Newborn babies are tiny, but they sure do generate a lot of laundry! Using special baby detergent to launder baby's clothes can become quite costly. Is it necessary? Not always. In fact, sometimes baby detergent doesn't eliminate the stains and odors on your baby's clothing as well as you would like. Consider washing your baby's things with the rest of the family's. Opt for liquid detergents -- they typically work for all types of clothing -- and don't be afraid to use stain-removing detergents for tough loads. Before making the switch to regular detergent, however, test just one article of clothing to make sure it doesn't cause irritation to baby's tender skin. If your baby has allergies, eczema, or atopic dermatitis --  or if she just seems to have sensitive skin -- continue to use baby detergent or switch to a less-expensive detergent that doesn't contain colors or fragrances, such as Tide Free or All Free & Clear. If you are using cloth diapers, it is recommended that you continue to launder them separately and refrain from using harsh detergents, which can cause diaper rash. To effectively and safely wash cloth diapers, use a mild, fragrance/color-free detergent. And even though you may like the smell of fabric softener, avoid using it -- the fragrances may cause irritation. Instead, deodorize your laundry by adding a cup of baking soda to each load. Use hot water, and double rinse each load. Hang outside to dry (the sun is nature's bleach), or put the diapers in the dryer to soften them (again, without softener sheets). Keeping your baby clean and comfortable may take an extra step or two, but it's worth it. Nothing smells better than a clean baby. Which is better? The fresh, outdoor scent of line-dried clothes or the softness that comes only from the dryer? Share your thoughts. Read The laundry room for more information about washing baby clothes.