RE: Is it necessary to use Dreft?
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Jul-25-01 AT 09:43PM (Mountain)[/font][p]Congrats on your upcoming new addition!
I have super sensitive skin, so my DH and I have always used unscented liquid Tide without dyes. When my now 4 month old daughter developed a rash at 2 months I asked her doctor if I should switch to Dreft. He said no, that what I was using was just fine for her sensitive skin as well. He also did not feel Dreft washed clothes as thoroughly. What he did suggest was to stop using Johnson's products (shampoo, baby wash and lotion) and other baby products. He said parents like them because they smell great, but the fragrances are not good for sensitive skin. He suggested unscented Dove soap or Neutrogena and prescribed a gentle nonscented lotion. I already use unscented Dove (it is one of the only soaps that doesn't make me itch), so tried it on her as a baby bath and shampoo (downside, have to be more careful that it doesn't get into her eyes). She hasn't had a rash since. I also only bath her several times a week to once a week (depending how much spit-up, etc.) Although she loves the bath, every day dries out her skin too much.
So, I guess my advice is forget the expensive baby products and just go with the unscented adult versions, especially for laundry detergent. They are less expensive and just as effective, if not more so. However, if your baby doesn't have super sensitive skin, the baby bath products do smell great and you will probably get some for gifts, so go for it.
Bridget
& Zoe Mae 3/11/2001
BTW, for stains I just use a little granular Tide and hot water and occasionally an old toothbrush (usually just my hand). I rinse any debris with super hot water and sink hose and then rub for a couple of minutes with warm water and the detergent. Most stains come right out. Even explosive poop that had sat on a white sleeper for a week came out(my husband was deployed the first 3 months so I didn't get to things very quickly). Anyway, this works well for me, I don't have one stained outfit yet.
Good luck.
Bridget
Mom to
DD 03/01
DS 07/03
DS 09/07
DS 07/09