Choosing the right baby shampoo matters. Your baby’s skin is delicate, and the wrong product can cause dryness, irritation, or tears at bath time. Below, we’ve shared five great shampoos you can get in the UK, plus what to look for when buying one.
What to Look For in a Baby Shampoo
- Tear-free: won’t sting your baby’s eyes
- No harsh chemicals: avoid sulphates, parabens, dyes, and alcohol
- Light or no fragrance: strong smells can irritate skin
- Hypoallergenic: better for sensitive skin
- Easy to rinse: less fuss and residue
Top 5 Baby Shampoos (UK)
1. Aveeno Baby Daily Care 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
This shampoo is a go-to for babies with dry or sensitive skin. It combines shampoo and conditioner in one, making bath time quicker. The oat extract helps soothe irritation, and the formula is gentle and tear-free. It’s a safe, mild option that’s especially good for newborns and little ones with eczema.
Buy it here: Tesco (£4.62)
2. Childs Farm Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
This is a popular pick for babies with eczema-prone skin. It uses 96% naturally derived ingredients and contains aloe vera and cucumber. It has a clean, light scent and lathers gently. Many parents say it cleared up dry spots and helped their baby’s skin feel soft and calm.
Buy it here: Tesco (£4.98)
3. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
Johnson’s is a classic. Their shampoo is affordable, widely available, and very gentle. The “No More Tears” formula is safe on eyes and doesn’t cause dryness. Some parents find the scent slightly stronger than other brands, but it’s still a dependable choice for daily use.
Buy it here: Superdrug (£3.75)
4. Weleda Baby Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash
If you want something natural and organic, this one’s worth it. It’s made with calendula extract and almond oil to nourish and protect. It has a soft herbal scent and is ideal for delicate skin. A little goes a long way, so one bottle usually lasts a while.
Buy it here: Big Green Smile (£7.95)
5. Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash
This shampoo uses mostly natural ingredients and has a lovely sweet scent. The coconut and soy-based formula is gentle, tear-free, and works well for babies with normal or dry skin. It foams nicely for a plant-based wash, and many parents say it leaves hair soft and clean without any irritation.
Buy it here: Holland & Barrett (£9.00)
Quick Comparison Guide
| Concern | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Eczema or dry skin | Childs Farm or Aveeno |
| Organic/natural | Weleda |
| Budget-friendly | Johnson’s |
| Combo shampoo + body wash | Burt’s Bees or Weleda |
| Sensitive scalp | Aveeno |
Ingredients to Avoid
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS): can dry out or irritate the skin
- Parabens: preservatives that many parents prefer to avoid
- Artificial fragrance: common cause of rashes
- Alcohol: can be drying
- Artificial dyes: not needed in baby products
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fancy shampoo. Just choose one that’s clean, gentle, and suits your baby’s skin type. All five options here are good — just go with what feels right for you and your baby. If something doesn’t work, switch it up. Every baby’s different.