20 days til my due date so I'm in full on baby preparation mode. A lot of our baby clothes, bunny rugs, receiving blankets (which I bought in Australia BTW - I know this was discussed on a previous thread) etc say "wash in mild detergent before first use." I've been reading online and it seems like most parents use unscented detergents for newborn clothes so as not to irritate sensitive newborn skin. I have a ton of allergies and very sensitive skin myself so I assume my baby will be the same.

So I was looking around at my local supermarket yesterday and couldn't find any unscented laundry detergent - just the usual suspects bolt, dash, various detergents with marseilles (marsiglia) soap (can't stand the smell!) etc.

I know I'm just a nervous first time mum but I was wondering if it's ok to use normal highly scented detergents on newborn clothes? I guess Italian mums just use scented detergents on baby stuff?

Sorry about the nervous first time mum thing - I can't believe I'm obsessing over this!

I use Bio Presto Baby:
http://www.biopresto.it/bioprestobaby/

And my baby has bad eczema. I also use the extra rinse cycle and no fabric softener. So far, so good.

Do you have a good health food store (like a NaturaSì) near you? I'm sure they have something perhaps more 'natural' but I found this in the regular supermarket and haven't had any problems. I also saw there was a special Marsiglia detergent for babies, but I tried this and liked it.

Is it raining in Rome like it is up here in Milan (for the last six weeks or so!)? If so, I hope you get things dry in time!
Michelle

Thanks. I didn't see that at our supermarket but maybe I'll hitch a ride with my friend next weekend to Auchan and see if they have it (or something similar...)

Here in Rome it's been gorgeous weather. A bit of rain here and there but generally beautiful and not too hot. I really hate the hot muggy weather we usually have in summer in Rome (last year it was around 40 for weeks) I'm hoping this keeps up as it will be much nicer for the baby not to be born into 40 degree heat (and better for me too!)

We have a hard time finding anything fragrance free here... and my son is very sensitive to them.

In addition to what Michelle suggested, there's also Napisan (I think that's the name) at the supermarkets here.

Now we are using a fragrance free detergent I found at NaturaSi.

And never use fabric softener until you're quite sure your baby isn't the allergenic type (especially since you have allergies).

The really tough one for us was unscented body soap... I have to go to the pharmacy for that.

I have eczema and a few allergies but neither of my kids have anything so yours might be okay too.

And I agree with Napisan - all Italian mums use it as not only is it specifically made for baby clothes but it also contains a mild anti-bacterial agent and Italian mums are very anxious about germs and bacteria ...... probably why they are always in the chemist as their kids never get the chance to build up any natural anti-bodies.

I thought napisan was specifically for nappies? I've also used it in the past to get rid of deep stains. So are you recommending it or not?

I'm not so concerned about germs. I figure the baby will ingest them anyway and build up resistance. But I am worried about environmental toxins and allergies.

Napisan is not specifically for nappies. It is a tried and tested and clinically formulated detergent designed especially for baby clothes - can be used by hand or in washing machine - and yes I was reccomending it.

You can also have a look at Woolite - this is a very gentle liquid for woolens that can be used in the machine. It's sometimes given out in the bounty packs for new mums, so I'm assuming they are plugging it for new borns. Fabuloso concentrated fabric conditioner in the white colour is for sensitive skins.

Thanks for all the advice. I have some Woolite but it's very strongly scented (actually more scented than the ordinary detergent I use) so I don't think that would be ideal. And Napisan also seems very strong and I definitely don't need a disinfectant on brand new baby clothes.

Anyway I went to my local health food shop today and picked up their only unscented product a powdered soap called "EcoSi Lisciva Tradizionale". Not only is it unscented it's also environmentally friendly with no phosphates. So far it seems to be working fine.

quote:

Originally posted by Ramona:
Thanks for all the advice. I have some Woolite but it's very strongly scented (actually more scented than the ordinary detergent I use) so I don't think that would be ideal. And Napisan also seems very strong and I definitely don't need a disinfectant on brand new baby clothes.

Anyway I went to my local health food shop today and picked up their only unscented product a powdered soap called "EcoSi Lisciva Tradizionale". Not only is it unscented it's also environmentally friendly with no phosphates. So far it seems to be working fine.

Oh good news. Maybe some strenuous clothes hanging will help you go into labor. Always better to go early than late.

I add the Napisan in with the detergent. I didn't think it was a stand-alone product but something you added in as an extra.
Michelle