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
| Type |
Examples in our range |
When it suits |
| Bath gel |
Sebamed Baby Extra Soft Bath Gel, Bioderma ABCDerm bath gel, Chicco Baby Moments bath Protection, Relax and Tenderness |
Daily bathing of normal skin; gels rinse off easily and foam lightly. |
| Bubble bath |
Sebamed Baby bubble bath, Becutan bubble bath, Afrodita Baby Natural foam |
When your baby enjoys foam in the tub; a small amount dissolved in water is enough. |
| Bath oil |
Chicco Baby Moments Sensitive bath oil |
For dry and sensitive skin – the oil in the formula reduces the dry feeling after bathing. |
| Shampoo and 2-in-1 |
Chicco shampoo and bath, Chicco first bath and shampoo, Dr Plant Baby & Kids shampoo & bath, Sebamed Baby shampoo, Becutan kids shampoo |
To wash hair and body with one product, or to wash hair separately with a tear-free formula. |
| Cradle cap |
Mustela foam shampoo for cradle cap |
For gentle washing of the scalp in babies with yellowish flakes (cradle cap). |
| Rinse-free |
Bioderma ABCDerm H2O micellar water |
For cleansing the face and nappy area between baths and when travelling. |
| For older children |
Chicco Kids 2-in-1 bath and shampoo, Chicco Kids souffle shampoo and conditioner, Chicco Kids detangling spray |
For children with longer hair – conditioner makes combing easier. |
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.
Pharmacist's advice
For most babies one mild bath product and a tear-free shampoo are enough – there is no need to use several products at once. For dry skin, choose a bath oil or fragrance-free gel and keep baths short.
Introduce a new product gradually and watch how the skin reacts. If redness, rash, persistent flaking or itching appear after bathing, stop using it and consult your paediatrician.
Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy
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Useful guides
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe my baby?
In the first weeks two to three baths a week are enough, with daily washing of the face, hands, skin folds and nappy area. Later, bathing often becomes part of the evening routine, with a mild product and a short duration.
When can a baby use shampoo?
A newborn's hair can be washed with a mild shampoo or 2-in-1 product made for babies from birth, if the manufacturer states so. A small amount is enough, followed by careful rinsing.
What does a tear-free shampoo mean?
It means the formula is adjusted to irritate the eyes less if the shampoo gets into them. You should still keep foam away from the eyes and rinse the hair well.
Bath gel or bath oil – which is better for dry skin?
For dry and sensitive skin, a bath oil or fragrance-free gel is usually recommended, as they dry the skin less. Applying a baby lotion or milk after bathing is helpful.
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