Parents Choice Detergent

Navigating Baby Laundry Without Breaking the Bank or Your Baby’s Sensitive Skin

As a new mom to my eight-month-old daughter Lily, I’ve become somewhat of an expert in the art of baby laundry. I never imagined I’d spend so much time thinking about detergent, but here we are! When I was pregnant, I received countless recommendations for expensive baby-specific detergents. However, after much research and personal experience, I discovered Parent’s Choice Detergent—a game-changer for my family. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about this wallet-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality or safety for your little one.

When I brought Lily home from the hospital, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of laundry one tiny human could generate. Between spit-up incidents, diaper blowouts, and first-time food adventures, I found myself running the washing machine multiple times daily. Finding a detergent that’s gentle on baby’s sensitive skin yet tough enough to handle stubborn stains is absolutely essential for new parents.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Parent’s Choice Detergent—from what it is and where to buy it, to how it compares to other brands and whether it’s truly safe for your precious bundle of joy.

What Exactly Is Parent’s Choice Detergent?

Parent’s Choice is Walmart’s store brand of baby products, including their specialized baby detergent. When I first heard about it, I was admittedly skeptical. A store brand detergent for my precious newborn? However, after doing extensive research and eventually trying it myself, I became a convert.

The detergent is specifically formulated for baby clothes and linens, designed to be gentler than regular detergents while still effectively cleaning those inevitable baby messes. Parent’s Choice Detergent comes in liquid form, making it easy to measure and use for those middle-of-the-night emergency loads (trust me, you’ll have them!).

What initially attracted me to Parent’s Choice was its affordability compared to other baby detergents on the market. As a new parent already dealing with the financial impact of diapers, wipes, and all the other baby essentials, finding ways to save money without compromising quality became important to me.

Is Parent’s Choice Detergent Safe for Newborns?

This was my primary concern when considering switching from the premium brand I initially used. After all, newborn skin is incredibly delicate and can react to harsh chemicals and fragrances found in many regular detergents.

I’m happy to report that Parent’s Choice Detergent is indeed formulated with newborns in mind. It’s hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals that could irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. When Lily was born, she had some minor eczema patches, which made me even more cautious about laundry products.

The detergent is designed to rinse clean, leaving minimal residue on clothing that might come in contact with your baby’s skin. I personally found that after switching to Parent’s Choice, Lily’s occasional skin irritations actually decreased. While every baby is different, and some may be more sensitive than others, the gentle formulation seems to work well for most newborns.

That said, if your baby has extreme sensitivity or diagnosed skin conditions, I’d recommend checking with your pediatrician before switching detergents. They might have specific recommendations based on your baby’s particular needs.

Where Can I Buy Parent’s Choice Detergent?

As Walmart’s store brand, Parent’s Choice Detergent is exclusively available at Walmart stores and on their website. This limited availability might be inconvenient if you don’t have a Walmart nearby, but the good news is that most areas have a Walmart, and their online ordering and delivery options make it accessible even if you don’t live close to a physical store.

I typically stock up during my monthly Walmart run, but I’ve also ordered it online when I couldn’t make it to the store. The shipping is usually quick, and it’s often eligible for free delivery if you meet the minimum order threshold.

One thing I appreciate is that Parent’s Choice Detergent is consistently in stock, unlike some specialty baby products that can be hard to find. During the pandemic-related shortages, when many cleaning products were difficult to locate, I was still able to find Parent’s Choice Detergent at my local Walmart.

How Much Does Parent’s Choice Detergent Cost?

Let’s talk about one of the most compelling aspects of Parent’s Choice Detergent—the price point. As of my last purchase, a 100-ounce bottle costs around $6-7, which is significantly less than premium baby detergents that can run $12-15 for a similar size.

For comparison, when I was using Dreft during Lily’s first month, I was spending nearly twice as much. Over the course of a year, this price difference adds up substantially, especially considering how much laundry babies generate.

The value becomes even more apparent when you consider that each bottle handles approximately 64 loads of laundry. For me, that translates to about six weeks of baby laundry, though your mileage may vary depending on how many clothes your little one goes through.

Walmart occasionally runs sales on their Parent’s Choice products, making the deal even sweeter. I’ve found that signing up for Walmart’s app notifications helps me catch these deals when they happen.

Is Parent’s Choice Detergent Hypoallergenic?

Yes, Parent’s Choice Detergent is marketed as hypoallergenic, which was a major selling point for me. Hypoallergenic detergents are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

In my research, I learned that “hypoallergenic” means the product is less likely to cause allergic reactions, but it doesn’t guarantee that no one will have a reaction. Every baby is unique, and what works perfectly for one might not work for another.

For Lily, the hypoallergenic formula has been perfect. She had some initial newborn skin sensitivity, and I was worried about exacerbating it with harsh detergents. After switching to Parent’s Choice, I noticed that her skin actually seemed to improve.

If you’re concerned about potential allergic reactions, you might consider washing just a few items with Parent’s Choice Detergent first and seeing how your baby’s skin responds before committing to washing everything with it.

Does Parent’s Choice Detergent Work for Sensitive Skin?

Based on my experience and conversations with other moms in my parenting group, Parent’s Choice Detergent works well for most babies with sensitive skin. The gentle formula is designed to clean effectively without irritating delicate skin.

My daughter has moderately sensitive skin that tends to get red and dry, especially during winter months. Since switching to Parent’s Choice, I’ve noticed fewer irritation episodes.

The detergent is free from many common irritants found in regular laundry products. However, if your baby has extremely sensitive skin or specific diagnosed conditions like severe eczema or allergies, you might want to look for detergents specifically formulated for such conditions or consult with your pediatrician.

I know one mom in my group whose baby has severe eczema, and while Parent’s Choice worked adequately, she eventually switched to a prescription detergent recommended by her baby’s dermatologist. This is a reminder that while Parent’s Choice works well for many babies with mild to moderate sensitivity, it might not be the perfect solution for every situation.

Is Parent’s Choice Detergent Fragrance-Free?

Parent’s Choice offers both fragrance-free and lightly scented options. The fragrance-free version is completely without added scents, which is what I initially chose for Lily’s newborn days when I was being extra cautious.

The lightly scented version has a mild, clean baby scent that isn’t overwhelming. After trying both, I personally prefer the lightly scented version now that Lily is older. The scent is subtle and pleasant, reminiscent of baby powder, but not strong enough to trigger sensitivity in most babies.

If your baby has known fragrance sensitivities or you simply prefer unscented products, the fragrance-free option is definitely the way to go. I found that the cleaning power is identical between the two versions—the only difference is the presence or absence of scent.

For families with mixed preferences, you might consider using the fragrance-free version for baby clothes that will directly touch your little one’s skin, while using the scented version for bedding and parents’ clothes that will have less direct contact.

Can Parent’s Choice Detergent Be Used for Cloth Diapers?

This question came up for me when I briefly considered trying cloth diapering. While I ultimately decided cloth diapering wasn’t for our family, I did research whether Parent’s Choice would be suitable.

Parent’s Choice Detergent can be used for cloth diapers, but with some caveats. The detergent is gentle and rinses clean, which are positive attributes for cloth diaper laundry. However, many cloth diapering experts recommend detergents with specific enzymes for breaking down biological waste.

If you’re committed to cloth diapering, you might want to look into detergents specifically formulated for that purpose. That said, many parents in cloth diapering communities report using Parent’s Choice with success, especially for lightly soiled diapers or as part of a two-detergent washing routine.

I know several moms who use Parent’s Choice for a pre-wash cycle and then a cloth diaper-specific detergent for the main wash. This approach seems to balance gentleness with cleaning power for cloth diapers.

What Ingredients Are in Parent’s Choice Detergent?

Understanding what’s in your baby’s detergent is important, especially if you’re concerned about potential irritants or environmental impact. Parent’s Choice Detergent contains a mix of cleaning agents, water softeners, and stabilizers typical of liquid laundry detergents, but formulated to be gentler than standard options.

The exact ingredient list may change over time as formulations are updated, but generally includes biodegradable surfactants (cleaning agents), water softeners to help the detergent work effectively in various water hardness levels, and stabilizers to maintain product consistency.

What’s notably absent are harsh chemicals like optical brighteners, phosphates, and strong fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. The fragrance-free version, of course, contains no added scents at all.

I appreciate that the ingredients are designed to rinse clean from fabrics, minimizing the chance of irritation from detergent residue. This was particularly important to me during Lily’s newborn days when she was at her most sensitive.

While Parent’s Choice doesn’t publish their full ingredient list on their website, you can find it on the product bottle. I’ve found their customer service to be responsive when I had questions about specific ingredients and potential allergens.

Is Parent’s Choice Detergent Safe for High-Efficiency (HE) Washing Machines?

Yes, Parent’s Choice Detergent is safe for high-efficiency washing machines. This was essential for me since we have an HE front-loader, and using non-HE detergents in these machines can cause excessive sudsing and potential damage over time.

The detergent is formulated to produce fewer suds while still cleaning effectively, which is exactly what HE machines require. I’ve been using it in our HE washer for over seven months now without any issues.

If you have an HE machine, you’ll appreciate that Parent’s Choice follows the same dosing guidelines as other HE-compatible detergents—typically using less product than traditional washers require. This makes the already affordable detergent stretch even further.

For standard top-loading machines, Parent’s Choice works equally well, though you might need to use slightly more product per the dosing guidelines on the bottle. Either way, the detergent is versatile enough to work with whatever washing machine you have at home or at the laundromat.

How Does Parent’s Choice Detergent Compare to Dreft or Other Baby Detergents?

This was one of my biggest questions when considering the switch. Dreft is often considered the gold standard of baby detergents—it’s what hospitals use and what many pediatricians recommend. However, it comes with a premium price tag that can strain new parent budgets.

In my experience, Parent’s Choice performs comparably to Dreft in terms of gentleness and cleaning power. Both are hypoallergenic and designed for sensitive skin, and both clean effectively without leaving irritating residues.

The main differences I’ve noticed:

1. Price: Parent’s Choice costs significantly less—often half the price of Dreft for a similar number of loads.
2. Scent: Dreft has a distinctive, stronger baby scent that many parents love. Parent’s Choice’s scented version is more subtle. Some parents prefer this milder scent, while others miss Dreft’s iconic smell.
3. Availability: Dreft is widely available at most retailers, while Parent’s Choice is Walmart-exclusive.
4. Marketing: Dreft has the advantage of being the “hospital standard” with strong brand recognition, while Parent’s Choice is less well-known.

In terms of actual performance, I haven’t noticed any significant difference in cleaning power or gentleness between the two. Both have handled Lily’s laundry admirably, from newborn spit-up to the current phase of pureed vegetable stains.

I’ve also tried Babyganics and Seventh Generation baby detergents. Parent’s Choice performs similarly to these eco-friendly options in terms of gentleness but costs less. The “green” detergents may have some environmental advantages, but for pure cleaning power and skin-friendliness at a good price point, Parent’s Choice holds its own against all the competitors I’ve tried.

Are There Reviews for Parent’s Choice Detergent?

Before switching to Parent’s Choice, I scoured the internet for honest reviews from other parents. What I found was largely positive, with most reviews highlighting the excellent value and good performance.

On Walmart’s website, Parent’s Choice Detergent typically maintains a 4.5+ star rating out of 5, with thousands of reviews. Most reviewers mention that it cleans effectively, is gentle on sensitive skin, and offers tremendous value compared to premium baby detergents.

Common praise points include:

• Gentleness on baby’s skin
• Effective stain removal
• Pleasant but mild scent (for the scented version)
• Excellent price point

The few negative reviews I found typically centered around:

• Some babies with extremely sensitive skin still having reactions
• The scent being too mild for parents who prefer strongly scented laundry
• Limited availability (Walmart only)

I also checked parenting forums and social media groups, where the consensus was similar—most parents who tried Parent’s Choice were satisfied with the performance and appreciated the savings compared to premium brands.

In my mom’s group, about half of us use Parent’s Choice, and the feedback has been unanimously positive. One friend even switched after seeing how well it worked for Lily’s sensitive skin.

Does Parent’s Choice Detergent Remove Tough Stains Like Spit-Up or Diaper Leaks?

This is where Parent’s Choice really won me over. Despite its gentle formulation, it handles tough baby stains surprisingly well. During Lily’s early months, spit-up was a constant companion, and now that she’s eating solids, food stains are our new challenge.

For routine baby messes like spit-up, drool, and minor diaper leaks, Parent’s Choice typically removes the stains completely in a regular wash cycle. I’ve been impressed by how well it handles milk proteins, which can be notoriously difficult to remove once set in.

For more stubborn stains like diaper blowouts, pureed carrots, or berry stains, I use a two-step approach:

1. I pre-treat the stain with a small amount of Parent’s Choice Detergent applied directly to the stain
2. I let it sit for 15-20 minutes before washing as usual

With this method, I’m able to remove about 90% of tough stains. For the most stubborn ones, adding an oxygen-based stain remover (which is safe to use alongside Parent’s Choice) usually does the trick.

One limitation I’ve noticed is with set-in stains that have been through the dryer. Like most detergents, Parent’s Choice struggles with these more permanent stains. This isn’t a criticism of the product specifically, but rather a reminder to tackle stains before they dry!

Overall, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the stain-fighting power of this gentle detergent. It strikes a good balance between being kind to baby’s skin and tough on the inevitable messes that come with infancy.

Is Parent’s Choice Detergent Eco-Friendly?

While Parent’s Choice doesn’t market itself primarily as an eco-friendly product, it does have some environmentally positive attributes. The detergent contains biodegradable surfactants and is phosphate-free, which is better for waterways than detergents containing phosphates.

That said, if environmental impact is your top priority, there are other detergents on the market that focus more heavily on eco-friendly formulations and packaging. Brands like Seventh Generation and Attitude offer baby detergents with stronger environmental credentials, though typically at higher price points.

Parent’s Choice comes in a recyclable plastic bottle, which is standard for liquid detergents. The concentrated formula means you use less product per load, which reduces packaging waste compared to more diluted products.

For my family, I view Parent’s Choice as a reasonable middle ground—not the absolute greenest option available, but certainly not environmentally harmful, and with the benefit of being affordable enough that we can dedicate resources to other eco-friendly choices.

If you’re concerned about environmental impact but are working with a tight budget, Parent’s Choice offers a reasonable compromise between affordability and eco-consciousness.

How Many Loads Does One Bottle of Parent’s Choice Detergent Clean?

According to the packaging, a standard 100-ounce bottle of Parent’s Choice Detergent handles approximately 64 loads of laundry. This calculation is based on using the recommended amount for a normal-sized load in an HE washing machine.

In practice, I find this estimate to be fairly accurate. Using the measuring cap provided, I get between 60-65 loads from each bottle, depending on load size and soil level. For heavily soiled items (hello, explosive diaper incidents!), I occasionally use a bit more.

For my family, one bottle typically lasts about six weeks, which translates to excellent value per wash. This longevity makes the already affordable price point even more attractive.

If you have a standard top-loading washer rather than an HE machine, you may use slightly more detergent per load, reducing the total number of loads per bottle. However, even with adjusted usage, Parent’s Choice remains economical compared to premium baby detergents.

The concentrated formula means a little goes a long way, which I appreciate both for value and for reducing packaging waste. Just be careful not to overpour—using more than the recommended amount doesn’t improve cleaning power and can potentially leave more residue on clothes.

Is Parent’s Choice Detergent Free of Dyes and Harsh Chemicals?

Yes, Parent’s Choice Detergent is formulated without harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive baby skin. It’s free from dyes, which can be potential skin irritants for some babies.

The detergent does not contain optical brighteners, which are chemicals that make clothes appear whiter by absorbing UV light and reflecting back blue light. While these aren’t necessarily harmful to all babies, they can cause reactions in those with particularly sensitive skin.

Parent’s Choice is also free from phosphates, which can be environmental pollutants. This is important to me not only for environmental reasons but also because I want to minimize Lily’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

The fragrance-free version contains no added scents, making it appropriate for babies with fragrance sensitivities. Even the scented version uses gentler fragrances than those found in standard adult laundry detergents.

While no mass-market detergent is completely “chemical-free” (even water is a chemical, after all), Parent’s Choice omits many of the harsher ingredients found in regular detergents while still maintaining effective cleaning power.

For parents concerned about chemical sensitivities, Parent’s Choice offers a good balance between effectiveness and gentleness. If your child has extremely severe sensitivities or allergies, you might consider detergents specifically formulated for medically sensitive skin, but for most babies, including those with mild to moderate sensitivities, Parent’s Choice works well.

Does Parent’s Choice Detergent Leave a Residue on Baby Clothes?

One concern I had when trying a less expensive detergent was whether it would rinse clean or leave residue behind on Lily’s clothes. Detergent residue can cause skin irritation and make fabrics feel stiff or scratchy.

I’m happy to report that when used as directed, Parent’s Choice Detergent rinses cleanly and doesn’t leave noticeable residue on baby clothes. The clothes come out feeling soft and clean, without any soapy film or stiffness.

A few tips to ensure residue-free results:

1. Use the correct amount of detergent for your load size and machine type—overusing can lead to residue buildup
2. Don’t overcrowd the washing machine, which can prevent proper rinsing
3. Consider an extra rinse cycle for particularly delicate items or if your baby has extremely sensitive skin

I’ve found that Parent’s Choice actually rinses more cleanly than some other detergents I’ve tried, including a couple of premium brands. This clean-rinsing quality is especially important for baby clothes since residue can potentially irritate delicate skin.

The lack of residue also means that baby clothes maintain their softness without needing fabric softener, which is generally not recommended for baby items anyway due to potential irritants.

Is Parent’s Choice Detergent Effective in Cold Water?

Energy conservation was important to me as a new parent, both for environmental reasons and to keep our utility bills manageable with all the extra laundry. I was pleased to discover that Parent’s Choice Detergent works effectively in cold water.

For routine baby laundry with light soiling, cold water washing with Parent’s Choice gets clothes perfectly clean while saving energy. I use this setting for most of Lily’s everyday clothes, bibs, and bedding.

For more heavily soiled items or stubborn stains, I occasionally use warm water, which can help the detergent work more effectively on tough spots. Even then, I usually do a cold pre-rinse to prevent proteins like milk or formula from setting into the fabric.

The cold-water effectiveness of Parent’s Choice is particularly valuable for delicate baby items that might shrink or wear faster in hot water. It’s also gentler on elastic in items like fitted crib sheets and stretchy onesies.

I’ve compared cold-water results to warm-water washing, and for most baby laundry, I can’t tell the difference in cleanliness. This cold-water performance makes Parent’s Choice not only budget-friendly in terms of purchase price but also in terms of energy costs.

Does Parent’s Choice Detergent Come in Scented and Unscented Options?

Yes, Parent’s Choice Detergent comes in both scented and unscented (fragrance-free) versions, giving parents flexibility based on their preferences and their baby’s sensitivity.

The fragrance-free option is completely without added scents, making it ideal for newborns and babies with known or suspected fragrance sensitivities. This was my initial choice when Lily was a newborn, as I wanted to be extra cautious during those early weeks when her skin was at its most delicate.

The scented version has a light, clean baby scent that’s noticeably milder than many other baby detergents. It leaves clothes smelling fresh but not overpowering. Now that Lily is older and has shown no sensitivity to mild fragrances, I sometimes use the scented version, especially for bedding and burp cloths.

Both versions clean equally well—the only difference is the presence or absence of fragrance. Some parents prefer the scented version because they associate the baby scent with cleanliness, while others prefer fragrance-free products as a matter of principle.

If you’re unsure which to choose, my recommendation would be to start with the fragrance-free version, especially for a newborn, and consider trying the scented version later if desired. Alternatively, you could use fragrance-free for clothes that directly touch baby’s skin and scented for items like bedding or parents’ clothes.

Are There Bulk or Value Packs Available for Parent’s Choice Detergent?

Walmart occasionally offers larger sizes or multipacks of Parent’s Choice Detergent, which can provide even better value for frequent users. These aren’t always available, but when they are, they’re worth considering if you have storage space.

I’ve seen 160-ounce bottles and sometimes two-packs of the standard 100-ounce bottles. These larger options typically offer a slight per-ounce savings compared to the standard size.

During major sales events like Black Friday or Walmart’s “Baby Days” promotions, Parent’s Choice products, including the detergent, are sometimes discounted even further. I’ve taken advantage of these sales to stock up when possible.

If you’re a member of Walmart+, their delivery subscription service, you might be able to set up automatic deliveries of Parent’s Choice Detergent, ensuring you never run out while potentially saving a bit more.

For maximum savings, I keep an eye on the Walmart app for sales and combine purchases with other baby essentials to reach free shipping thresholds when ordering online. Since having a baby means regular Walmart runs anyway, adding detergent to my standing order has been convenient.

My Personal Experience with Parent’s Choice Detergent

After eight months of using Parent’s Choice Detergent for all of Lily’s laundry needs (and often for our family laundry as well), I can confidently say it’s been a positive experience. The journey from skeptical first-time mom to enthusiastic advocate wasn’t immediate, but the detergent has proven its worth.

What I love most about Parent’s Choice Detergent is that it solves the classic parenting dilemma of having to choose between quality and affordability. With this product, I don’t feel like I’m compromising my baby’s comfort or health to save money—I’m getting gentle, effective cleaning at a price that makes sense for our family budget.

The transition from hospital to home with a newborn was overwhelming in so many ways, and the mountain of laundry was definitely part of that. Finding an affordable detergent that worked well for Lily’s sensitive skin was one small win during that challenging time.

I especially appreciate that I can use the same detergent for Lily’s clothes, our clothes, and household linens without worry. This simplifies our laundry routine and means I don’t have to keep track of separating loads by detergent type.

As Lily grows and her messes evolve (we’re now in the exciting world of solid foods!), Parent’s Choice continues to handle whatever laundry challenges come our way. From milk spit-up to pureed peas, the detergent has proven its versatility.

Final Thoughts: Is Parent’s Choice Detergent Right for Your Family?

Based on my experience and research, Parent’s Choice Detergent is worth considering for most families with babies. It offers an excellent balance of gentleness, cleaning power, and affordability that makes it suitable for many situations.

Parent’s Choice might be particularly right for you if:

• You’re budget-conscious but unwilling to compromise on gentleness
• Your baby has normal to moderately sensitive skin
• You prefer fragrance-free products or enjoy lightly scented options
• You shop at Walmart regularly
• You’re looking to simplify your laundry routine with one effective detergent

However, it might not be the perfect fit if:

• Your baby has severe diagnosed skin conditions requiring medically-recommended products
• You strongly prefer shopping at other retailers
• You prioritize eco-friendly packaging and ingredients above all other factors
• You prefer strongly scented laundry products

Finding a detergent that’s gentle on baby’s sensitive skin yet tough enough to handle stubborn stains is absolutely essential for new parents, and Parent’s Choice strikes this balance well for most families. The significant cost savings compared to premium brands is an added bonus that allows parents to direct their resources to other baby necessities.

My advice to new parents would be to give Parent’s Choice a try for non-essential items first if you’re concerned about potential sensitivity. If that goes well, you can transition to using it for all your baby’s laundry needs.

Parenting involves countless decisions, and finding products that work well without breaking the bank feels like a small victory. For our family, Parent’s Choice Detergent has been one of those discoveries that makes the challenging but rewarding journey of parenthood just a little bit easier.