10 of the best shampoos for babies and children

We have tested each shampoo rigorously so that we can offer you the best choices for your children. Parents from our Top Testers Club have tested each shampoo with their kids and have shared their honest findings. To make your decision easier, here we cover key things to consider such as the size of the bottle, how easy it is to use, whether it's tear-free or fragrance-free, how kind it is for super-sensitive skin, and whether it's good value for money.

Understanding the texture of your child's hair is also very important. For instance, if your child has afro or curly hair then it's worth looking for products specifically designed for this hair type.

Alongside these shampoos, take a look at other children's toiletries that we've tried and tested with real parents (and children!), plus best baby baths and baby towels to ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing and happy bath time. If you'd like more information on how to bathe your newborn baby safely, you can find the NHS guidelines right here.

Best baby and kids' shampoo at a glance:

• Best value for money: Aldi Mamia Baby Shampoo, 95p
• Best for ease of use: Mini Mio Oh So Clean Foaming Wash, £8
• Best fragrance-free shampoo: Childs Farm Baby Shampoo Fragrance-Free, £4.50
• Best refillable shampoo: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, £2.50
• Best 2-in-1 with conditioner: Aveeno Baby Daily Care 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner, £6.50
• Best for older children: L'Oréal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 Very Berry Strawberry Shampoo, £2.75
• Best for high-quality ingredients: Weleda Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, £8.25
• Best sustainable shampoo: ecoLiving Shampoo Bar – Soap Free, £9.50
• Best for natural ingredients: Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash, £8.99
• Best budget buy: Lidl Lupilu Baby Shampoo, 85p

What to look for when buying shampoo for your baby and kids?

Size – Although your baby's hair won't require too much product and usually a little goes a long way, you need to decide what size bottle will be best for you and your child. If you have multiple children this may mean you'll need a bigger bottle. Some of the shampoos in our round-up have alternative bottle sizes if you wanted the same product but in a smaller or bigger size.

Tear-free – This simply refers to whether or not it stings when it comes into contact with a child's eyes. Let's face it, children like to wriggle about in the bath, so when washing their hair we can't always guarantee that the foam doesn't come in contact with their eyes. Tear-free shampoos (which most kids' shampoos are) will make the hair-washing experience for the child as comfortable as possible. And as stress-free as possible for you!

Sensitive skin – If your child has super-sensitive skin or a skin condition, opting for a shampoo with organic or plant-based ingredients may be a good option. We have included those products in our list below, but it's essential to always read through the product's ingredients list and carry out a patch test if necessary. The ideal place to perform a patch test is either inside the upper arm or behind the ear, but speak to your child's doctor or dermatologist if you're ever unsure.

Multi-purpose – If you are conscious about saving money and time, a multi-purpose shampoo is a great choice. The 2-in-1 combinations commonly seen are shampoo and body wash or shampoo and conditioner in one bottle.

Here are our top picks of the best shampoo for babies and kids

1. Aldi Mamia Baby Shampoo, 95p

– Best for everyday use

Age suitability: From birth | Size: 500ml | Features: Tear-free

Sometimes you just need a simple and affordable product that does what it claims. Aldi's Mamia Baby Shampoo is priced at just 95p and offers fantastic value for money. Although it has a budget price tag the product still works well, with parent tester Sarah confirming "it doesn't sting the eyes" when testing it with her 2 boys, aged 4 years old and 8 months old.

An MFM awards judge described it as a "classic, great-smelling product that does the job." Because it comes in a big bottle and is great value, it can be used frequently and generously.

The Mamia Baby Shampoo is suitable for newborns and the large bottle means it really does last, although it's worth noting one parent tester felt that the shampoo left their child with dry skin.

"A little goes a long way with this shampoo: it lathers up quickly and is easy to wash out, which is a plus given that most children don't like having their hair washed. The lid is easy to open with wet hands, too," commented parent tester Victoria, who tested this with their 2 month old.

If you want to get even more from this shampoo, MFM editor Gemma says this also works brilliantly for cleaning makeup brushes.

Pros: Affordable, good size, little goes a long way, easy to rinse out
Cons: Not ideal for dry skin

Available from: Aldi

2. Mini Mio Oh So Clean Foaming Wash, £8

– Best for ease of use

Age suitability: From birth | Size: 150ml | Features: Tear-free, 100% recyclable packaging

Offering more than your standard single-use shampoo formula, the Mini Mio Foaming Wash is made to hydrate your child's hair as well as their skin. The wash comprises of plant-based ingredients including coconut oil, shea butter and avocado. It also contains vitamin E, which combats dryness when used on the skin as a body wash.

Our parent testers really rated the subtle scent, which Mama Mio say is made with 100% natural fragrance.

The shampoo is suitable for sensitive skin and the packaging is 100% recyclable, which always gets the thumbs up.

While the price tag is high for this 150ml bottle, parent tester Holly, who tested this with their 8 month old, felt it was worth the money. She commented: "The Foaming Wash is a really lovely product to use. It glided on my baby's skin and there were no tears when it went into his eyes. The product feels as though a little goes a long way and the bottle has an eye-catching, modern feel."

Parent tester Emma said her kids loved using it, adding, "They pump the foam on their tummies and rub it all in, as it feels so nice and soft."

Pros: Easy to use pump dispenser, little goes a long way, subtle scent, 100% recyclable packaging
Cons: Pricey

Available from: Boots, Mama Mio and LookFantastic

3. Childs Farm Baby Shampoo Fragrance-Free, £4.50

– Best fragrance-free shampoo

Age suitability: From birth | Size: 250ml | Features: 97% natural origin ingredients, vegan, cruelty-free

A popular choice in our Top Testers Club, the Childs Farm Baby Shampoo is a great addition to bath time. The mild formula is made up of ethically-sourced ingredients like coconut, and Childs Farm claim this fragrance-free shampoo is especially effective on dry scalps.

"It's so gentle," commented parent tester Lucy. "I use this on my 14 month old and I have borrowed it a few times myself when I have run out of my own shampoo." Another parent tester loved that it was easy to lather on their child's fine baby hair.

The packaging is recyclable and derived from bottles created with 100% Prevented Ocean Plastic, which is recycled plastic collected from coastal areas at risk of ocean plastic pollution.

Parent tester Lorne, who tested this with her 2 kids aged 2 and 4 years old , said "I like how Childs Farm use natural ingredients in their products and they are all dermatologically tested. My son has sensitive skin on his face and Childs Farm doesn't irritate him. My kids never complain of the shampoo hurting their eyes either."

While it's not the cheapest in our round-up, the Childs Farm Baby Shampoo offers good value for money when you take into consideration the premium ingredients used and eco-credentials of the packaging.

Pros: Fragrance-free, mild formula, 97% natural origin ingredients, easy lather, recycled and recyclable packaging
Cons: Fragrance-free might not be for everyone

Available from: Amazon, Boots and Childs Farm

4. Johnson's Baby Shampoo, £2.50

– Best refillable shampoo

Age suitability: From birth | Size: 100ml, 200ml, 300ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L (refill carton) | Features: Tear-free, free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, sulphates, alcohol and soap

"I couldn’t think of using anything else for my baby as it’s just such a staple brand," praised parent tester Eleanor, who used this with her 8-month-old daughter. Being a well-known brand for many years, Johnson's Baby has been a trusted choice by countless parents for a long time. "We’ve never used anything else," agreed parent tester Donnah.

Parent tester Sarah, who used this shampoo with her 2-year-old daughter, commented, "it doesn’t irritate my girl's eczema," however one parent did find that the shampoo exacerbated their child's dry skin. If your child has super-sensitive skin or allergies, it's always worth double-checking the ingredients list of any product you purchase before using it on them.

Johnson's Baby Shampoo's widely recognisable 'baby scent', was a big hit with our parent testers, who shared how much they loved the lingering fragrance after washing their children's hair. "He still has that baby smell," commented mum of a 2-year-old boy and parent tester Donnah.

The shampoo is pH-balanced and paediatrician- and dermatologist-tested. Coming in at an affordable price of £2.50, the bottle should last a while as you only need a small amount to wash your child's hair. You can now also buy carton refills of the shampoo and refill your plastic bottle, which is great news for eco-conscious families interested in sustainability.

Pros: Affordable, iconic scent, staple brand, good size options, refillable
Cons: Not ideal for dry skin

Available from: Amazon and Boots

5. Aveeno Baby Daily Care 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner, £6.50

– Best 2-in-1 with conditioner

Age suitability: From birth | Size: 250ml, 300ml | Features: Vegan friendly, pH-balanced, tear-free, free from sulphates, soap and dyes

The 2-in-1 Aveeno Baby Daily Care Shampoo, created with natural oat extract, doubles up as a conditioner, helping to reduce the time it takes to wash your child's hair at bath time. The mild and gentle formula is designed for daily use and works to both cleanse and condition your child's hair, leaving it soft and easy to comb.

The shampoo is pH-balanced, tear-free and has a subtle scent. Naomi, parent tester and mum of 2 kids aged 2-and-a-half years and 10 months, commented, "they don’t complain when a bit runs into their eyes and it smells lovely."

The bottle is formed with 50% recycled plastic and is recyclable. Parent tester Hannah, who tested this with her boys aged 2 years old and 9 months old, commented: "It smells lovely and you only need a small amount. My children have lovely thick heads of hair, and this lathers up nicely. It manages to wash away all sorts of things they seem to have in their hair when they come home from nursery, but is still gentle on the eyes."

Pros: Multi-use, lovely scent, various size options
Cons: Subtle scent may not be for everyone, pricey

Available from: Amazon, Morrisons and Boots

6. L'Oréal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 Very Berry Strawberry Shampoo, £2.75

– Best for older kids

Age suitability: From 3 years+ | Size: 250ml | Features: Fruity scents, tear-free, no parabens

L'Oréal Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo is such a fun-looking shampoo, which cute fruit characters on each bottle and the kind of bright packaging older kids will love. Although the shampoo is only suitable for over 3s, it's still a tear-free formula which has been tested by ophthalmologists, so you don't have to worry about any accidental eye contact. It also has a rich, creamy consistency, which gives hair a soft, shiny and easy-to-manage finish.

Available in 2 fruity scents – Very Berry Strawberry and Tropical Mango – the shampoo cleanses hair and is gentle on young skin. The fun packaging is also easy to hold, making it a great choice for independent kids. Simply flip up the lid, squeeze the soft bottle and apply the shampoo to wet hair.

"We use L'Oréal Kids Strawberry Shampoo – and the conditioner, too – on my 7 year old's long, curly hair," commented parent tester Jessica, who also shared how much the kids loved the vibrant scent of the shampoo.

Pros: Choice of fruity scents, easy to hold for older kids, fun packaging, 2-in-1 formula
Cons: Fragrance might be too much for some, not suitable for under 3s

Available from: Sephora, Amazon and Tesco

7. Weleda Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, £8.25

– Best for high-quality ingredients

Age suitability: From birth | Size: 200ml | Features: Vegan friendly, tear-free, Natrue and UEBT certified, free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colourants or raw materials derived from mineral oils

The shampoo is made from a carefully selected blend of natural essential oils, such as sweet almond oil, which helps to combat dry skin. The formula also includes an extract of organic calendula, which has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties that gently remove dirt from hair and skin. All of Weleda products are Natrue and Union for Ethical BioTrade certified, so you know the ingredients really are top notch.

Weleda believe it's important that the shampoo doesn't mask your baby’s own scent, so while the shampoo and body wash has a very subtle fragrance you can rest assured that lovely 'baby smell' won't be going anywhere. We also rate the squeezy bottle, which makes it so simple to dispense – even when you only have one hand free during bath time.

Coming in at almost £9 for 200ml, the price is certainly at the premium end of the baby shampoo market, with parent tester Antonia, who tested this with her 14 month old who has a sensitive scalp, admitting, "I really love it bar the price." However, considering that it's Weleda, a very well-trusted brand, is a great tear-free formula and made from the very best organic ingredients, we think it's definitely worth the price tag if your budget allows.

Parent tester Amber, who used this on her 2 month old, commented: "I’m a big fan of Weleda. They have high-quality ingredients and I feel the price is quite reasonable for what you get."

Pros: Multi-use, vegan-friendly, high-quality ingredients, great eco-credentials
Cons: Pricey, subtle scent may not be for everyone

Available from: Amazon, Weleda and Boots

8. ecoLiving Shampoo Bar – Soap Free, £9.50

– Best sustainable shampoo

Age suitability: From 1 year+ | Size: 85g, 25g (sample size) | Features: Different scents, naturally derived ingredients, no palm or petrochemicals, plastic-free

Made in the UK and suitable for all hair types, ecoLiving Shampoo Bars are a great sustainable choice for your older children. The shampoo bar comes in lots of luscious scents to choose from such as Ocean Breeze, Autumn Berries, Wild Fig and Patchouli and Dark Cocoa.

The ecoLiving bar is created with high-quality ingredients, including Panthenol Pro-Vitamin B5 to promote hydration and protect your child's hair. The ingredients are naturally derived and sustainable, and the formula is soap-free and pH-balanced, too.

What makes this shampoo different to other options on the list is that is comes as a bar rather than liquid. A shampoo bar is a clever way to be more sustainable and maximise multiple uses, compared to regular shampoo bottles. The plastic-free packaging is also environmentally friendly and can be repurposed or recycled.

The full size shampoo bar is 85g, which lasts around 50-80 washes (depending on hair length and type) but if you prefer to try it out first before committing, there is a 25g sample size available for £2.

"Our whole family use the ecoLiving Wild Fig Shampoo Bar," shared parent tester Yessica. "It's economical, reduces plastic, smells amazing and has no nasty chemicals."

Pros: Sustainable, soap-free, lovely scents, sample size option, great value for money
Cons: Different formula may take some getting used to, initial cost is high, not suitable for newborns

Available from: ecoLiving and Natural Collection

9. Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash, £8.99

– Best for natural ingredients

Age suitability: From birth | Size: 235ml | Features: Tear-free, no phthalates, parabens, petrolatum or SLS

Fans of Burt’s Bees will be thrilled to hear that the brand has its own dedicated baby range. Tested by paediatricians, this tear-free shampoo and wash is incredibly gentle, making it a great choice to use from birth, plus 97.1% of the ingredients are natural origin.

Our parent testers were big fans of the Burt's Bees range and found the natural ingredients perfect for young skin. "The smells, the textures, the quality... it was literally 10's across the board for me," said MFM tester Sophie. "A little goes a long way with each of the products so you absolutely get your money's worth."

"It doesn’t aggravate and leaves him smelling gorgeous," commented parent tester Helen, who used this on her 8 month old. While parent tester Lucy, who used this on her 9 month old, shared how she enjoyed the subtle scent saying, "it smells incredible."

Pros: Lovely scent, plant-based ingredients, 97% natural origin, great eco-credentials
Cons: Pricey

Available from: John Lewis, Amazon and Burt's Bees

10. Lidl Lupilu Baby Shampoo, 85p

– Best budget buy

Age suitability: From birth | Size: 500ml | Features: Tear-free

Lidl’s Lupilu Baby Shampoo might have a budget price tag but the results were certainly premium, according to our testers. Parents thought it provided endless bubbles at bath time, smelled great and left hair soft and shiny.

“Easy to use and purse friendly! My daughter loved that the whole bath was full of bubbles," commented parent tester Alex. The product is also tear-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and paediatrician approved, so you can feel reassured using it on younger skin.

Pros: Affordable, easy to use, large bottle
Cons: Only available in store

Available from: Lidl