Which scent for baby laundry? Lightly scented or unscented
Quick answer: choose a soft, light scent that isn’t overpowering. Babies press their faces into pillows and hug soft toys all night, so a hint of scent is enough. If your family prefers it, or your baby seems bothered by scent, unscented is also a sensible choice. How long the scent lasts depends a lot on drying and storing.
Lightly scented or unscented?
| Lightly scented | Unscented | |
|---|---|---|
| Suits | Families who like a pleasant scent after washing | Families who want clothes to smell simply clean, or babies who seem to dislike scent |
| Watch out for | Choose a soft scent, use the right dose, skip strong-smelling softener | Dry fully so clothes don’t smell damp |
Whichever you choose, if your baby’s skin shows anything unusual after wearing freshly washed clothes, stop using the product and ask a doctor.
Choosing by age
- Newborns: a very light, airy scent. Try a small bottle first.
- Weaning: lots of milk and puree stains, so prioritise clean and well rinsed; a soft scent is enough.
- Nursery age: sweat and outdoor play; a fresh, soft scent so clothes smell clean at pick-up.
Choosing by time of day
| Items | Scent to choose |
|---|---|
| Sleepwear, bedding, soft toys | Soft, gentle, restful |
| Daytime clothes, nursery clothes | Fresh, soft |
| Newborn clothes, burp cloths | Light and airy |
Softly scented, not overpowering
- Use the right dose; don’t add extra “for scent”.
- No need for strong-smelling softener if you already use a 2-in-1 detergent.
- Dry in an airy spot with gentle sun, not in a closed bathroom.
- Store only when fully dry, in a separate drawer for baby clothes.
Abby’s three scents
Abby is a Mother & Baby 5-in-1 laundry liquid with a scent for each moment:
- Goodnight: soft and gentle. For sleepwear, bedding and the things your little one hugs at bedtime.
- Merry Day: soft and fresh. For daytime clothes, outings and nursery.
- Relax Days: light and airy. For newborn clothes and relaxed days at home.
Each scent comes in a 100ml trial bottle, a 1.1L can and a 3L can, so you can try all three before choosing a large can.
Read next: Which laundry detergent is right for your baby? 5 things to check on the label
Reviewed by: Vu Hoang Nam
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