Loving Bath Time + Best Baby Bath Shampoo

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The best baby shampoo for a healthy clean baby!

Loving baby bath time with Burt’s Bees. Our favorite time of day is bath time. My little man loves to soak up his tub time. It’s giggles and splashes and sweet, sweet smells. It helps to have the best baby shampoo too!

There are lots of things that contribute to my baby loving his bath time and this mommy’s peace of mind! I’m going to share my 5 tips to loving baby bath time.

In a hurry and just want my number one recommended baby wash/tear-free shampoo?

Bath time can be a wonderful bonding experience for both mommy and baby. In the beginning, when you first bring home your sweet little bundle of cuteness, it can be crazy stressful.

Not knowing how to hold the baby, what to wash, how often to wash, oy! Especially if you a sleep deprived new momma! Trust me, we’ve all been there. One thing I’ve learned having three babies is that having a plan and establishing a routine is key to your piece of mind as a mom and your sweet little one’s enjoyment of bath time.

Choosing the best baby bath shampoo can feel a little overwhelming—especially when you’re staring down a shelf full of bottles, scents, claims, and ingredients you may or may not be familiar with. Every parent wants something gentle, safe, effective, and soothing for their baby’s delicate skin, but it’s not always clear which brands actually deliver on those promises. Add sensitivities, dryness, eczema, and newborn skin quirks into the mix, and suddenly finding the right shampoo becomes its own little adventure.

The good news? There are amazing baby shampoos out there—formulas that are ultra-gentle, tear-free, dermatologist-recommended, and perfect for keeping your little one clean, soft, and sweet-smelling. Some focus on calming ingredients like lavender and chamomile. Some prioritize clean, natural formulas without dyes or harsh chemicals. Others are specially designed for babies with eczema or extra-sensitive skin. And some are simply budget-friendly favorites that get the job done beautifully.

Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or looking to switch products because your child’s skin needs something more gentle, it helps to have a clear guide to the options. Every baby is different—so what works beautifully for one family might not be the best fit for another. That’s why having a list of top-rated, mom-approved shampoos makes such a difference.

This post rounds up the best baby bath shampoos on the market today, breaking down what makes them great, who they’re best suited for, and why parents love them. Whether you’re searching for a plant-based cleanser, an all-in-one wash, a fragrance-free option, or a tried-and-true baby brand that’s been trusted for generations, you’ll find exactly what you need to make bath time gentle, soothing, and stress-free.

Let’s dive into the best choices for keeping your little one’s hair and skin clean, soft, and oh-so-cuddly fresh!

Here are my tips to loving baby bath:

1: Don’t panic.

This is especially true for first time moms. Bathing your baby seems way scarier than it is. You have got this, girl! You have got this! Repeat it to yourself. I. HAVE. GOT. THIS.

2: Get the right bathtub.

You can wash your baby in your regular tub. This is completely fine and they make these cool bath sponges to help. Just fill the tub with about 2 inches of water, lay the sponge in the water and the baby on the sponge.

You can also bathe your baby in the sink. They have these cool bath sponges for sinks too! Personally, I prefer a stand alone baby bath tub.

I place my baby bath tub on the counter and then little man and I are eye level with one another the whole time, without me having to get down on my knees at the tub.

I particularly like this baby bath tub because it has the extra new born piece that starts the baby facing you and up out of the water (especially good for those newborn baths prior to the umbilical cord falling off), moves to the side for a deeper seat and then can be removed when your baby is ready to sit up on their own in the tub.

3: Use the right baby wash/shampoo.

There are tons of baby washes on the market, ranging from inexpensive to pricey and with different ingredients. My favorite baby wash is definitely Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo/Wash.

It comes in three scents (Original, Lavender and Scent Free). All three smell wonderful. Burt’s Bee Baby is easy of senstitive skin (we deal with eczema in my home so this is important to us).

It is plant based, natural and softens baby skin as it gently cleanses. This Shampoo/Wash gives me peace of mind in knowing I’m using the best for my baby and being a relaxed momma during bath time, helps to relax the baby!!

4: Have your tools nearby.

To complete your bath time routine…you need some soft baby towels and wash cloths. I also recommend a rinse cup for pouring water on baby or filling the tub.

Have your towel next to the tub so that when you are ready to remove the baby from the tub, you don’t have to move away from the area. This is safer and allows your baby to keep you in sight at all times, which helps with anxiety and reduces tears!!!

Also, make sure to lotion up your baby after your bathe them to keep their sweet, soft skin from drying out!!

5: Make bath time fun!

Enjoy your bath time with baby. Sing songs, teach them to splash…have a fun routine that your baby looks forward to. This will help both you and your sweet little one to enjoy the bath!!

Bath time should be a fun, bonding experience…this time goes by fast, enjoy your sweet baby!

If you enjoyed this post, please check out my other parenting posts!!

Conclusion for Loving Bath time with your Baby

At the end of the day, choosing a baby shampoo isn’t about finding the fanciest bottle or the trendiest brand—it’s about finding what works best for your little one’s unique skin, hair, and sensitivities. Babies have incredibly delicate skin, and even the gentlest products can react differently from child to child. That’s why exploring a mix of fragrance-free formulas, plant-based cleansers, dermatologist-approved brands, and tear-free classics can make such a big difference in your baby’s everyday comfort.

Something I always remind parents is that baby shampoo doesn’t need to be complicated. A good formula should be gentle, cleansing, hydrating, and easy to rinse. From there, everything else—scent, foaming, texture, and brand preference—is personal. If your baby has sensitive or eczema-prone skin, leaning toward hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free washes may make bath time smoother. If your little one tolerates botanicals well, calming scents like lavender can help wind down your evening routine.

The wonderful thing about today’s baby-care market is that parents truly have access to high-quality choices at every price point. There are gentle drugstore brands that perform beautifully. There are luxury baby shampoos with ultra-clean formulas. And there are tons of options in the middle—from plant-powered washes to tear-free classics that families have been using for decades. No matter what you choose, the “best” shampoo is the one that keeps your baby comfortable and clean while fitting your family’s needs and budget.

As your baby grows, you may find that their shampoo needs change—new hair textures, dry patches, seasonal sensitivities, and even preferences for scents or lathers can pop up. Don’t be afraid to adjust or try new things as needed. What matters most is having a shampoo that supports healthy skin, maintains moisture, and makes bath time a pleasant, bonding moment for both you and your little one.

I hope this guide has given you clarity, confidence, and a few new favorites to explore. Whether you’re prepping for a newborn or refreshing your toddler bath-time lineup, these top-rated baby shampoos offer safe, gentle, parent-approved formulas that help keep your child’s skin and hair soft, clean, and nourished.

Bath time may be just a few minutes of your day—but with the right shampoo, it becomes one of the sweetest, snuggliest rituals of parenthood.

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Loving Bath Time + Best Baby Bath Shampoo

The best baby shampoo for a healthy clean baby!