My philosophy on baby skincare is the same as that for pregnant moms: less is more. Babies have sensitive skin and unless they are having some kind of major issue, they don’t need many products. I asked my mom friends–including my sister and bestie Alyssa, who is preggers with baby number three (so in my mind a total expert!)–as to what everyone’s favorite products are. Here is what they told me, as well as my top picks.
Weleda Baby Calendula Diaper Care cream ($7.99) got mentioned by all the moms I polled. If you are going to a baby shower and need a gift, this is a must have for any new mom. It smells awesome, is super-duper effective, and clears up diaper rash fast! Also, many moms mentioned the Weleda Baby Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash, too ($10.64).
Another product line mentioned over and over again–and something I used when my babe was a newborn (and still buy now that he is three)–is California Baby. I love their Super Sensitive Shampoo Body Wash ($16.20), California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen ($19.99), and California Baby Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion ($9.71). These have zero scent, are free of dyes and color, and never caused a bad reaction to my super-sensitive babe.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen ($9.26) is a drugstore alternative to California Baby. It’s similarly super-sensitive and effective. Plus, it comes in the form of a giant chapstick that is great for tossing into diaper bags and reapplying on the go.
Aveno Baby Wash and Shampoo and Daily Moisture Lotion ($15.69 for a two-pack) got high marks from discerning mommies. It is perfect for sensitive skin as well as moisturizing skin that is dry or irritated.
I’ve talked about my love for the Babo products before. I seriously adore Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Lotion with Oatmilk and Calendula ($14.50)–and my mom friends do too. It smells so good that I use it on myself! A basket of their products would make a beautiful baby shower present or gift to a new mom.
Moms whose babies have a little eczema swear by ($11.99) for soothing sensitive skin.
The wipes that were mentioned most were the Burt’s Bees Baby Hand & Face Cloths ($6) and the gDiapers baby wipes ($4.49)–both are super-sensitive and can be used to change diapers but are also gentle enough to wipe your child’s face and hands.
A big shout out goes to The Honest Company. My sister loves their products and is very picky about what she uses on my nephew. She speaks very highly of their diapers and wipes (OMG their diapers have the cutest prints!), as well as their customer service. The plant-based wipes ($4.95) are especially great because they are not too wet (don’t you hate a super-sopping wipe?) and they are ultra-sensitive–not irritating in the slightest for even the most sensitive babe. Likewise, the diapers ($13.95 per pack) are eco-friendly and super-absorbent. I also love their Healing Balm ($12.95), Sunscreen ($13.95), Face + Body Lotion ($9.95) and Body Oil ($9.95)–all of which can be used on mom and baby alike. Each has a very faint, herbal smell but no added fragrance, so it is just the scent of the botanical ingredients you’re getting (they are also free of petrochemicals, mineral oil, gluten, parabens, phthalates, dyes and common allergens). Their products are nourishing and moisturizing as they contain lots of natural plant oils (like shea butter and sunflower seed oil). The Healing Balm is probably my favorite in the bunch: it’s a perfect multi-tasking product for winter for both mom and baby. They even have free trial offers available on their website–I highly recommend testing some of their products out!
