How to Choose a Baby Wash
Here are a few important things to consider when trying out any new product on your newborn:
Skin Conditions
- For babies with eczema, look for special washes that are designed to minimize irritation and calm flare-ups.
- When in doubt, always contact your pediatrician for advice.
Sensitivity
- Babies skin is much more sensitive than that of older children and adults. Choosing a product with gentle ingredients that is designed to keep your baby’s skin moisturized will minimize sensitivity.
Made for Babies
- It is not recommended to use soaps and shampoos intended for adults and older children on babies, because their skin cannot handle many of the ingredients. Soap is very drying and can strip moisture from babies’ skin quickly.
Baby Washes to Try
Best Overall Baby Wash: Johnson’s Bedtime Baby Bath with NaturalCalm Aromas
What is it?
Johnson’s Bedtime Baby Bath is a baby wash designed for older babies, starting at age 7 months. This body wash has a calming scent, and is designed to help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, when used with Johnson’s 3-step bedtime routine.
We chose Johnson & Johnson’s Bedtime Baby Bath as our top pick because it’s hard to beat a baby wash that has such a calming scent, and when paired with their proven 3-step bedtime routine to get babies to sleep longer? Hands-down, the Bedtime Baby Bath takes the cake.
Why we love it:
- Created for older babies from 7-36 months who are ready to sleep for longer stretches at night
- Gentle fragrance creates a calming environment without being too intense
- Johnson’s ‘No More Tears’ formula doesn’t hurt babies’ eyes
- Has a great, long-lasting lather
- Leaves skin soft and moisturized
- Offers a matching lotion which can be added to the routine
What we didn’t love:
- The pump can be difficult to manage with one hand when keeping a squirmy baby safe in the bathtub
Who is this the best baby wash for?
This is best for older babies who get a bath as a part of their bedtime routine. The calming scent is ideal to help babies settle in for the night, and can be paired with a lotion in a matching scent for a soothing baby massage before bed.
Best Overall Baby Wash: Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract
What is it?
Aveeno Baby Gentle Body Wash & Shampoo is a gentle cleanser that can be used on babies of all ages. This pediatrician-recommended formula with oat extract and moisturizing properties is a safe option for sensitive newborn skin.
Why we love it:
- Subtle fragrance isn’t overwhelming
- Natural oat extract nourishes babies’ delicate skin
- Tear-free formula won’t cause irritation if it runs into baby’s eyes
- Gentle enough for everyday use
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Some mamas use it for the entire family, including older children and even themselves.
What we didn’t love:
- Doesn’t provide a great lather
- Some mamas saw increased issues with baby acne when using this product
- Smaller sizes don’t come with a pump
Who is this the best baby wash for?
This is a gentle formula designed for daily use on delicate skin, making it the best body wash for newborn babies.
Best 2-in-1 Baby Wash: The Honest Company Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
What is it?
The Honest Company Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a two-in-one baby body wash and shampoo. Designed to keep your baby’s skin moisturized and their hair soft, this hypoallergenic option is created with mostly natural ingredients.
Why we love it:
- Available in four fragrances: Lavender, Sweet Almond, Sweet Orange Vanilla, and Fragrance-Free
- Fragrances are derived from natural sources including essential oils and botanicals
- Provides a great lather and cleanses well without causing dryness
- Uses natural ingredients and oils to cleanse and moisturize the skin
What we didn’t love:
- The fragrance disappears from baby’s skin and hair almost immediately
- The pump can be sticky and difficult to use
- Not recommended for babies under 3 months without consulting a doctor
Who is this the best baby wash for?
Naturally-minded mamas who are looking for a cost-effective option for their family.
Best Natural Baby Wash: Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
What is it?
Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a plant-based formula without any unnecessary ingredients. Their ingredient list has nothing hidden, and breaks down every item so you know exactly what you’re putting on your little one’s skin.
Why we love it:
- Awarded “Best Baby Skincare Products” by the BUMP in 2018
- 95% natural, plant-based, and toxin-free formula
- Natural fragrance derived from essential oils and natural ingredients
- Plant-based cleanser features coconut oil and sea salt
- Extensively-tested to ensure the product is tear-free
- Fresh citrus scent
What we didn’t love:
- More expensive than some of the alternatives, but they do offer a subscription option with 15% savings
Who is this the best baby wash for?
Mamas who want plant-based, toxin-free products for their baby’s delicate skin.
Best Baby Wash for Eczema: Cetaphil Baby Eczema Calming Wash
What is it?
Cetaphil Baby Eczema Calming Wash is designed to provide lasting moisture and protection for your baby’s sensitive skin. This baby wash is specifically designed to provide relief for skin that is prone to severe dryness or eczema.
Why we love it:
- Provides long-lasting relief for itchy, irritated skin
- Fragrance-free
- Uses Filaggrin technology to help the skin retain moisture
- Dermatologist-tested and found to be suitable for atopic dermatitis and eczema-prone skin
- Many mamas who are prone to dry skin themselves also use this as a gentler alternative to hand soap
What we didn’t love:
- Can be difficult to locate the product locally, and often has to be purchased online
Who is this the best baby wash for?
This is the best body wash for sensitive skin. It is also useful for those who live in dry climates where additional moisture is needed in the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I give my baby a bath?
If your baby’s umbilical cord is still attached, you should only give a sponge-bath—lay them on a clean towel on the group and use a warm cloth to bathe them. Once the cord has fallen off, you can bathe your baby in the kitchen sink or a baby bathtub, and in your bathtub once your baby is older with a bath support seat.
You can also shower with your baby if you are comfortable doing so, just be sure to use a floor mat to provide extra traction, keep their face away from the stream of water, and use warm water rather than hot.
What water temperature is best for my baby’s bath?
The Mayo Clinic recommends a bath water of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit for your baby’s bath. You can check the water with your elbow or wrist if you don’t have a thermometer handy (these Rubber Ducks are cute if you need one!). The water should be comfortable to touch and NOT hot.
Always run cold water through the tap quickly after filling if you are bathing your baby in the sink for safety, and do not add water when baby is in the bath.
