The Best Baby Lotion

Buying Guide for Baby Lotion

Why buy baby lotion?

If your baby is suffering from dry skin, particularly in cooler, dryer months, it’s important to cover your baby’s skin with a layer of protection from the elements. Leaving dry skin untreated can lead to a slew of other conditions that may leave your baby feeling itchy or uncomfortable. It’s important to use a safe, baby-friendly lotion at the first sign of dry skin and continue to use the lotion until your baby’s skin is back to normal. Massaging a small amount of lotion onto your baby also helps with your baby’s circulation, and it can be a wonderful bonding moment for you and your baby. Baby lotion is also a healing product for children who suffer from eczema and some other skin conditions.

What should you consider in baby lotion?

• Pediatrician-Recommended: It’s important to choose a lotion that’s been proven safe and recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists, especially for a baby’s sensitive skin. That way, you can be certain that it’s safe and doesn’t contain ingredients that may irritate the skin or cause other more serious reactions.
• Skin Type/Ingredients: For babies with dry skin, you’ll want to consider a baby lotion with a natural oil base like coconut oil. Coconut oil will lock in moisture. For sensitive skin, try baby lotion made from all-natural ingredients, without heavy perfumes or additives. And for eczema, soothing ingredients like beeswax and cocoa butter will soothe irritation while healing the skin.
• Allergens: Another thing to watch out for in baby lotion is ingredients that your child may potentially be allergic to. Sulfates, perfumes, and dyes can cause serious allergic reactions in small children, as can some plant-based additives.

When should you begin using baby lotion?

Many pediatricians recommend avoiding using any baby lotions or oils until the baby is at least a few weeks old. Bathing the baby with soap too often can also be problematic. Newborns should naturally have pretty moisturized skin, and sometimes, these products can cause irritation on their delicate, brand-new skin. After the first three to six weeks or so, it’s usually appropriate to use baby lotion as needed to keep a newborn’s skin moisturized. Always consult your pediatrician for medical advice tailored to your baby and his or her unique needs.

Our Picks for the Best Baby Lotion

Pros: One of the main ingredients in this skin-soothing baby lotion is colloidal oatmeal: a soothing powder made from finely-ground oat bran that’s great for sensitive skin. This naturally moisturizing blend keeps your child’s skin moisturized for 24 hours. This brand is dermatologist- and pediatrician-recommended to be gentle enough for your baby’s skin. It’s safe for everyday use, and it contains no dyes, fragrances, steroids, or irritating parabens. It’s hypoallergenic, so you won’t have to worry about serious skin reactions. Finally, this formula is non-greasy, so you won’t have to worry about a slippery baby!

Cons: Some people don’t care for the scent, although the scent is very light.

Bottom Line: For babies as young as six weeks old, this lotion is safe and moisturizes well. It comes from a company known for its natural skin care line. And it’s recommended by doctors for everyday use.

 

Pros:  This fragrance-free baby lotion is made with all-natural renewable components such as plant-based glycerine and sugarcane. It contains zero toxins or sulfates, and it’s recommended for sensitive skin. You can use this lotion daily to gently nurture and moisturize your baby’s delicate skin with instant, long-lasting hydration and without causing irritation. Plus, this lotion has been tested by dermatologists and pediatricians and has been found to be 100% clean, hypoallergenic, free of synthetic fragrances, vegan, and cruelty-free. Finally, this lotion is EWG verified as an environmentally-friendly product.

Cons: This lotion is a little thinner than some other baby lotions.

Bottom Line: If you require an eczema-friendly lotion for your baby, this may be a great option for you. There are scented and non-scented options, and it’s a climate-pledge product.

 

Pros: With coconut oil as its base, this baby lotion moisturizes naturally, keeping your child’s skin balanced. The new improved pink formula uses 50% fewer ingredients than its predecessor and is free of dyes, phthalates, fragrances, and parabens for smooth skin all day without irritation. This lotion has been pediatrician tested and is often used in hospitals. This product also meets or exceeds ECOLOGO standards, has a Climate Pledge Friendly stamp, and is Cradle to Cradle certified as a product made with safer materials and responsible processes to positively impact the planet.

Cons: The bottle’s pump can be difficult to use.

Bottom Line: This classic baby lotion meets the 21st century with a new and improved formula that’s guaranteed to be gentle. The large bottle helps you to save time and money.

 

Pros: From a trusted brand name in skin care, this baby lotion comes in a convenient, money-saving three-pack. It is gentle, using skin-safe ingredients such as oatmeal and dimethicone, which is derived from natural silica, to lock moisture in the skin for up to 24 hours. It’s non-greasy and free of additives, allergens, parabens, and fragrances. And it’s pediatrician recommended to be safe and gentle for your precious bundle of joy. It’s best to use this lotion right after your baby’s bath to seal in moisture and to help heal dry skin. Plus, this lotion is made in the U.S. with quality standards and quality ingredients.

Cons: This lotion only comes non-scented, and there are no other scented options.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a baby lotion for babies with sensitive skin or eczema, this may be an excellent option for you. You can use this lotion for the whole family. And the bulk pack is a great money-saving option.

 

Pros: For babies or young children with eczema or sensitive skin, this gentle lotion is a great find. It’s pH balanced and free from potential irritants, including sulfates and dyes. It’s also safety-tested by dermatologists and pediatricians. Made from 100% skin-natural ingredients, it can ease the irritation of dry skin within minutes and lock in moisture all day.

Cons: This lotion is a bit thin.

Bottom Line: If you want an effective lotion for babies with sensitive skin, this brand-name option is a great pick. It’s as gentle as water!

Final Thoughts

Baby lotion is a must-have purchase for new parents. Since babies have such delicate skin, it’s important to use a product that treats it gently. These top picks will do the job well.