How To Choose the Right Baby Shampoo For Your Baby?

When Can You Start Using Baby Shampoo?

The umbilical cord of the newborn falls off only during the third week. Till this time, it is better to avoid using too much water to bathe your baby as it can lead to umbilical cord infections. So, you can ideally start using baby shampoo from the fourth to sixth week.

You can use a few drops of gentle baby shampoo on their hair. As they grow, and so does their hair, you may start using a good amount of shampoo to clean them. You should also remember that the baby’s skin is much thinner and more delicate than ours. So, you need to use gentle shampoos to prevent your skin from getting dried and itchy.

Top 3 Types of Baby Shampoos Available in the Market

There are three types of Baby Shampoos available in the market.

1. Baby Shampoos For Cleaning the Hair and Scalp

Your little one will not look dirty but keeping them clean and free from dirt is essential. Some babies have a lot of hair from birth, while others might be bald. Whether your little one is bald or full of hair, you must use gentle baby shampoos to clean their hair and scalp. The shampoos could be based on natural ingredients like Fruit Oils, including raspberry and avocado Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Chamomile extracts.

Knowing the chemical compositions, you need to avoid while choosing the best baby shampoo is essential. Your baby shampoos must be free of

• Paraben: These are the chemicals that are used as preservatives in the chemicals to increase the life of the shampoo.
• Dyes: Artificial dyes used to give attractive colors to shampoos can be harmful to your baby
• Phthalates: A chemical found in plastic must be avoided at all costs in your baby products
• Fragrances and Perfumes: Can trigger an allergic reaction
• Sulfates: Especially Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are commonly found in household cleaners and are harmful for your baby.

2. Baby Washes to Clean Baby’s Hair

Washes are used to clean your baby`s hair. You should not use regular soaps for your baby. It might harm delicate skin and make it dry. Before choosing the baby wash, make sure to keep in mind the following factors.

• Ensure the baby wash is tear-free.
• If your little one has dry skin, eczema, or allergy, it is best to use hypoallergenic washes.
• Choose the baby wash that does not have any specific fragrance or one that has a natural and mild fragrance.
• Avoid products with harsh chemicals.
• Avoid using washes that have lavender essential oil in them. It has been proven that lavender essential oils affect the baby`s development and imbalance the hormones.

3. Multitasking Formulas That Do Both Jobs

You may find that certain other products can be used as both a shampoo and a body wash. It is a multi-tasking formula that helps clean the whole body from tip to toe. You need to all the factors that you will check for choosing the shampoo and body wash before choosing the 2-in-1 shampoo.

How to Choose the Right Baby Shampoo For Your Baby?

Choosing the right baby shampoo is undoubtedly tricky, and you must consider many factors. Not all shampoos might work well on your little one’s delicate skin. Let us discuss how to choose the right baby shampoo.

1. No-Tear Formula

Bathing your little one can be a wonderful experience if you choose a No-tear shampoo. Else, the shampoo might irritate your little one’s eyes and make them red. The no-tear formula will be gentle and not irritate the baby’s eyes. Several baby shampoos come with a no-tear formula. You must check the cover carefully, as the other shampoos might have eye-irritating ingredients.

2. Frangrance-Free Products

The shampoos that smell great with a fragrance will certainly have chemical combinations. These chemicals might be harsh on your baby’s skin. Choosing shampoos with zero fragrance is always better for maintaining your baby`s smooth hair. If you have chosen a shampoo with fragrance and notice any allergy or redness in the skin, stop using the shampoo and choose the one that is free from any fragrance.

3. Natural Ingredients

Anything natural and free from chemicals is always the best for all of us. Using a shampoo with natural ingredients for your little one is always the best, and it helps retain the shine and moisture in the hair. Natural ingredients have been used in our country for over a thousand years, and our ancestors have consistently shown us the better path to follow. When you choose baby shampoo, if you are going for natural ingredients rather than chemical products, it is the best thing you can do for your little one.

4. Shampoos With Neutral pH

pH is a numerical value that shows whether a solution is acidic or alkaline. When you choose products for babies, they have to be neutral – neither acidic nor alkaline. A neutral shampoo will be gentle on your little one’s hair. There are so many shampoos that come with a neutral Ph.

5. Avoid Shampoos With Dyes

The Shampoos with dyes can irritate the soft scalp of your little one. Further, they can cause some severe health issues in the future. So, avoiding shampoos with dyes for your little ones is always advisable.

6. Learn The Skin Type

There are many shampoos available in the market. Though baby shampoos are generally suitable for all babies, you might need to check the baby’s skin type. Certain ingredients might not suit the baby’s scalp. For example, if your little one has a dry scalp, you need to check on the ingredients and choose the shampoo that will maintain moisture and nourishes the scalp.

7. Check Expiry Dates

The most often overlooked factor is the expiry dates. Just like any other product, shampoos have expiry dates too. It is essential to check the dates and not use shampoos post the expiry date. You must ensure that your little one gets the best nourishment in the early years of life.

8. Read the Labels Carefully

The label tells you everything about the shampoo. Don’t check just the brand and the picture but try to learn the ingredients and composition of the shampoo. Some shampoos may contain artificial coloring and chemicals to induce fragrances. These details might not be highlighted. You can find them in the fine print. Read them carefully and choose the shampoo which has natural ingredients and is free from chemicals.

Top 10 Baby Shampoos For Babies in India

Keeping all the criteria in mind, the following are the Top 10 baby Shampoos available in India.

1. Himalaya Baby Shampoo

According to the research conducted by Neilson India in June-July 2020, 98% of doctors in India recommend this shampoo. It is clinically proven and has No-tear formula, and is made of four natural ingredients, namely,

• Chickpea: Protects the skin from dandruff.
• Vetiver: Acts as a disinfectant and is well known for antifungal and cooling properties.
• Hibiscus: Acts as a conditioner and softens the hair
• Rice: Helps nourish and soothe hair

It is free from Parabens, dyes, and synthetic chemicals.

Pros

• The protein-rich formula ensures strong and healthy hair
• Mild on baby`s scalp
• Natural Shampoo with no chemicals
• Anti-inflammatory and Soothing properties

Cons

• The scalp might become dry for some babies.

2. Mamaearth Gentle Cleansing Natural Baby Shampoo

This shampoo has been dermatologically tested in Europe and has been proven to be hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. It is also Asia`s 1st Madesafe-certified brand that is Toxin-free. The shampoo is tear-free, gentle, effective, and has a neutral Ph of 5.6, which is best suitable for babies. It is made of four natural ingredients, namely,

• Coconut: Acts as an Anti-inflammatory factor.
• Calendula Extract: Prevents skin from dandruff and allergies
• Jojoba Oil: Enriched with vitamins and minerals to keep the hair soft and nourished
• Aloe Vera Extract: Moisturizes the scalp Skin

Pros

• All-natural
• Tear-free formula
• Nourishes the hair
• Reduces the chance of inflammation and irritation
• Chemical free

Cons

• The hair may become dry if used excessively.

3. Johnson’s Baby No More Tears Baby Shampoo

As the name suggests, it is made of No-tear Formula. It passes a five-step safety assurance procedure which ensures that the shampoo is safe. This shampoo has no chemicals and is 100% gentle. It has a balanced Ph and is clinically proven to be hypoallergenic. There are no harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfate, and dye. It is free from soap, making rinsing hair more accessible and more comfortable for the baby.

Pros

• Gentle to eyes
• Easy Usage
• Gentle cleaner and safe for the eyes
• Ph balanced and hypoallergenic
• No chemicals

Cons

• The package is not sturdy.

4. Sebamed Baby (Children) Shampoo

It is German-based baby shampoo that a dermatologist has curated to provide proper hair care for your babies. It comes with a Ph of 5.5 and has sugar based mild cleanser. This shampoo contains botanical Ingredients and is made from a tear-free formula. It is best for treating cradle cap, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. It contains soap and is 100% free from alkaline.

Pros

• Suitable for six months and older babies
• Paraben-free
• Unscented
• No-tears formula
• Clinically proven
• Mild on babies’ scalp and skin
• Strengthens scalp for optimum hair growth

Cons

• Not suitable for babies who have dry hair

5. Mee Mee Mild Baby Shampoo

The Baby Shampoo is infused with grapefruit extracts to give a natural fragrance and deodorize the hair. It gives a lustrous and shiny look to the hair. This shampoo is made of tear-free formula and is mild on your baby`s eyes. It is hypoallergenic and safe for your baby. In addition, it is dermatologically tested and has a well-balanced Ph level.

Pros

• Mild on Eyes
• Suitable and safe for newborns
• Zero chemicals
• Natural fragrance
• Nourishes the scalp

Cons

• The hair may become dry for some kids.

6. Spoo Shampoo for Babies, Gentle and No Tears Shampoo

The Spoo shampoo is a mild, tear-free, and Sulphate-free shampoo that can be trusted for a clean hair wash. Pediatricians recommend this shampoo to maintain the pH level and texture of the hair and moisturize the scalp. This shampoo is best for treating cradle caps. It has the mildest surfactants, which help gently clean the baby`s hair without drying it. It is made of No-tear formula and is easy to use.

Pros

• No-tear formula
• Daily usage makes the hair soft and clean
• It keeps the hair soft and shiny
• Optimal Ph levels in the scalp
• Sulphate-free
• Mild on the baby`s skin

Cons

• The fragrance may be too strong for the little one.

7. Cetaphil Baby Shampoo

This baby shampoo provides a head-to-toe gentle cleaning, provides adequate hydration, and moisturizes the skin for the healthy development of the scalp and skin. It contains Glycerin and Panthenol (Vitamin b5) that soothe and moisturizes the skin and hair. This shampoo is chemical-free, dermatologically tested, tear-free and soap-free. It is made from a triple blend of Sunflower Seed oil, Soya bean oil, and Shea butter which helps to maintain natural moisture and protects the skin.

Pros

• Tear-free Formula keeps the eyes away from irritation
• Gentle cleansing
• Free from PAMAS – Parabens, Animal Origin Ingredients, Mineral Oil, Alcohol, and Soap.
• Infused with natural ingredients – Chamomile, Glycerin, and Wheat Protein
• Safe to use for the newborn from day 1.
• Free from Soap
• Balanced pH
• Dermatologically tested and freed from allergy.

Cons

• The package design could be better. It spills so much more shampoo than required.

8. Dabur Baby Gentle Nourishing Shampoo

It is produced with natural baby-safe ingredients and is 100 per cent free from soap. It is dermatologically tested and crafted carefully to ensure that your baby’s tender and sensitive scalp is safe and free from irritations. This shampoo is made of three natural ingredients, namely,

• Hibiscus: to stimulate hair growth
• Gooseberry: to nourish the hair roots
• Aloe Vera: To maintain healthily and nourished skin.

Pros

• Free from parabens and phthalates
• Hypoallergenic
• Ayurvedic ingredients
• Dermatologically tested
• No Artificial colors
• 100 percent soap free
• Provides nourishment
• Mild, pure, and safe

Cons

• The natural fragrance may not be liked by some babies

9. Chicco Baby Moments Shampoo

This baby shampoo is made of Gentle Cleansing formula, especially for Soft and tangle-free hair. It makes the baby`s hair soft and smooth and prevents tangling. This shampoo also keeps the scalp moisturized and prevents dryness. It is made with the whole goodness of two natural ingredients, namely,

• Calendula: which is considered a natural moisturizer and best for nourishing the scalp
• Hibiscus: to moisturize the scalp and maintain the pH levels

Pros

• No-tear formula keeps the eyes free from irritations
• Free from preservatives, chemicals, and dyes.
• Made of vegetarian Origin.’
• Dermatologically tested on sensitive baby skins.
• Prevents tangling and promotes hair growth
• Makes the hair strong and shiny
• Mild on the skin

Cons

• Some babies might have fizzy hair after the bath.

10. The Moms Co. Tear-Free Natural Baby Shampoo

This baby shampoo is made with a combination of coconut-based mild cleansers that helps nourish and strengthen the baby’s hair. It also consists of USDA Certified Organic Argan Oils and Moringa that help lock the moisture in the scalp, promote hair growth and strengthen the hair. It is free from Paraben, sulfate, and other potentially harmful chemicals.

Pros

• Tear-free, gentle, and mild cleanser
• Hypoallergenic
• Nourishes and moisturizes hair
• Aids in hair growth
• Natural ingredients in and toxins out
• Certified Toxin-free
• Dermatologically tested

Cons

• The Quantity might not justify the cost

Babies have delicate and soft scalps and skin. You should prioritize what suits your baby’s scalp while choosing the best baby shampoo. The better care and nourishment provided in the initial years will help strengthen and promote good hair growth. It is best to choose a baby shampoo with natural and chemical-free ingredients. Now that we have discussed the factors to be considered before choosing the right baby shampoo, we hope you make the right decision that best suits your little one. Happy shopping!

Read Also: How to Choose the Right Baby Moisturizer For Your Baby?