In this guide
Your questions answered live by senior midwife Louise Broadbridge. A workshop covering what to expect in the early days, coping with morning sickness and planning for your first antenatal appointment.
Best Baby Shampoos
Our Review
Fronted by Rochelle Humes, My Little Coco is an incredible brand designed specifically for curly hair. Enriched with nourishing organic coconut oil, this baby shampoo contains no nasties and has been paediatrician approved. Its formula is free of sulphates, parabens and has been deemed suitable for sensitive skin. Gently scented, this is a great choice for those with beautiful curly locks.
What we like
- Straight, curly, frizzy, thick or fine hair
- Enriched with nourishing organic coconut oil
Useful product information
- Paediatrician approved
Our Review
This 2-in-1 formula from Aveeno gently cleanses and moisturises the scalp. Suitable for sensitive skin, this mild shampoo can be used daily if necessary. It's lightly scented, sulphate and paraben free and great for smoothing your young ones' tresses.
What we like
- 2-in-1 product
- Paraben Free
Useful product information
- Contains fragrance
Our Review
This classic from Johnson’s is great for babies and children. Ideal if you’re bathing multiple at a time! Its gentle formula has been specifically designed for over 125 years to provide babies and children with the best toiletry care. The ‘no more tears’ formula makes it a firm favourite in a number of households. Free from parabens, dyes and sulphates, it’s easy to see why Johnsons is a family favourite.
What we like
- 500ml bottle size
- Trusted brand
Useful product information
- Contains fragrance
Join Louise Broadbridge, senior midwife & the face of instagram's @thehonestmidwife for a live, online class preparing you and your partner for natural labour, birth and beyond. Enjoyed by 1000's of expectant parents like you.
Our Review
Award-winning Child’s Farm is another firm favourite in family households. Their baby shampoo contains natural-origin cleansing agents to gently clean the baby’s hair whilst moisturising the scalp. All without causing irritation. Suitable from birth, this shampoo is one of only a few which is totally fragrance-free. It’s paediatrician approved and suitable for those with sensitive skin.
What we like
- No irritation
- Paediatrician approved
Useful product information
- Suitable from newborn
Our Review
Developed by midwives and pharmacists, Weleda is a renowned brand when it comes to baby skincare and toiletries. This gentle wash protects the natural oils in your baby’s skin. Containing organic calendula extract, this shampoo gently lifts dirt and cleanses the scalp and hair, leaving your baby’s skin nurtured and moisturised.
What we like
- 200ml bottle
- Gentle on skin
Useful product information
- Natural ingredients
Our Review
This fragrance-free formula is suitable for sensitive skin and those prone to eczema. It’s fragrance-free and is both paediatrician and dermatologically-approved. This 99% natural body wash and shampoo is a great choice for newborns.
What we like
- Fragrance free
- Natural ingredients
Useful product information
- 200ml
FAQs About Baby Shampoo
In the first few weeks it's recommended to bathe your baby just once a week. This is with plain water, so you don’t remove any of the natural oils from their skin. Between baths, you can clean your baby with warm water and either cotton wool or a soft washcloth.
After the first month or so, you may up their baths to a few times a week. Gentle baby wash, and shampoos can be used at this point.
When choosing baby toiletries, it’s crucial you use products that have been specifically formulated for babies. Some things to bear in mind include the following:
- Choose products carefully - A baby’s skin is around 30% thinner than ours, so it needs to be handled with more care. Choose products that have been developed to protect the natural skin PH balance and maintain their skin's protective layer.
- Do not use adult toiletries- Although it may be tempting to use what you already have at home, babies' skin will react differently to ours. They’ll likely be too harsh for your baby's skin and may cause irritation or reactions.
- Check the label - The label should always specify that the product is suitable for babies. They should be soap and alcohol-free with little to no fragrance.
- Patch test - If in doubt, do a patch test. If you’re unsure about trying out a new product on your baby's skin (particularly if they’re sensitive or eczema prone), a patch test monitored for 24 hours is crucial.