Finding the best baby lotion for your little one can turn out to be pretty tricky. We know you have probably heard that a baby’s skin is magically smooth and soft, and that’s no lie! However, babies still do need lotion from time to time to help them stay hydrated just like us. You do have to keep in mind that their skin is far more sensitive than yours. When choosing a lotion you must consider your baby’s skin type and make sure all the ingredients are safe to use on them. This guide will help you understand when to use lotion, what to look for in a lotion, and the best baby lotion for your family.
All About Baby Lotion
Babies are born with delicate skin that doesn’t really require any product to stay hydrated. In fact, it is recommended that you do not use any product right away on your newborn as it can irritate their skin. If they have dry or cracked skin as a newborn, you can use Vaseline or olive oil (Kaiser Permanente). It’s best to wait until your baby is a little older, 1-2 months, before using lotion to repair dry skin.
Once your little one has transitioned from newborn to baby, you will want to find the best baby lotion for them. This product will be very mild and free of any harmful chemicals, as the list below states. It’s important to be aware that some plant-based ingredients can be irritating to the baby’s skin. Many lotions formulated for babies avoid these ingredients but if you’re looking for a product you can use on the whole family you should keep this in mind.
Pro tip: You will want to apply lotion right after bathtime, which is when their skin will absorb the product the very best.
You should choose a baby lotion over regular lotion because they are built specifically for hydrating their skin, they absorb quickly, and they use the very best ingredients that help repair and protect. Keep in mind, lotions are different than creams and gels in terms of their consistency and their ability to hydrate your baby’s skin.
What to Consider When Choosing a Baby Lotion:
- Baby’s skin: if the baby has any skin condition like eczema, dry skin, or sensitive skin
- Ingredients: ingredients range from conventional to natural depending on the product, you will want to ensure your baby lotion is completely free of dyes and harsh chemicals
- Availability: some products can be easily found in your local drugstore and others may need to be ordered in advance, be prepared and have a good baby lotion ready to go at all times especially in the dryer winter months
Our #1 Baby Lotion – Tubby Todd
Tubby Todd has been the best baby lotion for our little ones. Tubby Todd was created by a mom whose child suffered from eczema and so she created her own lotion to clear up eczema. My daughter also had eczema and nothing was helping. In just two weeks of using Tubby Todd lotion, the eczema was completely gone. Not only that but Tubby Todd uses all-natural ingredients that are free of toxins, parabens, sulfates, and BPA. So you know they are safe for your baby’s sweet skin.
Check out all their products here.
Best Baby Lotions- Popular Among Moms
Johnson’s and Johnson’s with Coconut Oil
Johnson’s and Johnson’s is one of the most popular and well-known baby lotion brands. There are many options in their baby lotion line, covering everything from everyday needs to sensitive skin and even a bedtime lotion to help baby sleep. My favorite of theirs is the Pink Baby Lotion with Coconut Oil. It is 100% gentle and free of any harsh fragrance, dyes, parabens, and phthalates. Not to mention, it is a dermatologist and pediatrician tested product. I have found coconut oil to be one of my most favorite multi-use products in parenthood, and I just love that this lotion includes it and locks in moisture for 24 hours. You will probably find that the whole family wants to use this lotion! You can purchase yours here.
And, we are not against the bedtime version of this lotion either which is made with natural calming aromas. You can find this version here.
Baby Dove
This line uses all the quality ingredients from the adult Dove lines but tailors their formulas specifically for your baby’s delicate skin. Baby Dove offers a fragrance-free lotion that is also hypoallergenic and pH balanced, making it a great option for delicate skin. Their gentle formula aims to help your baby retain moisture for 24 hours. It is an ideal option for use after a bath to lock in moisture. This formula is great for soothing dry skin, which can happen as your baby grows or during the colder months. Here is current pricing!
Cetaphil Baby Lotion
Cetaphil is a higher-end drugstore product line known for its thicker, moisturizing lotions. The Cetaphil baby lotion uses natural ingredients and an easy-to-use pump-style bottle. This lotion contains signature ingredients and natural components, like sunflower oil and almond oil, to soothe dry and sensitive skin. The natural ingredients in this specially formulated product help keep the baby’s skin soft, nourished, protected, and moisturized. This brand has long been trusted in repairing dry skin from young to old, so you know it is a good product to use on your little one. Take a look here!
Best Baby Lotions for Maximum Hydration
CeraVe Baby Lotion
You can protect your baby’s skin with the essential ceramides and vitamins in CeraVe Baby Lotion. These help skin to maintain its natural protective barrier while also keeping skin hydrated for a full 24 hours. It is fragrance-free as well as sulfate-free, which is great as these are common irritants. This lotion is really a great option if you notice your baby is having problems with dry skin as it provides long term protections and truly helps their skin to heal. Buy yours here!
Best Baby Lotions with Natural Ingredients
Burt’s Bees Baby Lotion
Burt’s Bees is a popular natural lotion brand, especially when it comes to products for pregnant women and for new babies. The Burt’s Bees Baby line includes a nourishing baby lotion that is perfect for moisturizing your baby’s delicate and sensitive skin. Their products use natural, plant-based ingredients that are perfect for hydrating, smoothing, and keeping your baby’s skin soft and clear. I love that this lotion includes both sunflower oil and shea butter. These are two of my favorite moisturizing products! Get yours here.
Burt’s Bees also offers a variety of pregnancy products which makes it easy for expecting mothers to make this their go-to brand. Some of their other products include belly balm and lotions to use during pregnancy.
Honest Purely Simple Face and Body Lotion
Honest Company products are a favorite among many parents today, from diapers to soaps and lotions. The Honest Purely Simple Face and Body Lotion is a great option for both mom and baby to use. This lotion is plant-based and works to hydrate and keep skin moisturized. It’s formulated for dry skin but the quality ingredients make it a solid baby lotion for daily use as well. As with the full Honest Company product line each item is gentle and clean, making it safe for baby. This brand has ventured beyond its online store to several retail locations, like Buy Buy Baby and Target. You can buy it on Amazon here!
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion
Aveeno products are well known and available in almost every drugstore and grocery store. They are all about using quality all-natural ingredients. The Aveeno Baby line uses these quality ingredients to help hydrate and lock moisture in with the use of colloidal oatmeal and rich emollients. These specific ingredients create a barrier to help keep moisture in while hydrating dry and sensitive skin. The Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion is gentle enough to use daily and will protect your baby for 24 hours. Purchase it here!
Earth Mama Baby Lotion
This sweet vanilla orange lotion will make you want to gobble your delicious babe up! It has been clinically tested, is nonirritating and dermatologically reviewed. This is a great option if you would like lotion with a little bit of a scent but still prioritizes being all-natural. It can be used cheeks to cheeks, so wherever your baby has dry spots it’s fair to apply. Earth Mama has a ton of other great products as well, and I am a big fan of their diaper cream and belly balms. To get your lotion, follow this link.
California Baby Everyday Lotion
This is the lotion for all vegan mamas out there! Not only is this a vegan option, but it is super soothing and hydrating. It is free of added fragrances, common allergens, and any harsh chemicals of course. I love that this lotion is so light and seems to absorb quickly. Its main ingredients are aloe vera and calendula extract, which leave your skin feeling so fresh. It is totally safe to use this product as your daily lotion. You can purchase it here!
Best Baby Lotion for Eczema Relief
Eucerin Baby Lotion
Having a baby with eczema definitely is not fun, but finding the right products will help to soothe their irritated skin. Eucerin is a well-known lotion brand for treating eczema and their baby body lotion gets the job done while still being very gentle. It is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, which is very important when applying to skin with eczema. Its super ingredients include shea butter and pro-vitamin B5. You should use the Eucerin baby wash and shampoo during bathtime for the full effects. Here is the current pricing for the lotion!
Aveeno Baby Eczema Care
Aveeno Baby Eczema care is recommended by pediatricians to soothe discomfort in babies with eczema. It is steroid-free, not to mention extremely gentle and free of harmful chemicals. It is made with natural colloidal oatmeal, which helps strengthen and protect. This lotion can be applied as need and is safe for daily use if necessary. On top of treating eczema, it is a great product to use if your little one has a rash as well. Click here for pricing.
They do have some other eczema care products like a night balm and a bath treatment if this is something your baby is really struggling with.
Have some questions about Baby Lotions? Feel free to list them in the comments. Also, check out our Rookie Moms Facebook Group, it’s a great group of moms where you can share your experiences, ask for advice and even help out another mom!
Frequently Asked Questions
What lotion is good for newborns?
Babies are born with delicate skin that doesn’t really require any product to stay hydrated. In fact, it is recommended that you do not use any product right away on your newborn as it can irritate their skin. If they have dry or cracked skin as a newborn, you can use Vaseline or olive oil (Kaiser Permanente). It’s best to wait until your baby is a little older, 1-2 months, before using lotion to repair dry skin.
Is lotion or baby oil better?
Baby oil does not absorb well into the baby’s skin, so if you are looking to moisturize lotion is a better option.
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