10 best bath products for newborns

Bathing newborns is not just in water – this is not a whim of modern parents. Even our grandmothers and great-grandmothers added various decoctions of herbs, potassium permanganate to the water for bathing babies. Something for better sleep, something for dermatitis, diaper rash, or protecting baby’s delicate skin. Then a special children’s soap appeared, which adults also enjoyed using. Because “without unnecessary additives and does not irritate.” In general, little has changed fundamentally: bathing products for newborns are soft, gentle, and safe. (one)

Only a baby born into the world is not yet adapted to the new conditions of life. During the adaptation period, he is especially vulnerable, and insidious microorganisms can penetrate through any wound or abrasion on his skin. All these features of the child’s body are taken into account by manufacturers of children’s cosmetics and bathing products. Their choice is now very large. We have compiled our rating of the best bath products for newborns, in which the main criterion was not only the availability of bath products, but also their additional useful properties.

Rating of the top 10 effective and inexpensive means for bathing newborns according to KP

1. Baby bath, Bubchen bubble bath

A formula that provides gentle cleansing without adverse reactions is the dream of caring parents, and it is suitable for all babies. Bubchen is free of preservatives, dyes, synthetic fragrances, soaps and substances that can cause allergies. Even herbal ingredients in its composition – chamomile, wheat proteins – are hypoallergenic and safe for newborns. Panthenol, silk proteins, heliotropin are additional protection and skin care.

Dermatologist tested, pH neutral. The eyes do not sting, the aroma is pleasant. In short, the best tool for daily skin care baby.   

2. Lipid emulsion for bathing AQA dermika

Means for the skin of babies with atopic dermatitis. (2) Shampoo and bath in one bottle. Gently cleanses the skin without drying. After bathing, as many parents note, the baby’s skin becomes soft.

The texture of the emulsion is soft. It is based on purified artesian water and effective safe ingredients: goat milk protein, panthenol, extracts of medicinal plants. Does not contain soap, fragrances, dyes, substances with an aggressive effect.

It foams poorly, so it is recommended to apply the emulsion on the body with soft massaging movements, do not rub.

The product has successfully passed dermatological tests and is recognized as safe and hypoallergenic. But the manufacturer warns of the possible individual intolerance of some components.

3. Bathing gel with mint and licorice BabyLine

Bath gel with mint and licorice is ideal for hot summers: a product with a refreshing effect (thanks to mint and licorice extracts!) will come in handy. With the main function of cleansing and care, the gel does an excellent job without overdrying the skin. Foams and rinses off well, smells good of herbs. Some children sting their eyes, so it is better not to use the product as a shampoo. 

4. Cream-soap “My sun” with panthenol

Panthenol is considered one of the best means for moisturizing, restoring the skin and relieving irritation. It is used in both cosmetics and medicines. Panthenol became the basis of a whole line of My Sun brand products. First of all, it will be appreciated by parents who are concerned about the dryness of the child’s skin. Panthenol in this cream soap is contained in the optimal amount to keep baby’s skin hydrated and healthy. However, it can also be considered as a remedy for the prevention of dry skin. An additional bonus will be the most delicate aroma of the product.

Cream-soap cleanses gently, does not irritate the mucous membranes, forms a soft and airy foam.

5. Gel “Sequence 2 in 1” from Levrana

But this remedy – hello to our grandmothers, who believed that the string in the best way helps to get rid of diathesis and harvested the plant for future use. The string really has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, but in this bathing gel it is supplemented with a whole bunch of different benefits: coconut, castor, grape and olive oil, chamomile essential oil, extracts of string, walnut, chamomile, rosehip. With such a composition, it is really two in one – both clean skin and protection that does not require additional cosmetics after bathing.

Judging by the reviews, for many, the series becomes a salvation from allergies that occur in children to products in which there is too much “chemistry”.

6. Shampoo Penaten

The shampoo, designed for the sensitive skin of babies, can also be used as a bathing gel. Its DAAB (German Allergy and Asthma Association) approved formula does not cause allergic reactions. The shampoo does not sting the eyes, softens and soothes inflamed skin, removes itching and flaking in dermatitis. The crusts on the head of newborns are washed off after two or three applications of Penaten. After washing, the child’s hair becomes silky and soft, the skin is tender. 

The shampoo is not too foamy, the smell is light, not irritating. Not the most budgetary, at first glance, the price is offset by economical consumption – a 400 ml bottle lasts for a long time. 

7. Foam for bathing “Bayushki-bayu” from Natura Siberica Biberika

Already judging by the name, the composition of the foam contains components that contribute to a restful sleep. This is true. Organic lavender oil has a calming and relaxing effect. But in addition, the composition of the foam contains organic extracts of evening primrose (softening and moisturizing the skin) and linden (reducing inflammation and irritation). Therefore, the foam is considered not only as an aromatherapy tool for lulling a baby, but also as an antiseptic, softening and moisturizing. Therefore, after bathing with foam in hard water, additional skin softeners may not be needed. It lathers well and the lather stays on for a long time. In this “cloud” with a pleasant soothing aroma, the child should be comfortable and calm.

But the composition of the foam is not completely natural, and the foam may not be suitable for irritated skin.

8. Sanosan Baby Bath and Shampoo

Milk proteins are known for their properties: softening, restoring, moisturizing. They contain all the essential amino acids involved in the production of keratin, collagen and elastin, so their beneficial effect on the skin is obvious. Milk protein as the main component of Sanosan Baby makes it very attractive. Especially if bathing gel and shampoo are combined in one bottle.

The tool is intended for gentle care of the hair and skin of the child, especially if it is sensitive or the first signs of atopic dermatitis and dryness are observed.

The tool has passed clinical trials, does not contain soap, does not cause allergies. It is added to the bath with water in a small amount, and for washing the hair it is foamed on the hand.

9. Cream-soap “Eared nanny” with olive oil and aloe vera extract

This product is universal – it can be used for bathing, and for washing, and even for washing baby clothes. Cream soap owes its popularity to its excellent price-quality ratio. A bottle with a dispenser allows you to use the product economically, and natural oils (olive, castor) provide nutrition, softness and protection to the baby’s skin. Aloe vera extract moisturizes the skin well and has bactericidal and wound healing properties. Sulfates, surfactants, emulsifiers are present in the cream soap. But at the same time, the product has a proven hypoallergenicity, a pleasant unobtrusive smell.

10. Shampoo-foam “La Cree”

Indicated for use in seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp of newborns. Seborrheic crusts when using shampoo disappear in someone after the third wash, and in someone after a month of regular use. Also suitable for children with sensitive and dry scalp, especially if the water quality in the house is not very good. 

The composition of the product is impressive: violet and licorice extracts, salicylic acid, panthenol, jojoba and olive oil, wheat proteins. At the same time, the composition does not contain dyes, parabens and fragrances, silicones and sulfates. 

Shampoo-foam is suitable for frequent and long-term use. The bottle is small and for such a volume, at first glance, a bit high. But the shampoo is used sparingly, thanks to a good dispenser. To get a portion of the foam, which is enough to lather the baby’s head, just one click is enough.

How to choose baby bath products 

The most important criterion is safety. Some products may contain products that are not prohibited, but still undesirable for children’s cosmetics. Therefore, it is important to carefully study what is written on the label. Not only where emotionally and colorfully we are informed about the safety and naturalness of the product, but also on the reverse side, where the composition is indicated in small print. (3)

The substances necessary for the formation of foam, stabilization and preservation of cosmetics will be present in it. But they are different. We list a few ingredients, the presence of which in products for newborns should alert.

• Phenoxyethanol preservative. May cause an allergic reaction, irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Cleansing, foaming sulfates SLS, SLES (sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate). They can disrupt the water-lipid balance, cause dryness, flaking and skin irritation.
• Foam booster Cocamide DEA. Frequent use may cause contact dermatitis.
• Preservatives-parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben). It is believed that they can provoke the growth of malignant cells and adversely affect the endocrine system. Research is ongoing, but the attitude towards these substances is wary. 
• Emulsifier Laureth-7 citrate. May cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes.

Expert Commentary

We asked pediatrician Tatyana Sergeeva give some tips on choosing baby bath products and answer some popular questions.

– Infant skin has a special protective layer that maintains the acid-base balance of the skin, prevents the absorption of harmful substances through it, and has a disinfecting effect. With daily use of detergents, the protective layer may be broken, therefore, in the absence of an urgent need, gels, foams, shampoos, etc. are applied once a week, the rest of the time you can bathe your baby in ordinary tap water. Due to the fact that tap water is most often hard, especially in large cities, it can be softened with a bath emulsion. When using it, there will be no need for additional moisture.

It should be remembered that the absorbency of the skin in children is much higher than in adults, so the use of hygiene products containing fragrances, herbs and other substances can cause or aggravate existing rashes, dry the skin, or even provoke a general unwanted reaction. Children prone to allergies are not recommended to bathe in herbs.

Herbal remedies can be tried at an older age, in summer, with prickly heat. However, it is not preferable to collect herbs in the composition of the detergent, but monocomponent options. 

Means of brands Bubchen, AQA dermika, “Bayushki-bayu”, “La-cree”, Sanosan Baby, Penaten can be recommended.

There are more expensive cosmetics that have a wide selection for both healthy skin and problem skin. Emolium, La Roche-Posay, Aderma, Bioderma, Mustela, Allergica – and this is not the whole list of brands that can be safely used in childhood, taking into account the individual characteristics of the child. 

Products for healthy skin can be chosen independently by reading the composition on the label. In case of problematic skin, it is better to consult a doctor.

Popular questions and answers

Sources of

1. Newborn baby skin care. Evidence-based guidelines. URL: https://minzdrav29.ru/health/pol_info/help_mother/informatsiya-dlya-roditeley/zozh-dlya-rebenka-chto-eto/Care%20%20skin%20newborn%20uhod_za_kojey.pdf
2. Atopic dermatitis. URL: https://medi.ru/info/4293/
3. Modern recommendations for newborn skin care: traditions and innovations (literature review). URL: https://www.rmj.ru/articles/pediatriya/Sovremennye_rekomendacii_pouhodu_zakoghey_novoroghdennogo_tradicii_iinnovacii_obzor_literatury/