better than new parents just how quickly baby and toddler laundry can pile up. Fortunately, caring for it all doesn’t require a huge overhaul to your laundry routine. Just a few thoughtful adjustments can help keep children's clothing, bedding, and blankets clean, comfortable, and gentle on sensitive skin.

Here, fabric care and pediatric experts share their best tips for washing baby and toddler clothing and bedding safely.

Tips for a Smoother, Safer Start

Whether it's a crib sheet, swaddle blanket, or adorable new outfit, a few small changes can make a big difference in protecting the ultra-sensitive skin of babies and toddlers. "Excess detergent, fragrances, and fabric softeners can leave residue on clothing and bedding that may irritate a baby's sensitive skin," says Alison Mitzner, MD, board-certified pediatrician and family wellness expert.

Additionally, running items through the wash before use is a worthwhile step. Kim Romine, P&G fabric care scientist, agrees, noting that washing new items helps remove "dust, excess dyes, and residues from manufacturing and handling."

And a regular laundering schedule can help keep items from piling up while reducing the buildup of allergens, stains, and odors. “Baby items are exposed to spills, food, and bodily fluids, so regular washing helps keep fabrics clean and comfortable,” Romine says.

A Simple Laundry Routine for Children's Bedding and Clothing

“Baby and toddler laundry routines should prioritize protecting your child’s sensitive skin,” says Dr. Mitzner. “In most households, baby clothes can be washed with the rest of the family’s laundry as long as a gentle, fragrance-free detergent is used.”

For best results, follow these steps from our experts.

Choose a Gentle, Fragrance-Free Detergent

"When choosing a detergent, the focus should be on balancing skin gentleness with effective cleaning," says Romine. "A high-quality detergent, like Tide Free & Gentle, that is free from unnecessary additives but still delivers a thorough clean can help parents care for everyday messes while feeling confident it’s gentle on skin."

Parents don't necessarily need a detergent marketed exclusively for babies, but both experts agree that gentle, fragrance-free formulas are often the safest choice. "Parents should look for products that are fragrance-free, dye-free, and formulated for sensitive skin," says Dr. Mitzner.

Don't Overload the Washing Machine

When laundry baskets are overflowing, it's tempting to squeeze everything into one load. Unfortunately, that can keep clothing and bedding from getting truly clean. "Overloading can prevent proper agitation and rinsing, which may leave behind soil or detergent residue on fabrics," says Romine.

Separate Heavily Soiled Items

While most everyday clothing can be washed together, heavily soiled items deserve their own cycle. Romine recommends separating particularly messy items, such as cloth diapers or visibly soiled garments, so messes don't transfer to other items. “For items like cloth diapers, it’s best to use the highest temperature that is safe for the fabric to ensure a thorough clean,” Romine says.

Separating these items will improve cleaning performance and help prevent stains and odors from transferring throughout the load.

Stick With Cold or Warm Water for Everyday Loads

“For most baby and children’s clothing, cold to warm water with a gentle or normal wash cycle is sufficient for routine cleaning,” says Dr. Mitzner. “These settings help remove everyday messes while protecting delicate fabrics from shrinking, fading, or excessive wear.”

“Follow garment care labels,” adds Romine. ”These are the best guides for selecting the appropriate temperature and cycle to protect fabric quality over time.”

Add an Extra Rinse (and Skip the Dryer Sheets)

If your child is prone to irritation or eczema, an extra rinse may be a worthwhile addition to your laundry routine. “Adding an extra rinse can help reduce detergent residue that may linger on fabrics,” says Romine.

An extra rinse comes with an extra benefit, too: “If softness is the goal, an extra rinse cycle can help without the need for additional products,” says Dr. Mitzner, meaning you can skip the dryer sheets. “These are generally best avoided for babies and young children, especially those with sensitive skin or eczema,” Dr. Mitzner says. 

Another concern with fabric softeners and dryer sheets? “Some baby and toddler items, such as certain pajamas, specifically recommend avoiding fabric softeners because they can interfere with flame-resistant finishes,” warns Romine.

Keep in Mind

Baby and toddler laundry may never be completely stain-free, but with the right routine, parents can keep clothing and bedding safe, clean, comfortable, and ready for whatever comes next.

“Parents should focus on using the recommended amount of a gentle, fragrance-free detergent rather than adding multiple baby-specific laundry products,” says Dr. Mitzner. “And also follow clothing care labels whenever possible.”