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If you want a gentle baby shampoo for your child’s delicate hair, here’s our list of the best shampoos for babies to help you choose the right one. Babies need special shampoos that do not irritate the skin and eyes for a comfortable bathing experience. Although available easily, many of them might contain harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde which might harm your little one. We have researched several products to suggest to you some tried-and-tested ones that are made of chemical-free, child-safe ingredients. With mild fragrances, these shampoos from trusted brands gently wash your baby’s hair and treat scalp issues without hurting. However, choosing the right shampoo can be challenging with various products available. So, browse our list of products and check out their features and benefits to choose a shampoo that suits your child’s requirements.
Top Picks
When To Start Using Shampoo On A Baby?
You can start using shampoo on your baby when they are around two months old.
Safety Tips For Using Baby Shampoo
- Use warm water: Cold water can make the baby ill, whereas hot water is not suitable for their delicate skin. Check with your elbow or wrist to ensure it’s just the right amount of warmth. It will allow you to prevent any hot or cold patches of water as long as you mix it well.
- Keep everything handy: You might be holding your baby against the knees or putting them down on the changing mat, but that doesn’t mean you can take your eyes or hands off them for more than a second. To make bath time more convenient, keep everything you need within arm’s reach, from shampoo and body wash to towels, nappies, and fresh clothes.
- Don’t wash too often: Babies don’t need to have their hair washed every day as baby skin and scalp are sensitive, and washing too often can result in dryness of scalp. Giving them a shampoo bath twice or thrice a week is sufficient.
11 Best Baby Shampoos For A Tear-Free Bath In 2024
Being a parent, we know that you want nothing, but the best for your baby. But with seemingly endless offerings in the market, choosing one shampoo can give any parent a hard time. To help you, we have come up with a list of top shampoos for your baby.
1. Best Gentle Fragrance: SheaMoisture Baby Wash and Shampoo
SheaMoisture Baby Wash and Shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse and hydrate the baby’s skin. It keeps the skin soft and smooth with the 100% virgin coconut oil, and Murumuru butter and sweet pea infused into the formula give it a delicate fragrance. The shampoo is cruelty-free and is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and petroleum. You may check out this review video to learn more about this safe and effective baby shampoo with coconut oil.
Pros
- Contains natural and gentle ingredients
- Soothes baby’s skin
- Gentle formula
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for curly hair
- An affordable option
Cons
- Bottle may not be user-friendly
- Some may find the consistency watery
"It suits my baby’s sensitive skin well and cleanses her body thoroughly. It's also very hydrating and washes off easily. Plus, she seems to like its subtle coconut fragrance."
2. Best Dye-Free:Cerave Baby Wash And Shampoo
Formulated with key ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this gentle body wash and shampoo strengthens your baby’s skin barrier while retaining the skin’s moisture. It is accepted by the National Eczema Association, making it a safety-tested and trusted choice for babies with sensitive skin. It rinses without leaving behind any residue and keeps your baby’s skin hydrated and supple.
Pros
- Developed with pediatric dermatologists
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Sulfate- and dye-free
- Free of parabens and phthalates
- Tear-free formula
Cons
- May not lather well
- May make hair greasy
"Its fragrance-free formulation was the first thing to attract me to it. It does not create a rich lather, yet it removes the dirt and oil from my little one’s skin without stripping the natural moisture barrier. Hence, I plan on sticking to it."
Do remember3. Best Tear-Free: Mamaearth Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
This is one of the gentlest shampoos you can use on your baby. The mom-approved formula is free of toxins, making it safe for your baby’s extra delicate scalp, and the shampoo’s tear-free formula ensures a gentle and enjoyable cleansing experience. And as the moisturizing baby shampoo is infused with jojoba oil, aloe extract, calendula extract, and coconut-based cleansers, it leaves your baby’s hair soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Pros
- Non-allergenic and tear-free formula
- Soothes dry scalp
- Prevents irritation
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- May have a slightly strong fragrance
- May not be suitable for dry hair
SheaMoisture Baby Wash and Shampoo Best Gentle Fragrance | CeraVe Baby Wash And Shampoo Best Dye-Free | Mamaearth Gentle Cleansing Shampoo Best Tear-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly | All | All |
| Dimensions | 2.68 x 2.68 x 6.52 inches | 2.01 x 3.5 x 7.52 inches | 2.01 x 3.5 x 7.52 inches |
| Weight | 12.96 Ounces | 1 Pounds | 1 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,132 | 147 | 10,351 |
| Price | $6.99 | $17.94 | $9.53 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Sensitive Skin: California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo And Body Wash
This safe and effective baby shampoo for sensitive skin is an excellent pick for your little one. The soothing key ingredients of the shampoo are perfect for infants with sensitive or irritated skin. This mommy-approved baby shampoo with calendula is also enriched with the goodness of aloe vera to hydrate the hair and scalp.
Pros
- 100% plant-based
- Free of nasty chemicals
- No added fragrance
- USDA-certified
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- May not suit eczema-prone skin
- Bottle may be smaller than you expect
"This product hasn't caused any itching or irritation, and its fragrance-free formula has suited my baby's needs. It also keeps dryness at bay with its aloe vera content. Plus, the safety it ensures with its organic ingredients and ultra-purified water make it worth it."
5. Best Soap-Free: Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 12,050 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
Aveeno’s baby wash and shampoo is perfect for your darling. The soap-free, hypoallergenic, and tear-free baby shampoo is enriched with natural oat extracts for gentle cleansing. And as the scent of the shampoo is mild, it does not irritate your baby’s tiny nostrils.
Pros
- Smooth consistency
- Suitable for normal and sensitive skin
- Soothing and nourishing formula
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
Cons
- Some may not like the smell
6. Best Soap-Free: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
The baby shampoo from the trusted brand Johnson’s leaves your baby’s hair feeling clean and soft with its tear-free formula. It gently rinses the hair and scalp while ensuring no eye and skin irritation. The tear-free baby-friendly shampoo leaves behind no residue and makes your little one’s hair look healthy and shiny. Further, it has a mild and calming scent of avocado.
Pros
- Soap-free formula
- Rinses quickly and easily
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Clinically proven to be hypoallergenic
Cons
- Consistency may be a little too thick
- May not get rid of buildup
Quick tip7. Best Fragrance-Free: Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Fragrance Free Shampoo & Wash
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 2,866 reviews on Amazon.
The fragrance-free baby shampoo and wash by Burt’s Bees is a popular and trusted choice of moms and dads. It is a tear-free and natural baby shampoo containing the goodness of plant-based ingredients such as soy proteins and oat proteins. This review video of the fragrance-free product will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Protects and nourishes the skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Suitable for daily use
- Pediatrician-tested
- Free from parabens, phthalate, SLS, and petrolatum
Cons
- Pump may be flimsy
- May not lather as expected
"Incorporating this cleanser into my baby's bath routine has been a blissful experience. Its texture and smell soothe my child and keep him squeaky clean without side effects. However, I can't carry it while traveling because the bottle sometimes leaks. Still, it has been a lovely purchase."
8. Best Dermatologically Tested: Chicco – No Tears Gentle Shampoo
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 1,567 positive reviews on Amazon.
It is a dermatologically tested and tear-free baby shampoo enriched with pot marigold to prevent hair tangling and glycerine to condition and nourish the hair and scalp.
Pros
- Rinses off quickly
- Gentle on the baby’s hair and scalp.
- Paraben- and SLS-free
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Some may not like the smell
- Bottle may be smaller than you expect
Quick tip9. Best Pediatrician-Recommended: Aquaphor Baby Wash & Shampoo
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 5,003 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
Here’s a pediatrician-recommended baby shampoo with chamomile for your little one. It has a mild and natural fragrance that comes from the chamomile extract infused in the formula. The extra gentle and tear-free body wash cum shampoo with added provitamin B5 is baby-friendly and all that your precious little one needs for a head-to-toe bath.
Pros
- Paraben- and dye-free
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Convenient pump bottle
- Rinses off quickly
Cons
- May not lather well
- May not be hydrating enough
10. Best Plant-Derived: Pipette Baby Shampoo And Body Wash
Count on this plant-derived baby shampoo to make your baby’s bathing time a tear-free affair. Infused with rich ingredients, such as sugarcane-derived squalane and Pogostemon cablin leaf oil, this shampoo nurtures your baby’s hair and skin without exposing it to synthetic chemicals. It also leaves your baby’s hair and skin hydrated minus any irritation. The sulfate-free baby shampoo is suitable for sensitive skin and is tested to ensure it is clean and hypoallergenic.
Pros
- Free of synthetic fragrances
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- EWG-verified
- Dermatologist-tested
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Infused with plant-based ingredients
Cons
- Some may not like the scent
- Pump may not work well
"I got this shampoo for its clean, plant-based ingredients; it keeps my baby's hair, scalp, and skin healthy without any allergic reactions. Also, it's not sticky or greasy, which is a plus. It has worked well so far."
11. Best For Everyday Use: Cetaphil Baby Wash And Shampoo
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,741 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
This moisturizing shampoo cleanses the baby’s hair and leaves it squeaky clean. It is formulated with calendula, aloe vera, and vitamins E and B5. Moreover, it is clinically tested and is free of parabens, colorants, and mineral oil, making it ideal for everyday use. The dermatologically tested and tear-free formula is a good alternative to conventional soaps and shampoos for babies. Take a look at this video to learn more about this baby shampoo with aloe vera.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisturizing and soothing formula
- Cleansing formula
- Ideal for everyday use
Cons
- Bottle may not be user friendly
- Some may not like the slightly strong fragrance
"This baby shampoo has been an effective solution for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. It is gentle on my little one's skin and has kept it moisturized and free of flare-ups. Make sure you use a controlled amount, as it lathers a lot. Besides that, it is a top choice."
How To Choose The Right Shampoo for Babies?
Consider the following factors when choosing the right shampoo for babies.
- List of ingredients: Read the label carefully to determine if the product contains safe ingredients. It is a necessary step to check for any toxic chemicals that might harm your baby’s health. To avoid this, you can use an all-natural or organic baby shampoo compatible with babies’ delicate and sensitive skin.
- Opt for tear-free: Tear-free formulas are designed to shield children’s eyes, so they don’t cause irritation and spoil their bath time. This is a must-have feature for all soaps or shampoos you use for your baby.
- Healthy pH balance: Shampoos designed for babies will take care of their pH balance, which is 5.5 when they are newborns. Opting for pH-balanced baby shampoo is great for the skin as they promote healthy development and keep skin issues at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is baby shampoo better than regular shampoo?
Unlike regular shampoos, reputable baby shampoos are thoughtfully formulated without harsh chemicals and are highly water-based to suit the baby’s delicate skin and hair needs. Regular shampoos can irritate the baby’s eyes, mouth, and skin.
2. Do babies need shampoo?
Shampooing the baby’s hair twice or thrice a week can ensure a clean and healthy scalp and hair. Shampooing can also help tackle or prevent cradle cap (1).
3. Is baby shampoo safe?
As a thumb rule, baby shampoos that contain chemicals that are not recommended for children’s skin might not be safe (2). However, mild shampoos that are developed by pediatrics, enriched with a tear-free formula, and free of dyes, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals, are safer for babies.
4. How often should I bathe a newborn?
As newborns don’t sweat much and have delicate skins, they shouldn’t be bathed daily. It’s ideal to not bathe them more than thrice a week till they turn one year old (1).
5. When can I start using shampoo on my baby?
Most babies can be bathed with mild bathing washes as soon as they are four to six weeks old (3). Since most baby washes are mild and gentle, they can also be used as shampoo during the bath (1). If your baby has sensitive skin, it’s better to consult your pediatrician to know the right time and routine.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have reviewed the best shampoos for your baby after analyzing each product on factors like formula, fragrance, and ability to cleanse the scalp gently. The description of each product is also based on user reviews to help you pick the right one for you and your baby. With in-depth research, our curated list contains only the best products in the market compiled after comparing and analyzing several items.
The Bottom Line
The best shampoos for babies are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that gently cleanse your little one’s scalp. With various options, picking a shampoo that suits your baby may be challenging. To help you make the right choice, we have listed dermatologically tested shampoos that do not contain any harmful ingredients, such as parabens, colorants, and phthalates. Further, they contain a tear-free formula and natural extracts. Our top picks include the Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo for daily use and gentle cleaning and the Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, which offers a hypoallergenic and soap-free formula. When choosing a shampoo, check for any allergens to prevent allergic reactions and avoid those that may not be favorable for your baby, especially those with strong fragrances. We like the Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash, which is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
Infographic: How To Keep Soapy Water Away From Baby’s Eyes?
Keeping a little one from splashing around during bathtime can be a mammoth task for parents. Even accidental splashing of soapy water into the eyes can make the little one uncomfortable. The infographic lists some tricks that can help you keep soapy water away from the baby’s eyes during shampooing. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Bathing Your Baby
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx - How Safe Are Children’s Shampoos?
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350216822_How_safe_are_childrens_shampoos - Bathing Your Baby:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/early-parenthood/caring-for-your-new-baby/bathing-your-baby
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