Bathtime is an exciting moment for babies and toddlers. From splashing around to playing with bath toys, it’s a fun and enjoyable activity for little ones. However, parents need to be cautious when selecting the right bath wash for their children. With so many different products on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the safest and healthiest option.
Many bath washes contain harsh chemicals and toxins that can be harmful to a baby’s delicate skin. This is why it’s crucial to pay close attention to the product’s ingredients list and research its potential effects on your child’s skin.
To help make your decision easier, we have done extensive research and analyzed the best baby washes. We have also taken into account the feedback and opinions of mothers who have used these products and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.
Our Top Picks
- Best Baby Wash Overall: Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Baby Wash
- Best Natural Baby Wash: Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash
- Best Smelling Baby Wash: Mustela Baby Cleansing Water
- Best Baby Wash For Eczema: Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Cream & Body Wash
- Best Baby Wash & Shampoo: Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
- Best Foaming Baby Wash: Babyganics Baby Shampoo + Body Wash
- Best Baby Wash For Bubble Bath: Gro-To Sud Bud Natural Gentle Bubble Bath
- Best Baby Wash For Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
- Best Baby Wash For Baby Acne: Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Washes Picks
Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Baby Wash – Best Baby Wash Overall
- The smell is very good
- Gentle on baby’s skin
- Not scented
- Doesn’t leave residue
- It takes two hands to squirt a little shampoo into your palm
We like the Baby Dove Baby Wash due to its gentle and safe components that are soothing to the skin. This wash is designed with 100% skin-natural nutrients, which are similar to those naturally found in the skin.
Additionally, it contains prebiotic moisture that helps to replenish the vital moisture and nutrients that your baby’s skin may lose during bath time.
The baby wash produces a rich, creamy lather that hydrates your baby’s skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Furthermore, the wash is tear-free, hypoallergenic, and provides a calming chamomile fragrance that helps to soothe your baby’s mood during bath time.
Dermatologists and physicians have tested and recommended this product, giving you peace of mind knowing that you are using a product that is gentle and safe for your baby’s skin.
Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash – Best Natural Baby Wash
- Very gentle
- It leaves baby’s skin clean and super soft
- Rinses with no residue
- Cruelty-free
- It is not tear-free
The Earth Mama is made with calendula, a natural astringent, and other organic herbs and oils. It is a foaming cleanser that has been dermatologically tested and is used in NICUs. This mild soap can be used for all cleaning tasks, including on your baby’s hair and skin. It is free of triclosan, artificial fragrances, preservatives, phthalates, and sulfates.
Castile soap is known for its powerful germ-fighting abilities and is an essential household cleaner, even though it is gentle enough for people. You can use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean everything from bathroom bowls and bathtubs to kitchen countertops and sinks.
You can also create a quick, non-toxic fruit and vegetable wash by combining a small amount of soap with water in a spray bottle.
Mustela Baby Cleansing Water – Best Smelling Baby Wash
- Easy to use
- There’s a good amount in the bottle to last you a while
- Great for sensitive skin
- Works for baby acne as well
- Not fragrance-free
Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Water is not technically a wash but it allows you to quickly cleanse your baby’s skin when away from home or in between baths. It consists of 98 percent plant-based components and micellar water that gently dissolves dirt without the need for rinsing.
The inclusion of an avocado molecule helps to seal in moisture and protect the delicate skin barrier of your baby, while vitamin B5 ensures thorough cleaning without stripping your baby’s skin and scalp of its natural oils.
This baby wash is free of soap that can potentially dry out your baby’s sensitive skin. Additionally, the tear-free formula ensures that the suds will not cause discomfort to your baby’s eyes.
Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Cream & Body Wash – Best Baby Wash For Eczema
- Little to no scent
- A thick and lotion-like texture really coats the skin while still rinsing off easily
- Specially formulated for eczema
- Great for sensitive skin
- Pricey, but a little goes a long way and for those that really suffer, the cost is usually not an issue
The Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash is a non-foaming and calming formula that helps relieve dry and itchy skin associated with eczema. It utilizes clinically tested Eczema Relief moisturizer technology and a gentle cleansing method to reduce irritation and itching that may result from bathing.
The low-pH formulation contains 2% Colloidal Oatmeal for added protection and calming benefits. This eczema body wash cream is suitable for daily use on your baby’s delicate skin, and it acts quickly without causing any fragrances, dyes, or soap.
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo – Best Baby Wash & Shampoo
- Does not dry out baby’s skin
- Moisturizing
- Soothes skin very well
- Clean scent
- Not fragrance-free
Aveno products are a popular choice for those seeking gentle skincare solutions, and many of their products have been endorsed by the National Eczema Association for use on eczema-prone skin.
This baby wash and shampoo contains natural oat extract to soothe sensitive skin and maintain moisture. Babies with eczema often experience intense itching and discomfort, but the oat extract helps to alleviate their sensitive and irritated skin.
This is soap-free but still effectively cleanses the skin without stripping away moisture, which could exacerbate eczema symptoms. It has a mild fragrance, but those with extremely sensitive skin may find it irritating.
Babyganics Baby Shampoo + Body Wash – Best Foaming Baby Wash
- The easy-to-use foam makes quick lathering on the baby’s body and hair
- Truly tear-free
- Can be used (though you need a ton) as a bubble bath in a pinch
- Washes off fast without leaving the skin feeling soapy
- No see-through line to see how much is left
Babyganics has managed to create a formula that cleanses powerfully yet gently and retains its lathering properties, making it ideal for babies delicate skin. Unlike many other baby bath products, it creates a rich foam that effectively cleanses without being harsh.
This mild formula is free of typical allergens and irritants, such as petroleum products, mineral oils, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors, and fragrances. One of the natural ingredients used in the formulation is a unique blend of five essential oils – tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin, and red raspberry – which provide essential antioxidants and promote healthy skin.
While this product is made with organic ingredients and is never tested on animals, not all of the components are certified organic.
Gro-To Sud Bud Natural Gentle Bubble Bath – Best Baby Wash For Bubble Bath
- The packaging is adorable
- A good amount of bubbles
- Gives a good lather
- Not harsh on the skin
- Some parents noted the smell is too strong
The Gro-To Sud Bud Gentle Bubble Bath is a versatile product that functions as a shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath. The plant-based formula was designed to moisturize, soften, and soothe your child’s skin, in addition to its attractive packaging.
This gentle cleanser is perfect for older babies and toddlers who enjoy playing in the bathtub, and it’s sure to become a favorite during bath time. We love its delightful scent of orange, coconut, and a hint of sweet honey.
It is free of silicones, sulfates (SLS, SLES), and parabens. It also doesn’t contain PEGs, petrolatum, or mineral oils (Polyethylene Glycol). Additionally, it’s free from GMOs, synthetic colors, and fragrances. It has been dermatologically tested to ensure that it’s hypoallergenic and non-irritating.
Cetaphil Baby Shampoo and Body Wash – Best Baby Wash For Sensitive Skin
- Lovely smell (because half the fun of bathing babies is how delicious they smell)
- Good consistency
- Cetaphil is a known brand recommended for not messing with your skin too much
- It does not irritate the baby’s skin
- Not fragrance-free
Cetaphil, a brand recommended by dermatologists, pediatricians, and skin care specialists, has a range specifically designed for infants, providing high-quality, non-irritant skin care.
This hypoallergenic baby shampoo and body wash has been evaluated by dermatologists and is free from mineral oils, parabens, and synthetic colors that may mimic estrogen in your baby’s body. Its tear-free formula ensures that your baby’s eyes are not irritated during bath time, while still generating a thick lather.
The body wash includes organic calendula, which has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes dry, irritated skin. It also provides a gentle and natural fragrance that is renowned for its gentle effect on the skin.
Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo – Best Baby Wash For Baby Acne
- Good on rashes
- Great on sensitive skin
- No scent at all
- Lathers really well
- Not foamy
The gentle formula of this baby wash is designed to be kind to your little one’s delicate skin and hair. It doesn’t contain any harsh cleansing agents that could cause irritation, and it lathers softly and rinses off easily, leaving no residue that could dry out the skin.
Infused with panthenol and chamomile, it also helps to soothe and calm inflamed skin, which is particularly beneficial if your baby has acne or other skin conditions. Moreover, it’s fragrance-free and preservative-free to avoid further irritation of sensitive skin.
The product comes in a handy pump bottle that allows for one-handed use while holding your baby in the other arm.
How To Choose The Best Baby Wash?
- Ingredients: A mild formula that is gentle on your baby’s skin and doesn’t strip away natural oils is ideal. Opt for baby washes that contain moisturizing components to soothe and prevent dryness, while also being gentle or soap-free to avoid irritation.
- Scent: The scent of baby shampoos can also play a role in your decision, with natural chemicals and oils being the healthiest options unless you choose fragrance-free. For instance, lavender is a popular natural smell that can promote relaxation. It’s best to steer clear of strong-scented soaps since newborns often have sensitive skin that may react to certain smells.
- Foaming: While older children may enjoy bubble baths, it’s important to choose a baby wash that is not too foamy. Foaming agents, or surfactants, can be too harsh for a baby’s delicate skin and lead to dryness. Look for formulas that have milk or gel consistency over lather-heavy ones to ensure a gentler cleansing experience.
- Skin Type: Consider your baby’s skin type when selecting a baby wash. If your baby has sensitive skin or suffers from eczema, choose a baby wash that is specifically designed for sensitive skin.
How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?
For newborns, you can give a sponge bath 2-3 times a week until the umbilical cord stump falls off and the navel heals. Once the navel has healed, you can start giving a regular bath two to three times a week. As your baby grows and becomes more active, you can increase the frequency of baths to daily or every other day.
If your baby has dry skin or eczema, it’s best to limit baths to every other day or even twice a week. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests using soap sparingly for newborns and advises against using it every day, as soap may cause dryness to the baby’s skin (1).
What Baby Wash Do Hospitals Use?
Many hospitals use mild and fragrance-free baby washes to minimize the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions in newborns. One commonly used brand is Johnson’s Baby, specifically their Head-To-Toe wash, which is clinically proven to be gentle and mild for a baby’s delicate skin. Other hospital-grade baby washes may include Aveeno Baby, Cetaphil Baby, and Mustela Baby, among others.
Which Scents Are Good For A Baby?
When it comes to scents for babies, it’s best to opt for natural, mild fragrances that won’t be overwhelming or irritating to their delicate skin. Here are some scents that are commonly considered safe and pleasant for babies:
- Chamomile: Another calming scent, chamomile is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe skin irritations.
- Vanilla: A warm, comforting scent that many babies enjoy, vanilla can also have a calming effect.
- Coconut: This tropical scent can evoke happy, sunny feelings and is often used in baby products for its moisturizing properties.
- Citrus: Light, fresh scents like lemon or orange can be uplifting and energizing, but make sure to choose a product with a gentle, natural fragrance rather than a synthetic one.
We recommended avoiding lavender essential oil for babies and children since studies have indicated that it can act as an endocrine disruptor, potentially impacting the child’s hormones and growth (2).
