BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

Hi all, I'm expecting in January and trying to prepare as best I can.... 2 questions....

1. Does the detergent HAVE to be Dreft? Can I use All Free and Clear? I have a HE washer and I don't even know that Dreft makes HE. Is it just a gimmick or should we really use "exclusively" baby detergent? Do I have to wait and see how the baby reacts or is it all just marketing? I don't want to wash the newborn clothes in All Free and Clear only to find out they're allergic or something....

2. If you are a mom of more than 1, what diaper bag do you recommend? I don't want something that screams baby. DH wants to go get me a nice Coach one or something, but I also can't see spending that kind of $$ on one. Do you have a favorite recommendation, and if you do have a Coach or fancy bag, is it big enough for what you need for BOTH kids?

Thanks in advance!! :)

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

I have 4 kids, used dreft on their clothes for 6 months then switched to the free and clear which I use for my clothes but with my last baby I started with the Tide free and clear and have had no reactions. I think you will be fine with the free and clear of any brand. I dont like the dreft anymore it has too much fragrance for me. If your husband wants to buy you a nice bag I saw let him. I have 2 coach diaper bags and they are by far the biggest and best bags I have owned. If you are going to have more kids definitely buy quality in the beginning.

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

I use All Free and Clear, no need to use Dreft. Dreft actually has fragrance anyway.

I like Skip Hop bags. I have a Studio and a Duo.

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

I think All Free & Clear is fine. That's what our parents used before they invented Dreft
Actually, I am on #3 and I am not using special stuff at all. I am just going to use regular. I mean, when I hold the kids against me and my clothes, they are washed in regular detergent, so you can't avoid it IMO.

For diaper bags, I have a lot of different ones. I am not a high fashion person, so I just buy $30-$40 bags and switch around here and there

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

all free and clear is the way to go

i like a diaper bag that I can put in the washer for when things get messy in there. also, see how the diaper bag you pick fits on your strollers....on the handle bars and/or in the basket.

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

I just had my
we are planning on using a back pack for a diaper bag. none of the regular ones seemed big enough, backpack or not. we also read that having a back pack really frees up your hand when you have 2 of them. makes sense..

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

All Free and Clear been using for years! We use a cute duffel type bag for a "diaper bag"

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

We started with Dreft. If I knew better, I just would have started with a free and clear one (although there were less options 2 1/2 years ago). I hate the scent of Dreft! I do think it's a scam that you have to use Dreft. But you do need to use something gentle. DS doesn't have any dermatological (is that a word ) disorders, but does have sensitive skin and would react to being held against my clothing, so I had to switch detergents for myself and DH.

ETA: and I use a Kate Spade diaper bag (though I only have one DS). It's big, and definitely does not scream baby.

Message edited 10/1/2011 8:21:53 PM.

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

I used Dreft with DS. But it was just too darn expensive. For the twins we've always used All Free And Clear.

Re: BTDT moms -- diaper bags and detergent question

I use the Tide free.. as long as hey don't have sensitives, any of the "free" detergents are fine.