Baby Bath and Shampoo – Bath Gels, Foams and 2-in-1

Baby bath and shampoo products are mild cleansers for the skin and hair of newborns, babies and toddlers. This category, part of Baby Cosmetics, includes bath gels and foams, bath oils, shampoos, 2-in-1 bath and shampoo, a foam shampoo for cradle cap and micellar water for rinse-free cleansing – from Mustela, Chicco Baby Moments, Sebamed Baby, Bioderma ABCDerm, Becutan, Dr Plant Baby & Kids, Weleda and Afrodita Baby Natural.

A baby's skin is thinner than adult skin and loses moisture faster, so a bath product should cleanse gently, without heavy foaming and without a tight feeling after bathing. Baby baths, water thermometers and other bathing equipment are in Bathing Equipment and Accessories.

How to choose a baby bath or shampoo

• Mild formula – choose products made for babies, with a skin-friendly pH and without harsh cleansing agents
• Tear-free – for washing hair, choose shampoos with this claim, as they sting less if they get into the eyes
• Sensitive and dry skin – a bath oil or fragrance-free gel dries the skin less; for atopic skin see also care for atopic and sensitive baby skin
• Newborns – Chicco and Mustela offer products labelled for the first bath and for newborns
• Convenience – 2-in-1 products wash skin and hair in one step, and larger packs (500–750 ml) are better value for daily use

Types of baby bath products

Bathing your baby – what to keep in mind

• Water temperature should be about 37 °C; check it with a bath thermometer or your elbow before lowering your baby in
• Keep the room warm and have a towel and clean clothes ready in advance
• A newborn's bath is short, 5 to 10 minutes; in the first weeks two to three baths a week are enough, with daily washing of the face, neck and nappy area
• Until the umbilical stump falls off, wipe your baby with a soft sponge instead of immersing them
• Use a small amount of product and rinse skin and hair well
• After bathing, pat the skin dry, especially in skin folds, and apply a baby lotion or milk if the skin is dry
• Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a moment

Cradle cap – scalp care

Cradle cap appears as yellowish, greasy flakes on the scalp and is common in the first months of life. Regular washing with a mild shampoo or a foam shampoo made for cradle cap helps, after which the flakes are gently removed with a soft baby brush. Do not pick the flakes with your nails. If the changes spread to the face and body, are red, weepy or itchy, consult your paediatrician.

Useful guides

• See the whole Baby Cosmetics category
• Care for atopic and sensitive baby skin
• Bathing equipment and accessories
• Bath toys