What is the difference between baby shampoo and adult shampoo?

The main difference between baby shampoo and regular shampoo is the ingredients present in each one. Baby shampoo contains ingredients that are not too harsh on the baby's skin, scalp, and even eyes and mouth. In fact, baby shampoo is made under the assumption that it is very hard, if not impossible, for a parent to avoid some of it going into the baby’s eyes and mouth at some point.

Parents should keep in mind that regular shampoos normally have a specific purpose. For example, there are shampoos meant to help with oily hair and scalps, color-preserving shampoos for dyed hair, and others. These shampoos have ingredients that achieve such purposes, which is something that not only a baby does not need but that can prove to be harmful to their yet immature and sensitive skin.

Can you use adult shampoo on babies?

The short answer to this question is yes, you can use adult shampoo on babies. However, it is not advisable, as shampoo meant to be used by adults can have ingredients that might be irritant for the baby’s skin, scalp, eyes, and mouth. A newborn or baby’s skin is generally very sensitive, as it has not had a chance to mature yet, so ingredients that cause no effect on adults could be harmful to babies.

A way to illustrate this is to imagine the entire adult shampoo offering on a spectrum, going from less irritant to more irritant. Shampoos such as hypoallergenic shampoos, pH-neutral shampoos, and mild shampoos would be placed on the less irritant side of the spectrum, while shampoos with specific purposes, such as dandruff shampoo, color-preserving shampoo, or hair straightening shampoo, would be placed on the more irritant side of the spectrum.

If a parent does not have access to baby shampoo at a given moment, it might be worth it to consider using only water during that specific bath. By doing so, the parent will avoid the risk of using an adult shampoo that can cause damage, even if not considerable, to the baby’s skin. If the parents have had to use adult shampoo on the baby before and it did not cause a reaction, it is advisable to use the same shampoo used the first time as opposed to using a new one.

Is baby shampoo necessary?

The answer to this question is yes, baby shampoo is necessary. As seen above, regular shampoo contains ingredients that might prove to be irritants for the baby’s skin, scalp, eyes, and mouth, so baby shampoo is a good option to reduce such risk. Some babies might even have a reaction to some baby shampoos, so it is important to keep in mind that parents might need to go through one or two shampoo brands until they find the one that best suits their baby and its needs.

When should I start using baby shampoo on my newborn?

The baby’s stump of the umbilical cord should not get wet, so parents should give babies sponge baths for the first couple of weeks or for as long as it takes for the stump to fall off. Parents should ask their baby’s pediatrician for confirmation on whether their baby's belly button can get wet, as they might advise to wait a little bit longer after the stump has fallen off.

Once the baby can freely be in contact with water, parents should clean their baby’s hair once or twice a week for the first few months. Parents need to be aware that even if they use baby shampoo, their baby’s scalp can get very dry if it is used too frequently. In general, babies do not get very dirty until they start to be able to move on their own, so washing the baby’s hair once or twice a week should prove to be more than enough to keep them clean during those first weeks and months.

When can I use regular shampoo on my baby?

As with other baby-related things, there is no clear-cut answer as to when they are ready to transition to regular shampoo. A good rule of thumb is to use regular shampoo once the baby is able to follow the instruction of closing their eyes and tilting their head backward, which will be very useful if regular shampoo gets into their eyes. Another element to consider is the baby’s own preferences, as they might prefer to continue using the baby shampoo because of their smell, for example.

How much baby shampoo do I really need?

Baby heads are small and they normally do not have much hair, so parents do not usually need to use much shampoo each time they are washing their baby’s head. Since baby scalps are prone to dryness and irritation, it is advisable to only wash them every three to four days. Considering both the amount used each time the baby’s head is cleaned and the ideal frequency at which it is advisable to do it, parents should not need more than a regular-sized shampoo bottle every two months.

How to choose which baby shampoo to use?

Choosing a baby shampoo for a parent should not be any more difficult than choosing a regular shampoo for themselves. The criteria normally used by the parent to choose their own personal hygiene products can perfectly apply to this selection process too. The most basic ones, like reading the label for ingredients that the parent normally avoids and for the expiration date, are good places to start. Below are other elements parents should consider when choosing their baby’s shampoo.

1. Ingredients: It is advisable to avoid harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, and artificial dyes or colors. Apart from other considerations why adults might want to stay clear from these chemicals, they tend to be harsh on sensitive skin like the one of babies.
2. Type: Considering the baby’s specific needs, a special shampoo might be the best choice. Hypo-allergenic or Neutral Ph shampoos are examples of special shampoos. These types of shampoos are very gentle and delicate on the skin, which might be needed for more sensitive, allergic skin types.
3. Fragrance-free: Fragrances can be allergenic or irritating to baby skin, so parents should consider avoiding fragranced shampoos. It is important to keep in mind that fragrances are added in to improve the user experience, but normally have little to no impact on the shampoo’s effectiveness.
4. Alcohol-free: Alcohol is a powerful ingredient that helps remove oil and dirt but it has the unfortunate side effect of drying the user’s skin. This can be particularly harmful for a baby’s sensitive skin, so parents should consider avoiding shampoos that include alcohol as an ingredient.

Baby shampoo thoughts from new parents

Taking care of your baby includes ensuring their skin is taken care of. The cleaning process is a fundamental part of that. Baby shampoos are specifically designed to ensure your baby’s head and hair are clean, without causing unintended consequences such as excessive drying or irritation. While it might be an extra expense, it is a purchase that is worth incurring in, especially during the first months of your baby’s life. See this checklist to have a full picture of your baby’s needs during their first month.