10 Best Shampoo for Kids & Babies in 2018

The integumentary system of babies are very sensitive, very fragile, to say the least. This is especially true with their superfine hair. Add to this the sensitivity of their eyes and you’ve got a young individual who requires absolute patience and extra tender loving care when it comes to bathing and shampooing. Aveeno understands this well. That’s why it formulated its Baby Wash & Shampoo to be specifically gentle not only on the locks and skins of babies but also on their eyes. The Aveeno hygiene product enjoys a strong base of followers, buoyed by more than 1,200 positive reviews of which nearly 4 out of 5 customers gave it 5 stars. Aside from this fact, the Aveeno is highly recommended by pediatricians everywhere making it, without a doubt, the best baby shampoo around. Part of Aveeno’s success is its inclusion of natural oat extracts into its formulation. This allows it to be extra gentle on babies’ skin. And since it also nourishes the skin, more nutrients are thus, absorbed by the roots of the hair which effectively translates to healthier mane. The Aveeno doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals yet it comes off as refreshingly soothing with a scent that is guaranteed to enhance the natural baby-scent of your little one. It doesn’t include any chemical that’s typically used in the production of soap. Neither does it contain parabens and other harmful substances. What you get for every 8 ounce bottle of the Aveeno is peace of mind for your baby’s optimum skin and hair health.

BENEFITS

This product is great to use on newborns because it doesn’t irritate their skin, even when it's extremely sensitive. The gentle smelling formula doesn't skimp on cleaning power either. Parents don’t have to switch out this product as baby grows because it's strong enough to be used by children and adults. The hypoallergenic properties make it ideal to use on any type of sensitive skin.

Pros

• It is hypoallergenic, children don’t have a bad reaction when its used on them.
• It suds up nicely and the scent is mild and pleasant.
• Doesn’t burn their eyes.
• Some people like to use this product on their dogs because it doesn’t irritate their skin.

Cons

• It may dry up your baby’s hair a little.

There are shampoos and conditioners whose scent seems to vanish as fast as the wind blows. You take a shower now and in just a few hours the scent would be gone. We were quite amazed when we read some of the reviews for the Shea Moisture Mango & Carrot Kids Shampoo and Conditioner. We counted quite several customers saying the natural sweet fruity scent of the Shea Moisture organic kids shampoo actually lasted a lot longer than competition, with some parents saying it lasts up to 36 hours. We are not sure whether this would appeal to you but let us just put it this way. If Shea Moisture can provide refreshing scent to one’s locks for more than a day, then it should not really be a problem to keep your kid’s mane looking and smelling fresh for longer periods of time despite their very active lifestyle. Children are naturally playful. Those who are in their puberty have very active sebaceous glands which, if clogged, can lead to the development of acne and other skin and hair problems. Because of the longer lasting effect of Shea Moisture you can feel more confident and secure in the idea that your kid is definitely kept safe from these conditions while keeping his or her locks smelling fresh. Shea Moisture Mango & Carrot is infused with 100 percent extract from orange blossom which has been proven to nourish the scalp whole also moisturizing, growing, and strengthening children’s delicate mane. Its Vitamin C content and other minerals help keep strands strong and healthy, able to withstand the scorching heat of the sun as well as dust and other environmental insults to the hair. With the Shea Moisture Mango & Carrot you can bet your kid will be feeling more confident all day long.

BENEFITS

This set infuses hair with extra moisturizing and nourishing properties. This makes it great for kiddos with wild or especially curly hair. The fresh scent and gentle lather work deeply into hair providing all the nutrients follicles need to stay silky and shiny. Parents of little athletes appreciate that the freshness can last through practice.

Pros

• Works great on detangling curly hair.
• Hairs smells fresh for a couple days.
• A detangler is available online for purchase.
• Keeps baby’s hair moistened and strong.

Cons

• Some people like how strong the scent is, and some don’t. It’s all about personal preference.

We cannot be absolutely certain whether the Watermelon Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner is specifically formulated by Suave to be for use by children who will be spending the rest of the summer at the beach. Whether or not there is any basis to this assumption, we can only say this much: The Surf’s Up is surprisingly refreshing with a very distinct fragrant freshness of the ocean. Perhaps the reason for the branding has nothing to do with the fact that it comes with an ocean-fresh fragrance but rather because of its superb ability to detangle strands of hair. Come to think of it, beachgoers and swimmers often have very dry locks because of the intense heat of the sun plus the sand that can get into their mane. This inadvertently changes the unique structure of the strands, making them rough along the edges. That’s why they become more susceptible to tangling. With the specialized formulation of the Suave Surf’s Up shampoo and conditioner, detangling your child’s mane should never be too difficult. At any rate, there will be fewer instances wherein your child will be literally pulling on his or her locks simply because of the stubbornness of tangles. But detangling is not the only plus of the Suave Surf’s Up. It was also subjected to testing by dermatologists who are specialists in skin care. This gives it the assurance that what your kid applies onto his or her head is not going to irritate his or her scalp. The Suave Surf’s Up can also be used by babies because its special formulation guarantees a no-tear shampooing. So, next time you head to the beach or maybe if you have a kid whose main issue is tangled in his or her locks, then Suave’s Surf’s Up should be considered.

BENEFITS

Bath time can be really hectic. Parents with multiple or attention-demanding children can breathe a little easier knowing that this shampoo cuts a whole step out of the process. And the tear free formula means that it won't blind anyone when some inevitably splashes in somebody's face. It can also lightly detangle while it cleans, making long hair easier to maintain and care for. The best part is that it can wash out without leaving any residue so hair is naturally beautiful.

Pros

• Leaves children with wonderfully watermelon scented hair.
• Tear free formula makes bath time a more pleasant experience.
• Hair is extra soft and is a great detangler.
• Other sweet scents are available online for purchase.

Cons

• For tougher tangles, Suave sells detangling spray. It is available online for purchase.

The eyes of children are particularly sensitive to harsh chemicals. That’s why the best baby shampoo will still have to be those that have the no-tears formulation. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to put a no-tears formula into any label. Companies can always lay claim to the property of their product as being made of safe, quality materials to safeguard your baby’s health. Now, if the product has been tested by an ophthalmologist, would you give it due consideration? Personally, we would. At any rate, it goes to show that it’s mild even to the most sensitive part of your baby’s body. And if it is this mild, then it should also be very useful for your baby’s scalp and skin. Here’s the best part. What if this product was made by one of the world’s leading brands in skin and hair care?  We’re sure you’re going to grab the chance. That’s exactly our sentiment as well as those of hundreds of other consumers about the L’Oreal Paris Strawberry Smoothie Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo for Extra Softness. The L’Oreal Strawberry Smoothie is super gentle on the skin, the scalp, the hair, and, most of all, the eyes of even the most sensitive of babies. It already comes with conditioner so there’s no need for a separate product to make sure your child’s locks are flowing as free as the wind. It easily washes out while leaving your kid’s hair super smooth and extra shiny. We have seen many moms actually using the L’Oreal product for their own locks primarily because of the way it is able to provide such extra smoothness. With this in mind, we’re sure you’d want to get your hands on the L’Oreal for your little ones too.

BENEFITS

This product is perfect for parents who want their little one to have extra soft hair. It provides a gentle wash and smells amazing. You’ll find yourself smelling the air as your little one runs past you and fills the air with the sweat scent of strawberry smoothie.

Pros

• Easily washes out without leaving hair feeling greasy.
• Works great on many hair types.
• Makes children's hair feel super soft.
• It is very gentle on their skin.
• It has no paraben and is ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested.

Cons

• Parents wish the bottle was bigger.

Designed and formulated especially for children (and adults) who have stubbornly frizzy hair that requires hours upon hours of brushing until such time that your arms start to hurt from all that constant motion, the Fairy Tales Super Charge may not be your idea of the best shampoo for children but it sure does a pretty good job of removing tangles off your crown. Containing jojoba and aloe vera essential oils, the Fairy Tales Super Charge makes sure every single strand of your locks is kept healthy, strong, and well nourished. The active ingredients of these essential oils help guarantee such benefits. Adding to this benefit are vitamins B and E which help to promote healthier cellular integrity, keeping the physiologic processes involved in hair and skin growth intact. And if this is not enough, the Fairy Tales Super Charge also comes with keratin extracts to help provide for structural strength to the shaft of every strand of mane. The outermost layer of the strand is made of keratin, a type of protein that provides adequate protection for the inner structures. Replenishing the keratin layer helps prevent hair breakage while also strengthening every strand in the process. The keratin also helps condition and facilitates the repair of each strand leaving your kid a mane that is a lot easier to comb or brush. It becomes a lot more elastic and shinier, too. The Fairy Tales Super Charge does not contain any sulfates, phthalates, or even parabens in its formulation and as such is considered to be great for all types of hair across the lifespan. It doesn’t matter if you’re already 95 or only 5. The Super Charge will take care of your crown.

BENEFITS

Kids can’t help that their hair tangles often. But some kid’s hair tends to tangle more often than others. The Fairy Tales detangling shampoo is specifically made to help detangle the toughest jobs and keep their hair clean and smooth.

Pros

• It is free from sulfate, paraben and phthalate chemicals.
• Great for all hair types.
• The scent is soft and sweet.
• It does a great job of detangling hair.
• For extra tangled hair, this company sells a detangling spray that is available online for purchase.

Cons

• If product is not rinsed out all the way, it can leave a residue on kid’s hair.

Paul Mitchell’s Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo has a very special formulation that’s guaranteed to keep the bath time of your baby or kid tear-free. The Paul Mitchell is a children’s product that already conditions the hair without having to use a separate product. This results in a smoother and shinier mane. The ingredients used in the Pau Mitchell product have all been tested to be safe for the sensitive integument of young children. It can also serve as a great children's body wash, too. If you’re after salon-smooth hair for your children, then the Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry product is a great alternative to other brands. It also comes in a hefty size of 33.8 ounces so your kid will be able to use it a lot longer. Part of the Paul Mitchell charm is its gentle formulation. It doesn’t cause itchiness or even dryness which is what would happen if there are harsh chemicals in a shampoo. We even read that some parents actually consider it to be a lot better than other leading brands of no-tear baby shampoo formulations.

BENEFITS

Paul Mitchell understands how to care for hair. This salon quality product is perfect for any diva looking to have the best looking curls. Your little tyke will be ready for their close-up or school with this soothing blend of extracts and moisturizer. And the tear free formula means that they will look good whether they resist or not.

Pros

• Soothes hair and scalp.
• The blend of extracts helps baby’s hair stay hydrated by locking in moisture.
• The tear-free formula works for kids and adults.
• This product thickens kid’s hair.

Cons

• Some kids are allergic to this brand and need a gentler shampoo.

If it’s all natural, organic kids product that you’re after for your children, you may want to consider the Fresh Monster Coconut 2 in 1 Kids Shampoo and Conditioner. It contains coconut fruit extracts as well as extracts from apples, apricots, vanilla, coffee beans, and rice. It is naturally rich in Vitamin B5, potassium, and citric acid as well as a host of other ingredients that have been carefully selected, processed, tested, and integrated into the final formulation of the Fresh Monster. Coconut oil extracts are primarily known for nourishing and strengthening the hair strands while giving it a certain luster that makes any hair to shine. There are no artificial and harmful chemicals to worry about. The Fresh Monster has your kid’s locks guaranteed looking and smelling fresh all day while also keeping it stronger.

BENEFITS

Nature is the best provider and this 2-in-1 understands that taking care of the planet doesn't have to come at the cost of cleanliness. Perfect for people with sensitive noses and those who just want to stay chemical free. And the goof-proof pump prevents spills and allows for single-handed application so you don't have to let go to get your little one clean.

Pros

• Comes in 3 different scents: fragrance free, coconut and watermelon.
• It is 100% toxin-free.
• This product was not tested on animals.
• The goof-proof pump lets kiddos take charge of their own hair cleanse.

Cons

• Due to its all natural ingredients, this product doesn’t lather much.

Rosemary essential oil has been used for many centuries in the promotion of hair growth as well as in the prevention of lice infestation. While babies and kids don’t necessarily have problems with baldness, they can nevertheless benefit from the growth-promoting properties of rosemary as well as its lice-prevention characteristics. The Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel children’s shampoo is especially formulated to help prevent lice infestation while facilitating optimum hair growth. The rosemary essential oil that’s been infused in the product deep cleans as well as conditions every strand. The Rosemary Repel is one ingenious product especially for children who may have issues with lice infestation. Since the product is made of natural organic oils, plant extracts, and other botanicals, there’s no danger of it causing irritation or even excessive drying. What your kid will get are locks that are free from damage and lice infestation, making it glowing with life and body.

BENEFITS

If you have a lot of other people’s children running through your home, this lice preventing product that adds an extra layer of protection. While not a silver bullet, this helps bridge the gap between prevention and infestation. The sweet scent and chemical-free formula means that this proactive measure against lice feels luxurious and soothing. And the formula is strong enough to use on the whole family so you only have to deal with one bottle for the whole house.

Pros

• This product helps prevent future lice contaminations because of the products active ingredients: rosemary, cinnamon and citronella oils.
• It contains no strong chemicals.
• Even with oils, this product does a good job of keeping hair feeling fresh and clean.
• The jojoba and chamomile keep hair hydrated and soothes the scalp.
• The shampoo can be used for the entire family.

Cons

• Some parents like the scent and others don’t. It’s all about personal preference.

Having a two-in-one bath product can be super convenient for kids who hate spending more time in the bath than necessary. Suave’s Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner allows children to save time while still cleaning their hair thoroughly. This product is targeted more towards older kids (older than a toddler) who already know how to wash their hair. It comes in a fun, brightly colored bottle with a fun name and side grips that will keep kiddos from accidentally dropping it into the tub with slippery hands. The formula is tear-free and hypoallergenic which makes it an excellent choice for any kids who might have allergies or just become irritated easily. The extra addition of conditioner helps to detangle tough strands of hair that will inevitably become a nightmare for both parents and kids, but with this 2-in-1 combo, knots are a thing of the past.

BENEFITS

This Shampoo & Conditioner will change bath time for your child as you know it. It can be such a hassle to go between both shampoo and conditioner, especially if your child has long hair and takes more time in the tub. With this 2-in-1, you no longer need to spend time lathering and rinsing repeatedly and can even trust your child to do this themselves with a tear-free formula.

Pros

• Tear-free formula
• Hypoallergenic
• Functions as a two-in-one
• Easy for a kid to use on their own

Cons

• Contains some additives
• Fragrance might still cause irritation in a child’s eyes

Cetaphil is known for their incredibly gentle formula that’s efficient for adults but also safe enough to be used with children. Whether you’re familiar with the brand or not, they have a long-standing reputation for excellence as far as the bath department goes and this shampoo is sure to make your child’s bath time go a lot smoother. Calendula comes from the marigold flower and has calming and soothing properties that will ease your child into a relaxed state, which is something many children need when they get anxious about bath time. It’s organic and all-natural which goes hand-in-hand with their tear-free and moisturizing formula. The product itself can be worked up into a subtle lather but won’t hurt your child’s eyes in any way and when it’s rinsed off, there will be no residue left behind like with other body washes and shampoos. It’s gentle enough to be used in the hair as well as on the body, making it a great two-in-one for any child. Not surprisingly, this shampoo and body wash combo is hypoallergenic and contains no additives.

BENEFITS

Even though Cetaphil is known for their gentle formulas, sometimes just knowing about a brand isn’t enough. The use of calendula helps to calm little ones so that bath time isn’t such a nerve-wracking experience, while the gentle formula helps to wash away impurities without causing any tears or irritation.

Pros

• Tear-free formula
• Super gentle on all skin types
• Calendula helps put little ones at ease
• Can be used as a body wash and shampoo

Cons

• The fragrance is very strong
• Eye irritation may occur in babies and toddlers regardless of the tear-free promise