can you use fabric softener on baby clothes

December 2, 2025

If you’ve ever stood in the laundry aisle wondering whether fabric softener is safe for baby clothes, you’re not alone. Search results can be confusing — some parenting articles say “never use fabric softener on baby laundry,” while others claim it’s perfectly fine. Even official recommendations vary between countries, which leaves parents feeling unsure and overwhelmed.

This guide clears things up with a balanced, evidence-based explanation. You’ll learn when fabric softener is okay, when you should skip it, what pediatric guidance really says, what to avoid, and safe alternatives that keep baby clothes soft without irritation.

Let’s break it down simply and clearly.

Quick Answer: Should You Use Fabric Softener on Baby Clothes?

For newborns:

No — avoid using fabric softener.
Newborn skin is extra sensitive and more prone to irritation, eczema, and reactions to fragrances or chemical residues.

For older babies and toddlers:

Sometimes — but with conditions.
If your baby has no eczema or known sensitivities, you may occasionally use a fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic fabric softener on daytime clothing only (not on diapers or sleepwear).

For certain fabrics:

Never use fabric softener on:

  • Flame-resistant sleepwear

  • Cloth diapers & inserts

  • Bath towels, burp cloths, and muslins

  • Any fabric that needs to stay absorbent

  • Any garment labeled “low flammability” or “flame resistant”

Why? Fabric softener leaves a coating that can reduce flame resistance and drastically lower absorbency — two things baby items need for safety and function.

What Fabric Softener Actually Does — And Why It Can Be an Issue for Babies

Most laundry guides simply say “chemicals are harsh,” but few explain how fabric softener works. Understanding this helps you make better choices.

Fabric softener coats clothing fibers with a thin, slippery layer.

This coating:

  • Reduces stiffness

  • Cuts down static

  • Makes clothes feel smooth

  • Adds fragrance (in standard softeners)

Why is that coating a problem for baby clothes?

  • It can irritate delicate newborn skin

  • It traps detergent residue, which can cause rashes

  • It reduces absorbency — a major issue for towels and diapers

  • It weakens flame-retardant treatments on baby sleepwear

  • It can increase the likelihood of contact dermatitis in sensitive babies

This doesn’t mean fabric softener is harmful to all babies — but the coating makes it a risky choice for many baby-specific fabrics.

What Pediatricians & Health Organizations Say About Fabric Softener

One of the reasons parents get conflicting answers is that different health bodies emphasize different risks.

In the U.S. and many global baby-care sources:

Pediatricians and newborn-care brands commonly recommend avoiding fabric softeners, especially for newborns or babies with eczema or atopic skin.
Their concerns include:

  • Fragrances

  • Dyes

  • Preservatives

  • Buildup in fabric

  • Irritation from chemical coatings

In the U.K., NHS guidance differs slightly:

The NHS notes there is no strong evidence that fabric conditioner irritates most babies’ skin.
However, they do not actively encourage using fabric softener either — they simply state that it’s not proven to harm every baby.

Why the mixed messages?

  • Different countries regulate detergents differently

  • Babies’ sensitivities vary widely

  • U.S. pediatric advice often errs on the side of caution

  • “Baby-safe” softeners vary in formulation between regions

  • Skin irritation is extremely individual

Because recommendations vary, the safest approach is to start conservatively and introduce softener only if needed.

Safety Concerns: Skin Sensitivity, Flame Resistance & Absorbency

1. Baby skin is thinner and more reactive

Newborn skin has a weaker moisture barrier, making it more vulnerable to:

  • Perfume-based fragrances

  • Chemical coatings

  • Detergent residue that binds to softener

Babies with eczema or sensitive skin are at high risk of irritation from softeners.

2. Fabric softener can reduce flame resistance

Many infant pajamas are labeled:

  • “Flame resistant”

  • “Low flammability”

Fabric softener interferes with these protective properties — meaning your baby’s sleepwear may not perform as intended in an emergency.

If a garment says anything about flame resistance, do NOT use softener.

3. Fabric softener destroys absorbency

This applies to:

  • Cloth diapers

  • Cotton inserts

  • Hooded towels

  • Washcloths

  • Burp cloths

  • Muslin blankets

The waxy coating significantly reduces how much liquid the fabric can hold.
For cloth diapers, this causes:

  • Leaks

  • Compression leaks

  • Poor performance

  • More nappy rash due to wetness sitting on skin

Soaps and softeners that leave residue = diaper disaster.

When Can a Baby-Safe Fabric Softener Be Okay?

Some parents still want extra softness, especially once their baby is older.
Here’s the balanced approach.

Okay to consider when:

  • Baby is 6+ months

  • No history of eczema or sensitive skin

  • You choose a fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic softener

  • You use it ONLY on:

    • Daytime outfits

    • Non-sleepwear

    • Fabrics that don’t require absorbency

  • You use it only occasionally, not every wash

  • You run the load with an extra rinse cycle

Do a patch test first

  • Wash a single outfit (not the whole wardrobe)

  • Let baby wear it for 2–3 hours

  • Monitor for redness, itching, rashes, or discomfort

If there is any irritation — stop using softener immediately.

Always Avoid Fabric Softener for These Baby Items

This section is unique — few articles break it down item-by-item.

Never use fabric softener on:

  • 🔥 Flame-resistant pajamas

  • 🔥 Sleep sacks labeled “low flammability”

  • 💧 Cloth diapers & inserts (kills absorbency)

  • 💧 Burp cloths

  • 💧 Bath towels & hooded towels

  • 💧 Washcloths

  • 💧 Muslin swaddles

  • 💧 Bibs (especially absorbent cotton ones)

Why?

These items either:

  • Must remain absorbent

  • Must remain flame-resistant

  • Come in close contact with drool, spills & messy feeds

  • Sit directly on baby’s skin for long periods

Softener’s coating prevents them from doing their job properly.

Alternatives to Fabric Softener for Baby Clothes

You can keep clothes soft without using softener.

1. White Vinegar (Natural & Gentle)

Add ½ cup to the rinse cycle to:

  • Soften fabric

  • Reduce detergent residue

  • Neutralize odors

  • Prevent stiff cotton apparel

No, your baby won’t smell like vinegar — the scent evaporates as the clothes dry.

2. Wool Dryer Balls / Dryer Balls

These:

  • Reduce static

  • Improve airflow

  • Prevent scrunching

  • Soften fabrics naturally

If baby is sensitive, avoid adding essential oils — dryness works fine on its own.

3. Better Detergent + Extra Rinse

Use:

  • Fragrance-free

  • Dye-free

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Dermatologist-tested baby detergent

Then run a final extra rinse to remove any leftover soap — this alone makes clothes softer.

4. Choose Softer Fabrics

If you want ultra-soft baby clothes without additives, look for:

  • Organic cotton

  • Modal

  • Bamboo viscose

  • Cotton blends designed for sensitive skin

These fabrics are naturally softer without chemical intervention.

Fabric-by-Fabric Guide (What’s Safe & What’s Not)

Cotton onesies and bodysuits

  • Avoid softener for newborns

  • Acceptable for older babies with sensitive-skin softeners only

Organic cotton outfits

  • Usually soft enough already

  • Avoid scented softeners — they overpower natural fibers

Baby pajamas / sleepwear

  • NEVER use softener

  • Can reduce flame resistance

Muslin swaddles & blankets

  • Skip softener to keep them breathable and absorbent

Towels, washcloths, burp cloths

  • Softener ruins absorbency → avoid completely

Cloth diapers

  • Hard no

  • Use strip wash + vinegar if buildup happens

How to Wash Baby Clothes Without Fabric Softener (Simple Routine)

Here’s a gentle method that keeps baby clothes soft naturally:

1. Sort laundry properly

Separate:

  • Sleepwear

  • Towels

  • Diapers

  • Regular clothing

2. Use a sensitive-skin detergent

Look for:

  • Fragrance-free

  • Dye-free

  • Hypoallergenic

  • No optical brighteners (optional)

3. Don’t overload the washer

More water = softer clothes
Less tangling = cleaner rinse

4. Add a softener alternative

  • White vinegar in rinse cycle

  • Wool dryer balls in dryer

5. Dry gently

Line dry or use low heat to preserve softness.

Myth-Busting: Common Worries Parents Have

“I already washed baby clothes with softener. Should I rewash everything?”

Not necessarily.
Just rewash without softener and add an extra rinse. No need to panic.

“Is using fabric softener once harmful?”

Unlikely.
Just watch for any redness or irritation and switch to a gentler routine.

“Are baby-branded softeners automatically safe?”

Not always.
Some still contain fragrance. Always read the ingredient list.

“If the NHS says softener is fine, why do others say no?”

Different countries = different product types + different clinical priorities.
NHS simply says it’s not proven harmful to most babies — not that it’s recommended.

Decision Checklist: Can You Use Fabric Softener on Baby Clothes?

Use this quick checklist before deciding:

YES, you can consider it IF:

  • Baby is older than 6–12 months

  • No eczema or sensitive skin

  • Detergent is fragrance-free

  • Softener is fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic

  • Garment is not sleepwear, a towel, diaper, or muslin item

  • You run an extra rinse

  • You’ve done a patch test

NO, avoid softener if:

  • Baby is a newborn

  • Baby has eczema or reactive skin

  • You’re washing pajamas or sleep sacks

  • The item needs to stay absorbent

  • You use cloth diapers

  • You’re unsure how baby’s skin will react

FAQs: Can You Use Fabric Softener on Baby Clothes?

Can you use fabric softener on newborn clothes?

No. It’s best to avoid softener for newborns due to their highly sensitive skin and higher risk of irritation.

Is fabric softener safe for baby clothes?

It depends. For older babies without skin issues, hypoallergenic softener may be okay — but avoid it for sleepwear, diapers, and towels.

Does fabric softener damage baby clothes?

It doesn’t “damage” the garment, but it can reduce absorbency and interfere with flame resistance.

What’s the safest alternative to fabric softener?

White vinegar and dryer balls are the top natural alternatives proven to soften fabrics gently.

Can you use fabric softener on baby blankets?

Avoid it — blankets benefit from higher absorbency and breathability, which softener reduces.

Final Thoughts

Baby laundry shouldn’t be stressful — but conflicting advice can make it feel that way. The simplest rule is this:

When in doubt, skip the fabric softener and use gentle alternatives.
Newborns, sensitive skin, sleepwear, and absorbent fabrics should never be washed with softener. For older babies with no skin issues, hypoallergenic softener used sparingly and carefully can be a safe option.