I have as yet to receive an answer from my written letter to Dreft asking why specifically their detergent is better for babies. However, I’ve found out quite a bit on my own. If you haven’t yet you might want to read the first two blogs in this series: The Dreft Wars, and Debunking the Dreft Myth. Today, we’re going to explore the last of the Dreft claims.
Is Dreft better because it doesn’t ‘wash away’ the flame retardant in pajamas?
First of all, not all pajamas are treated for flame resistance. If you’re worried about chemicals on baby’s sensitive skin, getting flame resistant pajamas, by the way, is NOT the way to go. However, I found out some interesting information on how pajamas are produced.
Apparently most synthetic materials like cotton or polyester are actually ’inherently’ flame resistant. Basically, this means that the material is treated before it becomes your baby’s pajamas. It’s treated in such a way that it alters the molecular structure of the thread which is then woven into those cute and cuddly onesies. Chemically ridden super laundry detergent or not, there isn’t a laundry detergent out there that will be able to ’unalter’ the molecular structure of your child’s pajamas. It just can’t happen. Therefore all detergents, including but not limited to Dreft, are safe for pajamas that are ‘inherently’ flame resistant.
Furthermore, just in case you do believe that your child would not show sensitivity to flame retardant chemicals but would show sensitivity to a laundry detergent. . .laundry detergent cannot wash away flame retardant chemicals in pajamas that are actually treated with them. Clothing that has specifically treated with flame retardant chemicals is done so with the assumption that it will have to endure washing after washing. Otherwise, it would defeat the purpose of treating the clothing with chemicals.
So why do we believe that Dreft is better for babies? Why do pediatricians recommend it? Because it’s marketed specifically for babies. It found a niche market and capitalized it. I mentioned in the previous blog that Dreft claims to do what other laundry detergents do not. For instance, Tide never says that it’s safe for flame resistant clothing. It is, but it is not marketing it’s product to new mommies.
So should you wash your baby’s clothes with Dreft? Sure, if you want. I can’t see that it matters based on my research. But beware that if your child is truly allergic, you will not be able to use Dreft, or Tide, or any other ’normal’ detergent. You will have to go with something that is certified hypoallergenic.