Newborns have the softest skin — and you want to keep it that way, right? From the coolest bath tubs to the gentlest washes and skin-protecting lotions, here are our top picks for making bath time fun time for baby.
1Best of Baby 2015: Bath & Skin Care
2 Image: BoonTubs: Boon Naked
Most Compact
Simplicity reigns in this cool, collapsible tub that accommodates newborns up to 18 months. What we love:
- A plug allows for quick, complete drainage; no need to dump out water
- Its space-saving profile let’s you hang it up to dry and easily store away
Buy it: $60, Toyrus.com
3 Image: 4MomsTubs: 4Moms Infant Tub
Most High-Tech
Bath time just became a spa retreat for baby, and a whole lot easier for you. What we love:
- A color-coded thermometer lets you know when the water is the perfect temperature
- A side drain and a clean water reservoir work together to filter dirty water out and clean water in
- It’s still compact enough to fit in a standard kitchen sink!
Buy it: $50, ToysRUs.com
4 Image: MunchkinTubs: Munchkin ComforTemp Infant Bather
Best for Out-of-Sink
Made to sit on your countertop or in your bathtub, this tub uses radiant heat and a warm water reservoir to keep baby’s underside warm. What we love:
- The non-slip, reclining design and high side walls keep baby comfortably in place
Buy it: $38.99, Diapers.com
5 Image: SkinfixBody Wash: Skinfix Gentle Body Wash
Best for Sensitive Skin
If your baby’s skin or scalp is super sensitive, bath time is probably the opposite of soothing for baby and you. Skinfix’s two-in-one mild cleanser can alleviate that stress. It’s botanical-based ingredients are fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and best of all, tear-free to help soothe eczema flare-ups.
Buy it: $20, Amazon.com
6 Image: Aden + AnaisBody Wash: Aden + Anais Hair + Body Wash
Best All-Around
What is “pawpaw” fruit, you ask? Whatever it is, it’s in this mild wash that works wonders cleaning without drying out baby’s delicate skin. Moms concerned about allergenic ingredients can rest easy: this one’s phthalate-free, paraben-free, gluten and soy free too. What we love:
- The natural-smelling scent on baby’s skin is irresistible, so don’t be surprised if you catch yourself using it too
Buy it: $21, Amazon.com
7Body Wash: Little Twig Calming Lavender Baby Wash
Best for Newborns
Need a seamless transition from bath time to bedtime? This lavender-infused wash has a soothing scent and skin-softening vitamin E that are gentle enough to use on newborns.
Buy it: $14, BuyBuyBaby.com
8 Image: Baby PibuSkin Lotion: Baby Pibu Baby Eczema Care Kit
Best for Eczema
The two products in this set tackle both dry skin and eczema. Use the Hydrating Ointment daily (and liberally) for preventative care, and apply the Rash Relief cream in small doses to treat flare-ups. (Check with your pediatrician before using: The Rash Relief cream contains a mild dose of hydrocortisone to treat eczema.)
Buy it: $36, Babypibu.com
9 Image: Baby BeeSkin Lotion: Baby Bee Nourishing Lotion - Calming
Most Soothing
Moms give this a big thumbs up for its great “baby smell” (psst, it’s a combo of soothing lavender and vanilla) and non-greasy formulation.
Buy it: $7, Toysrus.com
10 Image: AveenoSkin Lotion: Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion
Best All-Around
The natural oatmeal in this non-greasy moisturizer makes it a safe choice to use daily. It locks in moisture for 24 hours without clogging pores, plus it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Buy it: $10, Toysrus.com
