Best Baby Lotions of 2024

Light enough to use on your baby’s skin every day, Aveeno’s baby lotion is fragrance-free and is packed full of natural colloidal oatmeal, which helps to soothe while maintaining the softness of their skin. Board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology Dr. Geeta Yadav says that Aveeno is among her favorites because “it is safe for all infants, including those with very dry and eczema prone skin and uses oat extract, a very gentle and natural ingredient, to keep the skin moisturized and comfortable.” When my own 11-year-old son was a baby, his skin was constantly dry and irritated and his pediatrician suggested Aveeno to help soothe the irritation and to use it regularly. Though it was nourishing, the lotion isn’t heavy or greasy and a decade later, it was my go-to for my now 5-month-old daughter’s skin.

During the early weeks and months of your baby’s life, their skin will go through a rollercoaster of changes as it adjusts to the outside world. CeraVe Baby Lotion is free of all of the ingredients you don’t want, like phthalates, fragrance, and parabens, and complete with the things your baby’s skin needs — like barrier-protecting ceramides, skin soothing vitamin E, and moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid. CeraVe baby lotion has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance which means that if your little one is managing extra-sensitive skin or eczema, they can stick with this one without risking irritation.

For some babies, their skin requires extra-gentle nourishment. Dove’s face and body lotion has a hypoallergenic formula that helps to lock in your baby’s skin’s natural moisture. With ingredients that mirror those found naturally in the skin, Dove’s baby lotion replenishes your baby’s skin rather than just drowning it in pore-clogging oils.

Eczema affects up to 20 percent of babies worldwide, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The good news is that most babies grow out of it but until then, Dr. Mahvash Majeed, pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that parents should look for baby skincare products that contain ingredients like shea butter and oatmeal, as they are “healthy and soothing for skin, particularly for conditions like eczema.” This steroid-free soothing cream has three essential ceramides and colloidal oatmeal to help soothe and protect your baby’s skin. In a clinical trial, the intensely moisturizing cream was proven to keep flare-ups at bay for four out of five children. Keep in mind, this lotion is recommended for babies 3 months old and up.

Your baby’s sensitive skin can either have periods of dryness that flare up during the winter months or it can be a consistent issue that needs some extra TLC. To restore the moisture of your baby’s skin, Dr. Lal says to opt for minimalist products that have ingredients like petroleum or shea butter. Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment’s formula is made of 41 percent petroleum, giving it incredible moisturizing power for your baby’s dry skin. A favorite of Dr. Geeta Yadav (she/her), board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, she notes that the simple moisturizer “can help retain moisture in the skin,” while still being gentle enough for daily use. Aside from being a stellar moisturizer, Aquaphor can also be used as a preventative diaper rash cream, applied to drool rashes, or slathered on to any other part of your baby that is extra chapped. Since this is ideal for dry skin, it is heavier than some of the other options on our list.

“Babies with darker skin tones often experience more dry skin and are more likely to develop eczema,” Dr. Lal tells us. So when it comes to picking out a baby lotion for a little one with melanated skin, opting for one with penetrating rich butters and oils is key. The All Over Ointment from Proudly, a brand of skin and hair care products made for babies of color, has an impressive lineup of oils, including sunflower, jojoba, and grapeseed. The robust base is made of rich mango butter, resulting in a balm that targets dry skin without disrupting the sensitive skin barrier of babies.

For parents who value an organic approach to their baby’s skin care, Earth Mama’s baby lotion has a plant-based formulation that is gentle on the skin without skimping out on moisture. With ingredients like anti-inflammatory rooibos and calming calendula, the fragrance-free baby lotion is light enough for you to use daily.

This internet-famous baby ointment has a rich texture that slides onto your baby’s skin with ease. Similar to the Earth Mama lotion, this ointment has a plant-based formula and includes ingredients like Jojoba Esters and Camellia Leaf Extract to help your baby’s skin maintain its moisture. When my baby had newborn acne, though harmless, I wanted to try to clear it up and tried out the Tubby Todd All Over Ointment. My usually impossible-to-impress husband was amazed at how quickly the ointment made a difference in our daughter’s skin. Since this is an ointment, it is thicker than your typical baby lotion (though it still slides on smoothly), so a little will go a long way.

With constant drooling, dribbling, and spitting up, your baby’s face is likely to become chapped and irritated over time. The Pipette Balm Stick is packed full of ceramides, jojoba esters, and squalene to replenish moisture in your baby’s skin. This small but mighty stick also has bisabolol — a natural inflammatory ingredient that helps to calm irritated skin. To use it, just twist the bottom dial and swipe the balm on your baby’s cheeks, chin, and forehead.