Bath time with a baby can be both fun and challenging, especially when your little one hates shampoo time. Over the past nine months, I’ve tested several bath products and found the ones that truly work for sensitive baby skin. If you’re looking for gentle, natural baby bath essentials, these six products have become our tried-and-true staples.
Oilatum bath
We started with Johnson’s Top-to-Toe Wash but switched to Oilatum Bath Formula early on. It’s designed for dry or sensitive skin and keeps her skin soft without irritation. After nine months, it’s still our go-to bath product.

HiPP Sensitiv Shampoo
We happened to be in Germany when she was five months old and I was excited to see the range of baby products on the shop shelves that would be different from what’s in the UK (I love doing that when I’m outside the country…pretty sure other people do that too! lol). I noticed the majority of their baby bath products were HiPP.
What I like most about HiPP Sensitive Shampoo is that it’s free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and colorants. It’s dermatologically tested, designed for sensitive skin, and has a mild, tear-free formula. That makes it ideal for babies who react easily to heavily scented products or synthetic ingredients.
Vita Coco Coconut oil
I like the cute ones in the little tubs (250ml). I get them at my local Holland & Barretts. I use them as a mini pre-poo for her hair. Mini because I’ll leave it in her hair for about an hour or less while she eats and before her bath. It has become one of my bath time staples because it makes our hair day processes so much smoother. It just makes for an easier comb-through during the shampoo process.
I actually prefer coconut oil over traditional baby oil because it’s completely natural, absorbs easily, and washes out of her hair without leaving any greasy residue. It’s also great for moisturizing the scalp and keeping her hair soft and shiny without clogging pores.

Virgin olive oil
As far as I know, any old brand of virgin olive oil will do. I literally use a few drops of whichever brand happens to be in my kitchen at the time!
I use olive oil a few times a week right after her bath to lock in moisture while her skin is still slightly damp. It’s rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which makes it a simple but effective natural moisturizer that keeps her skin smooth and hydrated.
Child’s Farm baby moisturiser
This has a very light refreshing smell which I appreciate as strong smells irritate me. It’s also suitable for sensitive & eczema-prone skin so is unlikely to irritate yourself or your baby.
You may also like: A Child’s Farm Skincare review

Bepanthen
Honestly, I’d say this is the real star of the show. I’ve used it since the day she was born not only as a nappy cream but also around her neck where she’s got so many folds — and she’s never had a diaper rash. I really do think it’s the best nappy cream out there.
Bepanthen is also recommended by many pediatricians because it helps protect and repair delicate skin. It forms a breathable barrier that prevents irritation and soothes any redness before it turns into a rash. I’ve found it works consistently well and gives me peace of mind that her skin is always protected.
I do have one struggle that’s developed lately. She hates having any water in her face which makes shampooing (rinsing out) so difficult! No technique I’ve tried so far seems to work with her – I did say she’s very wriggly! Any tips on that?
These six products have made our baby’s bath time routine much easier and gentler on her skin. If you’re a new parent looking for baby bath essentials that work, I hope this list helps you find what fits your baby’s needs.
What bath time staples do you swear by?

