Bath time is an essential part of any parent’s daily routine, not only to keep their little ones clean and fresh but also to create a special bonding moment with their baby. From those first baths when the baby is still very small, to those playful times when they learn to splash around and explore the world around them.
One of the essential products for bath time is baby shampoo and body wash. As soon as your little one has hair, you’ll need to have a gentle and safe product on hand to keep their locks clean and healthy. You want to make sure that the product you select is gentle and formulated specifically for your baby’s delicate skin and hair.
Whether you prefer a fragrant or fragrance-free product, a foamy or creamy texture, or a tear-free formula, or not, you’ll want to make sure you find a product that both you and your baby are comfortable using.
We’ll dive into the vast world of baby shampoos and washes, examining the pros and cons of different brands and providing you with expert tips and advice to make bath time a stress-free and enjoyable experience for you and your little one.
Our Top Picks
- Best Organic Baby Shampoo: Babyganics Baby Shampoo + Body Wash
- Best Baby Shampoo For Cradle Cap: Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel
- Best Budget-Friendly Baby Shampoo: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
- Best Baby Shampoo For Eczema: CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
- Best Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp: Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo
- Best Baby Shampoo And Body Wash: Babo Botanicals
- Best Baby Shampoo For Sensitive Skin: ELLAOLA Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
- Best Baby Shampoo For Curly Hair: Cantu Care for Kids
- Best Baby Shampoo For Hair Growth: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo
- Best Moisturizing Baby Shampoo: Puracy Shampoo & Body Wash
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Shampoos & Body Washes Picks
Babyganics Baby Shampoo + Body Wash – Best Organic Baby Shampoo
- Great Chamomile Verbena fragrance
- Foaming and hence easy to use
- It comes in a pump bottle
- Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, dyes, or synthetic fragrances
- Not fragrance-free
Baby shampoos are supposed to be gentle on a baby’s delicate skin, but many of them lack the foaming ability. Fortunately, Babyganics has developed a solution that allows for gentle but powerful cleansing with foaming properties.
This formula is specifically designed to be extra gentle, and free of typical irritants and allergens such as petroleum products, parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic colors or fragrances. The all-natural blend of five essential oils, including tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin, and red raspberry, offers essential antioxidants and supports healthy skin.
While this product is made with organic ingredients and has never been tested on animals, not all of the components are certified organic. Additionally, it comes in a convenient foaming pump that can be easily used with one hand.
Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel – Best Baby Shampoo For Cradle Cap
- It has a perfect scent and texture
- This bottle is very convenient and you can use it for a long time
- Great for sensitive skin
- Dermatologists tested
- Some might not be a fan of the scent
You can trust this washing gel to clean your baby because the company has higher formulation standards than industry norms. Harmful substances like parabens and phthalates are not present in this shampoo.
The formula has undergone extensive testing to ensure it is safe for your baby and won’t cause any adverse effects. It contains an avocado molecule that helps seal in moisture and protect your baby’s delicate skin barrier, preventing dryness. Vitamin B5 helps to thoroughly cleanse without stripping the natural oils from your baby’s skin and scalp. This makes it great for babies with cradle cap.
With 93% natural ingredients and no soap, this baby wash is gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. The tear-free formula won’t harm your baby’s eyes if the suds get in them.
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo – Best Budget-Friendly Baby Shampoo
- Smells good
- Bubbles up
- Great for dry scalps
- Affordable
- Can only use as a shampoo and not as a body wash
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo offers a gentle, mild clean during bath time that won’t cause any discomfort or irritation to your baby’s eyes. This shampoo is specifically designed for delicate scalps and fine baby hair, carefully eliminating dirt and germs while leaving your little one’s hair smooth, glossy, and sweet-smelling.
Its No More Tears formula is as gentle to the eyes as pure water, ensuring that your baby’s eyes won’t be irritated while bathing. This hypoallergenic, pediatrician-tested, tear-free hair shampoo is also free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes.
CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo – Best Baby Shampoo For Eczema
- It lathers up nicely and doesn’t leave any residue
- Will leave the baby’s hair feeling soft
- With the 2-in-1 formula, you can really quickly and easily wash your baby’s hair and body with just one product
- Rinses off quickly
- Can cause eye irritation
Collaborating with pediatric experts, CeraVe has created a baby wash and shampoo that contains 3 essential ceramides and vitamins that help maintain the delicate skin barrier of babies. This tear-free formula cleanses the skin and hair, leaving them feeling fresh and clean.
It is dermatologist-tested for infants and toddlers and is a convenient 2-in-1 product for quick baby washes. The mild body wash and shampoo are perfect for newborns, leaving minimal residue after rinsing and preventing skin from becoming dry.
Additionally, it is endorsed by the National Eczema Association, which has strict requirements for products suitable for those with eczema or sensitive skin conditions.
Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo – Best Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp
- Convenient pump bottle
- It is truly tear-free
- Good on rashes
- Rinses easily
- Has some synthetic chemicals
The Aquaphor baby shampoo and body wash mix includes chamomile essence and provitamin B5 to cleanse and soothe the baby’s skin without drying it out and wash the hair without irritating the scalp.
This baby shampoo is clinically proven to be gentle on infants’ delicate skin and scalp while producing a mild lather that rinses off easily. Additionally, the fragrance-free infant shampoo and wash are free from parabens and preservatives.
The pump bottle makes it easy for one-handed use during bath time. Each component in Aquaphor’s skin care products undergoes rigorous quality and safety testing.
Babo Botanicals – Best Baby Shampoo And Body Wash
- It is a big bottle
- Plant-based
- EWG verified
- Bubbles nicely
- Will still require a moisturizer or oil after a bath
This 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash is suitable for individuals of all ages, including infants, and provides gentle cleansing and moisturizing for the hair, scalp, and skin without any added fragrances. It has been verified by EWG and is formulated with natural oat protein, shea butter, and cocoa butter to restore softness and comfort to the skin.
Babo’s natural Nutri-Soothe Complex is included in the formula, which contains organic calendula and other organic ingredients that are specially prepared to soothe and nourish rough spots on the scalp. This product has been clinically tested and hypoallergenic under the supervision of dermatologists and pediatricians to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
ELLAOLA Baby Shampoo and Body Wash – Best Baby Shampoo For Sensitive Skin
- Clean ingredients
- Very gentle and smooth on babies
- It lathers up nicely and rinses off easily
- Doesn’t smell like anything
- A bit pricey
This shampoo is made with the finest plant-based ingredients, including a unique blend of marine algae for protection and hydration, as well as organic superfoods.
It contains no harsh sulfates that can strip moisture from delicate skin. Developed with the guidance of pediatric dermatologists and certified by EWG, USDA, and the National Eczema Association, it nourishes and strengthens your baby’s skin’s barrier.
The formula is tear-free and hypoallergenic, and a gentle coconut-based cleanser preserves natural oils on your baby’s skin.
Cantu Care for Kids – Best Baby Shampoo For Curly Hair
- Designed for curly hair
- Great scent
- Affordable
- Doesn’t leave hair greasy looking
- Not fragrance-free
Cantu Care for Kids offers a tear-free shampoo that is suitable for both naturally straight or textured hair, whether your child has just begun to develop waves or already has a head full of curls or coils. It is highly praised by parents for its ability to enhance curl definition and leave hair feeling soft.
The shampoo contains shea butter, honey, and coconut oil, which work together to provide much-needed moisture to dry hair. Additionally, it is free of harmful ingredients such as mineral oils, sulfates, and parabens.
However, individuals with sensitive skin should be aware that the scent and methylisothiazolinone, a component that can cause skin irritation, may be potential drawbacks of this shampoo.
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo – Best Baby Shampoo For Hair Growth
- Lovely smell
- Good consistency
- It’s not irritating
- Hypoallergenic
- It is not free from fragrance
This infant shampoo and body wash has been dermatologist-evaluated and is hypoallergenic. It is free of mineral oils, synthetic colors, and parabens, which can mimic estrogen in your baby’s body. The tear-free formula ensures that your baby’s eyes are not irritated during bath time. In comparison to tear-free solutions that contain lower levels of surfactant cleansers, it also produces a thick lather.
This also contains organic calendula, which reduces inflammation and soothes dry, irritated skin. Plus, this component provides the product with a natural, pleasant fragrance that is gentle on the skin.
Puracy Shampoo & Body Wash – Best Moisturizing Baby Shampoo
- Great for clearing out cradle cap
- Smells wonderful
- Light and not too harsh
- Pours easily
- It is expensive
This natural baby shampoo and body wash, developed by physicians, can effectively clean without the use of toxins or chemicals. It’s suitable for all skin types, including eczema and cradle cap-prone skin. The wash is made with food-grade plant and mineral-based ingredients and comes in a convenient pump bottle.
It’s free from petroleum-based compounds, sulfates (SLS, SLES, SCS), salicylates, parabens, animal byproducts (cruelty-free), fragrances, and dyes. One cup of water is all that’s required for thorough rinsing.
Fruit and vegetable-derived moisturizers provide nourishment, while vegan cleansers produce a soft foam. The wash has a refreshing scent of sun-ripened citrus trees with a light coastal breeze.
How To Choose The Best Baby Shampoo?
- Hypoallergenic: When it comes to the term “hypoallergenic,” it’s important to note that it’s not regulated, but many companies use it to indicate that their product is free of some of the most common irritants and is less likely to cause a skin reaction. For babies with dry skin, eczema, or allergies, a hypoallergenic baby wash is the best option.
- Fragrance: While some scents may smell nice, they can also cause sensitive skin to become dry and irritated. It’s a good idea to test a small amount of any product with a scent before applying it all over your baby’s skin. Some products may use essential oils or plant extracts to create natural scents, but these can still irritate delicate skin.
- Ingredients: Parabens, phthalates, and sulfates are common ingredients found in adult shampoos and body washes, but they can irritate or harm a baby’s delicate skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use baby-specific or sensitive skin products when bathing a newborn to avoid any potential skin reactions.
- Non-Drying: Babies are prone to skin dryness, as their skin tends to lose moisture much faster than adult skin. To prevent this, it is important to use a gentle cleaning product that will not dry out your baby’s skin while bathing.
How Is Baby Shampoo And Wash Different Than Regular Shampoo?
Baby shampoo and wash are formulated specifically for the delicate skin and hair of infants and young children. It is typically milder than regular shampoo and body wash to avoid irritating or harming the baby’s sensitive skin.
Regular shampoos and body washes may contain ingredients that can be too harsh for a baby’s skin, such as sulfates, fragrances, and dyes. These ingredients can strip the natural oils from the skin and hair, leading to dryness and irritation. In contrast, baby shampoos and washes are formulated with mild, non-irritating ingredients that are gentle on delicate skin and hair.
Baby shampoos and washes are also typically tear-free. This means that they are formulated to not cause stinging or irritation if they accidentally get into the baby’s eyes. Tear-free formulations use ingredients that are gentle on the eyes, such as surfactants that are less likely to irritate.
How Frequently Should You Bathe Your Baby?
Newborn babies don’t need to bathe every day as they don’t get dirty and may develop dry skin if bathed too frequently. Instead, a sponge bath with a damp washcloth is sufficient to keep them clean (1). As they grow older and start crawling and playing, they may require a bath two to three times a week in a bathtub, depending on how much they sweat and get dirty (2).
It’s important to note that over-bathing a baby can lead to dry skin and other skin issues. Also, excessive use of soap or shampoo can strip the natural oils from the skin, making it prone to dryness and irritation. As a general rule, it’s best to keep bath time short and avoid using too much soap or shampoo.
When Should I Stop Using Baby Shampoo?
Some children may continue to use baby shampoo well into their toddler years, while others may transition to regular shampoo earlier. As your child grows, their hair and scalp may change, and you may need to experiment with different types of shampoo to find what works best for them. It’s also important to consider any skin sensitivities or allergies your child may have and to choose a shampoo that is gentle and appropriate for their needs.
How Long Does Baby Shampoo Last?
The lifespan of baby shampoo primarily depends on the size of its container. Since newborns or infants with little hair require only a small amount of shampoo, such as a pea-sized quantity, a bottle of baby shampoo can last for a few months or even longer.
Additionally, bathing your baby every day is not necessary since it can strip their skin of essential natural oils and lead to dryness. However, as your baby grows and enters the toddler stage, you may need to increase the frequency of their baths and use more shampoo, which can result in shorter shampoo bottle lifespans.
