Who doesn’t like a soothing and relaxing bath after a long tiring day?
I bet everybody needs one.. Including babies!
However, bathtime might turn into a nightmare when your kid has sensitive skin and doesn’t feel comfortable after the bath..
Luckily, though..
With the different brands and kinds of baby shampoo, you will definitely find one that suits your baby and meets your expectations!
In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about baby shampoos, including:
- What makes a good baby shampoo
- In-depth review of the best baby shampoos
- Detailed buyers’ guide
- ..and a lot More!
One of the best bonding times with your baby is during bathtime, so try to make it a soothing and relaxing time as much as you can!
…and we are here to help you with your choice.
Let’s get started with our review now..
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- Introduction
- 1 – Cetaphil Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
- 2 – Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash and Shampoo
- 3 – Aveeno baby shampoo and wash
- 4 – Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
- 5 – Barebaby Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
- 6 – Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo
- 7 – Puracy Natural Shampoo & Body Wash
- 8 – The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo Body Wash
- 9 – Cantu Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo
- 10 – CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
- Buyers’ Guide: How To Choose Baby Shampoo
- FAQ
- Our Verdict: Best Baby Shampoo
- Conclusion: Best Baby Shampoos
Introduction
When To Use Shampoo On Your Baby
Babies don’t get stinky as adults do, so you don’t have to bathe them every day. But we all know that accidents happen, where their diapers blow out or leak, food gets all over their body, and milk covers their tiny face, nick, and hair!
Most parents run to the bathtub once any of these scenarios occur.
While your baby is still a newborn, you can wash him only with water and a soft sponge, especially if the umbilical cord is still there!
After your baby’s first month, you can try a few drops of baby shampoo to clean his body and hair. Usually, baby shampoos are suitable to use from head to toe.
Make sure not to use too much of the shampoo to save their protective skin oils as much as possible.
Over time, your baby grows more hair on his head, and you can start using a little more shampoo to get them clean.
Always remember that your baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than that of an adult. So get a gentle shampoo that is 100% baby-friendly to avoid dried or irritated skin.
Different Types of Baby Shampoo
- Baby shampoo for hair and scalp
- Baby body shampoo
- Head to toe baby shampoo
- Other baby shampoo works for a bubble bath too
Baby Shampoo Ingredients (To Avoid)
Then again, the baby’s skin is more sensitive and prone to some skin issues, like eczema or itchy skin.
To avoid causing and skin-related problems, we highly recommend you use a kid’s shampoo that is free from irritant ingredients, which are:
- Harsh chemicals like Parabens and Phthalates.
- Formaldehyde
- Fragrance and dyes
- Sulfates
- Alcohols
Whatever baby shampoo you use, we recommend you keep it away from your baby’s eyes as much as possible.
If you see that your baby’s eyes are getting irritated after each bath, try using a tear free shampoo..
A rule of thumb: never leave the shampoo within reach of your baby – even if you use a baby one!
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1 – Cetaphil Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
Best Gentle Baby Shampoo
Bottom Line: This is a hypoallergenic baby shampoo that keeps your baby’s delicate skin moist and prevents dryness.
Pros
Hypoallergenic formula
Gentle and soft on baby’s skin.
Works for eczema-prone skin
Cons
The fresh scent might not suit everybody
This Cetaphil baby wash and shampoo is suitable to use from head to toe, leaving the baby’s hair soft and the skin moist.
Most importantly, it is tear-free for a more comfortable bath.
Most parents appreciate the gentle touch that this shampoo leaves on their baby’s skin, keeping it moist and preventing dryness issues.
Above all, it is perfect for sensitive baby skin..
The shampoo formula contains Calendula (extracted from marigold flowers) that soothes, moisturizes, and softens the baby’s skin.
Besides, it is a hypoallergenic shampoo and dermatologist tested to be soft and safe for babies.
In terms of the ingredients, this shampoo doesn’t contain parabens, mineral oils, or colorants to prevent irritating your baby’s sensitive skin.
Oh, don’t forget the fresh scent that is light and durable, making your baby smell good all day long.
2 – Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash and Shampoo
Best Hypoallergenic Baby Shampoo
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a hypoallergenic shampoo that is gentle and soft on your baby’s skin, look no further.
Pros
The plastic package is 100% recyclable
Tip to toe baby care
Cons
Some sensitive babies got rash after using this shampoo
The smell might not suit everyone
This tip-to-toe baby wash and shampoo by Dove is hypoallergenic and very gentle on babies’ skin.
This is a safe product that replenishes and nourishes your baby’s fragile skin and keeps it moisturized and soft.
Most importantly, it contains NO harsh chemicals, like parabens, dyes, phthalates, and sulfates.
Besides, this shampoo is tested by pediatricians, ophthalmologists, and dermatologists.
Most parents appreciate this shampoo’s formula; it is creamy and rich, cleans your baby’s skin, and leaves it soft, hydrated, and moisturized.
But only that..
It is a no-tears baby shampoo that makes bath time fun and a comfortable thing to do!
3 – Aveeno baby shampoo and wash
Best Overall Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
Bottom Line: This is a perfect shampoo to use for your baby every day. It keeps your baby’s skin soft, fresh, and hydrated.
Pros
Perfect for everyday use
Keeps the skin soft and hydrated
Cons
The fragrance might not suit everybody
I bet everyone used – or at least – tried one of the Aveeno products for themselves or their kids..
Aveeno baby shampoo and body wash is one of the parents’ favorite shampoos, where the whole family enjoys using it.
The natural oat extract (from oat kernel) makes the formula gentle on babies’ hair and skin. It soothes and moisturizes the skin with every single use!
Best of all, this moisturizing baby shampoo doesn’t dry your baby’s skin..
The shampoo lathering formula is rich and contains a light smell to keep your baby smelling fresh all the time.
What’s more?
The ph level in this shampoo is balanced to keep the baby’s skin healthy. Besides, it is hypoallergenic and contains no soap, phthalates, parabens, phenoxyethanol, or sulfates.
Last but not least,
Dermatologists and pediatricians recommend this shampoo; it is tear-free, suits babies with sensitive skin, and is perfect for everyday bathing.
4 – Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
Best Affordable Baby Shampoo
Bottom Line: If you want to use a trusted shampoo that works for everyone, look NO further.
Pros
Suitable for the whole family
Hypoallergenic and Pediatrician-tested
Truly tear-free formula
Cons
The pump is not durable
Might cause dryness
Well, who doesn’t know about Johnson’s Baby products?
Many parents rely on this trusted name in the baby world when choosing their baby’s items and care products, including this great shampoo…
It is a gentle formula that is mild and doesn’t irritate the baby’s skin or eyes!
Besides, it works perfectly for adults and babies at the same time! Leaving soft, shiny, and clean hair…
Above all,
..it is a hypoallergenic formula that is also pediatrician-tested and contains no phthalates, dyes, sulfates, or parabens.
5 – Barebaby Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
Best Organic Baby Shampoo
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a safe and organic baby wash and shampoo to use for your baby, then this is a good option for you.
Pros
Works for sensitive babies
Cleans well
It works for adults too
Organic and natural ingredients
Cons
It might dry out the hair
The smell is not pleasant for everybody
This organic and multi-purpose baby shampoo works for babies with eczema, sensitive skin, and cradle cap.
The best part is the non toxic ingredients. It is free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, fragrances, synthetic, and dyes.
On the other hand, it contains natural and organic materials like kiwi, Aloe Vera, ginger, cucumber, and more!
Not only that…
Essential oils are also part of the ingredients; the grapefruit and orange oils combination make this shampoo smell good.
I bet you will fall in love with this shampoo from the first time you try it on your baby!
6 – Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo
Best Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo
Bottom Line: If you are battling cradle caps with your little one, then give this shampoo a try!
Pros
Softens and reduces baby’s cradle cap flakes
The pump dispenser is great for an easy use
Newborns safe
Cons
It might turn the scalp red after use
Not for sensitive skin
If you have an infant and want to prevent or reduce cradle cap, we highly suggest you try this shampoo by Mustela.
It is a foam formula that gently cleanses and takes care of your baby’s scalp. Besides, it is a soap-free shampoo, and most of its ingredients are natural to suit newborns better.
Most importantly, it is tear-free and contains Avocado Perseose, making it a perfect shampoo for cradle cap flakes.
Above all, it is free from harsh chemicals, like Paraben, Phthalate, and Phenoxyethanol.
To get the best out of it, apply a little bit of the formula on your baby’s wet hair, massage the scalp smoothly for around 2 minutes, rinse it carefully, and then dry the hair gently.
7 – Puracy Natural Shampoo & Body Wash
Best Natural Baby Shampoo
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a baby shampoo with natural ingredients, look no further. It is suitable to use for babies from day one until toddler years.
Pros
Best Toddler Shampoo
99.5% naturally derived ingredients
Soy free formula
Cons
Not tear-free
On the expensive side
Less durable pump
This award-winner Puracy natural baby shampoo is suitable for your baby from newborn to toddler.
The best part?
Almost most of the ingredients are natural, making it perfect for all skin types.
Parents whose kids have eczema, sensitive skin, or cradle cap can use this baby shampoo to keep their baby’s skin clean, soft, and smooth.
The citrus is a pretty light scent, keeping your baby’s smells fresh all day and night long.
Most importantly, It is free of any harsh chemicals or dyes..
Besides, the formula produces thick, rich, and long-lasting foam for better cleaning and works perfectly for a bubble bath.
Keep in mind, though,
It is NOT a tear-free formula, so avoid eye contact with this shampoo to prevent eye irritation scenarios.
8 – The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo Body Wash
Most Calming Baby Shampoo
Bottom Line: If you are a fan of the lavender scent and want to keep your baby’s skin (and yours) moist all day long, then this shampoo is right for you.
Pros
It doesn’t over dry the skin
Perfect for the whole family
Gentle enough to use every day
Cons
Not for sensitive skin
The lavender scent might not suit everyone
This No-tears shampoo by The Honest Company is perfect for an everyday bath without caring about drying your baby’s skin.
What you will appreciate in this mild shampoo is that it is tear-free and gentle enough to use every day.
Besides, it is always good to know that this 2-in-1 shampoo is free from Cruelty, parabens, aluminum, or sulfates!
Most importantly, free of any harsh chemicals that irritate sensitive skin.
Best of all,
It is a family shampoo, where adults are welcome to use this natural shampoo to keep their hair and skin healthy.
9 – Cantu Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo
Best Baby Shampoo For Curly Hair
Bottom Line: If your kids have curly, textured, or mixed hair and want a nourishing shampoo, look NO further.
Pros
Perfect for textured hair
Cons
Coconut scent might not suit everyone
Some parents reported hair dryness after using it
If your baby has curly hair, we highly recommend you give this shampoo by Cantu a try!
It is doing great in cleaning coils and curls, leaving them fresh and soft!
Like most other baby shampoos, this one is also tear-free to keep bath time enjoyable for your little one!
Now, the secret of being perfect for textured hair relies on its formula; this shampoo contains coconut oil, honey, and shea butter!
Above all, it is a gentle, nourishing shampoo!
10 – CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
Best Baby Shampoo For Eczema
Bottom Line: If your baby’s skin is sensitive and you are looking for a shampoo that offers the utmost care, this one is right for you.
Pros
Approved by the National Eczema Association
Gentle and powerful cleanser
Works for dry scalp
Cons
It might leave the hair greasy
The bottle doesn’t come full
This baby shampoo by Cerave is perfect for everyday use. It is developed with pediatric dermatologists to provide babies with the utmost care.
It is a hypoallergenic shampoo that is tear-free and doesn’t irritate the skin.
Plus, it is free of phthalates, dyes, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, making it suitable to use on the face and body as well.
The best part?
It is a good cleanser that leaves skin clean, fresh, and hydrated without ruining the baby’s skin barrier due to combining the three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E.
Above all, this shampoo is suitable for baby’s who have eczema.
Buyers’ Guide: How To Choose Baby Shampoo
With many options available on the market from different brands, you may get overwhelmed about which shampoo is best for your baby.
In this section of the article, we will walk you through a buyer’s guide to help choose a suitable and safe shampoo for your little one:
Baby’s Skin Type:
It is highly recommended to know your baby’s skin type before you purchase the baby shampoo.
Some babies are more sensitive than others, have dry scalp, or prone to eczema and rashes. If this is the case with your kid, you have to pick a shampoo that meets his needs accordingly.
Shampoo ingredients:
When it comes to baby shampoo, always go with the one that has natural ingredients. Natural products keep your baby’s skin healthy and clean, while those with chemical ingredients are not the best to use for babies.
Chemicals are harmful to the baby’s skin and might cause skin irritation, dryness, or other significant issues! Besides, natural ingredients moisten the baby’s skin and hair and keep them shiny.
All things considered, organic shampoos are what most parents are using for their babies now.
Baby shampoos with organic ingredients suit all hair types; they nourish the hair, protect it from sun effects, and improve its texture.
No Tear Formula:
Again, babies are sensitive, especially when it comes to their eyes!
Some shampoo brands use eye-irritating ingredients to make their formula, which causes eye redness or itchiness.
To keep your baby safe, always look for mild or tear-free baby shampoos.
Fragrance-free Shampoo:
Fragrances don’t suit all babies! They are harmful to the baby’s scalp, hair, and body.
Some of these fragrances negatively affect the hair’s smoothness and texture!
Natural PH Balance:
The PH of a product determines its acidity (or alkalinity). When you choose your baby’s shampoo, look for a neutral pH level, which is not too acidic or too alkaline.
Using natural ph shampoo keeps your baby’s scalp and skin healthy, clean, and moist.
Alcohol and Dyes Free:
Babies and kids’ shampoos must always be free from alcohol to keep their hair and skin smelling good, shiny, and soft.
Most pediatricians recommend you avoid using any alcohol-based products on your baby.
Alternatively, most baby shampoo brands use Aloe Vera and chamomile to substitute alcohol and make it suitable for kids and babies.
On the other side, shampoos with dyes are not recommended for newborn babies, as they might cause serious health issues that you can avoid by using safer products.
Babies’ skin and scalp are sensitive to dyes. Thus, it is essential to go with dyes-free shampoos
Expiration Date:
Baby Shampoos have a limited shelf life, and expired shampoos are not advisable for babies. So, we highly recommend you check the expiration date before making your purchase.
FAQ
Q1: Which shampoo is best for babies?
– Cetaphil Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
– Puracy Natural Shampoo & Body Wash
– The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo Body Wash
– Cantu Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo
– Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo
– Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash and Shampoo
– Barebaby Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
– Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
– Aveeno baby shampoo and wash
– CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
Q2: Is baby soap or baby wash better?
Baby body shampoo and soaps are equally suitable to use for babies. They both work and get the job done, as long as they meet the safety standards.
Q3: What is the best baby shampoo for a cradle cap?
Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo is the best option to prevent and treat your baby’s cradle cap. Most parents agreed on getting positive results in just a few days after using it.
Q4: When to switch from baby shampoo to kid shampoo?
The best time to let your baby use the kid’s shampoo is when he can wash himself independently without getting the shampoo in touch with the eyes. Usually, this is feasible at the age of 8 or 10 years.
Q5: Is baby shampoo better than regular shampoo?
Adults’ shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate, while baby shampoos use amphoteric surfactants. They are both cleaning ingredients, but the one used on adults’ shampoo is harsher than that on baby shampoos. Some adults prefer to use baby shampoos to keep their hair soft and moist.
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Our Verdict: Best Baby Shampoo
As you can see,
Choosing a suitable shampoo for your baby is not a one-minute decision to make, especially if your kid has sensitive skin.
Besides, there are many different brands to choose from, and each of them offers something new to the table..
We reviewed the 10 Top Baby Shampoo that most parents recommend to keep your baby’s skin and hair and skin healthy, clean, and soft.
Our comparison is based on the overall performance in terms of value for money, Sensitive skin suitability, Moisturizing, and Scent.
All you need to do now is to pick the one that suits your baby the most.
Take a look at the next part below…
| Product | Rating out of 5 |
| Cetaphil Baby Shampoo & Body Wash | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Aveeno Baby Shampoo and Wash | ⭐ 4.25 |
| Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash and Shampoo | ⭐4.25 |
| CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Barebaby Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Johnson’s Baby Shampoo | ⭐ 3.75 |
| Puracy Natural Shampoo & Body Wash | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo | ⭐ 3.5 |
| The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo Body Wash | ⭐ 3.25 |
| Cantu Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo | ⭐ 3.25 |
Conclusion: Best Baby Shampoos
This is the last section of this article..
We covered everything you need to know about each reviewed baby shampoo to help you choose a suitable one for your kid.
That’s said, it is time to present our Top Pick, Best Value, and Editor’s Choice options to you.
- The Top Pick goes to: Cetaphil Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
- The Best Value goes to: Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash and Shampoo
- The Editor’s Choice goes to: Aveeno baby shampoo and wash
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in finding a suitable baby shampoo.. Best of luck with your choice!
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