Best Baby Lotions

Updated: January 6, 2021
best baby lotion

Your baby is soft and squishy now, but her skin is oh-so-delicate. Moisturizers can do a lot to keep her comfortable this winter — and year-round. “Consistent use of bland moisturizers can definitely maintain the skin barrier, minimize dryness and itching, and improve the symptoms associated with eczema," says Patrick McMahon, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics and dermatology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

What is the best baby lotion?

Choosing a lotion that advertises itself as a “baby lotion” would be simple but, honestly, it’s not enough. “There are some that we know are concerning for young skin,” says Latanya Benjamin, M.D., a pediatric dermatologist in Miami, Florida, and Society for Pediatric Dermatology board member.

Avoid ingredients that are known to cause irritation, including parabens, phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate and triclosan. Undiluted essential oils should also be avoided, especially in children under 6 months of age, as they have not been deemed safe for babies and some, like lavender oil, have been flagged as potential hormone disruptors in young males, Dr. Benjamin adds.

You can choose between lotions, creams and ointments:

  • Lotions are the most lightweight, containing a higher percentage of water.
  • Creams are richer than lotions.
  • Ointments are the thickest and most heavy-duty of the bunch.

As for how to choose, that depends on baby’s skin. Dr. Benjamin says that normal baby skin can use a lotion, while babies with eczema will benefit from a cream. If an eczema flare is particularly bad, an ointment may be needed. These feel greasier going on, but they form a protective barrier that promotes skin healing.

How to apply baby lotion

Make lotion time part of bathtime. After rub-a-dub-dubbing in the tub, get your baby out, pat the skin dry and apply a lotion within two minutes to lock in moisture, recommends Dr. McMahon. Massaging the lotion into baby’s skin can promote more than bonding — it can help decrease the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, adds Dr. Benjamin. 

Next, you’ll want to know which products pediatric dermatologists recommend to their youngest patients. Here are some of our favorite baby lotions.

Why Trust Us?

Best Doctor-Approved Baby Lotion

CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion

best baby lotion
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$10
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$16
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Pros: Affordable; widely available
Cons: Some reviewers say the formula is too lightweight

Why We Love It

For babies who have normal skin, Dr. Benjamin recommends this skin soother that was developed with pediatric dermatologists to help prevent dry skin. The lotion is not only free of fragrance and parabens, but it also includes ceramides (which are found naturally in the skin and make up about half of the lipids in the skin’s natural protective barrier), hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to add moisture and soothe dryness.

Plus, unlike some other lotions, this formula is super lightweight (read: not greasy!). The product is even accepted by the National Eczema Association, making it a good pick for eczema-prone or sensitive skin. It's an affordable and easily accessible option, too.

Best Everyday Baby Lotion

Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion

best baby lotion
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$5
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$6
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Pros: Super rich and moisturizing
Cons: Has some fragrance, so might not be the best choice for babies with allergies or eczema

Why We Love It

This lotion from Dove (which has been safety-tested by ophthalmologists, dermatologists and pediatricians) is a great everyday product that will keep baby's skin soft, says Dr. Benjamin. Because it’s free of parabens, phthalates and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), it’s gentle enough for newborn skin — plus, it’s hypoallergenic. Parents love that the rich, silky lotion glides on smoothly without being tacky.

Best Natural Baby Lotion

Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Cream

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$16
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$23
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Pros: Natural ingredients
Cons: Includes some fragrance

Why We Love It

If you’re looking for a natural option, Dr. Benjamin recommends Mustela, a rich, hypoallergenic cream that hydrates with a formula that’s 97 percent plant-based and natural.

All of the ingredients are also water-soluble, meaning this lotion easily penetrates your baby’s skin to provide instant hydration and comfort. You might even wind up wanting to use this one on yourself! 

Best Lotion for Baby and You

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream

best baby lotion
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$15
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$15
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$15
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Pros: A good pick for sensitive skin
Cons: Despite being fragrance-free, some users complain about scent

Why We Love It

Some derm-approved moisturizers that you would buy for yourself are gentle enough for your little one, too. Dr. Benjamin recommends this fragrance-free cream from La Roche-Posay, which is formulated for sensitive skin.

This heavy duty body cream is safe for babies as young as 2 weeks old, and relies on hydrating shea butter and glycerin, soothing niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and prebiotic thermal water to support the protective skin microbiome. It provides 48-hour hydration and is also accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Best Baby Lotion for Eczema

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream

best baby lotions
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$34
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Pros: Rich and velvety feel
Cons: More expensive than other products

Why We Love It

Although not marketed as a baby lotion, this cream is “so elegant" and a great choice for little ones, says Dr. Benjamin. "It’s almost a hybrid between a lotion and a cream." But beyond its luxe feel, the fragrance-free formula is functional, too, helping relieve itchiness and alleviate redness and inflammation if baby has very sensitive skin. That’s why Dr. Benjamin recommends this soothing thermal water-packed product to calm sensitive skin, eczema or irritated skin due to atopic dermatitis.

Best Ultra-Moisturizing Baby Lotion

Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

best baby lotions
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$12
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$10
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$11
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$11
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Pros: Multipurpose formula
Cons: Slightly greasy texture

Why We Love It

When skin is flaky and cracked, you'll want to turn to mega moisturizers, such as an ointment like Aquaphor, says Dr. Benjamin. This formula is made with 41 percent petrolatum to encourage skin barrier repair, as well as glycerin to soothe rough patches.

“Apply this right out of the bath to capture the moisturizing staying power overnight,” she says. Aquaphor’s product is also a standout because it can be used as a lotion, as a diaper rash cream, even on chapped body parts (for you or baby!). And no parent can complain about having to buy fewer products!

Best Simple Baby Lotion

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

best baby lotion
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$5
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$4
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Pros: Solid pick for healing chapped or overly dried-out skin; multipurpose formula
Cons: Greasy feel

Why We Love It

This is the simplest moisturizer of the bunch. Dr. McMahon recommends Vaseline because it ticks all the boxes: it’s plain, fragrance-free, petrolatum-based (this one is 100 percent white petrolatum) and has no preservatives.

One downside: It’s  greasier, so it’s best for use on chapped skin or specific body parts that need a little bit of TLC. Apply it to baby’s skin before bed and let it do its softening magic while she sleeps.

Best Baby Lotion Alternative

Spectrum Essentials Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil

best baby lotion
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$11
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$10
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Pros: All-natural option with multiple uses for baby and mom
Cons: Can liquify if left in too-hot temperatures, making it difficult to apply

Why We Love It

If you want a truly simple and organic baby lotion, Dr. McMahon gives the green light to use pure coconut oil, which contains healing omega-6 fatty acids. As a lotion, it’s gentle and effective at preventing water loss in skin. This version, from Spectrum, is a crowd favorite because it goes through a mechanically pressed process to extract the oil (versus a chemical one), is organic and glides on skin nicely.

Use it on baby’s skin (or your belly!) to provide a protective layer against the effects of day-to-day life, the wind or cold temps. The product doesn’t include any added fragrances, but you will get the added benefit of a natural tropical scent (ahh!).