Drawer Liners: Neccessary???

[Carol Ann]

Are drawer liners necessary for the baby stuff? I am using my old furniture
and don't know if it is best to line them and if so, with scented or
unscented?

Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.

Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?

While I have you here, what about bathing her?

Confused...

~Carol Ann

[DeliciousTruffles]

Carol Ann wrote:

> Are drawer liners necessary for the baby stuff? I am using my old furniture
> and don't know if it is best to line them and if so, with scented or
> unscented?

If you are going to line them, I'd probably go with unscented.

> Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.

I don't think it matters.

> Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?

Use whatever you normally use and switch if she shows a reaction.

> While I have you here, what about bathing her?

I would most definitely not use laundry detergent and a washing machine
to bathe the baby! ;-)

Seriously, I used unscented baby soap and shampoo. I also had no use
for the baby bathtubs (PITA, IMO). I bathed the twins in the big tub
with me (one at a time in the beginning).

--
Brigitte aa #2145
edd #3 February 15, 2004
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/j/joshuaandkaterina/

"Readers are plentiful; thinkers are rare."
~ Harriet Martineau

[Anne Rogers]

if your drawers are sawdusty, I would line them with a neutral paper, i.e.
not scented, perhaps plain newsprint, or I think you can get "lining
paper", unless you have and reason to suspect sensitive skin, don't worry
too much, just be sensible, babies skins are more delicate

was with non biological powder, or liquid, but no fabric conditioner

as for the bath you have to figure out what is best, 99% of the time I
take ds in with me and wash him all over with a supermarket brand of baby
wash, baby baths just didn't work for us

[Anne Rogers]

>
> Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.

I didn't answer that, you say you have old furniture, so you polish? I
just dust and wipe with a damp cloth if necessary, realistically you won't
do more than that in the early days, later on it is likley not to matter,
by then you will know if she has problem skin

[Kat]

"Carol Ann" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Are drawer liners necessary for the baby stuff? I am using my old
furniture
> and don't know if it is best to line them and if so, with scented or
> unscented?

I would just use unscented if you think it is necessary.

> Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.

Maybe just read the labels? Otherwise I don't see why you wouldn't be able
to just do what you do normally.

> Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?

Typically it's better to wash the clothes in something like Cheer-free, just
stuff that is dye and perfume free (same with the fabric softener). I just
avoid bleach and that sort of thing. At least with my DD that is what
worked better and it is what we used anyway. I think the whole Dreft thing
is a gimmick.

> While I have you here, what about bathing her?

I personally thought a baby bath was helpful until DD could sit up on her on
very well. We also liked Johnson and Johnson's bedtime lotion and soap, and
their Lavender scented shampoo.
Kat
Mama to Maggie 11/03/01
and #2 EDD 02/01/04

[Dagny]

"Carol Ann" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Are drawer liners necessary for the baby stuff? I am using my old
furniture
> and don't know if it is best to line them and if so, with scented or
> unscented?
>

No they aren't necessary, clean the bottom of the drawers with a damp rag.
My personal preference is to avoid perfumes.

> Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.
>

Is this something your baby will be chewing on? If so your main toxin worry
is going to be the finish. I'd avoid letting your baby eat the furniture.

> Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?
>

Whatever's cheapest, unless you get a reaction. I use Bio-Kleen.

> While I have you here, what about bathing her?
>

I use baby shampoo on the head, sometimes soap or baby wash on the body,
mostly water. In the early days I did very little baby bathing, but now she
takes a bath with me every second or third day.

You are getting so ready! She's almost here!

-- Dagny

[Sue]

Carol Ann > wrote
> Are drawer liners necessary for the baby stuff? I am using my old
>furniture and don't know if it is best to line them and if so, with scented
or
> unscented?

I didn't know drawer liners came scented. However, I have a very sensitive
smell to certain things and too strong a scent gives me a headaches, so I
would definitely use nonscented liners.

> Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.

I just washed furniture with water. If I did happen to use soap, I would
rinse it very good.

> Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?

The current washing detergent you use now is fine, ulness the baby ends up
being sensitive to it.

> While I have you here, what about bathing her?

I used Johnson and Johnson's baby wash, with no problems.
--
Sue (mom to three girls)
I'm Just a Raggedy Ann in a Barbie Doll World...

[Danesh Argomand]

"Carol Ann" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Are drawer liners necessary for the baby stuff? I am using my old
furniture
> and don't know if it is best to line them and if so, with scented or
> unscented?
>
> Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.
>
> Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?
>
> While I have you here, what about bathing her?
>
> Confused...
>
> ~Carol Ann
>
> I'd line the drawers with something unscented that way you know they are
clean etc.
I wash DD's clothes in unscented powder (hypoallergenic) its called omo
sensitive here and cuddly pure fabric softener. (she had excema as a baby) I
also still like to wash her stuff separate to ours.
For bathing I use J&J soap free bath type products and/or alph keri oil
(water dispersable oil).
As for cleaning furniture I just dust with a damp clean cloth.
Alissa

[Ericka Kammerer]

Carol Ann wrote:

> Are drawer liners necessary for the baby stuff? I am using my old furniture
> and don't know if it is best to line them and if so, with scented or
> unscented?


I don't think you have to line, but if you do, I'd
go with unscented. You can always add sachets if you want
scent later, but you'll be unhappy if somehow the scent doesn't
agree and you want it out of there.


> Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.


Then just use something simple like Murphy's Oil
Soap.


> Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?


Anything dye- and perfume-free.


> While I have you here, what about bathing her?


I've always just taken mine in the tub with me.
They come quite clean with just water. If you prefer,
though, a tiny bit of any mild soap should do you.

Best wishes,
Ericka

[Vicky Bilaniuk]

Kat wrote:

> Typically it's better to wash the clothes in something like Cheer-free, just
> stuff that is dye and perfume free (same with the fabric softener). I just

There are dye and perfume free fabric softeners? Am I understanding you
correctly? If so, names, please. I've been looking for a dye and
perfume free fabric softener ever since I discovered that they made dye
and perfume free detergents. Heck, I'll order online if I have to. I
love using fabric softener on my clothing, but I always react to it. If
my kid inherits my skin type, they'll probably react to it, too. I
prefer liquid, BTW, so that I can use my clothes line.

[Vicky Bilaniuk]

Jennifer from Colorado wrote:
> On Sun, 08 Feb 2004 01:06:49 -0500, Vicky Bilaniuk
> > wrote:
>
>
>>Kat wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Typically it's better to wash the clothes in something like Cheer-free, just
>>>stuff that is dye and perfume free (same with the fabric softener). I just
>>
>>There are dye and perfume free fabric softeners? Am I understanding you
>>correctly? If so, names, please. I've been looking for a dye and
>>perfume free fabric softener ever since I discovered that they made dye
>>and perfume free detergents. Heck, I'll order online if I have to. I
>>love using fabric softener on my clothing, but I always react to it. If
>>my kid inherits my skin type, they'll probably react to it, too. I
>>prefer liquid, BTW, so that I can use my clothes line.
>
>
> We use dryer sheets from Bounce that are perfume free. Wonderful
> stuff. I think Downy also makes a perfume free liquid, but I'm not
> sure about that one.

I've seen unscented sheets. I have used them before, but I can't
remember if they were good for my skin or not. I really do use liquid
mostly, though, because of the clothes line, and *there* I've had
trouble - I've never seen anything but highly scented, totally blue stuff.

[Kat]

"Vicky Bilaniuk" > wrote in message
...
> Jennifer from Colorado wrote:
> > On Sun, 08 Feb 2004 01:06:49 -0500, Vicky Bilaniuk
> > > wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Kat wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>>Typically it's better to wash the clothes in something like Cheer-free,
just
> >>>stuff that is dye and perfume free (same with the fabric softener). I
just
> >>
> >>There are dye and perfume free fabric softeners? Am I understanding you
> >>correctly? If so, names, please. I've been looking for a dye and
> >>perfume free fabric softener ever since I discovered that they made dye
> >>and perfume free detergents. Heck, I'll order online if I have to. I
> >>love using fabric softener on my clothing, but I always react to it. If
> >>my kid inherits my skin type, they'll probably react to it, too. I
> >>prefer liquid, BTW, so that I can use my clothes line.
> >
> >
> > We use dryer sheets from Bounce that are perfume free. Wonderful
> > stuff. I think Downy also makes a perfume free liquid, but I'm not
> > sure about that one.
>
> I've seen unscented sheets. I have used them before, but I can't
> remember if they were good for my skin or not. I really do use liquid
> mostly, though, because of the clothes line, and *there* I've had
> trouble - I've never seen anything but highly scented, totally blue stuff.
>

Downey (sp?) has a dye-free and perfume-free. But typically you have to
look fairly hard for it. I have had to use for my own allergies.
Kat
Mama to Maggie 11/03/01
and #2 EDD 02/01/04

[Vicky Bilaniuk]

Kat wrote:
> Downey (sp?) has a dye-free and perfume-free. But typically you have to
> look fairly hard for it. I have had to use for my own allergies.


Thanks. I'll look for it, and if I don't find it, I'll probably have to
ask a local store to bring it in.

[Jill]

"Carol Ann" > wrote
> Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?

I plan to use Dreft, although half the people I have asked told me they just
do the baby laundry as regular laundry with the regular detergent they use.
I'm prone to allergies/stuffy nose and currently use Tide mountain spring
scent- most scented laundry detergents stuff my nose up. If I think my baby
may have a similar problem I will use an unscented product.

>
> While I have you here, what about bathing her?
>

I plan to try the Lavendar Baby Magic that was rec'd to me because I did
smell it and it smells good, like a sweet baby! If I don't like that I plan
to use regular Aveeno wash (non-baby specific) because it feels so good on
my skin, it seems really gentle and soothing.

On that topic, I have heard that Baby Shampoo or things like Johnsons No
Tears shampoo is bad stuff if you think about it- I wonder if this is true?
I have heard the reason for "no tears" is it contains a chemical that NUMBS
the eye-- eek! Of course, you wouldn't use shampoo on a little baby; I guess
I am more wondering about when they get to be toddlers and need shampoo. I
plan to use Loreal Kids shampoos with my girl when she is old enough because
I enjoy them myself- they smell SO good. I LOVE the Orange-smelling one (is
it mango? mandarin? I forget but it smells like orange Bubble Yum)...I also
love the Blueberry Smoothie, Strawberry Smoothie, Pineapple, and the
Watermelon. Yum!

About drawer liners- if I used them I'd use unscented, for sure. I don't
think they are necessary, but I will probably line the drawers in our
furniture. Mainly it depends on what the bottom of the drawers are like- if
they are clean and smooth, I won't bother, unless the wood smells strong and
will make the bottom layer of clothing smell. But I don't think they are
necessary for hygiene or anything...

[Jill]

"Kat" > wrote
I think the whole Dreft thing
> is a gimmick.
>

Me, too. Lol! I still plan to give it a try, to see if it makes the laundry
smell like cute baby laundry or something. But I totally believe that Dreft
is not necessary and probably the best detergent is something scent and
fragrance free for sensitive skin- not something "baby specific".

I still can't resist trying Dreft.

[Donna]

"Carol Ann" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Are drawer liners necessary for the baby stuff? I am using my old
furniture
> and don't know if it is best to line them and if so, with scented or
> unscented?

I got some pretty, scented drawer liners as a shower gift, and I really like
them, but had they not been given to me, I wouldn't have even thought about
drawer liners. As long as you wipe out the drawers adequately, there
really isn't any need for liners, other than aesthetics.
>
> Does it matter what I use to clean the furniture? Worried about toxins.

No. I use windex or orange oil cleaners when I clean the baby's room.
Whatever doesn't have a strong or lasting smell.

>
> Also, which detergent do you recommend for washing her clothes?

In the beginning, Dreft or Ivory Snow - something hypoallergenic. After
the newborn phase, if she hasn't had any kind of skin reaction (to wipes,
soaps, etc), you can switch to regular detergent. We are using unscented
Arm and Hammer.

>
> While I have you here, what about bathing her?

Yeah, you'll want to bathe her. <grin> Oh, you mean supplies? :)
Whatever you like. When she's a newborn, you'll just want water. After she
gets a little bigger, any of the lightly scented/non-scented head to toe
washes would probably work fine. If you have a baby who is prone to
allergic reactions, you would want to check with your pediatrician for a
hypoallergenic recommendation.

Just my thoughts-

Donna

[Ericka Kammerer]

Donna wrote:


> In the beginning, Dreft or Ivory Snow - something hypoallergenic.


Just to be nit-picky, neither Dreft nor Ivory Snow
are hypoallergenic. If your baby has sensitive skin, you'll
likely be better off with a dye- and perfume-free detergent.

Best wishes,

Ericka

[Donna]

"Ericka Kammerer" > wrote in message
...
> Donna wrote:
>
>
> > In the beginning, Dreft or Ivory Snow - something hypoallergenic.
>
>
> Just to be nit-picky, neither Dreft nor Ivory Snow
> are hypoallergenic. If your baby has sensitive skin, you'll
> likely be better off with a dye- and perfume-free detergent.

Huh. No kidding. I have always assumed that the two "baby detergents"
were both hypoallergenic. If they aren't, then why are they considered
"baby" products? Am I a victim of marketing hype? How very embarrassing.
:)

Donna

[Ericka Kammerer]

Donna wrote:

> "Ericka Kammerer" > wrote in message
> ...

>>Just to be nit-picky, neither Dreft nor Ivory Snow
>>are hypoallergenic. If your baby has sensitive skin, you'll
>>likely be better off with a dye- and perfume-free detergent.
>>
>
> Huh. No kidding. I have always assumed that the two "baby detergents"
> were both hypoallergenic. If they aren't, then why are they considered
> "baby" products? Am I a victim of marketing hype? How very embarrassing.
> :)


At least you're in a lot of company ;-) Both
are at least perfumed. I think they're considered baby
products because they're supposed to be extra good at
getting out baby stains--and that "baby fresh" smell,
of course ;-) They claim to be "gentle,"
but I don't know that that's true. I actually think
Dreft is a bit more on the harsh side. I think this
notion that babies need hypoallergenic things is
relatively new--used to be a "baby" scent and stain
fighting properties are what would have defined a
good baby laundry product ;-)

Best wishes,
Ericka

[Jill]

"Donna" > wrote
> Huh. No kidding. I have always assumed that the two "baby detergents"
> were both hypoallergenic. If they aren't, then why are they considered
> "baby" products?

I always thought Ivory soap was one of the most gentle (bar) soaps out
there, but my dermatologist told me it's actually pretty harsh. Go figure.
I'm not sure why Dreft etc are hyped as baby detergents. ?? I have also
heard that Woolite is not so gentle either, for delicates.

You pretty much have to be a PhD in chemistry to sort through it all!

[H Schinske]

Jill writes:

> I have also
>heard that Woolite is not so gentle either, for delicates.

It's actually BAD for real wool, I'm told (though I used it for years on my
wool stuff with no apparent problem). Apparently it was invented for acrylic
sweaters or some darned thing. Personally I think the only good thing about
acrylic sweaters is that they go in the machine, so there you are!

--Helen

[Donna]

"Ericka Kammerer" > wrote in message
...

I think this
> notion that babies need hypoallergenic things is
> relatively new--used to be a "baby" scent and stain
> fighting properties are what would have defined a
> good baby laundry product ;-)

Well thanks for the information. I stand corrected. :)

Donna