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Baby skin is sensitive and prone to dryness. So, we have created a list of the best baby lotions for your little one’s after-bath routine. Good-quality body lotions provide gentle care to your child’s skin and protect it against dryness, irritation, and moisture loss. Since a baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive to irritants like harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, you should choose a lotion made from soothing ingredients. However, choosing the right lotion can be challenging with various available options. So, explore the products listed below to find a suitable lotion.
Top Picks
Why Does A Baby Need A Lotion?
Baby lotions help by locking in the skin’s moisture and keeping the skin hydrated. A baby’s skin is extremely sensitive, since it is thinner when compared to adults (1). It might make the skin more prone to losing moisture. Dry skin can cause rashes, itching, infection, and so on. Baby lotions can help lock the skin moisture and keep it hydrated.
Types Of Baby Lotions
Baby lotions are formulated to suit the sensitive skin of babies. These lotions are hypoallergenic, so your baby is safe from any allergic reaction. While hunting for lotions, you will learn that baby lotions come in three different forms, namely lotion, cream, and ointment.
- Lotions: Unlike an adult body lotion, these are less greasy and extremely light on the skin.
- Creams: These are known to nourish the skin and keep the moisture intact.
- Ointments: High in moisture content, these can effectively nourish the skin and protect it from dryness. However, these could be extremely thick and greasy.
Which Lotion Will Suit Your Baby?
Baby lotions are mostly used to keep your baby safe from the painful effects of the following skin conditions.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin is caused due to environmental factors and lack of moisture. Lotions lock in the skin moisture and ensure that the skin does not get itchy or flaky even in dry conditions.
- Eczema: Eczema is a common skin condition amongst babies. It irritates the skin and makes it itchy. Ointments or lotions for eczema-prone skin provide the required moisture to solve your baby’s itching problems.
- Diaper Rash: Another common condition amongst babies, diaper rash is caused due to overexposure to wet diapers. Ointments lock out the skin moisture and prevent rashes.
- Baby acne: Babies can have acne too. This condition causes painful red bumps on the skin. You will find several creams for babies that help treat baby acne, but it is best to seek a doctor’s advice on this condition.
Best Time To Apply The Lotion
Here, you can follow the adult mantra of moisturizing the skin when it is damp. The skin is moist after a bath, and adding lotion over it can provide effective hydration. This practice helps lock the moisture and keep dryness away.
17 Best Baby Lotions For Soft And Healthy Skin In 2024
1. Best Pediatrician-Recommended: Johnson’s Moisturizing Pink Baby Lotion
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 639 good reviews on Amazon.
Enriched with coconut oil, this pediatrician-recommended baby lotion offers 24-hour nourishment to your baby’s sensitive skin.
Pros
- Coconut oil hydrates and replenishes the baby’s skin.
- Safe-to-use and baby-friendly formula is free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, and phthalates.
- Hypoallergenic and does not cause skin irritations or allergies.
- Climate-pledge friendly
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for some
- Pump may not work well
2. Best Hypoallergenic: Eucerin Baby Body Lotion
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 507 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
Eucerin Baby Body lotion is enriched with the goodness of natural shea butter that softens skin and protects it from dryness.
Pros
- Contains pro-vitamin B5, which effectively hydrates skin.
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of fragrances, parabens, dyes, and alcohols.
- Dermatologist-recommended and pediatrician-tested baby lotion.
Cons
- May not suit delicate skin
- May not have a thick texture
"My baby's skin accepted this lotion well. It even helped with minor burns and made the scarred area disappear on regular application. It is fragrance-free and soaks in post-bath, leaving my baby's skin nourished. I have no regrets about sticking with this one."
3. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Johnson’s Bedtime Baby Lotion with NaturalCalm Essences
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 508 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Unlike other generic lotions, this bedtime baby lotion with NaturalCalm aromas has been formulated not just to moisturize your baby’s skin, but also soothe your baby to sleep.
Pros
- Calming and soothing fragrance is infused with the goodness of lily, jasmine, rose, water ivy, and apricot, which help induce sleep.
- Hypoallergenic and safety-tested baby lotion formula is free of harmful dyes, sulfates, and parabens, and does not cause skin irritations or allergies.
- Pediatrician-recommended and dermatologist-tested lotion gently moisturizes your baby’s skin for up to 24 hours.
- Non-greasy and absorbs quickly.
Cons
- May lead to skin breakouts for some
- Scent may be overpowering for some
Johnson's Moisturizing Pink Baby Lotion Best Pediatrician-Recommended | Eucerin Baby Body Lotion Best Hypoallergenic | Johnson's Bedtime Baby Lotion with NaturalCalm Essences Best Dermatologist-Tested | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.23 x 4.76 x 9.34 inches | 3.31 x 1.58 x 8.7 inches | 2.14 x 4.76 x 9.25 inches |
| Weight | 1.75 Pounds | 13.5 Ounces | - |
| Weight | - | - | 1.75 pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 639 | 507 | 508 |
| Price | $7.68 | $9.78 | $10.28 |
4. Best Moisture-Rich: Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Body Lotion
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 281 fine reviews on Amazon.
Nourish your baby’s skin with this moisture-rich body lotion by Dove. Recommended for newborns and up, the Dove body lotion is formulated without dyes, phthalates, or parabens. It is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested, making it a safe and trusted choice for your little one’s sensitive and gentle skin.
Pros
- Safety-tested lotion
- Contains skin-natural nutrients
- Hypoallergenic
- pH-neutral
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a strong fragrance
- May leave a greasy residue
"My little one's delicate skin improved after I switched to Baby Dove. Although not fragrance-free, the hypoallergenic feature is attractive. It provides hard-to-find characteristics and soft skin from the first application. Hence, this product gets the nod of approval from this mother."
Quick tip5. Best USDA-Certified: California Baby Calendula Everyday Lotion
This 100% plant-based lotion can keep your baby’s skin replenished for hours. With calendula and aloe vera as its main ingredients, the soothing baby lotion helps alleviate skin irritation and discomfort and hydrates dry and sensitive skin.
Pros
- Does not contain gluten, soy, oats, dairy, or nuts
- Non-greasy formula
- Helps reduce flakiness
- The USDA-certified and baby-friendly product is free of petroleum-based synthetics
Cons
- Some children may end up with bumps on the skin
- Some may feel that the lotion scent is strong
"This lotion soothes my dry skin and sunburns. It also doubles as a mosquito repellent. While you can use this for the entire family, note that the lavender scent can be intense for some."
6. Best GMO-Free: Earth Mama Organic Baby Face Nose & Cheek Balm
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 343 reviews on Amazon.
Here is a lotion by Earth Mama that is specially designed for use on cheeks and nose. Its calendula and coconut formula helps soothe the baby’s drooling chin and dripping nose. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out this video detailing a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Free of parabens, GMO, petroleum, artificial fragrances. and preservatives
- Helps keep the baby’s skin soft and moisturized
- Can be used as an alternative to petroleum jelly
- USDA-certified organic
Cons
- Skin may end up becoming dry for some
- May not suit children with rashes
"This baby balm with clean and natural ingredients has been a reliable solution for issues like dry and chapped skin caused by exposure to cold weather. Although somewhat oily, it protects and moisturizes the skin effectively. Hence, it has become a staple in my baby's care routine,"
7. Best For Eczema:Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
Specially created to soothe eczema, this colloidal oatmeal formula effectively moisturizes dry, itchy skin. The pH-balanced baby lotion is pediatrician and dermatologist-tested, gentle on the baby’s skin, and provides the much-needed nourishment. Check out this video to learn more about a tester’s experience with using the product.
Pros
- Natural colloidal oatmeal formula prevents dry skin.
- Protects the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Free of steroids, fragrances, parabens, and phthalates
- pH-balanced baby lotion
Cons
- May not help relieve skin from dry patches
- May require frequent inspection to check if the lotion works in favor of the child
8. Best For Irritated Skin: Baby Magic Calming Baby Lotion
With lavender and chamomile as its key ingredients, this baby lotion by Baby Magic ensures your baby has a deep, peaceful sleep at night. Its rich and creamy formula gently moisturizes and cleanses your baby’s skin.
Pros
- Has a non-greasy texture and absorbs quickly into the skin
- Pure lavender and chamomile extracts provide a calming effect
- Infused with vitamins and aloe to soothe irritated skin
- Free of dyes and is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May contain lanolin
- Pump may not be durable enough
Quick tip9. Best Paraben-Free:Babyganics Daily Lotion
You can apply this lotion to your baby regularly after a bath. It will leave your baby’s skin feeling soft and smooth all day.
Pros
- Formulated with NeoNourish seed oil blend, which includes tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin, and raspberry seed oils
- Shea butter and cocoa butter provide deep nourishment to the baby’s skin
- Does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals
- Dermatologist-recommended and pediatrician-tested formula is free of dyes and fragrances
- Hypoallergenic baby lotion does not cause skin irritations and allergies
Cons
- Lotion may dry out the skin for some
- May have a peculiar scent
10. Best For Moisture Retention: Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion
The quick-to-absorb, creamy, and non-greasy formula makes it a gentle nourishing baby lotion for your baby’s sensitive skin and leaves it soft and hydrated.
Pros
- Helps in moisture retention
- Free of dyes, parabens, and phthalates
- Dermatologist-tested
- Rich in vitamin A and E
- Hypoallergenic formula and does not cause skin irritation or allergies
Cons
- Some children may not like the scent
- May not suit sensitive skin
11. Best Lightly Scented:Seventh Generation Baby Lotion With Moisturizing Coconut Care
Made of 98% plant-based ingredients like shea butter, cocoa seed butter, sunflower seed, and coconut oil, this is a non-greasy baby lotion that moisturizes the baby’s skin and prevents dry skin.
Pros
- Pure coconut oil formula ensures deep nourishment
- Light on the baby’s skin
- Gluten-free and does not contain harmful chemicals
- USDA-certified
- Has a mild, soothing, and refreshing scent
Cons
- May need to be reapplied
- May take time to absorb into the skin
12. Best Cruelty Free:Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Lotion With Organic Calendula
Does your baby’s skin get easily irritated by skin products? Try this organic lotion by the trusted brand Earth Mama instead. Trusted by moms, it contains natural and safe ingredients.
Pros
- Made with organic ingredients such as herbs and oils that gently moisturize your baby’s sensitive skin.
- Formula is free of irritating ingredients like petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, and artificial fragrance.
- Lavender scent offers a calming effect.
- Leaping Bunny-certified for quality
Cons
- May not suit children allergic to soy
- May not be suitable for babies with eczema
13. Best Gluten-Free:Puracy Organic Baby Lotion
This natural baby lotion is enriched with organic ingredients like sunflower oil, aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and vegetable glycerin to provide deep nourishment to your baby’s gentle skin. It suits all skin types and makes the baby’s skin soft and smooth.
Pros
- Developed by doctors
- Non-toxic, vegan formula is suitable for sensitive and dry skin and is hypoallergenic
- Lightweight lotion does not leave a greasy residue
- Provides deep moisturization for 24 hours
Cons
- Scent may be overpowering for some
- May leave a residue after application
14. Best Dermatologist Tested: Babo Botanicals Calming Baby Lotion
Devoid of harmful chemicals, this plant-based formula helps soothe dry and irritated skin. This hypoallergenic vitamin-enriched baby lotion is suited for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Enriched with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Shea butter, sunflower, and chamomile help induce sleep
- Free of gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, almond, walnut, and synthetic fragrances
- Mild chamomile and lavender scent
Cons
- Children may find the scent to be strong
- May not absorb into the skin quickly
15. Best pH-Balanced:Johnson’s Moisturizing Baby Body Lotion With Vanilla & Oat Extract
Enriched with the goodness of oat and vanilla extracts, this is a fragrance-free baby lotion that can moisturize your baby’s skin and keep it hydrated for 24 hours.
Pros
- It nourishes the baby’s skin
- It is free of dyes, parabens, and phthalates
- The formula of this gentle lotion helps maintain the skin’s pH-balance
- Helps protect the skin’s barrier
- Pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free option
Cons
- Lotion may be slightly watery
- May not be suitable for winter dryness
16. Best Fragrance Free: The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Face + Body Lotion
Made from natural ingredients such as chamomile, calendula, aloe, olive oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, this is a fast-absorbing baby lotion with a non-greasy formula.
Pros
- It is a hypoallergenic lotion and is free of synthetic fragrance, silicones, and parabens
- Suitable for dry and allergy-prone skin
- Does not contain mineral oil
- Not tested on animals
- Helps calm irritated skin and nourish the natural moisture balance
Cons
- May be slightly watery
- May not suit sensitive skin
17. Best For Non-Greasy:Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Lotion
This clinically proven formula is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. The plant-based formula contains safe and effective ingredients and can be used by both babies and adults.
Pros
- Enriched with the proprietary Nutri-Soothe Complex, which contains calendula, chamomile, kudzu, watercress, and meadowsweet.
- The formula does not contain gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, walnut, and almond.
- Organic chamomile helps soften rough skin.
- Jojoba oils leave the skin hydrated.
- Helps soothe sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin
Cons
- May end up leaving the skin looking patchy
- Some children may find the fragrance to be intense
How To Choose The Right Baby Lotion?
Here are a few pointers you can use while looking for a lotion for baby.
- Skin type: Different lotions cater to the needs of different skin types. If your baby has extra sensitive skin or has some skin condition, then you can pick the lotion or cream designed for it. Always check the ingredients list before buying the lotion.
- Scented or unscented: Skin care products usually come with added perfume. Some babies might be bothered by the scent of a lotion, while others might be okay with it. You can pick an unscented baby lotion if your baby dislikes strong smells and perfumes.
- Active ingredients: Check for the lotion’s main ingredient to know if it is compatible with your baby’s skin. For instance, some lotions use oatmeal compounds as active ingredients. If your baby is allergic to oatmeal, then the lotion might not be suitable for them. Therefore, check the lotions container for the list of active ingredients before making a purchase. You can also opt for lotions with natural ingredients like fruit extracts and flower extracts, which not only nourish but also add natural fragrances to the lotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do babies need body lotion?
Moisturizing a baby with a gentle, toxin-free baby-friendly body lotion can help protect their fragile skin from chafing and dryness.
2. Should I put lotion on my newborn every day?
A newborn doesn’t need a lotion unless their skin is extremely dry (1). It’s best to use a body lotion on a newborn only when advised by your doctor.
3. When should I start putting lotion on my baby?
Under normal circumstances, it could be okay to introduce a lotion when your baby is about four to six weeks old (2). However, a lot depends on your baby’s skin-sensitivity levels. Consult your doctor if your child has extremely sensitive skin.
4. What is the difference between baby lotion and baby cream?
Baby lotions are lighter and non-greasy as they contain higher levels of water. Baby creams, on the other hand, are denser and greasy as they contain comparatively less water.
5. Do babies need lotion after a bath?
Applying a lotion after a bath could help lock in the moisture into your baby’s skin, thus protecting it from flaky skin and skin problems that cause skin dryness.
6. Should I put lotion on my baby’s face?
It may not be recommended to apply a regular baby body lotion on the face. Opt for lotions or balms meant for the baby’s face since the skin on the face is more sensitive than that of the body.
Why Trust MomJunction?
After considering numerous parental reviews from different trusted websites, we have compiled this list of the best baby lotions. Our products are based on customer preferences for ingredients, healing properties, and skin type. This post presents you with detailed descriptions of each skin care product and includes a buying guide consisting of all the factors to look for in a baby lotion before making a purchase.
The Bottom Line
The best baby lotions help replenish the moisture of your little one’s skin after a bath without irritating their sensitive skin. When you buy one, ensure it is made from non-toxic, hypoallergenic components that do not harm the delicate baby skin, such as the Eucerin Baby Body Lotion. Also, ensure the lotion is non-greasy and is free of sulfates, parabens, fragrances, and artificial colors, like the Johnson’s Bedtime Baby Lotion with NaturalCalm Essences. Finally, choose lotions that address your baby’s skin concerns, such as eczema, diaper rash, and baby acne, like the Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream, after consulting your doctor.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Baby Lotion?
Selecting the suitable baby lotion can be overwhelming for new parents, but finding a product that nourishes the baby’s delicate skin without being harsh is crucial. To simplify the choosing process, we have created the infographic below highlighting essential factors to consider when picking a baby lotion. Check it out to make an informed decision.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Bathing And Skin Care For The Newborn:
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=bathing-and-skin-care-for-the-newborn-90-P02628 - Advice On Skincare For Newborn Babies:
https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/t5jliy1a/skincare-advice-for-newborn-babies_sep20.pdf - The effectiveness of aromatherapy massage using lavender oil as a treatment for infantile colic
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22435980/
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