Your baby might be tiny, but they have a surprising amount of clothes. And to keep them happy and content, you want everything they wear to be as huggably soft against their skin as possible.

Which means along with knowing the best way to wash baby clothes , you may be wondering if you can use fabric softener … not to mention which is the best softener for sensitive skin.

Here’s all you need to know before tackling your laundry pile.

What is fabric softener?

Ever wondered what fabric softener does ... and if you really need to use it? If you want super soft clothes the answer is yes!

Fabric conditioner or softener is designed to be used with detergent to make clothes, towels and bedding soft and gentle against skin.

Can you use fabric softener when you wash baby clothes?

Yes, you can use fabric softener on your baby’s clothes, bedding and towels, even if they have sensitive skin. Better yet, it will make baby clothes extra snuggly soft.

The NHS says there’s no evidence that using fabric conditioners will irritate your baby's skin. However it’s worth picking a fabric softener suitable for sensitive skin to be sure it’s as gentle as possible.

One thing to bear in mind though is some baby clothes are treated with flame-resistant chemicals. Fabric softener can make this less effective, so always read the care labels first.

What’s the best fabric softener for baby clothes?

When it comes to washing your baby’s clothes, you want detergents and softeners that are designed even for newborn skin.

Lots of parents (and parents-to-be) in our Netmums forum swear by Fairy Non Bio. So you just might want to check out Fairy Non Bio’s Sensitive Skin Dream Team : Fairy Non Bio PODS® and Fairy Fabric Softener. It’s softness guaranteed!

The whole Fairy Non Bio range has been awarded the Skin Health Alliance seal of approval, giving you peace of mind when you're washing your baby’s clothes. Pop a Pod in your washing machine drum and pour a slosh of Fairy Fabric Softener into your machine drawer for snuggable comfort and softness. It'll leave your baby's clothes smelling amazing, too!

If you're wondering if fabric softener is necessary, why not give it a try ... we're pretty sure you'll be convinced it's a laundry must-have! In fact, using fabric softener may even make it easier to iron your clothes, so it's well worth using on the whole family's wash.

Looking for more laundry tips? Check out these stories or visit our forum to swap ideas and advice with other parents.

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