Bathing your baby is definitely one of the most delightful experiences as a new parent – I could say this for sure! The gentle splashes, the coos of happiness, and that fresh, clean scent afterward make it a cherished moment. And here’s a million-dollar question: why do babies smell the best? When it comes to finding the best smelling shampoos for your baby, gentle scents are always the way to go. Us parents prefer to have light, mild and gentle scents in the products that we use to cleanse our baby’s skin and hair. Sometimes strong fragrances can be irritating or seem unnatural, especially for newborns. We just simply want our baby to smell clean after a bath, not necessarily perfumed, just fresh and pleasant. We also don’t want something that will dry out our baby’s hair. The last thing that we want is our baby to get a rash or be uncomfortably sneezing from the overbearing scents. Some fragrances can even help you build an emotional connection with your baby that will be memorable of their childhood.
Anyway, the right baby shampoo is essential (even if a baby’s scent is enough at all)—not only for cleanliness but also for that lingering, pleasant fragrance that makes cuddling your baby even more enjoyable. These are our top picks that we recommend after testing, and these shampoos can work for all ages and hair types!
Our Top Picks
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Best Smelling Baby Shampoo for Eczema: Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash
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Best Smelling Baby Shampoo and Wash for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo
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Best Smelling Sulfate-free Baby Shampoo: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
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Best Smelling Baby Shampoo for Dry Hair & Skin: Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo
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Best Gentle Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo with Avocado
Best Smelling Baby Shampoo for Eczema
1. Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash
Quantity: 12 fl. oz Scent: Honey
Key Features:
- Suited for Eczema
- Natural ingredients
- Lightly scented
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of harsh chemicals.
If you’re a fan of natural products, this one’s a winner. Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash has a subtle sweet almond scent that feels luxurious yet not overwhelming. Made with natural ingredients, it’s gentle on your baby’s skin while keeping it soft and hydrated.
My Take: I’ve always loved Burt’s Bees for their lip balms, so naturally, I gave this a try for my baby. The scent is so soothing, and I feel good knowing it’s natural.
Best Smelling Baby Shampoo and Wash for Sensitive Skin
2. Aveeno Baby Gentle Shampoo
Quantity: 33 fl. oz Scent: Light pleasant scent
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic
- No-tear formula
- Light calming scent
- Pump Dispenser (optional)
- Paraben-free
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Trusted by pediatricians and dermatologists
Aveeno’s baby products are well-known for their calming and skin-soothing qualities, and this shampoo is no exception. Infused with natural oat extract, it offers a mild and calming fragrance that’s perfect for bedtime baths. It’s also a great option for babies with sensitive skin or eczema.
My Take: A friend recommended this to me when my baby had a rash. Not only did it help with the redness, but the light scent made bath time feel so relaxing for both of us.
Best Smelling Sulfate-free Baby Shampoo
3. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
Quantity: 33 fl. oz Scent: Amber
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic
- No-tear formula
- Light calming scent
- Pump Dispenser (optional)
- Paraben, Paraben, Phthalate, Sulfate & Dye-Free
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Tested by pediatricians and dermatologists
A timeless classic, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo has been a household favorite for decades. Its light, clean scent is nostalgic for many parents—it might even remind you of your own childhood. This shampoo is famous for its “no more tears” formula, making bath time stress-free for both you and your baby. The scent isn’t overpowering but leaves your baby’s hair smelling wonderfully fresh.
Why Parents Love It:
- Trusted for generations.
- Gentle on the eyes and skin.
- Affordable and widely available.
My Take: I remember my mom using this on me when I was little, and now it feels full-circle to use it on my own kids.
Best Smelling Baby Shampoo for Dry Hair & Skin
4. Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo & Wash
Quantity: 13.5 fl. oz Scent: Calendula flowers
Key Features:
- Gentle cleansing
- Lasting Hydration
- Pump Dispenser
- Fresh calendula fragrance
- Tear-free formula
- Gentle on delicate skin
- Dermatologist-tested
This shampoo features a gentle calendula scent, which is both fresh and comforting. Calendula is known for its soothing properties, so it’s a great choice if your baby has dry or irritated skin. Plus, it leaves their hair silky smooth and smells lovely. It is also great that this shampoo is made from natural ingredients.
My Take: My sister swears by this shampoo for her twins, and I can see why. Their hair always smells amazing, and it’s great for their sensitive skin.
Best Gentle Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
5. Mustela Gentle Shampoo
Quantity: 6.76 fl. oz Scent: Chamomile
Key Features:
- Designed for newborns
- Biodegradable formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Delightful, fresh scent.
- Helps prevent cradle caps.
- Tear-free
Mustela’s Gentle Shampoo is a favorite among parents who want something that’s both effective and luxurious. The unique, pleasant scent is often described as “baby fresh,” and it’s gentle enough for newborns. It’s also designed to help prevent cradle caps, which is a huge plus for many moms and dads.
My Take: I discovered Mustela when I was desperate for something to help with the cradle cap, and it worked wonders! Plus, that smell—it’s unforgettable.
Why does scent matter in baby shampoo?
I know that some parents wouldn’t agree with me on this but the sense of smell is powerful. For babies, a soothing scent can make bath time a calming experience, helping them relax and even sleep better. For parents, that fresh baby smell is one of the joys of early parenthood.
Just remember to pick the right shampoo that smells fresh – and safe (most important part) as well! After all, a baby’s skin is so delicate and harmful chemicals that we think might not harm us, must be dangerous for them.
Fragrance-Free vs. Scent-Free: Yep, There’s a Difference
“Fragrance-free” doesn’t always mean the product doesn’t smell like anything it just means no fragrance was added. On the other hand, “scent-free” usually means the product truly has no smell at all. So if you’re hoping for zero odor, look for that specific “scent-free” label.
In our testing, we found some great fragrance-free options like Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash and Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo — perfect if you or your little one are sensitive to smells. On the other hand, if you do enjoy a soft, gentle scent, Weleda Baby 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash and Honest Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo and Wash give you that subtle, soothing aroma without being overwhelming.
That said, some products like Johnson’s Baby Shampoo have a much stronger scent that can linger. It may be nostalgic for some, but if you or your baby are scent-sensitive, you might want to steer clear.
Natural/Non-Toxic Ingredients
When it comes to scent, what the smell represents is just as important to parents as how it actually smells. Many parents are increasingly aware and cautious about the ingredients behind the fragrance in baby products.
1. Concerns with Artificial Fragrances
Parents often associate strong, synthetic scents with the presence of potentially harmful chemicals like phthalates or synthetic musks. There’s a growing concern about endocrine disruptors or ingredients that may cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or allergic reactions. The term “fragrance” on an ingredient label is often seen as a red flag because it can be a catch-all for dozens of undisclosed chemicals.
2. Preference for Transparency
Parents prefer shampoos with clear ingredient lists and transparency about what makes up the scent — for instance, knowing that the scent comes from lavender essential oil rather than a generic “baby powder fragrance.” Brands that call out what they’re free from — like “no synthetic fragrance,” “no parabens,” or “no sulfates” tend to earn more trust.
These days, with so many brands being more open about what they put into their products, there’s really no reason to settle for something vague or full of mystery ingredients. Every family has their own comfort level when it comes to skincare — what worries one parent might not phase another. That’s why it’s important to read labels and decide what you feel good about putting on your baby’s skin.
Ingredients don’t just affect whether a product smells nice — they also impact how it lathers, how it feels, and most importantly, how your baby’s skin reacts. If your little one has extra sensitive skin or eczema (like mine did as a newborn), you know how tricky it can be to find a product that cleans without causing flare-ups.
3. Labels That Signal Safety
Parents are especially drawn to products labeled as:
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Fragrance-free – meaning truly no added scent, not just “unscented” (which can still contain masking fragrances).
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Hypoallergenic – suggesting reduced risk of allergic reactions, which is key for babies with sensitive skin.
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Made with natural essential oils – like chamomile, calendula, or lavender, which not only smell pleasant but are also known for their calming or soothing properties.
Let’s Talk About Fragrance (and What That Really Means for Your Baby)
We all love that sweet, fresh baby smell — but here’s the thing: babies don’t actually need any added scent. Their natural smell is perfect as it is! While it’s tempting to reach for a shampoo that smells like lavender fields or vanilla cupcakes, it’s worth pausing to think about what’s behind that scent.
The truth is, the word “fragrance” on a label is like a mystery box. The FDA doesn’t require companies to list what’s actually in that fragrance, which means it could be a blend of hundreds of ingredients — natural or synthetic. Even “natural” fragrances or essential oils can cause skin irritation, especially on babies’ sensitive skin. As much as I love the calming scent of lavender myself, I learned the hard way that it didn’t sit well with my daughter’s skin — she broke out in little red patches after one bath. We switched to a fragrance-free formula and never looked back.
What are the things to look for in baby shampoo?
When selecting a baby shampoo, consider the following:
- Gentle Ingredients: Ensure the shampoo is free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Natural ingredients are preferable for a baby’s sensitive skin. Please see these studies to learn more about the developmental and reproductive complications that Phthalates may cause.
- Tear-Free Formula: A tear-free shampoo ensures that bath time remains a pleasant experience, even if some suds get into your baby’s eyes.
- Hypoallergenic: This reduces the risk of allergic reactions, keeping your baby’s skin safe and comfortable.
- Moisturizing Properties: Ingredients like aloe vera or oat extract can help keep your baby’s skin soft and hydrated.
For more information on the breakdowns of some of these ingredients, please visit the Environmental Working Group.
What We Found (and Felt!) During Baby Shampoo Testing
When it comes to washing your baby’s hair and skin, it’s not just about getting clean — it’s about comfort, safety, and making bath time a little easier for everyone involved (especially you!). So, we rolled up our sleeves and actually tried out a variety of baby shampoos and washes. We lathered, rinsed, sniffed, and examined the ingredients closely to see which ones truly left hair clean and soft, and which ones raised some red flags.
How Easy Is It to Use?
Let’s be real, trying to wash a baby while keeping one hand on their wiggly little body is basically a circus act. That’s why how easy the shampoo is to use matters more than you might think.
We found that pump bottles are a real lifesaver. Products like Honest Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo and Wash and Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo come with pumps that let you get just the right amount with one hand. That means your other hand can stay safely on your baby or catching a flying rubber duck.
That said, even pumps aren’t perfect. If they take a tumble off the edge of the tub, they can break. We recommend setting them on a flat, sturdy surface if possible. We learned this the hard way after a slippery bottle met the tile floor mid-bath!
On the other hand (literally), shampoos with flip-top caps like the Mustela Gentle Shampoo often require two hands to open and squeeze. That’s not ideal when your baby is trying to crawl away or turn on the faucet themselves. Also, if your toddler wants to help, they may squeeze out way too much and turn bath time into bubble overload.
These little things might not seem like a big deal on their own, but when you add them all up, they definitely influence which shampoos make bath time smoother — and which ones might cause more stress than they’re worth.
Tips for a pleasant bath time experience for your baby!
- Consistency: Establish a regular bath time routine to provide a sense of security for your baby.
- Temperature Check: Ensure the bath water is warm but not hot—around 37°C (98.6°F) is ideal.
- Gentle Handling: Use a soft washcloth and gentle motions to clean your baby, making the experience soothing.
- Post-Bath Care: After bathing, gently pat your baby dry and apply a mild, moisturizing lotion to keep their skin soft.
A note on safety
Always perform a patch test when introducing a new product to your baby’s skincare routine. Apply a small amount on a small area of their skin and monitor for any reactions over 24 hours. If any redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately. Please also use products that will leave your baby’s hair moisturized and soft.
Choosing the right baby shampoo is a blend of ensuring safety, gentleness, and a pleasant fragrance. The options listed above have been favored by many parents for their delightful scents and baby-friendly formulations. Remember, every baby is unique, so it might take a couple of tries to find the perfect match for your little one. Enjoy these precious moments, and cherish the sweet scents that make parenthood so special.