There's nothing like that sweet baby smell. But with all the spit-ups, food smeared everywhere and dreaded diaper blowouts, your baby may not always be so fresh. Regular baths can help remove dirt and bacteria, and keep his hair and skin healthy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you bathe your baby about three times per week during the first year, as bathing too often can dry out your little one's skin.
Choosing the best baby shampoo
Whether your baby is born bald or with a full head of hair, it’s important to keep his scalp clean with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Your go-to shampoo might give you luscious locks, but the chemicals in it could be too harsh on your baby’s skin.
“Baby shampoos contain milder ingredients than those found in adult shampoos, so they won’t irritate a baby’s eyes and skin,” says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Ideally, you should look for formulas that contain natural, plant-based ingredients, says Dr. Jaliman, including:
- Fruit oils, such as raspberry and avocado oil
- Chamomile extract
- Sunflower seed oil
Steer clear of shampoos made with harsh chemicals that could irritate your baby’s skin. These include:
- Parabens, or chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics
- Phthalates, or chemicals found in plastic
- Dyes
- Sulfates, specifically sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is commonly found in household cleansers
- Added fragrances or perfumes, which can cause irritation or trigger an allergic reaction
You should also look for a product that’s tear-free (meaning it won’t irritate baby’s eyes) and formulated for sensitive skin.
Keep in mind, however, that just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it can’t cause a skin reaction in a baby, says Dr. Jaliman. If you think that your baby may be allergic to a particular ingredient, call your pediatrician.
Choosing the best baby wash
“You shouldn’t use regular soaps on your baby’s skin because many of them are too drying, and they can contain perfumes or other allergens which can irritate the skin,” says Bruce Robinson, M.D., a board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
When choosing baby wash, keep the following in mind:
- Use a tear-free formula to avoid irritating your baby’s eyes.
- Hypoallergenic washes are best for babies with dry skin, eczema or allergies.
- Ideally, you should stick with unscented baby washes because products with fragrance can cause allergic reactions, says Dr. Robinson. If you must have a scent, opt for a wash that is naturally scented and mild.
- Avoid products that contain dyes or harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates and sulfates. Alcohol (which may be listed as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) is another ingredient to avoid. “It can cause dryness, irritation, rash and breakouts,” says Dr. Robinson.
- Avoid lavender bath and body products for babies and children, especially lavender essential oil. The ingredient has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning it could affect baby's hormones and development.
There are different types of baby shampoos and washes on the market:
- Baby shampoos that are just for cleaning the hair and scalp
- Baby washes that are designed to clean baby’s body
- Multitasking formulas that do both jobs
How we made our picks for the best baby shampoos and washes
These shampoos and washes made the cut based on whether they followed the guidelines above. Then, we analyzed the options based on popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use. We also sought out feedback from pediatricians, and What to Expect staff and contributors road-tested baby shampoos and washes at home. And, of course, we consulted real parents. We checked the reviews of parents in the What to Expect community for their feedback on the baby shampoos and washes they love the most.
Here are our favorite shampoos, washes and two-in-one products to keep baby fresh and clean.