Doctor-approved baby shampoo picks that won't burst your bubble.
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As a new parent, you want to make sure that you're using the best products for your baby, including shampoo. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've done the research and evaluated the best baby shampoos based on factors like budget, hair type and texture to help you find the perfect formula. Be sure to add one to your newborn checklist.
Merry Thornton, board-certified dermatology physician assistant and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics in New Canaan, CT, to find out what to keep an eye out for and what to avoid in baby shampoos.
Choose the best baby shampoo by meticulously reading product labels. Some products can contain ingredients and or scents that can be irritating and potentially harmful to your baby's health. "Look for non-scented products (fragrance and essential oil products can contain hormone disruptors and cause burning if they get in the eyes)," she tells Today's Parent.
"Avoid products containing chemicals such as parabens, sulfates and phthalates." Next, make sure to use shampoo that's specifically labeled for babies, says Thornton to avoid skin irritations and other mishaps. "This means the shampoo is formulated in a gentler way for their more sensitive hair and skin."
Looking for a baby wash and shampoo that's affordable and effective for all hair types? This product is a winner in so many ways, and it's enhanced with all the right ingredients that gently cleanse and nourish your baby's skin. It's also a favorite of Thornton's.
"This is tear-free, non-irritating, free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates and sulfates," she says. "It foams lightly to cleanse without stripping the skin and it has ceramides, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize, hydrate, and protect."
This baby shampoo is like a soothing balm for your baby's delicate skin, made with organic calendula and rose water. It is free of harsh chemicals on its ingredient list and leaves no sticky or greasy residue. But here's the kicker, some adult Amazon shoppers also love using it.
"This shampoo doesn’t irritate my scalp," says verified Amazon shopper Kathy Flanigan. Who knew baby shampoo could be so versatile?
If your baby's got lots of curls, you need this tried-and-true shampoo in your life! It's free of all the bad stuff like parabens, sulfates, and dyes, and is enriched with shea butter that'll tame frizz and give those curls some definition. And it's tear-free, so you can use it on your little one without any fuss.
This baby shampoo is a bestseller for good reason: Many reviewers say it provides essential moisture, detangles curls, and leaves them supple and bouncy. We love the tear-free formula that suits most budgets. Pair it with a brush for curly hair to stay tear-free.
Don't let the price fool you —Pipette's baby shampoo is proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great product. This shampoo is suitable for all hair types and textures and is vegan and cruelty-free. Best of all, Thornton states that it is hydrating, tear-free, and fragrance-free.
"This baby shampoo is fragrance-free, tear-free, and hypoallergenic," she says. "It contains plant-based squalene for moisturizing and glycerin for hydration and is also free of toxins." Although this shampoo is praised for its affordability and moisturizing properties, some reviewers warn that it can leave a greasy residue on your tub if you don't rinse it off completely.
This shampoo from Dr. Barbara Sturm is the most expensive on our list, but trust us when we say it's worth every single penny. This moisturizing shampoo has a light scent and a foaming lather that's as soft as a cloud, making it perfect for all hair types. Oh, and did we mention that it's also one of the best baby shampoos money can buy, according to Thornton?
"This shampoo contains almond blossom extract and calendula to soothe sensitive skin, as well as jojoba oil to moisturize," she says. "It is also free of fragrances and toxic ingredients."
With hundreds of baby shampoos to choose from, it can be tough to know which one to pick. But if you're looking for a fan-favorite shampoo, this two-in-one shampoo from The Honest Company is a great choice. It's powered by gentle and nourishing aloe and calendula ingredients and is tear-free and hypoallergenic.
And, it's recommended by Thornton. "This is free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates, formaldehyde donors and sulfates," she says.
Multiple shoppers love this two-in-one shampoo (it has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon) because it cleanses babies' hair and skin without irritation and redness. Each bottle is a nice size and filled to the brim with plant-based ingredients. Follow up with a deep conditioner or moisturizing spray if your baby's hair texture is fine or prone to dryness.
For those who love shopping at Walmart more than anywhere else, this two-in-one shampoo (that you can also use as a body wash) is a cart-worthy find. It's made with 96% natural ingredients and is free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Although it is scented, the scent is light and it lathers well without leaving any residue afterwards.
According to Walmart reviewers, this shampoo is like a gentle giant, it's kind to your skin but tough on hard-to-remove products like sunscreen. Many love this formula for mild cases of cradle cap, too.
Experts:
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Courtney Leiva has over 11 years of experience producing content for numerous digital mediums, including features, breaking news stories, e-commerce buying guides, trends, and evergreen pieces. Her articles have been featured in HuffPost, Buzzfeed, PEOPLE, and more.