How to choose
pH first: baby skin sits around pH 5.5; traditional soaps are pH 9-10 and strip the skin barrier. Look for 'pH 5.5' or 'syndet' (synthetic detergent bar — cleans without soap's alkalinity). Second, fragrance and colour: less is better; strong perfume is the most common irritant in baby products. 'Tear-free' matters for anything that will meet the face and scalp. Third, format: liquid washes are easier on newborns and double as shampoo in many ranges; bars become practical once bath time involves a wriggling toddler. For eczema-prone or visibly dry skin, pick an oat- or lipid-enriched wash (Aveeno Baby, Cetaphil Baby) and moisturise within 3 minutes of the bath — the wash and the moisturiser work as a pair. Daily baths are fine in Indian climates as long as the wash is mild and the bath is short and lukewarm; the rash-trigger is usually hot water and harsh soap, not frequency.
Who really needs this
Every household with a baby — this is the one product that touches all of a newborn's skin daily. Syndet/pH-5.5 washes are non-negotiable for babies with dry skin, eczema, or a family history of atopy. Perfectly healthy baby skin tolerates the classic brands well too — the premium picks matter most in the first year and for sensitive skin. For active nappy rash, cradle cap that won't shift, or any weeping or infected-looking skin, see a paediatrician rather than switching products again.
