As parents, we baby-proof tables, corners, surfaces, cabinets, rooms, and stairs to keep babies safe, especially when they begin to crawl and walk!

But what about the products you use to clean with every day? 

From washing baby clothes to treating carpet stains, the cleaning products and their ingredients you use matter to create a truly baby-safe home.

That’s where Branch Basics for babies comes in!

From day-to-day messes to the big “oopsie daisies,” there are so many different ways you can use Branch Basics to clean up around and after baby safely and without any dangerous synthetic chemicals.

Key Takeaways 

• A baby's skin is very delicate and sensitive, so the ingredients found in your cleaning products and baby wash matter. Many conventional cleaners and baby washes contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that can irritate baby’s skin through contact, ingestion, or just by simply being around them. Branch Basics is designed as a baby- and human-safe cleaning system using only gentle, plant- and mineral-based ingredients.
  
• Branch Basics Concentrate can be used to clean a wide array of baby items – even baby! From washing baby’s clothes to cleaning strollers, high chairs, and floors, Branch Basics is a multi-purpose cleaning product that’s perfect for a baby-safe home.
  
• Even though Branch Basics is an ultra-gentle, baby-safe product, it’s best to keep it (and any other cleaning products for that matter!) out of reach, avoid ingestion or inhalation, and always supervise babies while cleaning.
  

Why Trust Branch Basics For Baby-Safe Cleaning?

When it comes to babies' delicate, sensitive skin, the products you use to clean with matter.

But what does it mean when we say Branch Basics is baby- and human-safe?

Put simply, “baby-safe” means the ingredients we use are ultra-gentle and safe for use on and around babies.

Typically, we describe Branch Basics products as “human-safe,” meaning our formulas contain only the safest, non-irritating ingredients designed for all humans, including the most vulnerable and sensitive. You’ll never find sulfates, chlorine, phosphates, phthalates, parabens, VOCs, and endocrine disruptors in any of our products. 

Our flagship product, the Branch Basics Concentrate, reflects our company's dedication to human-safe. It is formulated with only the most gentle, naturally derived ingredients, such as Organic Chamomile Flower Extract, Decyl Glucoside, and Coco Glucoside.

Coco Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside are from the family of alkyl glucosides, the only surfactants sanctioned by the EU Cosmetic Regulation as safe for use on pets, babies, and sensitive skin. Our glucosides are Ecocert and COSMOS approved for certified organic formulations. 

They are the most gentle, naturally derived surfactants and are commonly found in all-natural baby products on store shelves today. The glucosides are considered to be non-toxic, non-cumulative, do not contain any impurities from the production process, and therefore do not contain ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane. 

Then, we added Organic Chamomile Flower Extract, which is known for its soothing, nourishing, and healing properties, adding an extra layer of care to an already gentle formula.

Branch Basics Concentrate is a plant- and mineral-based multi-purpose cleaner that is fragrance-free, gluten-free, Non-GMO, cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny Certified, MADE SAFE® Certified, EWG Verified, biodegradable (just the formula, but not the packaging), human-safe, and made without any harmful preservatives.

All in all, it’s safe to say that you can trust Branch Basics for baby-safe cleaning!

Related reading: What Is Human Safe? Our Brand Promise 

10 Ways To Use Branch Basics For Babies

1: As A Baby Wash

For bathtime, you can use Branch Basics Foaming Wash to cleanse baby’s hands, body, face, and hair. It’s really that gentle and safe!

Our ultra-mild, non-allergenic formula makes Foaming Wash a safe baby wash option. We’ve combined two naturally derived surfactants, Coco Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside, plus Organic Chamomile Flower Extract, to soothe and nourish baby’s skin.

Part of the reason we chose Decyl and Coco Glucoside is that they’re often used in ultra-gentle and natural baby washes and shampoos.

To make Foaming Wash, combine 1 part Branch Basics Concentrate to 4 parts water in the refillable glass or plastic Foaming Wash bottle. Give it a shake, and you’re ready for bathtime.

To use:

1. Run baby’s bath as you normally would.
   
2. Add 1 or 2 pumps of Foaming Wash to a soft washcloth and gently wash baby’s hands, body, face, and hair.
   
3. Rinse.

Foaming Wash has so many personal care and cleaning uses for babies and beyond. Learn more in How To Use Branch Basics Foaming Wash: Complete Guide.

2: To Wash Baby Clothes

A baby's skin is delicate, making it much more susceptible to irritants and harmful chemicals often found in conventional laundry detergents, including optical brighteners, phosphates, fragrances, sulfates, VOCs, disinfectants, ethoxylated ingredients, and (unfortunately) more.

The best way to safeguard baby’s health is to avoid these harmful ingredients and opt for a human- and baby-safe laundry detergent, like Branch Basics Laundry.

Our Laundry Dilution, which is made by combining Branch Basics Concentrate with water, is ultra-gentle and safe enough to wash all newborn and baby clothing, including swaddles, onesies, socks, and even cloth diapers.

Branch Basics Laundry works great for babies because it’s formulated with gentle, hypoallergenic, human-safe ingredients, minimizing their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals that could irritate baby’s skin.

To confirm this, our products have undergone rigorous independent testing to reveal that Branch Basics is not an eye or skin irritant.

On top of that, Branch Basics Laundry is residue-free, meaning after washing, it doesn’t leave behind harmful and irritating residues on baby’s clothing.

To use*:

1. Pretreat any stains before washing baby clothes.
   
2. After properly pretreating, add the baby clothes to the washer drum.
   
3. For a small to medium-sized load, add ¾ to 1 capful of the Laundry Solution to the dispenser drawer for front-loading machines. Or, for standard machines, add it directly to the washing machine as it fills with water.
   
4. Wash on the delicate or gentle cycle.
   
5. Dry according to the garment’s tag. 

If you’re drying baby clothes in the dryer, swap the toxic dryer sheets for Wool Dryer Balls instead. Made from 100% wool, our Wool Dryer Balls are fragrance- and dye-free, non-allergenic, and are pesticide- and harmful chemicals-free – super safe for baby’s clothes and delicate skin.

*Note: For washing baby clothes, we recommend doing small loads or a double rinse cycle to ensure thorough rinsing. 

Related reading: The Best Baby-Friendly Laundry Detergent

3: To Clean Toys And Teethers

Babies use sucking, gnawing, and chewing to explore, soothe, and communicate. Because of this, everything ends up in their mouths.

Baby-safe toys and teethers are great for developing kiddos, as they promote and support their natural oral instincts. With regular use, or let’s face it, from being dropped on the ground, baby toys need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of harmful germs and bacteria. 

But because toys tend to go right back into their mouths right after you clean them, it’s important to choose a human-safe, all-natural soap, like Branch Basics Concentrate, to remove germs without harsh and toxic chemical disinfectants.

When conventional chemical products are used to clean baby toys, they do more harm than good. 

Daily or even occasional exposure to toxins via ingestion, breathing, and even touching can be extremely harmful for babies. In short, it’s best to avoid this at all costs!

Always avoid cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, SLS, SLES, and antibacterial chemicals, because what you clean with will also be going into your baby's mouth…yuck!

To clean baby toys with Branch Basics:

• For non-porous toys, spray with All-Purpose, let dwell a few minutes, then rinse and wipe clean.
  
• For porous toys, soak with water and 1 teaspoon of Concentrate. Let air dry.
  
• For plastic and rubber toys – those without batteries – you can run them through the dishwasher using our human-safe, fragrance-free, and plastic-free Dishwasher Tabs.

If baby has been ill, or you suspect harmful germs, bacteria, or viruses are present, you may want to sanitize toys and teethers. 

Consider using one of these natural disinfectants that actually work in 8 Best Natural Disinfectants for Everyday Use.

4: To Clean Carseats, High Chairs, And Strollers

Your baby spends most of their time in either a high chair, stroller, or car seat. And, with anything baby-related, these items are all susceptible to food and milk spills, blowouts, spit-up, and more!

Below are instructions on how to use Branch Basics to clean a car seat, high chair, and strollers.

Here’s how to clean a car seat using Branch Basics:

1. Vacuum out the inside of the car seat to remove any loose debris and food.
   
2. Remove all soft inserts, then spot-treat stains with All-Purpose and/or Oxygen Boost. Wash all inserts with either Branch Basics Laundry Dilution or Laundry Detergent, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let dry completely before putting the inserts back in the car seat.
   
3. Remove the seatbelts and clips. Spray with All-Purpose, gently scrub, then rinse and let air dry.
   1. Alternatively, for heavily soiled soft inserts and seatbelts, fill a large basin or bathtub with warm water. Add a scoop of Oxygen Boost and a capful of Branch Basics Concentrate. Stir to combine, then add all items. Let soak for 30 minutes or overnight. Rinse well.
4. Vacuum the car seat again to remove any food or debris stuck in the plastic crevices.
5. Spray the entire seat with All-Purpose or Bathroom (depending upon how dirty it is), and let dwell for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Give the plastic shell a good scrub, then rinse and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
7. Replace all seatbelts, clips, and soft inserts.

Here’s how to clean high chairs using Branch Basics:

1. Vacuum out the seat and tray for any loose food and debris.
   
2. Remove the tray and spray with All-Purpose. Let dwell for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe, rinse, and dry.
   
3. To clean the soft insert, spot-treat any stains, then wash with Branch Basics Laundry or Laundry Detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dry completely before adding it back to the high chair.
   
4. Spray the entire high chair with All-Purpose (chair, arms, legs, etc.) and wipe clean with a damp cloth or microfiber cloth.

Here’s how to clean a stroller using Branch Basics:

1. Take the stroller outside on a warm, sunny day to clean.
   
2. Vacuum out the seat, any storage spaces, and trays to remove any loose debris, dust, and crumbs.
   
3. If possible, remove the soft insert and spot treat stains. Then, wash using Branch Basics Laundry or Laundry Detergent, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let air dry fully before adding it back to the stroller.
   
4. Spray the entire stroller down with All-Purpose, even the tires! Let dwell for at least 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub, rinse with a hose, and let it air dry in the sun.
   
5. Replace all soft inserts.
   

5: To Remove All Manner Of Stains

No baby stain—we’re talking blowouts, baby food, spit-up, and the like—can stand up against the wonder of Branch Basics All-Purpose and Oxygen Boost.

The not-so-secret secret? Soak it and forget it!

Stain removal really is that simple. When you have any of the following stains, all you do is scrape or rinse away any loose debris, spray liberally with All-Purpose, add a sprinkle of Oxygen Boost, spray with All-Purpose to wet, gently agitate, then let it sit and work its magic. 

If needed, place garment in a bowl with water to cover and ¼ teaspoon Branch Basics Concentrate. Gently agitate and let soak overnight.

Use Branch Basics to remove stains on:

• Baby bibs
  
• Burp cloths
  
• Baby clothes (and, let’s face it, the spit-up or blowout stain that landed on yours, too!)
  
• Cloth diapers
  
• Baby blankets, crib sheets, quilts, and even crib mattresses
  
• Carseats, strollers, and high chair inserts
  
• Play mats and activity centers
  
• Baby pillows

The stain-fighting power doesn’t stop there! For all your stain-removal needs, check out How To Remove Stains Out of Everything With Branch Basics [Complete Guide].

6: To Clean Little Hands On-The-Go

Families with young children and babies are always on the go. From park playdates to grocery store runs, little hands touch lots of germy things in their world.

To keep their hands clean anytime, anywhere, take the Branch Basics Mini Foaming Wash along. It’s so small, it fits perfectly in a diaper bag, small purse, or backpack. 

To use, remove the cap, add 1 to 2 pumps into baby's hands, gently massage, lather, and rinse.

No water on hand? No worries! Just follow the above instructions, minus the rinse, and let dry.

Also check out our Travel Kit, which features our full mini line and includes everything you need to stay healthy and clean on the go. 

This easy, convenient, and TSA-approved kit includes a pre-filled 2 oz. Mini All-Purpose Spray, a pre-filled 1.7 oz. Mini Foaming Wash, and a 2 oz. Mini Concentrate.

Dive deeper into the difference between hand soap and sanitizer in Hand Soap vs. Hand Sanitizer: 4 Steps to Healthy Hands.

7: To Wash Cloth Diapers & Diaper Pails

Cloth diapering may take extra effort, but it’s an incredible way to avoid common toxins in diapers while reducing significant waste and saving money.

Cloth diapers require special laundry detergent to keep them absorbent, extra-clean, and to protect baby’s delicate skin.

The good news is, you can use Branch Basics Concentrate to clean your cloth diapers! 

First, set yourself up for success.

Step 1: Test the hardness of your water

Most houses in North America have hard water, which can cause serious buildup issues, resulting in ammonia-smelling diapers, leaks, or even ammonia burns on your baby. 

You can purchase water hardness test strips on Amazon or take a sample to a water softener service store, which many offer for free.

Step 2. If you have hard water, you can add safe, mineral-based water softeners, such as sodium citrate*, to the wash cycle.

Step 3. Optimize your loads for maximum agitation: You want enough diapers in your machine so they rub against each other. 

For a top loader, fill the drum with enough diapers so that you have 2-3” of water above the diapers when gently pressed down. 

For HE washers, it’s recommended that the drum be 2/3 to 3/4 full. You can even add water to the drum of your front loader if you feel your machine is too efficient and not using enough water.

How To Wash Cloth Diapers Using Branch Basics

Note: You may have to tweak this depending on your water conditions and washing machine)

1. Start with a short cold pre-wash using 3/4 teaspoon of Branch Basics Concentrate. Add 1-2 tablespoons Sodium Citrate if you have hard water, and 3 tablespoons for very hard water*, directly to the drum.
   
2. Bulk up the load, if needed, by adding towels or other items after the pre-wash.
   
3. Add 1 tablespoon of Branch Basics Concentrate.
   
4. Run on a long, hot wash cycle.
   
5. Turn off any extra rinse options (the rinse that normally comes with a main wash cycle is enough)
   
6. Tumble dry the inserts and hang dry the covers.

*Sodium Citrate is used in many laundry formulas. It is the ideal softener for cloth diapers. 

It is gentler than washing soda, borax, or carbonate-heavy formulas; has excellent water-softening properties; helps prevent ammonia issues; leaves zero residue; works with any detergent; won’t reduce absorbency; and provides maximum skin gentleness.

That’s it! For diaper stains, we’re big fans of sunning, which acts as a natural bleach while freshening the diapers.

Why don’t we recommend Branch Basics Laundry or powdered Laundry Detergent on cloth diapers? 

Because we’ve found that using undiluted Concentrate with Sodium Citrate (when applicable) works the best overall. 

Also, some babies may be sensitive to the enzymes in Branch Basics Laundry Detergent, so it's best not to risk it.

8. To Wash Bottles, Pacifiers, & Baby Food Makers

Everything that goes into baby’s mouth, or is used to make baby food, should be cleaned with products that are as clean and safe as possible – because what we clean with is just as important as how well we clean.

Using human-safe cleaners, like Branch Basics, reduces unnecessary exposure to chemicals that can harm your baby.

To wash baby bottles, use All-Purpose, Foaming Wash, or soak the bottles, rings, and nipples in 1 teaspoon of Concentrate with hot water. Hand wash and air dry.

For pacifiers, spray them well with All-Purpose (or the Mini All-Purpose for on-the-go), rinse, and wipe clean.

Baby food makers may require a more thorough cleaning. 

Rinse well and remove any loose debris or food chunks. Take the food maker apart and clean it according to the manufacturer’s directions. 

For handwashing, use All-Purpose, Bathroom, Foaming Wash, or 1 teaspoon Concentrate to soak. 

For food stains, add a scoop of Oxygen Boost, give it a good scrub, and rinse. Let air dry before next use.

Related reading: Our Take On Homemade Baby Food & BLW

9: For Carpet Stains & Cleaning

If you have carpets and rugs around the house, it’s important to keep them vacuumed and clean, especially when babies start crawling.

Plan to vacuum carpets regularly with a true certified HEPA sealed vacuum system to ensure contaminants, such as pollutants, toxins, allergens, chemicals, and heavy metals, are removed and trapped. This will safeguard your indoor air quality while protecting a crawling baby from dangerous contaminants hiding in carpet fibers.

For a deeper clean, spot check and treat any carpet stains*; because with crawling babies, carpet stains will happen! Then try using Branch Basics Concentrate in a carpet cleaning machine.

Check out 5 Go-To Natural Stain Removers for Carpets and Natural Carpet Cleaning & Care 101 for full instructions.

*Note: Always test Branch Basics in a hidden area first for colorfastness and compatibility.

10: To Clean Hard Floors

Babies lie, crawl, and play on floors, no matter what they’re made of. When you’re cleaning them, make sure you use a safe product that won’t harm them.

Many floor cleaners include a dangerous dry cleaning chemical called perchloroethylene, known to cause nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, and naphthalene, a carcinogen manufactured from coal tar that negatively affects the central nervous system. 

Two ingredients, among many others, you won’t ever want your baby exposed to while their body, brain, and immune systems are growing.

Branch Basics Concentrate is made with human-safe, plant- and mineral-based, environmentally friendly ingredients that are completely safe to use for cleaning hard floors.

To use:

Sweep or vacuum any loose dirt. There are 3 methods you can choose from when using Branch Basics on hard floors:

1. The spray-as-you-go method with a lightly dampened microfiber floor mop is the recommended method for cleaning hardwood floors. Give the microfiber a couple of light sprays of 1/8-1/4 teaspoon Branch Basics Concentrate mixed with 2 cups of water and mop. Do not directly spray the floors.
   
2. Bucket & mop method using Concentrate, a bucket of water, and a mop - this method is great for use on most tile, vinyl, and cork floors.
   
3. Steam or spray mop method using Concentrate in a steam or spray mop, diluted with water. This is great for most hard floors.

For full details and instructions, check out Our Ultimate Guide to Natural Floor Cleaning, where we also go deeper into the best cleaning methods for different types of hard floors.

Common Sense Precautions When Using Branch Basics For Babies

Although Branch Basics is a safe and natural product, it’s always best to use caution when cleaning and storing it with a baby in the house.

It’s important to understand that Branch Basics may require dwell time, usually just a few minutes for general cleaning jobs, to remove dirt, dust, and germs effectively. This means you’ll have to keep an eye on the baby, or keep them in a contained, supervised area where they can’t crawl into your cleaning area.

You shouldn’t let your baby ingest any cleaner, including plant- and mineral-based cleaners, like Branch Basics. Additionally, if you’re cleaning with Oxygen Boost, do not let the baby or anyone else inhale the powder, as even natural powders will irritate the lungs.

For storage, even though our products are natural and human-safe, make sure all Branch Basics products are stored on a high shelf or in a closet where your baby cannot reach or access them.

Ready To Create A Safe Haven For Your Family? Branch Basics Can Help

Babies bring so much love and joy to your family, and, of course, their fair share of messes that require regular cleanup. 

Choosing products that are gentle and baby-safe helps ensure those sweet, everyday moments are clean while supporting a healthy, happy home.

We hope this article has given you the information you need to help you choose and use Branch Basics for babies. Cleaning with our ultra-gentle, baby- and human-safe, non-irritating formula will help you create and support a safe haven for your entire family for many years to come.

Learn more about truly human-safe living in Transition to Non-Toxic Living: 8 Tips for a Healthier Home.

If you’re ready to jumpstart your baby- and human-safe journey, be sure to check out our Premium Starter Kits (available in glass or plastic), which come with everything you need to clean your home, baby toys, strollers, and even baby! 

Each kit comes with a full-size all-in-one Branch Basics Concentrate and five refillable bottles to make your own All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak Free, Laundry, and Foaming Wash. You’ll also receive a full-size bag of our popular Oxygen Boost (which is great for baby blowouts)!

For more tips and advice on creating a safe haven for your family, check out:

• Our Favorite Baby-Friendly Cleaning Products
  
• The Ultimate Safe & Natural Baby Registry Guide: Essentials for New Parents | Branch Basics
  
• Our Favorite Non-Toxic Baby Toys for Development & Growth
  
• How to Choose the Best Safe Baby-Friendly Laundry Detergent